The idea ... and where I've been so far

Every year, the public radio show Studio 360 invites listeners to make a Creative New Year's Resolution. Here's mine for 2016, as posted today on their blog ...

I’ve had a deep love for libraries ever since I was a little kid, and it’s a passion I’ve carried into the Internet age. In 2016, I want to visit each of the 26 branches of the Seattle Public Library (plus the Central Library downtown, of course) and blog about them.

The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas (formerly 826 Seattle) publishes a “What to Read in the Rain” anthology every year; I plan to call my project Where to Read in the Rain. But since we all know that libraries are far more than places to read, I’ll aim to document how our libraries are also places where people learn English, look for work, bring their little kids for story time, hold writing marathons, spend the days until the homeless shelter reopens, etc. etc.  

I’m relatively new to Seattle, having moved here in 2013, so I see this as an excuse to visit new parts of the city and explore the neighborhoods near the libraries, too. I'm trying to get to another branch every two weeks on average.

Professionally, I’ve been everything from a copy editor at a major metro newspaper to a travel guidebook author. Most recently, I’ve been editor-in-chief of a groundbreaking business magazine, INVISION, that won a 2015 “Eddie” award (like the Oscars of the magazine world) from Folio for Best Single Issue.  

See you at the library!

I've been to all 26 branches as of December 29, 2016! More photos and write-ups coming soon.