seen library... again
december events in LA, NY and london!!!
I have been meaning to carve out time for Substack and even have a couple pieces I’ve started to work on… And by work on, I mean furiously texting myself and typing random thoughts in my notes app. I keep telling myself that today will be the day I finally get it all out and… each day I lie to myself and put it off.
Not to make excuses, but I’ve had some personal stuff going on in my life and the heightened existential dread I feel post-election surely hasn’t helped. On top of that, I have somehow decided to work on not one, not two, but THREE Seen Library events simultaneously, during arguably the busiest season in my work calendar.
I know the last few pieces have been Seen Library-heavy, and I really did want to break it up with some non book related things, but it is truly taking up most of my time and I’m thankful for it — it has been a much needed distraction from this hellscape that is the US of A. While I feel pretty hopeless towards the state of this country at the moment, I am trying to remind myself that I need to do what I can, where I can, with what I have… And if that means sharing important (but entertaining) books to a whole lot of people in hopes that it provides them much needed perspectives, then so be it.
And if important but entertaining books with much needed perspectives interest you, then I hope to have you at any of the upcoming Seen Library events taking place in Los Angeles, New York and London below :)
Los Angeles
The Seen Library Bookstand is back at Platform on December 7 and 8 for the third time, just in time for the holiday season! It’s open to the public and to any book lover and reader — for the new and old, the casual and serious. Everyone is invited to come say hello, meet new people and browse and shop a limited quantity of new and pre-loved books, all intentionally curated and wrapped in creamy paper with clues written atop a custom library card, so that you can choose a book by its content, not its cover.
Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8
From 11am to 4pm
Platform | 8850 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
RSVP not required but if you’re planning on coming, please do let us know here so we have an accurate head count :)
Delicious custom matcha and hojicha lattes by Little Match Studio will also be available for purchase, along with new Seen Library items like mini totes, tanks and our signature hat — exclusive to the pop up! My mom will also be back to tie dark chocolate velvet bows to wrapped books, for those who want it :)
New York
Back in October when I said the mini pop up was going to be the last event in New York of the year, I meant it! Or so I thought…
A really cool opportunity came up and while I can’t disclose details just yet, just know that the signature wrapped Seen Library books will be available for browsing and buying. I can’t wait to share more, but in the meantime, save the date for December 7 and 8…
London
Close Encounters — a Seen Library book giving
For the first time ever, Seen Library will be hosting an open-to-the-public book giving in London! On Saturday, December 14, I hope you’ll join us for an intimate morning at Completedworks’ beautiful London space, where each guest will choose from a curated selection of wrapped books, join in conversation, make new friendships, and enjoy light bites and beverages.
Each book will be wrapped in Seen Library’s signature creamy paper adorned with a library card of handwritten clues so you can choose a book by its contents rather than its cover. The books, carefully curated by Seen Library, center on a single theme: Close Encounters. These stories center around key interactions or experiences that have a deep impact on the characters and the narrative, often involving meaningful moments of connection or confrontation.
Further details on how to reserve your spot will be shared soon, but if you are interested in attending, please send an email to seenlibrary@gmail.com answering the following to be the first to be notified:
Full name
Have you been to a Seen Library event before? If so, which one(s)?
What about Seen Library interests you?
What do you hope to bring and what do you hope to leave with?
Please note: An outbound email does not mean confirmation — further details will be sent on a first email, first serve basis to those who answer the above questions.
Thank you for creating all this beautiful space for us, and I really looking forward to go to the one in London! :))