Seattle is proud to be recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

With a thriving literary community and a highly educated and book-loving populace, Seattle offers an abundance of riches for lovers of the written and spoken word.

Richard Hugo House is a community of readers and writers, offering readings and classes for youth and adults. Dive in to the always-popular lecture or poetry series at Seattle Arts and Lectures, or visit the Seattle Public Library for an author reading and discussion. Town Hall Seattle presents lectures on science, culture, and civics as part of its active program schedule. Long time local landmark University Book Store hosts and presents hundreds of author events each year. The Elliott Bay Book Company not only offers more than 150,000 titles in their beloved store but hosts almost daily author readings in their intimate reading room.  And the Jack Straw Writer’s Program connects writers to audio resources, producing lectures, podcasts and more.

We love words and ideas in Seattle. Learn more about our UNESCO World City of Literature designation at seattlecityoflit.org.

Notes From A Writer

Whether you love to write or love to read, Seattle is home to many places to find inspiration. Notes From A Writer asks local writers what makes Seattle such a rich, rewarding place to explore, calling out some of their favorite neighborhoods, restaurants, and inspiring spots around the city. Stay tuned and follow along on Instagram for more writer recommendations!

Thank you to our participating writers, authors, poets, and journalists:

Christian Paige | Kristen Millares Young | Allecia Vermillion | Margaret Speck Ogawa | Gabriel Teodros