Shakespeare Series: The Winter’s Tale (Session 5 of 6)
2024-10-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we continue our discussion of The Winter’s Tale.
The Winter’s Tale is sometimes called a ‘problem play’ and sometimes called a ‘comedy’ or a ‘pastoral romance’; it is a beautiful, strange, tragic, whimsical play and one that defies easy description.
Join Shakespeare fangirl, scholar and theatre maker Leah Adcock-Starr for a close reading of the play. She will provide a thorough examination of the play’s challenging and compelling characters. Explore the play’s big themes: jealousy, friendship, love, redemption and grace.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Please register on the KCLS events page if you would like to receive reminders. Walk-ins welcome.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.

Shakespeare Series: The Winter’s Tale (Session 6 of 6)
2024-11-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we conclude our discussion of The Winter’s Tale.
The Winter’s Tale is sometimes called a ‘problem play’ and sometimes called a ‘comedy’ or a ‘pastoral romance’; it is a beautiful, strange, tragic, whimsical play and one that defies easy description.
Join Shakespeare fangirl, scholar and theatre maker Leah Adcock-Starr for a close reading of the play. She will provide a thorough examination of the play’s challenging and compelling characters. Explore the play’s big themes: jealousy, friendship, love, redemption and grace.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Please register on the KCLS events page if you would like to receive reminders. Walk-ins welcome.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.

Holiday Mini Sale: November 8 and 9
2024-11-08 10:30 - 16:00, 2024-11-09 11:30 - 16:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Come do your holiday shopping! Books, CDs, DVDs, sheet music, puzzles, rare and collectible books, and more.
Cash and checks only.

Bellevue Library Book Group: The Postcard by Anne Berest
2024-11-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of The Postcard by Anne Berest on Wednesday, November 20th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the November discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
2024-12-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin on Wednesday, December 18th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the December discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Bossypants by Tina Fey
2025-01-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Bossypants by Tina Fey on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the January discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
2025-02-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the February discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann
2025-03-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the March discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Spring Membership Event
2025-04-11 11:30 - 13:30 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Please join Bellevue Friends of the Library members and volunteers at our Spring Membership Event. Tea, coffee, light snacks and desserts will be served. Catch up with fellow members, enjoy live piano music, good cheer, and a few other surprises.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
2025-04-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell on Wednesday, November 20th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the April discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 1 of 6)
2025-05-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we kick off the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Please register on the KCLS events page if you would like to receive reminders and hand-outs (you only need to register once; you do not need to register for each session). Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 2 of 6)
2025-05-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we continue with part 2 of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
2025-05-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the May discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 3 of 6)
2025-05-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we continue with part 3 of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 4 of 6)
2025-06-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we continue with part 4 of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 5 of 6)
2025-06-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we continue with part 5 of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Shakespeare Series: Twelfth Night (Session 6 of 6)
2025-06-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we conclude the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
William Shakespeare’s exquisite and bittersweet comedy Twelfth Night is at the heart of this discussion and lecture-based reading series.
Through a thoughtful reading of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, participants will have the opportunity to fall in love with some of the Bard’s most extraordinary and enduring characters who, as the irrepressible Viola declares, are not what they play! Participants will marvel at the musicality and mayhem of Shakespeare’s beloved and enduring genre-defying and gender-bending text. Dig deep into Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of shipwrecked twins, mistaken identity, vaulting ambitions, forbidden desires, utter silliness, and lovesick longing!
Theatre director and Shakespeare scholar, Leah Adcock-Starr will read and lead the discussion and share her insights making Shakespeare accessible to everyone – fans or those curious about Shakespeare’s play and willing to indulge.
Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a long-time lover of the Bard, these sessions are for you!
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
2025-06-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the June discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World by John Vaillant
2025-10-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World by John Vaillant on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
2025-11-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
Registration is recommended but not required. Register at the KCLS event page for the discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group, sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library, meets at 11:00 am the third Wednesday of every month except July and August. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
2026-02-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
The Bellevue Library Book Club meets monthly from September through June each year from 11:00 am – 1 p.m. in Room 1 of the Bellevue Library. Registration is not required, however, if you want to see the discussion questions ahead of time and get notices about any changes, registration will assure you receive this and other relevant information.
Register at the KCLS event page for the February discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group is sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham
2026-03-18 11:00 - 13:00
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
The Bellevue Library Book Club meets monthly from September through June each year from 11:00 am – 1 p.m. in Room 1 of the Bellevue Library. Registration is not required, however, if you want to see the discussion questions ahead of time and get notices about any changes, registration will assure you receive this and other relevant information.
Register at the KCLS event page for the March discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group is sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Bellevue Library Book Group: The Autobiography of Malcolm X. by Alex Haley
2026-04-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of The Autobiography of Malcolm X on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
The Bellevue Library Book Club meets monthly from September through June each year from 11:00 am – 1 p.m. in Room 1 of the Bellevue Library. Registration is not required, however, if you want to see the discussion questions ahead of time and get notices about any changes, registration will assure you receive this and other relevant information.
Register at the KCLS event page for the April discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group is sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Holding up a Mirror to Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet (Session 1 of 6)
2026-05-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we kick off the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Hamnet.
SHAKESPEARE – plans are finalized for the next Shakespeare program which will cover both the play “Hamlet” and the book about Shakespeare “Hamnet”. Sessions will be on 6 consecutive Sundays, May 10 through June 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in Room 1. Registration is open on the KCLS site.
“Holding a Mirror Up To Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet”
An exploration of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet.
This course invites participants into an examination and conversation around Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy HAMLET and the novel HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell.
Through a close reading of Shakespeare’s text, themes, characters and historical contexts alongside some careful selections from the novel participants will get to contrast and compare, discuss and discern fact from fiction and how Shakespeare’s life might have inspired his artmaking and how that art has inspired ever more.
Our sessions will spend the majority of the time on an overview of Hamlet, including a few deep dives on famous speeches, themes, and characters. We will explore what is lost and gained by drawing a thread between Shakespeares’s life (fact and fiction) and the original play of HAMLET and the novel and film and play called Hamnet.
Whether you are a Shakespeare skeptic, die hard fan of Hamlet (or Hamnet the novel, film or play or whether you are brand new to the bard (or to any of his mythology!) – this session is for you.
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library

Holding up a Mirror to Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet (Session 2 of 6)
2026-05-17 12:30 - 14:30 | Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we host second of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Hamnet.
SHAKESPEARE – plans are finalized for the next Shakespeare program which will cover both the play “Hamlet” and the book about Shakespeare “Hamnet”. Sessions will be on 6 consecutive Sundays, May 10 through June 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in Room 1. Registration is open on the KCLS site.
“Holding a Mirror Up To Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet”
An exploration of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet.
This course invites participants into an examination and conversation around Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy HAMLET and the novel HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell.
Through a close reading of Shakespeare’s text, themes, characters and historical contexts alongside some careful selections from the novel participants will get to contrast and compare, discuss and discern fact from fiction and how Shakespeare’s life might have inspired his artmaking and how that art has inspired ever more.
Our sessions will spend the majority of the time on an overview of Hamlet, including a few deep dives on famous speeches, themes, and characters. We will explore what is lost and gained by drawing a thread between Shakespeares’s life (fact and fiction) and the original play of HAMLET and the novel and film and play called Hamnet.
Whether you are a Shakespeare skeptic, die hard fan of Hamlet (or Hamnet the novel, film or play or whether you are brand new to the bard (or to any of his mythology!) – this session is for you.
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library

Bellevue Library Book Group: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
2026-05-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Bellevue Library, Room 1, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
All are welcome to join the in-person discussion of Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Room 1 at the Bellevue Library.
The Bellevue Library Book Club meets monthly from September through June each year from 11:00 am – 1 p.m. in Room 1 of the Bellevue Library. Registration is not required, however, if you want to see the discussion questions ahead of time and get notices about any changes, registration will assure you receive this and other relevant information.
Register at the KCLS event page for the May discussion. Please email Kathy Key at KCLS if any questions.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
The Bellevue Library Book Group is sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. See details including titles, dates and registration info for upcoming gatherings of the Bellevue Library Book Group.

Holding up a Mirror to Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet (Session 3 of 6)
2026-05-24 12:30 - 14:30 | Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we host third of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Hamnet.
SHAKESPEARE – plans are finalized for the next Shakespeare program which will cover both the play “Hamlet” and the book about Shakespeare “Hamnet”. Sessions will be on 6 consecutive Sundays, May 10 through June 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in Room 1. Registration is open on the KCLS site.
“Holding a Mirror Up To Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet”
An exploration of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet.
This course invites participants into an examination and conversation around Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy HAMLET and the novel HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell.
Through a close reading of Shakespeare’s text, themes, characters and historical contexts alongside some careful selections from the novel participants will get to contrast and compare, discuss and discern fact from fiction and how Shakespeare’s life might have inspired his artmaking and how that art has inspired ever more.
Our sessions will spend the majority of the time on an overview of Hamlet, including a few deep dives on famous speeches, themes, and characters. We will explore what is lost and gained by drawing a thread between Shakespeares’s life (fact and fiction) and the original play of HAMLET and the novel and film and play called Hamnet.
Whether you are a Shakespeare skeptic, die hard fan of Hamlet (or Hamnet the novel, film or play or whether you are brand new to the bard (or to any of his mythology!) – this session is for you.
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library

Holding up a Mirror to Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet (Session 4 of 6)
2026-05-31 12:30 - 14:30 | Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we host fourth of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Hamnet.
SHAKESPEARE – plans are finalized for the next Shakespeare program which will cover both the play “Hamlet” and the book about Shakespeare “Hamnet”. Sessions will be on 6 consecutive Sundays, May 10 through June 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in Room 1. Registration is open on the KCLS site.
“Holding a Mirror Up To Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet”
An exploration of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet.
This course invites participants into an examination and conversation around Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy HAMLET and the novel HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell.
Through a close reading of Shakespeare’s text, themes, characters and historical contexts alongside some careful selections from the novel participants will get to contrast and compare, discuss and discern fact from fiction and how Shakespeare’s life might have inspired his artmaking and how that art has inspired ever more.
Our sessions will spend the majority of the time on an overview of Hamlet, including a few deep dives on famous speeches, themes, and characters. We will explore what is lost and gained by drawing a thread between Shakespeares’s life (fact and fiction) and the original play of HAMLET and the novel and film and play called Hamnet.
Whether you are a Shakespeare skeptic, die hard fan of Hamlet (or Hamnet the novel, film or play or whether you are brand new to the bard (or to any of his mythology!) – this session is for you.
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library

Holding up a Mirror to Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet (Session 5 of 6)
2026-06-07 12:30 - 14:30 | Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
Join us as we host fifth of the six-part series on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Hamnet.
SHAKESPEARE – plans are finalized for the next Shakespeare program which will cover both the play “Hamlet” and the book about Shakespeare “Hamnet”. Sessions will be on 6 consecutive Sundays, May 10 through June 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in Room 1. Registration is open on the KCLS site.
“Holding a Mirror Up To Nature: Hamlet and Hamnet”
An exploration of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet.
This course invites participants into an examination and conversation around Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy HAMLET and the novel HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell.
Through a close reading of Shakespeare’s text, themes, characters and historical contexts alongside some careful selections from the novel participants will get to contrast and compare, discuss and discern fact from fiction and how Shakespeare’s life might have inspired his artmaking and how that art has inspired ever more.
Our sessions will spend the majority of the time on an overview of Hamlet, including a few deep dives on famous speeches, themes, and characters. We will explore what is lost and gained by drawing a thread between Shakespeares’s life (fact and fiction) and the original play of HAMLET and the novel and film and play called Hamnet.
Whether you are a Shakespeare skeptic, die hard fan of Hamlet (or Hamnet the novel, film or play or whether you are brand new to the bard (or to any of his mythology!) – this session is for you.
Bring a copy of the play and follow along. Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to attend all sessions. For more information, see the KCLS events page.
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library
