The Highline Library invites the public to a virtual read-aloud series for adults called Highline Reads. This story time gathers the Highline community and creates a space for discussion about literature and media topics of interest.

All Highline Reads events are open to students, faculty and staff and the community. 

During sessions, guest readers from Highline or the surrounding community read sections from their favorite literary pieces or media excerpts. Guests typically share from literary works of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and media on engaging topics for adults.

“It’s a place where you can highlight parts of your identity and share what you are passionate about with folks who are really interested in learning more,” said Reference Librarian Monica Twork.

After the reading, an optional short discussion takes place for those wanting to dive deeper into the subject matter.

The series launched after the COVID-19 pandemic, as a means of reconnecting during a time of isolation. Pre-COVID the Highline library was bustling with readers, occupied study spaces and coffee small-talks. Highline Reads is a way of maintaining that social aspect of being at the library.

“Since the pandemic, a lot of the social ties and connections we used to have easily have become much harder to keep. Highline Reads is a really great way to make sure we’re keeping that sense of community with the Highline campus,” said Twork.

Every quarter of Highline Reads, at least one book is featured from the Highline Library to spotlight the collection the library has to offer. Despite being open in a limited capacity, the library has continued to update its inventory and continue book rental offerings to campus members.

Highline Reads hopes to spotlight the diverse talent of campus and community members in each session. 

“People at Highline do so many different and amazing things. For readers, we’re trying to spotlight Highline’s hidden talents, ” said Twork.

This quarter, guest readers from the geography, counseling, and library departments as well as Umoja students will be leading the weekly story time.

In previous sessions, attendees enjoyed post-reading discussions so much that they decided to start a meeting dedicated to just chatting and sharing. The newly introduced chat series is called “Check It Out: What Highline is Reading/Watching/Listening To.”

It is mostly about chatting with really cool people who enjoy reading, writing, and listening to interesting stuff, said Twork.

Highline Reads will host three events in February and one in March for Winter Quarter. 

This Thursday at 4 p.m., Dr. Jennifer Jones will be reading her short story that was selected in The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2021 collection. Dr. Jones is a geography instructor at Highline and a published short story writer.

On Thursday, Feb. 17, in honor of Black History Month, students from the Umoja scholars program will be reading. The final book decision is still pending.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, Highline Counselor Daryllyn Harris will be reading a section from Black Feminism/Womanism. 

On Wednesday, March 9, library director Gerie Ventura will host “Check It Out: What Highline is Reading/Watching/Listening” to close out Winter Quarter.

To tune into Highline Reads visit their website for the recurring ZOOM link. 

Those interested in reading at a future Highline Reads can contact Highline librarians at refhelp@highline.edu.