Seattle’s annual Lit Crawl offers the book-loving community the exciting opportunity to spend an entire evening perusing the Capitol and First Hill literary scene. Taking place on Oct. 11, individuals were invited to attend five different segments or “phases” of programming throughout the night.

“Think of Lit Crawl Seattle as a free cool reading at your favorite bar, times about 30,” the Litquake site self-describes the event. Over 80 Pacific Northwest readers filled bars, record stores, sunglass shops, and everything else in-between to recite their art.

Some of the prominent venues included Elliot Bay Book Company, the newly-opened Hugo House, Capitol Cider, and the Capitol Hill Library.

Five different 45-minute segments gave attendees the opportunity to bounce between an assortment of readings—featuring everything from Women Reading About the Home to Cosmic Disconnect to Writing your Kink.

Following the readings, an after party was held at the new Hugo House, located on 11th Ave. Individuals reflected on their favorite readings, were able to connect with other literary-lovers, make lasting connections, and enjoy some music. Authors who read that night had their books for sale, and there was the opportunity to try the special Lit Crawl cocktail.

While Litquake also describes the event as “Getting drunk…on words,” many venues were open to all ages and not limited to 21 plus. The second phase, taking place from 7:00-7:45, featured a moving recitation of poetry at Spin Cycle Records on Broadway, hosting members of Jack Straw Poetry.

The Jack Straw Writers Program was created in 1997 with the goal of introducing writers to recorded audio by honing their skills in recorded and live readings. The packed record store hosted four artists who performed their poetry—some accompanied by music. This different type of reading allowed for a different type of experience, and the crowd was energetic and supportive, snapping and showing praise for especially meaningful lines.

Seattle University faculty also got involved with the event. During the fifth phase, creative writing professor Susan Meyers read alongside Felicia Gonzales and Roberto Ascalon at Ada’s Technical Books. Sonora Jha, a professor in the Communications Department, read during the first phase at 6 p.m. in a session titled “Here, by Way of.”

This literary night occurs only once a year, but there are still many ways to get involved in Seattle’s literary scene. The renovated Hugo House is not only a space for a night out, but its doors are open to the writers and literature-lovers of the city, hosting free events and lectures, keeping Seattle at the top of the nation’s literary scene for years to come.

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