Speaker Series

The Shaw Island Speaker Series brings writers, artists, historians, scientists, and neighbors together for events that explore the social, cultural, and natural history of Shaw Island and the wider world.

Voices From the Island

About the Speaker Series

The Shaw Island Library and Historical Society hosts an ongoing Speaker Series. Authors, artists, scientists, and others share their expertise with the Shaw community.

Each year, one author is invited as the Shaw Reads author to discuss a notable book available at the Library. Community members are encouraged to read and discuss this book prior to the Shaw Reads event.

Speaker Series events are open to the public free of charge. They provide a welcoming venue for the community to gather to learn, meet, and connect.

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Speaker series
Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Speakers

The Speaker Series hosts talks and programs throughout the year. Events may take place in the library, the community building, outdoors on the grounds, or online. Most are free and open to the public, thanks to generous community support.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

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June 27, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Dave O'Hare & Kate Schuman

Children's Book Authors Forum
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

Dave O’Hare, of Lopez Island, and Kate Schuman, of Shaw Island, will present their books and discuss the process of making children’s books from concept to publication and marketing. No registration required. Dave O’Hare...

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July 11, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Cycles of Life: How Tides, Seasons and Orbits Shape the Habitability of Other Planets

Dr. Eryn M. Cangi, Research Scientist, University of Colorado Boulder
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

Summary:Planetary interactions are key to shaping our life on Earth, and we all have a deep understanding of it—even if the connection isn’t obvious! The rotation of Earth directs winds, hurricanes, and weather;...

Chris Elias, Seattle, WA, December 12,
July 25, 2026 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Christopher J. Elias, MD, MPH

Discover how Chris and his team are transforming lives
Location:
Shaw Island Library Back Lawn

President, Global Development Division, Gates Foundation. Dr. Chris Elias is the president of the Global Development Division, where he leads the foundation’s efforts in a diverse range of program areas aimed at finding...

Self portrait drawing
August 8, 2026 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tessa Hulls

2026 Shaw Reads Author
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir, 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Memoir Author and multidisciplinary artist Tessa Hulls is an artist/writer/adventurer illuminating the connections between the present and the past. Her graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts...

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