Washington Reads
Washington Reads is the Washington State Library's statewide program to promote reading for all Washington residents. The State Library sponsors various projects and collaborates with libraries, schools, and other agencies to encourage reading.
Between the Lines | Washington Reads Blog
In 2011, The State Library began regular blog postings of recommendations from library staff. These recommendations feature compelling reads in fiction and non-fiction, both recent and classic, which feature the Pacific Northwest. Each post contains links for locating a copy nearest you, and information on a title's availability as an electronic resource or title for visually impaired.
The blog also features other literacy and reader’s advisory events that the Washington State Library participates in, such as Letters About Literature and the National Book Festival.
For earlier earlier Washington Reads and other bibliographies produced by the Washington State Library at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/bibliographies.aspx
Washington Reads Posters
Click here to see and order posters highlighting readers throughout Washington. The most recent posters feature skiers Phil, Andy, and Steve Mahre and Billy Frank Jr., member of the Nisqually Tribe and Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
National Book Festival
Washington State Library has participated in the National Book Festival since 2003. Each state chooses a book about the state or which takes place in the state to highlight for the book festivals.
Washington State National Book Festival Selections:
2011 - Larry Gets Lost in Seattle by John Skewes
2010 - Volcano by Patricia Lauber
2009 - Jacob Lawrence: American Scenes, American Struggles by Nancy Shroyer Howard
2008 - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
2007 - Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
2006 - Eagle Boy: A Pacific Northwest Native Tale Retold by Richard Lee Vaughan
2005 - Where Do I Sleep?: A Pacific Northwest Lullaby by Jennifer Blomgren
2004 - Seaman’s Journal: On the Trail with Lewis and Clark by Patti Reeder Eubanks
2003 - Ghost Canoe by Will Hobbs
2002 & 2001 - Washington did not participate.
Letters About Literature
Letters About Literature encourages young readers to write letters to the authors of a book they enjoyed reading. Washington State Library sponsors this annual competition at the state level.