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

The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.


Lupus Foundation of America Willougby Area Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183 or www.lupuscleveland.org.


The annual summer book sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins Aug. 3 with a members' preview from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The sale will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Bag day - when a bag will be $3 - will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs, and purchases at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road.


Preschoolers Down Under will be 6:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Children's Theater at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Preschoolers will enjoy a program full of stories, activities and crafts related to Australia. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


Mentor Library's end-of-summer party will be 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Read House, next to the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. Bring the family and celebrate the end of a the summer reading program. Features include putt-putt, ice cream and a steel drum band.


The Chardon Friends of the Library will have its annual Arts Festival Book Sale in the library's Bostwick Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6, and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. The members' only preview will be 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 6; you can join the Friends or renew membership at the door. Details: 440-285-7601. The library is located on Chardon Square.


The Friends of Kirtland Library has planned a Community Yard and Bake Sale for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Rent a space on the library lawn to sell your treasures. A 12-foot-by-12-foot space is $20, and a corner space is $25. Details: 440-256-7323.


A UFO talk with Thomas Wertman, chief field investigator with the Mutual UFO Network of Ohio, will be 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. He will speak about his involvement with UFO investigations and sightings in and around Ohio. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


The Mayfield Drive-In Theater and Geauga County Public Library will present Library Night at the Drive-In on Aug. 7. The movies to be shown are "The Smurfs" (rated PG) at 8:45 p.m. and "Zookeeper" (rated PG) at 10:25 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Sound will be broadcast over an FM radio channel. Admission fee will be $15 per carload for the event. If outside food or beverage is being brought into the theater, a $5 permit must be purchased at the box office in addition to the admission fee. Special events include appearances by the Geauga County Public Library Bookmobile, so it is suggested that patrons bring their library card. The Geauga County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Munson Township Fire Department and rescue squads, University Hospital's Life Flight helicopter, Captain Jack Sparrow and Herbie the Love Bug are scheduled to be present. The theater is at 12091 Mayfield Road in Chardon.

Coming up

Learn how to operate Microsoft Publisher basics at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The August computer classes will be 6 p.m. Aug. 8 or 11 a.m. Aug. 9. Seating is limited to 10 people. To register, call 440-255-8811 ext. 215.


Beginning Homeschooling with tips to decide if homeschooling is right for your family and what you need to think about to get started homeschooling will be 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 in the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


A three-part Basic Computer Training class will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, 16 and 23 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn the basics of the computer, Internet, email and word processing. The free classes are funded by a grant though Everyone Connect Ohio. Find more information or register at 440-259-330 or www.perrypubliclibrary.org.


Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for Aug. 9. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Karate for Kids will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Curious about karate or want to learn more about martial arts? Visit the library for a karate demonstration presented by Mentor Karate. No registration is necessary. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


The Prisoners will perform a concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The Prisoners will perform on the Read House Grounds for an end-of-summer band concert. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12, 13 and 15. Details: 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.


Burton Library's annual Community Appreciation Night is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the library, 14588 W. Park St. The Little Brothers (early blues from the deep South) and the Dust Busters (old-time string band) will perform. Weather permitting, the event will be in the Reading Garden. Refreshments will be served, and the library will remain open until 9 p.m. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.


Dick Goddard will speak about his new book, "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy," at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Goddard will talk about his book and tell some of his favorite stories from 50 years in television. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


An Intro to Digital Photography will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Frances Cleveland Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This class is designed to introduce attendees to the basics of digital photography. The instructors will talk about different types of cameras, basic exposure techniques and tips on how to improve photographs. Guests are welcome to bring their camera and manual. Details: 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.


The computer class Mousing 101 will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and 29 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The class will teach you how to use the computer mouse, as well as other basic components of the computer. For more information or to register, call 440-259-3300.


A Book Club for Men will discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Join male readers to discuss "Garbage Land: on the Secret Trail of Trash" by Elizabeth Royte. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, please go to the Information Services desk or for more information call the library at 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Ongoing events

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.


Works of art for the sixth annual juried art show hosted by the Geauga Council for Arts & Culture will be accepted from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Categories in the show include oil or acrylic, watercolor, photography and other media. Artists in Northeast Ohio, professional or amateur, who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to enter. Cash awards will be given for Best of Show and first and second places in each category. Awards will be presented at a reception Aug. 10. Entry forms are available at the Geauga West Library and online at www.geaugaartscouncil.org. For details, call 440-286-9549 or 440-537-3344 or email presidentgcac@gmail.com.


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

The release of the final installment in the "Harry Potter" films led me to this month's LitSoup question:

Which is better: The book or the movie?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Jean Bonchak:

In most cases for me, a movie is a disappointing portrayal of a book. “White Oleander” and “The Notebook” are both examples of this. After being intrigued and thoroughly enjoying those stories via reading, their associated movies seemed to lack so much depth and emotion. They seemed flat. Maybe it’s the imagination which can flourish without boundaries while reading. In movies, the viewer is somewhat confined to what is seen on the screen.

Danielle Capriato:

I could go on for days on why I don’t like to compare film adaptations to the original book. I like to consider movies a separate interpretation of the story—a new and sometimes completely different way of visualizing what happened. Movies and books are entirely different forms of storytelling—as the cliché stands, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. One can never expect a movie to mimic a book exactly, so for the most part I try not to compare them at all. And in some cases I’ve seen movies that have inspired me to read the book (“My Sister’s Keeper” is one example). Either way I try to remain open-minded and unbiased about what I am reading or watching. While it is often hard to go into a movie based on a beloved book—such as “Harry Potter,” of course—and not worry about things that weren’t exactly like the book, or things that weren’t how I pictured them, I do my best. Therefore, I don’t know if I can answer this question the way it is meant to be. Were, for example, the “Harry Potter” books enjoyable? They were amazing, and worth reading no matter who you are or how old you are. Were the films good, too? Absolutely. Can I definitively say the books were “better” than the movies? No, because they were too different to compare. (But I think I’ll reread the books more times than I will rewatch the movies, if that means anything.)

Jeff Frischkorn:

I’ve always been disappointed in the way television and the movies portray the characters found in books. Always. Even a film like “Planet of the Apes” is much, much better in the book form of the same name. And “Big Red” was so different that you’d think the book and the movie only shared the same name and not much else. Maybe the closest of the two is Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” But not too many more.

Rachel Jackson:

For me, it totally depends on the situation – who acted or directed, who authored, etc. A fabulous story in the wrong hands can have tragic outcomes.
That said, I’m far more likely to read the book after I’ve seen the movie/miniseries. As someone who’s still rediscovering the joys of reading (that’s for a whole other blog post), I find it’s easier to slog through the book when I already have visuals or voices in mind for the characters. The Precious Ramotswe series (by Alexander McCall Smith) is a good example of this. The books move at a slow, easy pace; so does the TV series, but at least with the TV version I was able to get hooked on the characters more quickly. Then I went back and revisited the books. I had a similar experience with the Joe Leaphorn series (by Tony Hillerman), but for different reasons.

Janet Podolak:

I think the book is almost always better because it requires more engagement in the story and interpretations of its characters and events on the part of the reader.

Cheryl Sadler:

I always want to read the book before I see the movie, but then I'm always disappointed by the movie. I don't know why I do that to myself, fully knowing that the movie is not going to be everything I loved about the book. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is a good example of this: I looooooved the book, and I enjoyed the movie but was ultimately disappointed at all of the detail that was cut out. The movie is only 107 minutes and seemed like a lot had been left on the editing room floor. Even though the movie wasn't going to be the true telling of the book, I kind of wish they had kept in a little bit more, to make the movie just a little bit longer, and to keep in some of the details that were left out - details that I thought helped to tell the story and might have led to confusion for any viewers who had not read the book.

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This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an email or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

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

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

The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362.


Learn how to sign in to your account on Willowick Library's new web catalog at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the library, 263 E. 305th St. The program will include demonstrations on how to search for items, place requests, manage your account, and begin using its new features. Details: 440-943-4151 or welibrary.info.


The Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will host a used book sale at the library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland, from July 25 through July 28. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon July 25, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. July 25, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and July 27. On July 28, a bag of books will be offered for $5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.


Books of Aurora will provide an inventory of new books for the annual summer book fair benefiting the Friends of the Bainbridge Library. The fair will take place from July 27 to 29 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Children ages 3 and older and their families can participate in the presentation of "Papa Dieux's Well: A Folktale from Haiti" at 7 p.m. July 27 outside the Bainbridge Library. The presentation is free and open to the public. Details: www.geaugalibrary.net and www.bookofaurora.com or call the library at 440-543-5611.

Coming up

The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.


Lupus Foundation of America Willougby Area Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183 or www.lupuscleveland.org.


The annual summer book sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins Aug. 3 with a members' preview from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The sale will be open to the public rom 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Bag day - when a bag will be $3 - will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs, and purchases at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road.


The Chardon Friends of the Library will have its annual Arts Festival Book Sale in the library's Bostwick Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6, and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. The members' only preview will be 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 6; you can join the Friends or renew membership at the door. Details: 440-285-7601. The library is located on Chardon Square.


The Friends of Kirtland Library has planned a Community Yard and Bake Sale for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Rent a space on the library lawn to sell your treasures. A 12-foot-by-12-foot space is $20, and a corner space is $25. Details: 440-256-7323.


The Mayfield Drive-In Theater and Geauga County Public Library will present Library Night at the Drive-In on Aug. 7. The movies to be shown are "The Smurfs" (rated PG) at 8:45 p.m. and "Zookeeper" (rated PG) at 10:25 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Sound will be broadcast over an FM radio channel. Admission fee will be $15 per carload for the event. If outside food or beverage is being brought into the theater, a $5 permit must be purchased at the box office in addition to the admission fee. Special events include appearances by the Geauga County Public Library Bookmobile, so it is suggested that patrons bring their library card. The Geauga County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Munson Township Fire Department and rescue squads, University Hospital's Life Flight helicopter, Captain Jack Sparrow and Herbie the Love Bug are scheduled to be present. The theater is at 12091 Mayfield Road in Chardon.

Ongoing events

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.


Freegal Music Service has been purchased by the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library to allow its card holders to download three free songs per week. Freegal Music Service is available through a home or library computer. New music is added daily, and the content is based on a license with Sony Music Entertainment, owner of 54 music labels. The service must be accessed through the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s homepage at www.welibrary.info. Users will be asked to enter their library card number and can then begin searching for songs. Downloads do not time out or need to be returned. To obtain a library card, stop by the Eastlake, Willoughby, Willowick or Willoughby Hills library with a picture ID and a document verifying a current address (if it is different from your picture ID).


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

I'm terrible at dealing with scary things, but I had to read "Haunted Willoughby, Ohio" by Cathi Weber. Staff Writer Janet Podolak wrote about Weber on Halloween last year (quite fitting!).

I couldn't read the book before bed because I'm that much of a scaredy-cat. The stories were scary enough to give me chills on a hot summer day.

Weber tells ghost stories about several sites in Willoughby, including the history of the place, who lived or worked there, and who is rumored to be haunting each location. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are images from the past and present, to help readers place the spooky stories.

Podolak's story detailed Weber's haunting coverage:

Her recent book tells stories of Willoughby's history and details spiritual encounters at Willoughby Coal & Supply, the Willoughby Brewing Co., the Homestead House Bed & Breakfast, Willoughby Masonic Temple, the Willoughby Public Library and Charter One Bank. It tells the story of the Girl in Blue, who is buried in Willoughby Cemetery; recounts the gruesome past of the Willoughby Medical College; and tells about the ghosts that haunt Van Gorder Manor. Each chapter concludes with the address of the place she's detailed and a website where readers can glean more information.

If any of that interests you, be sure to pick up the book. Even if you don't believe in this sort of thing, the stories about places you have been will leave you with goosebumps -- and might make you think twice the next time you pass one of these locations. I'm already antsy about seeing the Charter One Bank when I return this book to the Willoughby Public Library -- and I'll surely be looking for ghosts as I do it.


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

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

Mentor Library will feature an introduction to acupuncture from 7 to 8 p.m. July 18 at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Austin Homrighaus of Lake Erie Acupuncture will present an alternative approach to health care targeting the body, mind and spirit via acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Registration is required; call the library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Madison Library's 2011 Wine Country Fundraiser will be 5 to 7 p.m. July 18 at Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, 5750 S. Madison Road. The event will include wine from Grand River and Debonne, beer from the Cellar Rats Brewery, and a buffet of hot and cold appetizers. Also part of the fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and a door prize. Tickets are $25 a person and on sale at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, as well as available at the door. Click here to read more about the event, or get more information from the library at 440-428-2189 or madison-library.info.


"What's in Your Pantry?!" a wellness program, will be at 7 p.m. July 19 at Perry Library, 9753 Main St. Dr. Misty Senz of the Family Chiropractic Center in Perry will outline good nutritional choices for a busy family. Senz is a holistic health practitioner and chiropractic physician. Her practice emphasizes restoring natural health to families and teaching good nutritional choices. Snacks will be available. Register for the free program at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.


Jump Start Your Job Search will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 19 at Willoughby Library 30 Public Square. Attend the free session to learn about the free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register at 440-943-3200.


Former World War II POW Harry Guinther will present "The Greatest Victory" at 7 p.m. July 19 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Guinther joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. shortly after his 19th birthday and trained as a radio operator and aerial gunner on a Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft. He will tell his personal stories as an airman, including his two daring escapes from imprisonment.
A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Call the Middlefield Library at 440-632-1961 to register for this presentation.


The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will hold a large book/audio visual sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 22, 23 and 25 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The Friends also will raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning July 22. For details, call 440-942-3200.


The Friends of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22. Summer beach reading, cookbooks, military books, Christmas in July are a few of the featured offerings. Details: 440-209-9952.


The Friends of the Burton Library will have a members-only preview book sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 23. Memberships can be purchased on that day. Friends of the Burton Library will hold a book sale in the library basement from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30. Items for sale include books, magazines, movies, music, maps, puzzles and vintage items. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.


Around the World in 80 Stories with Magical Storyteller Tess Shimko will be at 2 p.m. July 23 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Tess and Marshmallow the Magic Rabbit will show how books let you travel the world. Register at 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.

Coming up

The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362.


Learn how to sign in to your account on Willowick Library's new web catalog at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the library, 263 E. 305th St. The program will include demonstrations on how to search for items, place requests, manage your account, and begin using its new features. Details: 440-943-4151 or welibrary.info.


The Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will host a used book sale at the library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland, from July 25 through July 28. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon July 25, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. July 25, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and July 27. On July 28, a bag of books will be offered for $5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.


The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Ongoing events

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.


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

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

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for July 11. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Uncovering the Hidden Job Market will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 12 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of your job search by using a combination of research and networking to find jobs that are not advertised and to meet the people who can help you get them. Call 440-942-3200 to register for this free program. www.welibrary.info


The World of Dementia will be 1 to 2 p.m. July 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Linda Bliss, R.N., will walk attendees through the world of dementia to give them a better understanding of their reality and the symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia. She will also give attendees the tools to manage the behaviors and communicate with people with dementia. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215, or www.mentorpl.org.


Meet "Paris Wife" author Paula McLain, of Cleveland Heights, at 7 p.m. July 14 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Her story focuses on the lives of Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain will read from her novel, and sell and sign copies. The free program is open to all but registration is required at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.


The Indian Museum, 25 Public Square, Willoughby, will feature story telling by Doris Straka from 1 to 4 p.m. July 16. She is going to be telling Native American tales from several different areas, suitable for all ages. Straka is a story teller certified by the Smithsonian. For details, call 440-951-3813.

Coming up

Madison Library's 2011 Wine Country Fundraiser will be 5 to 7 p.m. July 18 at Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, 5750 S. Madison Road. The event will include wine from Grand River and Debonne, beer from the Cellar Rats Brewery, and a buffet of hot and cold appetizers. Also part of the fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and a door prize. Tickets are $25 a person and on sale at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, as well as available at the door. Click here to read more about the event, or get more information from the library at 440-428-2189 or madison-library.info.


Jump Start Your Job Search will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 19 at Willoughby Library 30 Public Square. Attend the free session to learn about the free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register at 440-943-3200.


Former World War II POW Harry Guinther will present "The Greatest Victory" at 7 p.m. July 19 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Guinther joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. shortly after his 19th birthday and trained as a radio operator and aerial gunner on a Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft. He will tell his personal stories as an airman, including his two daring escapes from imprisonment.
A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Call the Middlefield Library at 440-632-1961 to register for this presentation.


The Friends of the Burton Library will have a members-only preview book sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 23. Memberships can be purchased on that day. Friends of the Burton Library will hold a book sale in the library basement from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30. Items for sale include books, magazines, movies, music, maps, puzzles and vintage items. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.


The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362. welibrary.info.

Ongoing events

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 benefitted 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.


The Fairport Harbor Public Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications or résumés for an opening on the Library Board of Trustees for the term ending Dec. 31, 2015. All residents of Fairport Harbor are eligible. Applications are available at the library, 335 Vine St. Applications must be returned to the library no later than July 15.


A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.


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

"Paris Wife" author Paula McLain will be at Perry Public Library beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The Cleveland Heights author will read from her best-selling novel as well as sell and sign copies.
"The Paris Wife" focuses on the lives of Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley Richardson.
Read my review here.
Register now for the free program. Call 440-259-3300 or go to www.perrypubliclibrary.org.
You'll find the Perry library at 3753 Main St.

-Tricia Ambrose

Raise your hand if you've ever picked up a book whose jacket touted that you wouldn't be able to put it down, that it was a page-turner, that it would blow you away.
Now, put your hand down if you've ever been disappointed by those words.
Those of you with your hands still raised must have read "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave.
I enjoyed a lot of wonderful books on my recent vacation. Some were diverting beach reads, some were fascinating works of nonfiction, some were beautifully crafted stories.
None stuck with me the way "Little Bee" did.
The title character is a Nigerian refugee who meets up with the one woman she "knows" in England.
How their stories intertwine will leave you speechless. (Have I gushed enough yet?!)
I'd be interested to hear what others thought of their story. Please share your reactions.
Get the reading group guide for "Little Bee" here.

Here's a glimpse of Little Bee:

"There was a white girl in the newspaper photo and she was topless. You know what I mean when I say this, because it is your language we are speaking. But if I was telling this story to my big sister Nkiruka and the other girls from my village back home then I would have to stop, right here, and explain to them: topless does not mean, the lady in the newspaper did not have an upper body. It means she was not wearing any garments on her upper body. You see the difference?"

How can you not be instantly charmed?

Meet the author and let him show you London: 

 - Tricia Ambrose

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

The Willoughby Area Support Group for the Lupus Foundation of America Inc., Greater Cleveland Chapter, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183.

Coming up

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for July 11. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Uncovering the Hidden Job Market will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 12 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of your job search by using a combination of research and networking to find jobs that are not advertised and to meet the people who can help you get them. Call 440-942-3200 to register for this free program. www.welibrary.info


The World of Dementia will be 1 to 2 p.m. July 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Linda Bliss, R.N., will walk attendees through the world of dementia to give them a better understanding of their reality and the symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia. She will also give attendees the tools to manage the behaviors and communicate with people with dementia. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215, or www.mentorpl.org.

Ongoing events

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 benefitted 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.


An art exhibit featuring an array of work done by hemodialysis patients participating in art therapy and activities at Centers for Dialysis Care in Mentor will take place in July at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville.


A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.


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