Photo: John Lok/Seattle TimesThe Sorrento Hotel is celebrating it's 100th birthday. This Seattle landmark opened its doors in 1909, just in time for the 4 million or so visitors who descended on Seattle for the storied Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Their first registered guest was President William Taft. In the early years the hotel also hosted numerous readings and literary events.As part of the anniversary festivities the hotel has created a series of events called "Night School at the Sorrento." One of the events is '12 Books.' Here's the deal:In partnership with Elliot Bay Book Company and University Book Store, the Sorrento...
Urgent Dispatch to Oz: Emerald City Library Needs Cash
The Seattle Public Library, one of the crown jewels of "The Emerald City" will be closing its doors, both real and virtual, for an entire week beginning Monday, August 31. The fact that one of the most book-friendly cities in the United States cannot keep its libraries open due to lack of funding is distressing in the extreme, and does not bode well for other municipalities.Nationwide, public libraries are being used more than ever according to the American Library Association. The trend is evident at the San Francisco Public Library which reports increases of 30% in customers, and 15% in...