 Kirkland library experts Meredith Selfon and Amy Faulkner give us the inside scoop on local library resources that might surprise you, from Mandarin story times and crafternoons to snagging bestsellers and accessing newspapers from around the globe. Check it out.
 The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will hold a public hearing on minor zoning code amendments related to the Houghton Village Development Plan. Public hearings start with a brief staff presentation about the topic, followed by remarks by members of the public to the Council. Later in the meeting after the public hearing, the Council will consider the code amendments that would allow for up to five stories if a developer follows the City’s adopted Development Plan for the property.
- Relatedly, Council will consider authorizing the city manager to put the Houghton Village property up for sale in 2026.
- Council will receive an update on staff’s implementation of Transportation Strategic Plan programs.
- Council will discuss vacation and management leave for non-represented staff as a retention effort.
- Council will also consider authorizing the Fire Department to receive compliance reporting fees.
Prior to the Business Agenda, the Study Session will include:
- An overview of Municipal Court caseloads, financial obligations, release, and bail as part of an ongoing review of the local criminal justice system.
- As well as a joint meeting with the Transportation Commission to discuss the 2026–2027 work plan.
Meeting details:
The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session. The agenda for the February 3 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
 King County 2025 Best Books list showcases more than 140 standout titles recommended by staff from across its 50 community libraries. The selections from 2025 span six categories — adult fiction and nonfiction, plus kids, teen, audiobook and Spanish language titles — offering something for readers of all ages and interests.
Library patrons can access the full lists by visiting the Best Books website and can add books for pick up at a KCLS location or borrow electronically through the Libby app. Solve a mystery, come of age amongst the gods, and travel to the underworld with some of KCLS’ top adult fiction picks. For the full lists and more library staff recommendations, visit KCLS.org/bestbooks.
 Bloodworks Northwest has declared a Code Red, which means that they have less than a one-to two-day supply of critical blood types and platelets available.
One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, plasma, or platelets to people in need. It takes 1,000 donors a day to keep up with the demand for blood. Bloodworks Northwest has 38,000 open donation appointments through the end of February, nearly 23,000 of which must be filled by Valentine’s Day to stabilize the blood supply. Donation appointments can be scheduled at your convenience and take about an hour. Here are upcoming blood drives in Kirkland:
To find and schedule a donation appointment for other dates and locations, please go to https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/geo/
 Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a current business owner looking to take your business to the next level? For the third year in a row, the Kirkland Workshops and Pitch Competition is now accepting applications!
Build the knowledge and confidence you need to start or grow your business. This challenge offers an ideal setting for hands-on application of practical business tools and opportunities to clearly communicate the benefits your business offers.
- Basics of Business | February 10, 2026
- Lean Canvas Business Plan and Market Research | February 17, 2026
- The Business of Finances for Small Businesses | February 24, 2026
- Marketing and More | March 3, 2026
- Preparing to Pitch | March 10, 2026
- Pitch Competition | March 24, 2026 | Open to the Public
These workshops provide potential, micro, and small businesses with the groundwork needed to be successful as they launch their businesses. Each workshop will stress the need for tangible achievements and intentional networking that will build the support needed to be successful as a small business owner.
2026 Application for Business for Participation in Workshops and Pitch Competition
Learn more here.
 Has someone used your personal information to open accounts, steal your tax refund, or file fake health insurance claims? That’s identity theft. It can happen to anyone—but you can take steps to protect yourself.
Five ways to help protect your information:
- Shred mail and documents that contain personal or financial information.
- Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your card and ask if another form of ID can be used.
- Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
- Use strong, unique passwords and only enter payment information on secure websites (“https”).
- Regularly review bank statements and check your credit report at least once a year - it’s free through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Visit our website for more identity theft prevention tips: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/Crime-Prevention-Tips
If a fire starts in your home, you may have as little as one or two minutes to get out safely once a smoke alarm sounds. In those critical moments, everyone needs to know what to do and where to go. When every second counts, a practiced plan helps turn quick decisions into safe actions.
A survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that while 71% of Americans say they have a fire escape plan, fewer than half have practiced it—leaving only about one in three households truly prepared. The Kirkland Fire Department encourages families to take a little time now to make an escape plan and set a date to practice it when everyone is home.
Start with these key steps:
- Make the plan. Get everyone together and draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Mark the locations of smoke alarms. There should be a smoke alarm in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
- Know two ways out. Identify at least two exits from every room, if possible, and make sure doors and windows can open easily.
- Choose a meeting place. Pick an outdoor spot a safe distance from your home—like a tree or mailbox—where everyone knows to meet.
- Practice different exits. Make sure everyone can get out using more than one route.
- Plan for kids. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Close doors behind you. A closed door can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Practice twice a year. Run fire drills with everyone at home, during the day and at night.
If your smoke alarm goes off:
- Get out of the house immediately—and stay out. Do not go back inside for people or pets.
- If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest exit.
- Call 911 once you are safely outside.
Your ability to escape safely during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. Taking a few simple steps now can make a life-saving difference later.
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 Lights on the Totem Lake Connector were switched to beam with blue and green pride last week. Did Kirkland's tribute play a role in the Seahawks beating the Rams and securing the NFC Championship? Who's to say? The lights will continue to shine as the Seahawks head to the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade. Let’s go! 🏈
Do you have one hour a week to make a difference in a child's life? Join the LINKS Lunch Buddy Program and connect with students who need a caring adult. As a mentor, you'll visit during school hours once a week to:
- Eat lunch together
- Play games
- Make crafts
- Chat
- Engage in other fun activities
Your presence and support can provide the one-on-one attention that helps students feel engaged, supported, and challenged. This can boost their confidence and equip them with skills for lifelong success, both in school and beyond. Research shows that children with mentors are more likely to thrive!
For more information about LINKS, visit lwsd.org/LINKS.
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Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
 Penny Sweet's Retirement Party
Date: Friday, January 30
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lakeside Christian Church, 701 1st St in Kirkland
You're Invited! Help celebrate Penny Sweet's 16 years of serving on the Kirkland City Council! Friday, January 30, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Lakeside Christian Church at 701 1st St in Kirkland. Hope to see you there!
 Wheels & Reels Winter Drive-In Movie Series
Date: February 7, March 7, & April 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park
February 7 – Twisters March 7 – Lilo and Stitch (live action) April 11 – Mufasa: The Lion King
Cozy Up for the 2026 Winter Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach Park! Grab your blankets, load up the car, and enjoy a magical movie night under the winter sky! Watch family-friendly films (PG-13 and under) on our giant 17-foot LED screen. All ages are welcome, but parents are encouraged to review movie titles ahead of time for suitability.
This event happens rain or shine (no refunds), so come prepared! Cars and trucks are welcome, but please leave the limos, RVs, buses, and alcohol at home, and please no tailgating. Registration is $20 per vehicle and is required ahead of time for attendance. Please register based on your vehicle size to ensure the best viewing experience for everyone. The parking lot opens at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m.
Register now at www.kirklandparks.net or visit www.kirklandwa.gov/communitybuildingevents for more details.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
Come celebrate Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse.This festive community event will feature light refreshments, hands-on arts and crafts, and a variety of cultural performances presented by the Seattle Chinese Arts Group and Mak Fai Lion Dance Association. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore an educational gallery showcasing the rich history and traditions of Lunar New Year. Whether you're familiar with the holiday or curious to learn more, this celebration offers something for everyone. The event is free and open to all, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy an afternoon of fun, learning, and cultural connection. For more information, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3300.
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Are your pets prepared for a disaster? Remember to plan for them and create a kit - they’re also part of the family. Check out our Let's Chat video to learn how.
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