Seattle Arts and Lectures

Chris Higashi, Program Director for the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library, was selected by SAL and the selection committee for her longstanding, superb stewardship of the Washington Center for the Book for over 23 years.

Higashi embodies the Center’s mission to “broaden and deepen appreciation for literature that expands the world of the reader.” Programs such as Seattle Reads, co-founded with Nancy Pearl and coordinated by Higashi, have earned national acclaim for presenting events with diverse cultural and historical significance. Seattle Reads spotlights authors in and outside the U.S. representing multiple languages and mediums including graphic narratives. In her time at the Center, Higashi has also revived the Washington State Book Awards including a selection process and ceremonial recognition. SAL and the selection committee are thrilled to recognize Higashi for her tremendous accomplishments and tireless commitment to the Seattle literary arts community.

“I hope that long into the future, Seattle’s libraries, bookstores, and literary arts organizations continue to collaborate and support one another. Awards like this are key in facilitating that and celebrating Seattle’s literary luminaries and achievements on every level. I’m sure I speak for literary Seattle when I say it’s been exciting – and impressive – to watch the SAL team and board reboot, rebuild, and emerge as the powerhouse literary organization it is today. I wish you all decades more to come and I am honored to receive this award from an organization I so admire,” said Higashi.