Geauga County Library Foundation will host its Distinguished Speaker — Craig Johnson — at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Notre Dame Education Center. More information from a news release:

Craig Johnson, popular Western writer of Walt Longmire series, to speak at Distinguished Speaker event
Event includes wine-and-cheese reception Sat., Nov. 16 at Notre Dame Educational Center
Geauga County – Oct. 1, 2013 – Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire mysteries, is this year’s Geauga County Library Foundation Distinguished Speaker. A wine-and-cheese reception with the author begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame Education Center (13000 Auburn Road / Munson) auditorium Sat., Nov. 16. Johnson’s presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the reception and program cost $20. Tickets for the program only cost $5. Tickets for the event are available at all GCPL locations starting Sept. 30. *
Johnson’s Longmire mysteries are set in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, where aging Sheriff Walt Longmire’s unique blend of humor, empathy, and pathos drives his investigations as well as his interactions with his lifelong friend, Henry Standing Bear; his fiery deputy, Vic (Victoria) Moretti; his daughter, Cady (a Philadelphia attorney); and his dog, Dog. Readers have called his novels beautifully written and very accessible.
The Longmire mysteries in chronological order are: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man’s Moccasins, Dark Horse, Junkyard Dogs, Hell Is Empty, As the Crow Flies, and A Serpent’s Tooth. The novella Spirit of Steamboat will be released in October 2013. He has also published eBook stories for Kindle and Nook: “Christmas in Absaroka County,” “Divorce Horse,” and “Messenger.” Visit his website (http://www.craigallenjohnson.com) for more information.
Based on the Walt Longmire mysteries, the television series “Longmire” recently finished its second season on A&E and has been renewed for a third year. It airs Mondays at 10 p.m.
The Walt Longmire series is available at GCPL in print and audio formats. GCPL also has the complete first season of the television series Longmire on DVD. Check out copies today and prepare for what promises to be a highly entertaining evening.
Check our website or Facebook page for more information. The Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by The Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries.
*Tickets to the wine-and-cheese reception ($20) must be purchased at a GCPL location by Monday, Nov. 11. Program tickets ($5) are available at all GCPL locations through Nov. 16 and will be on sale at the door as well. 

Meet local author Brian McClellan at Geauga West Library for his debut book launch

Author to award prizes to three high-school students for essay contest

Geauga County – March 22, 2013 – Geauga County Public Library and the Geauga County Library Foundation are pleased to celebrate the debut novel of Geauga County’s newest novelist.

What:    Book launch for Promise of Blood
 High-school writing contest prizes awarded for essay on “What’s Your Big Dream?”

Where:                   Geauga West Library

When:    Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Former West Geauga High School student Brian McClellan (class of 2004) had a dream when he was 16 to become a successful novelist. Nearly ten years later, he’s living his dream. His first epic fantasy novel, Promise of Blood, is being published internationally by Orbit April 16, 2013. He’s working on two other books to complete the trilogy.

Meet Brian at his book launch party at Geauga West Library. He will read a short excerpt of his book at 7 p.m. and be available to sign copies for purchase ($23.99).

Additionally, Brian will award prizes to the top three local high-school students for their essays on the topic: “What’s Your Big Dream?” Students were asked to submit short essays that describe their aspirations and how they overcome their obstacles. Brian, who judged the essays, was impressed with the energy and quality of writing. “Looking over these essays reminded me of my time in high school,” McClellan says, “when I would hang out in libraries and read everything I could get my hands on, especially fantasy and science fiction. I dreamed about the time when I would hopefully realize my big dream, seeing my novels published, read and enjoyed. I’m thrilled to be taking that big step now. I hope the young writers I judged will also realize their dreams.”

Students from all of Geauga County were encouraged to enter the contest to sharpen their writing skills and have a chance to win some great prizes including an iPod Touch and iTunes gift cards. The contest is sponsored by the Geauga County Library Foundation.

About the Geauga County Public Library

The Geauga County Public Library includes four full-service community libraries in Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West (Chesterland) and Middlefield; two library stations housed in schools in Newbury and Thompson; one Bookmobile that serves farms, nursing homes and nursery schools; and one administrative center where technical services, computer services, facilities and administrative functions reside.  GCPL has more than 500,000 books and e-books. The collection also contains more than 100,000 audio / video items and 400 research databases available through its website. Learn more about the Geauga County Public Library at www.geaugalibrary.net. 

 — Information from a Geauga County Public Library news release

 

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

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

“Ten Steps to Living with Lupus” meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Reservations are required for each step at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org.


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

Coming up

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.


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.

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. 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. 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 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

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

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.


The Mentor Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will meet at 10:30 a.m. at Border's Books, Music, Movies and Cafe, 9565 Mentor Ave., Mentor. The group is open to anyone who either has or is affected by multiple sclerosis. Details: kathysoke@aol.com.


Join Linda Bliss, R.N., of Kemper House, as she returns to Mentor Public Library to discuss managing conflicts in families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This free event will be at at 1 p.m. Nov. 9 in the lower level Garfield Room of the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. Call 440-255-8811 to register, or contact Grace Sims for more details at grace.sims@mentorpl.org.


Monique Noonan and Hillary Cavotta with Quilts & Sew Forth of Mentor will be at Perry Public Library from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Nov. 9 teaching participants to assemble Christmas angels from a kit. Participants must pay a $10 kit fee at the time of workshop. No experience is necessary, and all fabric and embellishment materials are provided. Please bring your own hand sewing kit. In addition, you can enjoy a quilt trunk show. Details: http://perrypubliclibrary.org, or Susan Traub at straub@perry.lib.oh.us, 440-259-3300.


The Fall Book Sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins Nov. 10 with the Members’ Preview from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13, which is $3 Bag Day. A variety of books and media will be available. Books are priced at 25 cents for adult and children’s pocket-sized paperbacks, 50 cents for children’s hard backed books, and $1 for adult hardbacks and oversized paperbacks. Special books, such as collector books, first editions and recent best sellers are priced individually. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the on-going adult and children’s’ programs at the Geauga West Library. Geauga West Library is located at 13455 Chillicothe Road. (More details on books available found here.)


Lake Health is hosting a book launch and signing for music therapists Susan E. Mandel, Ph.D., MT-BC, and Suzanne Hanser, Ed.D., MT-BC, authors of the new book “Manage Your Stress and Pain Through Music” from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at TriPoint Medical Center’s Physician Pavilion, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord Township. “Manage Your Stress and Pain Through Music” is designed to help you heal your body, mind and spirit using the profound power found only in music. The book will help you learn to use music to manage your stress and reduce your physical suffering, whether it is because of the everyday stresses of life or emotional and physical trauma. As part of the book launch event, Mandel and Hanser will present a music therapy demonstration and share music therapy strategies learned from many years of research, clinical practice and personal experience. The event also will feature world-renowned composer Daniel Kobialka, who will perform musical selections from the CD that accompanies the book. Mandel and Hanser will autograph copies of their book, which will be available for purchase at the event. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The event is free but space is limited. Call Lake Health’s Best of Health line at 440-953-6000 or 800-454-9800 to register by Nov. 11.


The Friends of Geneva Library will host a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 in the meeting room at the Geneva Public Library, 860 Sherman St. Money raised through the sale will be used to benefit the Geneva Library. A selection of good condition hard cover and paperback books will be available, as well as DVDs, VHS tapes, magazines and more. Hardcover book pricing starts at 30 cents and paperbacks at 20 cents. Also available for $2 will be the new Geneva Library book bags. For details, call the library at 440-466-4521.


Meet actors from the Willoughby Fine Arts Association's production of "Annie" at the Eastlake Library. At 4 p.m. Nov. 13, cast members will present a half-hour preview and then answer questions. Audience members will have a chance to win four seats for the show. For information about the event or to register, call the library at 440-942-7880, ext. 105. The Fine Arts Association play, part of the Family Theatre Series, runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 19.


The next featured speaker in the Distinguished Speaker Series sponsored by the Geauga County Library Foundation will be Cleveland television personality “Big Chuck” Schodowski. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Education Center, 13000 Auburn Road in Munson Township. Schodowski will reminisce about his 47 years on Cleveland TV and his characters “Ben Crazy,” “Certain Ethnic Guy” and others. He also will sign and sell his book “Big Chuck! My Favorite Stories from 47 years on Cleveland TV.”


The "Book Club for Men" will meet at the Mentor Public Library Main Branch at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 to discuss "Not a Good Day to Die" by Sean Naylor. Stop by the library to get a copy of the book, or call librarian Steve Haas at 440-255-8811.


The Lake County Council on Aging and the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program will offer several presentations throughout Lake County on the topic of “Understanding Medicare and Reviewing Your Options for Open Enrollment.”
Presentations will be

• noon Nov. 9 at the Mentor Senior Center
• noon Nov. 12 at the Eastlake Senior Center
• 11 a.m. Nov. 15 at the Painesville Senior Center
• 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Madison Public Library
• 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Council on Aging
• 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Fairport Senior Center
• 10 a.m. Nov. 30 at the Wickliffe Public Library
• 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Mentor Public Library
• 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Willoughby/Browning Center

Call the individual locations to register for this free presentation.


The Mentor-on-the-Lake and the Headlands branches of the Mentor Public Library will be drop-off points for holiday greetings to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Letters and packs of chewing gum will be collected at both branches through Nov. 30. The items will be sent and shared by the troops for the holiday season. For details call either branch, at 440-257-2512 or 440-257-2000.


“The Art of Morton Smith,” a solo exhibit of realist paintings by the Beachwood artist, is at the Clara Fritzsche Library, Notre Dame College, 4545 College Road, South Euclid, through Dec. 17. Details: 216-373-5267.



--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

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


A National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. July 27 at Middlefield Public Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield. The group provides support for persons diagnosed with serious mental illness and their families. Registration is not necessary and the program is free. For details, call Geauga MHA at 440-285-3945.


The Friends of the Bainbridge Library will host a Books & More Sale Galore event July 28-31. Books, puzzles, games, flashcard sets, summer workbooks and more will be available. All items are new and marked down at least 50 percent off original retail prices. The Bainbridge Library is at 17222 Snyder Road in Bainbridge Township. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For details, call 440-543-8221.


The Geauga County Library Foundation is seeking nominations for the annual Chapman Award, which is given to the person who best exemplifies the mission of supporting the Geauga County Public Library and promoting reading through financial support, expanding the visibility of the library and providing needed human and other resources to improve library services.
Nominations forms can be found at any Geauga County Public Library or send an e-mail to geaugalibraryfoundation@gmail.com to request a copy. The recipient is honored at an annual event in October and is presented with an original work of art in glass by noted local artist Mary Kay Simoni. Deadline for nominations is July 30.


“A Century of Dolls” lunchtime program at Burton Public Library will be at noon July 31. Burton resident Pat Dutchman -- avid doll collector, doll historian and president of the Cleveland Doll Club -- will present the program. She will show dolls from each decade the Burton Public Library has been in existence (1910-2010) and explain the history behind changes in dolls over the past century.
Bring a bag lunch, and the library will provide the beverage. Call the library at 440-834-4466 to register for this program.


--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com