Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

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This week

Playaways now are part of Geauga County Public Library’s lending options. A Playaway is a portable, all-in-one format audio book. It is high-definition audio that does not need a separate player. The orange-boxed devices come pre-loaded and ready to start, making it easy to borrow from a library and use right away. Geauga County Public Library is adding Playaways to the Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West and Middlefield libraries. They are already available at Bainbridge Library, and Playaway representatives will be at the other locations to demonstrate the device. A demonstration will be 9 a.m. to noon June 22 at Geauga West Library. Titles include recent best-sellers, young adult and children's books. Individuals also may access the library catalog at www.geaugalibrary.net and search Playaway to check available titles.


Crossroads will hold a Family Story Time from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 22 at its Early Childhood Services Center, 1083 Mentor Ave. in Painesville. The family friendly event will feature books, crafts and a snack. The event is geared for children up to age 8 and their parents or caregivers. The event is free, but registration is required. Those interested should call 440-358-7370. The Crossroads Early Childhood Services Center provides a broad range of behavioral health services to children from birth to age 5. Crossroads is a nonprofit organization providing behavioral health services to children and their families.


President Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by historian John King, will speak at the next meeting of the Willoughby Historical Society to commemorate the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War. Lincoln will discuss aspects of his early life and his role throughout the Civil War up to the fateful evening at Ford Theatre. The event will be 7 pm. June 22 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The event is free and open to the public.

Coming up

Hillcrest Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., Euclid. Visit www.hillcrestconcertband.org.

Ongoing events

Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, will host the traveling exhibit "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965" through July 1. Only 55 libraries across the U.S. were selected to host the exhibit, which is composed of eight colorful double-sided panels filled with text and photographs highlighting the spirit of the musical era. The Bainbridge Library is offering a variety of free programs to enhance the exhibit experience. On June 3, Bill Rudman will present the grand opening for the exhibit with "Jewish Songwriters United: Their Impact on the American Musical" as an after-hours special event at 7:30 p.m. Larry Sheir, cantor at the Westside Temple Beth Israel, will present the grand finale "From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway" at 7 p.m. June 28. Also, the library will show movie musicals that showcase the songwriters included in the exhibit at 2 p.m. on Fridays in June. For more information on the event, call 440-543-5611.


The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefited the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl