Comics and Friends at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor will be hosting some artists and authors this month for the "Christmas Creator Cavalcade." Check out who and when will be appearing in front of the store:

• Sean Forney, 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13
• Michael Sangiacomo and Chris Lambert, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14
• Dave Nestler, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 15
• Chris Lambert, 2 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18
• Thom Zahler, 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21
• Joe Corroney, noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 22

Author Karen Harden of Burton has published her memoir "Been There, Survived That," out this week. Information from a news release:

This week, author Karen Harden celebrates the nationwide release of her new memoir, “Been There, Survived That,” where she explores the importance of human emotions and how these emotions shape people to who and what they are.
Words, to some, are just words; but to many, they hold so much meaning. Many believe that words can never hurt anyone, but in truth, they can. Words can also express such joy that people sometimes can’t help but to express themselves. Who would people be without these feelings and emotions, and why is it so important to have them? People had emotions since day one, but emotions show as people grow. To grow means that these feelings and emotions have made people who they are.
In ways that are sometimes hard to express, Harden wants to share with readers that life has its many ups and downs, but people are able to bounce back and move forward. She hopes that this book can, in some way, help them in some form or other.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher atwww.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Thanks to everyone who entered our #nh140 contest for a chance to win Patrick J. O'Connor's book "Meet Me at Ray's: A Celebration of Ray's Place in Kent, Ohio" (Black Squirrel Books).

The winning tweet, from Brittany Nader:

I eat at @RaysPlaceKent weekly, and my favorite thing is always the jerk fries! Om nom nom. #nh140
— Brittany Nader (@bnader1337) December 9, 2013

The Geauga County Public Library staff has made its picks for favorite books of 2013, and is publishing them on the library's Facebook page every day in December.

According to a news release:

Our Youth Services department is choosing the best new picture books as well as selections for emerging readers and young adults. Adult Services, Circulation, Technical Services and Information Technology staff are sharing their favorite picks of fiction, nonfiction, essay, cooking and more for all ages.

Check out the picks by visiting or liking Geauga County Public Library on Facebook.