Today is the start of Kwanzaa! The African American and Pan-African holiday focuses on seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Find books about Kwanzaa traditions here: bit.ly/kwanzaareads.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating this week! Whether you're spending time with family and friends or finding joy in your own way, we hope you experience the love and generosity of the holiday. Find stories about holiday traditions from around the world: bit.ly/kclschristmasbooklist.

The KCLS Board of Trustees approved our 2026 Budget, which goes into effect January 1, 2026. Check out our finalized strategic priorities, revenue overview and more at kcls.org/budget/.

We just hit 11 million digital loans in 2025! This huge milestone is thanks to all of you who enjoy KCLS's digital resources. Looking forward to millions more in 2026. 🥳 📚

The best holiday gift is a KCLS library card! Get one today and find out more at the link in our bio.

Tonight marks the start of Hannukkah (or Chanukah)! The eight-day Jewish celebration known the "Festival of Lights" is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, food, games and gifts. Explore our holiday booklist here: bit.ly/KCLSHanukkahReads.

Update: The Thursday 12/11 event at Snoqualmie Library, "Weaving Cedar Reindeer with the Snoqualmie Tribe" has been cancelled due to area flooding and will be rescheduled.

Tonight’s talk with Bethany Fackrell, “Salmon and the Snoqualmie: a Tribal Member’s Perspective” at Fall City Library has been cancelled due to flooding in the area. KCLS plans to reschedule the event.

Apply to be our Collection Management Services Project Specialist! Build and improve processes with your strong administrative and planning skills and serve as a resource for community library staff. Find a full list of qualifications at bit.ly/CMSProjectSpecialist. Applications close on 12/11/25.

Weave a Cedar bark reindeer with the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe next Thursday, 12/11, at the Snoqualmie Library! Find out more: bit.ly/cedarweaving. Can't make it? Visit the North Bend, Fall City, or Snoqualmie Libraries before 12/11 to see artifacts, learn about the Lushootseed language, and more!

Discover a new favorite book! Check out these reviews from KCLS staff in the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/king-county-library-system-staff-share-their-favorite-books-of-2025/

Our Best Books lists are live! Find great recommendations from King County Library System's knowledgeable staff at kcls.org/best-books/.

Make comics with a pro at White Center Library next week! Learn about Michelle Jing Chan's journey to become a full-time author-illustrator and her viral comics. Then join in for a comic-making activity. Registration is required for this event and space is limited. Sign up at bit.ly/michellejingchan

Join us at the Sammamish Library this Sunday for a special guest story time! Celebrate Native American and Snoqualmie (sdukʷalbixʷ) traditions and culture through stories and songs with library card artist Bethany Fackrell. Learn more about the event at bit.ly/nahmstorytime.

We've extended the deadline for our patron engagement survey. Let us know what's important to you by November 24 for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Take the survey: thepollingplace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Did you know that you can record your own music at the library? Stop by our Federal Way Makerspace this Saturday for a Sound Booth Open House and stick around for pro tips in our "Music Business Fundamentals for Teens" event. Find the information for both events at our website: bit.ly/fwsoundbooth.

Today marks the start of Trans Awareness Week. We take this time to celebrate and uplift our trans community and advocate for a world in which trans people are no longer targeted. Read stories about transgender identity and the fight for trans rights: bit.ly/transawarenessbooklist.

Our Bellevue Library is turning 100! Join us for an anniversary celebration this Saturday: bit.ly/celebratebellevue100.

Good news! Our weekly patron printing allowance has increased to $5. Learn more at bit.ly/freeprintingincrease.

Veterans Day is an opportunity to show thanks and learn about ways we can better support our community members who have served. Check out books by and about veterans: https://bit.ly/veteransdaybooklist.

Want to boost your resume by getting certified? Do it for free with KCLS! We've partnered with the Washington State Library to offer self-paced certification prep courses and exam vouchers. Explore the process and list of current exams and courses available at kcls.org/getcertified/.

We're still celebrating Día de los Muertos! Come enjoy crafts, traditional music, cultural storytelling, and more this Friday evening at the Burien Community Center. Find the event details at bit.ly/diademuertosburien.

We value your input! Please take our patron engagement survey to let us know what's important to you by November 14. You'll have the option to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card. https://thepollingplace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4T2GYCiHuOimOeG

The Federal Way 320th Library will be closed on Thursday, November 6 due to minor construction. The library will reopen at 10 am on Friday, November 7. Find a full list of library hours and locations at bit.ly/kclslocations.

Vote Centers are open tomorrow! If you need in person assistance with registering or voting, visit one of seven locations across the county where staff will be on hand to help. kce.wiki/VoteCenter has times and locations.

Join us this Saturday for Rainbow Connections: An Intergenerational Pride Celebration at the Redmond Senior and Community Center. Activities include a community mosaic project, resource fair, pop-up library, and so much more! Learn more: bit.ly/rainbowconnections25

When no one's got you, Ready Reads has got you. Find popular books with no wait time at your local library. #ReadyReads #Drip

How do books travel through our system and make their way to a branch near you? The Seattle Times did a deep dive, read the article to find out!

Today is Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition that honors and remembers deceased loved ones. Celebrate life and death with our Dia de los Muertos booklist: https://bit.ly/diadelosmuertosbooks.

Be sure to check your kid's Halloween candy. I found all my holds ready for pickup at the same time in mine.

KCLS is hosting a series of online events on AI & Cybersecurity. Tonight, join UW research scientist Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad for a talk about his experience creating a simulation of his father. Find details at bit.ly/cybersecuritykcls. All events in the series are virtual and require registration.

Today is the deadline to register to vote online or by mail; you can register in-person until Nov. 4. Find fact-based, nonpartisan resources to make voting easy and empowering at https://kcls.org/elections/.

Join us at a KCLS budget hearing session. Ask questions and provide valuable input about our proposed 2026 budget. Full event details are at kcls.org/BudgetHearings.

Happy Diwali! Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the largest festivals in India and among Hindus globally. This celebration brings communities together to honor the power of justice, wisdom, and liberation. Explore our Diwali booklist to learn more: bit.ly/diwalibooklist.

Did you know that there are ballot drop boxes at 23 of our community libraries? Stop by to drop off your ballot starting today through November 4 at 8pm. P.S. Head over to King County Elections for election info and the full list of King County drop box locations! 🗳️

Are you a pinball wizard? A Pac-Man champion? An OG Mario lover? 👾🕹️ Join us next Wednesday, October 22 at the Lake Forest Park Library for some retro arcade games! Stop by with the whole family and enjoy a game night at the library. Find more information at https://bit.ly/lfparcade

Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day. We honor the Indigenous communities that lived in the Americas long before Europeans arrived. Join us in celebrating the richness of Native American culture and history by exploring our booklist: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/209743155/1993699701.

Today is National Coming Out Day. Coming out is a unique experience for each person who chooses to do so and is not a one-time event. Explore our booklist to find stories about the diverse journeys of LGBTQIA+ people here: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/2232142839/2584315789.

Join us for a Filipino Story Time this Saturday at the Southcenter Library! Celebrate Filipino language and culture through children’s stories and stay afterward for a hands-on craft. Find all the information here: kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/68bb0....

Learn together online with Brainfuse, free through theKing County Library System. Learn more at https://kcls.org/resources-types/courses-training/.

A little #bookspinepoetry for our @mariners.com! Until tomorrow Detroit Public Library, @tigers.bsky.social 🐯🔱 #TridentsUp #SeizeTheMoment

Learn all you need to know about the November General Election next Tuesday! Register now: kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/68c44...

Missed our Author Voices events during Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month? The full recordings are now up on YouTube!

This week, KCLS staff are giving back during our annual Week of Caring! We're volunteering at 8 incredible King County community organizations; Black Farmers Collective, Infinity Farm, WestSide Baby, The Storehouse, Snoqualmie Tribe, Birthday Dreams, Puget Sound Goat Rescue, and Mid Sound Fisheries.

Today marks the start of Welcoming Week. This national event helps build understanding and creates welcoming spaces for all. Find Welcoming Week reads, events, and more at kcls.org/welcoming-week.

KCLS will be at the National REFORMA Conference in Long Beach, CA, from September 18 to 21. Come visit us to learn more about the Spanish-language programming that KCLS supports. Learn more about careers at KCLS: kcls.org/careers-at-t...

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. This month, we recognize the strength of those who confront the heavy burden of emotional trauma and distress. Explore stories centered around suicide prevention, survival, and loss here: bit.ly/NationalSuicideAwareness

I ❤️ my library! (@kcls.org) They have standard books, but also large print, translations, e-books, and audiobooks And they have makerspaces (3D printers, cutters, sewing machines, etc.), meeting rooms to support our community groups, friendly knowledgeable staff, and more Support your library!

September is National Recovery Month. This month, read stories about the experience of mental illness and substance use. Celebrate community, connection and healing as we work towards creating a more compassionate and understanding society. Explore the booklist: bit.ly/RecoveryMonthBooklist

A great reminder that TODAY is the last day to get those Book Bingo cards submitted! Find all the info at kcls.org/book-bingo/