Just in time for Thanksgiving, the King County Library System released its 2021 Best Books list.
This year’s Best Books list features 100 books; 25 selections in each of four categories: fiction, nonfiction, children and teens. The books are nominated by KCLS librarians and staff members across the Library System who, collectively, read thousands of books each year.
For 2021, staff members submitted a total of 386 nominations, ranging from inventive fiction, military history and musician biographies to works on gender and racial identity, to name just a few. A final-selection committee whittled down the list down to the final 100.
We did something different this year, photographing staff who recommended chosen titles. You will see their happy (but masked) faces on kcls.org/bestbooks! I participated as well, choosing Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell. I am a big fan of everything Gladwell writes. This book resonates with me because my father served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It is also one of the first audiobooks that adds extra audio features beyond just reading the text version, which makes it a very enjoyable listen.
In other news, KCLS continues to do its part to support public-health efforts on the COVID-19 front. Starting in early December, five of our libraries will host vaccination clinics for ages five and older. The clinics will be held indoors at the Auburn, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Renton and Tukwila libraries. Times will vary by location.
The clinics will feature single-and two-dose vaccines, plus boosters for those who are eligible, administered by Public Health-Seattle & King County and their affiliates.
The vaccine is provided at no cost, regardless of insurance, citizenship or immigration status. There also will be on-site interpreter services. Walk-ups are welcome and no appointments are necessary. Masks are required for entry. More details will be forthcoming on kcls.org/vaccinated.
Stay tuned for updates on how KCLS continues to find ways to serve the public. We are grateful our patrons, taking advantage of online programs, resources and now, all that is offered in libraries themselves. Enjoy the holidays and we look forward to seeing you in a library soon!
