In collaboration with the City of Redmond and Friends of the Redmond Library, the King County Library System (KCLS) presents Redmond Reads, an interactive summer reading program, held from June 15 to September 15. Redmond Reads brings residents together to read “The Lines that Make Us: Stories from Nathan’s Bus“ by local author, Nathan Vass, and to share their own stories and experiences through the program’s Community Challenges.
Dubbed the “nicest guy in Seattle,” Vass is an artist, filmmaker, photographer and author by day, and a Metro bus driver by night. “The Lines that Make Us” is a collection of short stories that highlight the small moments of joy, solidarity and connection from his Metro career. The book was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award in 2019, and has become a local bestseller.
“It is wonderful to see communities come together to read and connect with one another over such an inspirational book,” said KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We thank the City of Redmond and Friends of the Redmond Library for supporting this program, and for helping to promote a summer full of reading.”
Vass will introduce and discuss his favorite chapters in a series of online videos throughout this multimedia program. Visit kcls.org/news/RedmondReads to watch the videos, and read a new chapter online every two weeks, on the 1st and 15th of the month. Participants may also take part in corresponding Community Challenges to practice acts of kindness, caring and compassion. Readers are encouraged to share their Community Challenges on social media by using the hashtag #RedmondReads, and tagging @RedmondLibraryKCLS, @KCLS and @CityofRedmond on their posts.
If you would like to read along with a hard copy, Vass’ book will be available for check out once KCLS enters Phase 2 of its reopening plan and begins to offer Curbside To Go pickup service. Residents may also purchase Vass’ book at several local book shops.
Vass' community-building work has been showcased on TED, NPR, The Seattle Times, KING5 and landed him a spot on “Seattle Magazine’s” 2018 list of the 35 Most Influential People in Seattle. He also has strong ties to the Redmond community, and worked at the Redmond Library in high school.
“I am thrilled that our Redmond community has the opportunity to collectively participate in the Redmond Reads program,” added Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Although COVID-19 has made it difficult for us to come together physically, this virtual summer reading program is a unique way our community can engage in thoughtful conversation and feel a sense of unity with one another.”
