Summer is here, the sun is shining, the kids are out of school and the library has all the books you could possibly want for leisurely reading! We’ve got great lists and recommendations to get you started, and don’t forget to visit us in person to browse our “Beach Reads” displays in July and grab a Summer Reading Activity Card. Or visit our official Summer Reading page online and print out copies of Activity Cards for all ages from home.
Summer Reading for Adults
Summer Reading Adult Activity Card Categories
Looking for some recommendations to fill in all the boxes on your Summer Reading Activity Card? We’ve got some fantastic lists to get you started!
Staff Recommendations for Adults
Marissa recommends…
“I found this to be a cozy, feel good read! A sweet story, easy to read, with no particularly graphic parts. Drawn in by the cute concept of granddaughter and grandmother switching lives to get themselves out of a funk, I found myself really rooting for and loving the grandma. Great cozy read for summer reading!”
Mandee recommends…
In Defense of Witches the Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial by Mona Chollet
“Working in the Children’s Department, any time I have a chance to read adult nonfiction-it’s a Summer Read for me. I have checked out and listened to this title multiple times on downloadable audio. The narrator is both fiery and delightful. The text gets me fired up and has me nodding along.”
Karen recommends three mysteries/armchair travel to Asia…
The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill
“Vientiane, 1976: an elderly surgeon becomes the unwilling coroner of Laos when the last trained pathologist relocates to Thailand by swimming the Mekong River.”
Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino
“A gentle and charming Tokyo artist visits her parents in a distant village. Her husband’s body is found in her absence. A classic.”
Aunty Lee’s Deadly Specials by Ovidia Yu
“I thought this one was a cozy mystery; the detective is an adorable widow with a catering business in Singapore. In spite of descriptions of delicious meals, the story took a dark turn that made me lose all interest in food for 24 hours. So worth it.”
Marissa also recommends…
The Ex Talk by Rachel Ly Solomon
“Fake dating? Dating a coworker? A number of tropes make this an appealing and fun romance novel to read! Added bonus- it’s set in western Washington/Seattle area! Would definitely consider this a book worthy of the ‘swoon-worthy’ summer reading square for adults.”
Summer Reading for Kids
Staff Recommendations for Kids
Bethany recommends…
Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Amazing Watercraft by Tom Crestodina
“Get ready to spend hours poring over the detailed, cross-sections of ten vessels that can been seen in our harbors! Learn how the different commercial fisheries and boats work in this really unique and marvelous book.
As a daughter of a commercial gillnetter who spent her summers fishing on the family boat in Alaska, I would’ve loved to have this book to show my friends how our fishery worked, and get an “inside glimpse” of what it was like on our boat. I loved learning about all the fisheries I didn’t know details about either. This title is perfect for kids and adults alike.”
Ali recommends…
Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature by Rachel Williams, illustrated by Freya Hartas
“Amidst all the chaos of summer, I appreciate moments for slowing down and basking in the beauty of the season. I loved reading this illustrated collection of nature stories while out for a paddle in my canoe; I hope you find a special place outdoors to enjoy it, too!” Recommended for ages 4+
“En medio del ajetreo de verano, estoy agradecida por los momentos tranquilos en que puedo disfrutar la belleza de la estación. Me encantó leer esta colección ilustrada de historias sobre la naturaleza mientras estaba yendo en mi canoa. ¡Espero que encontrares un lugar especial al aire libre para disfrutarlo también!” Recomendado para las edades 4+
Kanopy Summer Reading Film Selections
Even in summertime there are rainy days when all you want to do is cozy up indoors and watch a great movie. Check out some of your favorite books and authors on screen from Kanopy! Click HERE for great films and documentaries to stream for free with your library card.