Best King County Library System Podcasts (2024)

1
The Best Books of 2021 36:32

2+ y ago36:32

36:32

Librarians talk about staff picks for the best books of 2021. We also chat about books we're looking forward to reading in 2022 and the value of reading broadly.

1
Epistolary Time Travel 34:53

3y ago34:53

34:53

Hear interviews with authors Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone, and E.J. Koh. El-Mohtar and Gladston chat about their spy novella, This Is How You Lose the Time War. Koh discusses her memoir, The Magical Language of Others. Each author talks about how letter writing can act as a form of time travel. We also share some of our other favorite epistolary w…

1
Race, Place, and Coming of Age 1:01:09

3y ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Hear interviews with authors Monica West and Brittany Ackerman. West talks about Revival Season, a story about a Black evangelical family and a crisis of faith. Ackerman chats about The Brittanys, a novel about teen friends growing up in Florida. We also discuss our picks for books set where we were born.…

1
Feed Drop: Mateo Askaripour 29:16

3y ago29:16

29:16

Hear Mateo Askaripour, author of Black Buck, in conversation with Marcus Harrison Green of the South Seattle Emerald moderates.

1
The Future, Real and Imagined 39:28

3y ago39:28

39:28

Explore the future through the lens of science and fiction. We chat with scientist Kelly Weinersmith about the nonfiction book Soonish. Then, we talk to Sarah Pinsker, author of the science fiction novel, We Are Satellites.

1
Feed Drop: Syed Masood 39:22

3+ y ago39:22

39:22

Syed Masood, author of The Bad Muslim Discount, in conversation with Shahina Piyarali. This feed drop is an audio recording of a live webcast event.

1
Wild Characters and Re-Reading 42:30

3+ y ago42:30

42:30

Hear interviews with authors: Emily St. John Mandel (The Glass Hotel, Station Eleven) and Kira Jane Buxton (Hollow Kingdom) We chat about revisiting Station Eleven during the pandemic and writing nonhuman characters. Librarians Emily and Britta also have a conversation about rereading old favorites.

1
Fake It Til You Make It 38:03

3+ y ago38:03

38:03

Authors Rachel Lynn Solomon and Gabrielle Korn join us as guests to chat about their new books. Rachel talks about her adult debut The Ex Talk, a romantic comedy set at a Seattle public radio station. In the book, Shay and Dominic fake a past relationship as a pretense for the podcast they host together. Then, Gabrielle talks about her memoir Every…

1
Reading and Reflecting in 2021 47:34

3+ y ago47:34

47:34

We interview Jenny Odell, the author of How To Do Nothing and chat about reading in 2021. We talk about new books we're excited to read and discuss our personal reading goals. We also reveal this year's library reading challenge categories. Then, Jenny Odell shares how persuasive design keeps our attention in digital spaces. She talks about connect…

1
The Best Books of 2020 46:58

3+ y ago46:58

46:58

Librarians share the best books of the year. In this episode, we're joined by KCLS staff members Vicki Huggins and Rachel Adams. We also chat about how reading was different in 2020, whether or not we met our reading goals, and more.

1
Long-distance Book Club 1:02:42

3+ y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

We talk with Sarah Gailey, author of Upright Women Wanted. Then, Emily chats with two friends about Tana French's new novel.

1
Feed Drop: Cristina Henríquez 22:47

3+ y ago22:47

22:47

Cristina Henríquez, author of The Book of Unknown Americans, joins us for a conversation about immigrant experiences, writing a novel with multiple voices to avoid the "single story," research for writing historical fiction, and the National Book Awards judging process.

1
Feed drop: Nancy Pearl 56:22

4y ago56:22

56:22

In this bonus listen, we're sharing a recording of a live event. Emily talked to super librarian Nancy Pearl about her new book, The Writer's Library, what she learned talking to writers about their reading lives, her pandemic reads, and more.

1
Feed Drop: Terese Marie Mailhot in conversation with Sara Ortiz 1:00:42

4y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this bonus listen, we're sharing a recording of a live event. Enjoy a conversation between Terese Marie Mailhot, author of Heart Berries, and writer and educator Sara Ortiz.

1
The Great Outdoors 1:00:10

4y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

We're talking about books about nature and books about journeys. We chat with Nancy Blakey, author of By the Shore, about the benefits of spending time in nature and some of her favorite Pacific Northwest outdoor experiences. Then, we hear from cartoonist, Seattle Public Library employee, and Washington State Book Award finalist Susanna Ryan, autho…

1
Feed Drop: Pramila Jayapal in conversation with Nick Licata 1:03:21

4y ago1:03:21

1:03:21

In this bonus listen, we're sharing a recording of a live event. Enjoy a conversation about political engagement with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, author of Use the Power You Have. Jayapal was joined in conversation by former Seattle City Councilmember and author of the book Becoming a Citizen Activist, Nick Licata.…

1
Feed Drop: Molly Wizenberg and Katrina Carrasco In Conversation 57:55

4y ago57:55

57:55

In this bonus listen, we're sharing a recording of a live event. Seattle writer Molly Wizenberg joined us for a discussion of her new memoir, The Fixed Stars. Katrina Carrasco, author of The Best Bad Things, moderated the conversation. They discussed queer identity, favorite LGBTQ+ writers, and more.…

1
Staff Picks: We Love Inclusive Romance 43:21

4y ago43:21

43:21

On this episode of the Desk Set, we're talking about diverse and inclusive romance. If you're working on this year's 10 to Try reading challenge, all the books we mention count as books recommended by KCLS Staff. Adult Services librarian Jennifer Fairchild joins us to talk to bestselling author and romance superstar Jasmine Guillory about her new b…

1
Juneteenth 1:20:51

4y ago1:20:51

1:20:51

This special episode of The Desk Set is a feed drop recording of a live webcast we shared in celebration of Juneteenth. Author Ijeoma Oluo (So You Want to Talk About Race) spoke with her brother Ahamefule Oluo, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, writer, and stand-up comedian. They discussed Black joy, liberation, and creativity. Visit our blog for …

1
2020 Reading Goals 17:08

4+ y ago17:08

17:08

By The Desk Set

1
Best Books of 2019 1:03:38

4+ y ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Librarians share their picks for the best books of 2019. Hear KCLS staff talk about the titles they loved the most, including adult fiction and nonfiction, teen reads, and children's books.

1
The Challenge of Poetry 58:34

4+ y ago58:34

58:34

Three authors share their perspective on the rise of Instagram poetry, the challenge of finding poetry you love, and the unique power of the medium. First we talk with Joy McCullough, author of Blood Water Paint, a historical novel in verse for teens. Next we chat with Washington State Book Award Winner Tara Hardy, author of the collection My, My, …

1
Vote – It Matters! 11:11

5y ago11:11

11:11

The King County Library System has partnerships with The League of Women Voters and King County Elections. Information and resources are provided to King County residents thru these partnerships. Check out the latest episode of KCLS' “People, Places and Stories” and learn more about these election day resources! See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

1
Immigrant stories 52:19

5y ago52:19

52:19

We interview author Angie Kim about her novel Miracle Creek, a mystery and legal thriller that's centered on a family of Korean immigrants and a single mother accused of murder. Then we chat with Jo Anderson Cavinta, KCLS's diversity services coordinator, about the programs and services that KCLS offers for immigrants, refugees, and new arrivals.…

1
'90s Kid Reads 37:59

5y ago37:59

37:59

Take a nostalgic look back at some of the most popular children's book series published in the '80s and '90s. First, we interview Gabrielle Moss, author of Paperback Crush. Then we talk with Destinee Sutton, a children's librarian at KCLS. We chat about school book fairs, free pizza, and the books that made us lifelong readers. Spoiler alert: We al…

1
Books about history 1:01:47

5y ago1:01:47

1:01:47

We talk to Amy Stewart about her historical mysteries, starting with Girl Waits With Gun, inspired by the real-life Kopp sisters, as well as Stewart's nonfiction on plants, bugs, and more. Then, Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan discusses her historical thriller Manhattan Beach, her research process, and the lives of American women in the 1940s. …

1
Boulevard Park 11:46

5y ago11:46

11:46

Join Feliks as he heads to the community of Burien for the grand opening of the newly renovated Boulevard Park Library. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By KIRO Seattle / KCLS

1
Queer Voices in Literature 1:00:28

5y ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Seattle writer Katrina Carrasco talks to us about her book The Best Bad Things, a historical crime novel set in Port Townsend's seedy underbelly. Then, we chat with artist and author Keezy Young about Taproot, her cute and creepy graphic novel. Finally, we're joined by two KCLS staff members to talk about more great books by LGBTQ+ authors and the …

1
Sex, Sobriety, Shame: Books About Difficult Topics 56:13

5+ y ago56:13

56:13

Journalist Bonnie J. Rough, author of Beyond Birds & Bees, talks about the difference between the American and Dutch approaches to sexuality and parenting. Then, Kristi Coulter talks about her essay collection, Nothing Good Can Come From This, which tackles alcoholism and sobriety. Finally, KCLS's Older Adults Program Coordinator Wendy Pender share…

1
Community Court 15:51

5+ y ago15:51

15:51

Feliks Banel stops by the Redmond Library to learn about its valuable partnership with King County District Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By KIRO Seattle / KCLS

1
Read a book about family 57:24

5+ y ago57:24

57:24

Journalist Angela Garbes joins us to discuss her book Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey Through The Science And Culture Of Pregnancy. Then we chat with Laurie Frankel, author of This Is How It Always Is, Like Frankel, the mother in her novel is the supportive parent of a transgender child. Finally, we talk about some of our favorite fictional famil…

1
True Crime Books 1:03:25

5+ y ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Journalist Ken Armstrong, the author of A False Report, joins us to talk about his work investigating the rape of a young woman in Lynnwood who recanted her original report, even though it later turned out to be true. Then, Britta interviews Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, author of The Fact of A Body. They talk about how Alex's experience as a legal inter…

1
New Year New Books 31:07

5+ y ago31:07

31:07

Read more in 2019 with tips from librarians, get a sneak peek at the most anticipated books that will be released in the new year, discover books to help you meet your new year resolutions and hear our announcement of new reading challenge categories to inspire you to read more broadly.By The Desk Set

1
Family Library Night 15:30

5+ y ago15:30

15:30

Host Feliks Banel visits Maple Valley, where beloved Children's Librarian Sharon Chastain tells us how she and Scott Mitchell, Dean of Students at Shadow Lake Elementary School, bring school and community together at their popular annual event called Family Library Night. We also hear how Sharon and KCLS have been connecting year-round with young r…

1
Best Books of 2018 46:43

5+ y ago46:43

46:43

The best books of the year have been chosen by KCLS Librarians. We share some favorites from the lists, talk about themes and trends, recommend our picks for gifting, and more! Read more on our website featuring KCLS's Best Books of 2018.By The Desk Set

1
Books Foodies Will Devour 51:06

6y ago51:06

51:06

Cookbooks, food writing, and the art and science of taste. We chat with author and chef Becky Selengut (How to Taste) about the art and science of taste. Then, we explore the relationship between pie and whiskey with authors, bakers, and cocktail makers Sam Ligon and Kate Lebo (Pie & Whiskey). Finally, we visit The Book Larder, a cookbook store in …

1
Young Adult Friction 40:39

6y ago40:39

40:39

Marissa Meyer, banned books, and very graphic novels. We chat with young adult author Marissa Meyer about her new series, Renegades, the power of fairytale retellings, and which Sailor Scout she wants to be. Then, we talk about banned books, including the most banned books of 2017, and why comic books and graphic novels so often top the list of mos…

1
Harry Potter and the Books in Translation 38:50

6y ago38:50

38:50

Learn how Harry Potter gets translated for global audiences and hear interviews with Kristin Hannah and Megan McDowell. We chat with Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone. We also talk to Megan McDowell, who was recently nominated for a Man Booker International Prize for her heart-stopping translat…

1
Is the book always better than the movie? 56:30

6y ago56:30

56:30

Jordan Peele brings Lovecraft Country to the screen, we chat about the best and worst book adaptations plus interviews with Matt Ruff and Kim Fu. Author Matt Ruff joins us to talk about his book Lovecraft Country. Inspired by mid-century African-American travel guides and classic sci-fi and horror, the book is being adapted in a miniseries for HBO.…

1
Lived Experiences 48:09

6y ago48:09

48:09

#MeToo, memoirs and interviews with authors Rebecca Roanhorse and Litsa Dremousis. We chat with Hugo-Award winning author Rebecca Roanhorse about her Navajo-inspired urban fantasy Trail of Lightning and her award-winning short story, "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™". We also sit down with Seattleite and memoirist Litsa Dremousis to ta…

1
PopUp StoryWalk 19:17

6y ago19:17

19:17

In Kenmore, WA, where King County Library System has a long history of community involvement, host Feliks Banel meets up with a group of library patrons including volunteers and the local childrens author/illustrator whose work they brought to life on a hike through the woods... that's also a hike through a book! See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

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King County Library System Podcasts

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