The “Seattle Freeze” describes a belief that it is difficult to meet people in Seattle if you are new to the area, but if you are native to the Northwest, a Seattle freeze in nothing more than an opportune time to read and recharge. Nevertheless, King County Library System (KCLS) recognizes that recent transplants have quite a bit to handle as they adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, and (KCLS) is ready to help by offering new residents a wide range of books to ease their transition to the Puget Sound region.
KCLS Director Lisa Rosenblum, who recently relocated to Issaquah from New York City, asked KCLS librarians to recommend their favorite regional books so she could familiarize herself with her new hometown.
“Being a librarian myself, I enjoy reading quite a bit, especially regionally,” said Rosenblum, who served as Director and Chief Librarian of Brooklyn Public Library before stepping into her new leadership role at KCLS in January. “Reading local fiction and non-fiction provides newcomers with a literary sense of all that the Puget Sound area has to offer,” she added.
KCLS’ regional book list offers titles for every reader, including those with native roots to others who want to learn about the area’s local history. The list includes stories set against a backdrop of breathtaking Pacific Northwest scenery to books written by popular authors who live in the Puget Sound area.
“We're lucky to have an extraordinary literary scene in our area,” said KCLS Readers' Services Program Coordinator Emily Calkins. “Our wonderful team of librarians could have easily created three or four Top 10 lists, but this one provides a well-rounded introduction to living and working in King County.”
Are you new to the Pacific Northwest? Get to know your new home with our top picks for recent arrivals!
You can find additional recommendations at KCLS.org or at your local KCLS library, where newcomers can also sign up for a KCLS library card or attend free programs and workshops. Whether you’re a newcomer or long-time resident, there is a lot to discover at any of your 49 King County libraries.
