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

Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Details: 440-943-4151.


Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate basic Internet. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Meet the new children's librarian at Henderson Memorial Library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, at 10 a.m. Sept. 13. The hour-long meet-and-greet will include cookies and punch, followed by story time at 11 a.m. Details: 440-576-3761.


Uncovering the Hidden Job Market will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. 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. Register for the free program: 440-942-3362.


The Geauga County Genealogical Society begins its new program year Sept. 13 with a visit from David Lintern, volunteer interpreter at the James A. Garfield Historic Site. He will present "General Garfield: The Civil War Years 1861-1863." Lintern previously presented Garfield's early years to the genealogy group. The program will begin immediately after the 7 p.m. business meeting. The meeting and program are free and open to all, and will be at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. Details: gcgsoh@aol.com.


Certified eBay specialist Angela Paterek will help residents get started on selling on eBay at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Registration is required: 440-944-6900, ext. 113, or www.welibrary.info.


Putting the Garden to Bed will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn the best methods for fall clean up, composting, soil testing, amending the soil, mulching and pruning. Call 440-942-3200 to register for the free program.


Friends of Morley Library will have a book sale. A members night will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15; memberships may be purchased at the door. The sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 and 17. Details: 440-352-3383; ask for the Friends room, and leave a message to receive a call back. The library is at 184 Phelps St., Painesville.


An introduction to genealogy with the Lake County Historical Society and Alan Rabe from the Northeast Ohio Family History Center wil be at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Sources of information will be presented, and locations in the area will be discussed. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Money raised will be used to benefit the library. In addition to books, DVDs and magazines, the new Geneva Library book bags will be for sale for $2. Raffle tickets for a handmade Amish quilt will be on sale for $1 each or six for $5. Details: 440-466-4521.


Perry Library will have a free children's theater workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Professional teaching artists will lead children in singing, dancing and acting out key moments of "Peter Pan." Please bring a sack lunch. Teen volunteers are invited to help out, and parents and grandparents are welcome to participate. Register: 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.


The Nuts and Bolts of Jewish Genealogy will be noon to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. Speakers will be John Grabowski, director of archives/library at WRHS; Kenneth Bravo, president, Jewish Genealogical Society of Cleveland; Sean Martin, associate curator of Jewish American History, WRHS. Reservations are required; fee is $20. Refreshments will be served. Details: Nancy Leinweber at 440-205-1942 or nanbwl@juno.com. Printable registration form for The Nuts and Bolts of Jewish Genealogy.

Coming up

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate Yahoo basic email. Minimum typing and computer-mouse skills are required. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Mentor Library's Book Club for Men meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Jump-Start Your Job Search will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Attend this session to learn about 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 for the free program at 440-942-3362.


Partnering with your Doctor will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Maureen Ordman-Fike of the Alzheimer's Association will provide practical advice, tools and handouts to develop a successful relationship with your health care provider. Register: 440-632-1961.


Author Les Roberts will visit the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Copies of his book "The Cleveland Creep" will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811.


The Friends of the Burton Library will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 in the library basement, 14588 W. Park St. Enter the sale through the white doors in the back of the building.


Thomas Werman, chief field investigator from Mutual UFO Network Ohio, will give a program on UFO sightings in Ohio from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Learn how to report a sighting and what is involved in being a field investigator. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


-- 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 Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The first session runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 13, and the second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.


Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9, 10 and 12. Details: 440-943-4151.


Longtime Cleveland meteorologist Dick Goddard will be at Perry Library, 3753 Main St., at 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Goddard has been delivering the forecast for more than 40 years in Cleveland. He is also an author, cartoonist, and passionate animal activist. Attendees also can purchase his new book, “Six Inches of Partly Cloudy.” All proceeds of the book will benefit animal charities. All ages are welcome to this free event but attendees must register by calling 440-259-3300 or online at perrypubliclibrary.org.

Coming up

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate basic Internet. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Certified eBay specialist Angela Paterek will help residents get started on selling on eBay at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Registration is required: 440-944-6900, ext. 113, or www.welibrary.info.


An introduction to genealogy with the Lake County Historical Society and Alan Rabe from the Northeast Ohio Family History Center wil be at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Sources of information will be presented, and locations in the area will be discussed. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.


Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Money raised will be used to benefit the library. In addition to books, DVDs and magazines, the new Geneva Library book bags will be for sale for $2. Raffle tickets for a handmade Amish quilt will be on sale for $1 each or six for $5. Details: 440-466-4521.


Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate Yahoo basic email. Minimum typing and computer-mouse skills are required. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Mentor Library's Book Club for Men meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.


-- 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 Book Club for Men will meet at 7 p.m. May 16 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The group will discuss the book "Americans in Paris: Life and Death under Nazi Occupation" by Charles Glass. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the information services desk, or for more information contact the library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215. Book Club for Men is free and open to the public.


"10 Steps to Living with Lupus" from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America Inc. will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning May 17 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Reservations are required for each step at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org.


The Depression Bipolar Support Alliance of Northeast Ohio will present "Rollercoaster: Parenting someone living with a psychiatric health condition" from 6 to 8 p.m. May 19 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Mary Ann Jones, a former NAMI family-to-family facilitator and toastmaster, will share the highs and lows of a parent whose son lives with a psychiatric health condition. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation. The program is designed for anyone whose life has been affected by behavioral, emotional or substance-related health issues, including mental health care professionals, clergy and first-responders. The presentation also is available to organizations, businesses and churches upon request. Free information and resource materials will be available. A special dedication ceremony announcing DSBA NEO’s new lending library also will be conducted. The event is free and open to the public. Details: 440-749-6587, 440-344-3951 or crossdbsarecovery@yahoo.com.


The "Get Ready for Summer Reading Book Sale" at Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, will be May 19 through 21. Hundreds of books for kids, teens, and adults will be for sale for $1 or less. Magazines, CDs, DVDs, and videos will be on sale, too. The sale will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 19 and 20, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 21. Friends of the Madison Library Preview Night is Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memberships may be purchased at the door. New this year is a silent auction, which will run through May 27. Three books will be displayed and open for bids: "Tapestry of Life" by Howard Buffett; a unique fold-out book, "A Flight of Butterflies," from the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and "God’s Man: A Novel in Woodcuts" by Lund Ward. Details: 440-428-2189.


Pop City will be 11 a.m. to noon May 21 in the Mentor Library Children's Theater, 8215 Mentor Ave. Special father/child program will feature how to make and break a code, doodle in the dark and make a fossil. Kids ages 6 years old and older and their dads or other adult male-role model are welcome. Details and registration: 440-255-8811.


The East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society is sponsoring a free program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. This event is open to the public and will feature three speakers who will address different aspects of the historic conflict:

• Harold George, lecturer, author and Civil War re-enactor will appear in uniform and present "One Man's Hunt for Civil War Gravesites."
• Marjorie Wilson, a retired teacher, member of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable and a guide at Lakeview Cemetery will discuss Civil War Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett's experiences based on his diaries and letters to his wife.
• A historian and author, John Vacha, will focus on "Behind Bayonets: The Civil War in Northern Ohio" which is based on the book he co-authored with the late David Van Tassel and feature interesting local details.

The program will be noon to 5 p.m. May 21 at the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St. Details: Stacie at 216-379-0749 (evenings or weekends) or Mac at mksauer4@roadrunner.com.


The monthly meeting of the Kids at Work-A Lego Brick Building Club will be 3 to 4:30 p.m. May 21 in the James R. Garfield Room at the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are welcome to attend with their child. No registration is necessary. Details: 440-255-8811.


Author Barbara Smith will be at Barnes & Noble, 7900 Mentor Ave., Mentor, from 1 to 4 p.m. May 22 for a book signing. Details: www.barbarasmithbooks.com.

Coming up

Book and Brush Club will meet to discuss "The Wayward Muse" by Elizabeth Hickey at 7 p.m. May 25 at the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Light refreshments will be served. For details on how to explore the fine arts through literature, call the library at 440-255-8811 ext. 210.


Profilers Crime Time will meet at 7 p.m. May 26 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Members will discuss "The High Window" by Raymond Chandler. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, please go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 214.


The Friends of the Burton Public Library will have a book sale in the library basement from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28. Items available include books, magazines, vintage materials, maps, records, CDs, tapes, movies and puzzles. Please enter the sale through the white door located at the back of the building, 14588 W. Park St.


Twenty Something Readers will meet at Panera, 9587 Mentor Ave., Mentor, at 6:30 p.m. May 31. The group will discuss April's selection of "The Nation" by Terry Pratchett. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to get a copy of the book, contact Mentor Library at 440-255-8811.

Ongoing events

Special storytimes with Mr. Dennis begin May 16 as the Mentor Library children's department gears up for its summer reading program. Mr. Dennis will be providing special storytimes for two weeks between May 16 and May 27. Details: 440-255-8811.


National Candy Month Contest at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will be May 16 through June 16. June is Candy Month. Check out books from the children's area and receive one chance at guessing how many candies are in the jar. The person with the closest answer wins the jar. One guess per child, per day. The winner will be announced June 17. Details: 440-255-8811.


Tours of the Penfield House, a local home designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, will take place at 3, 4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m. June 9. Because of the popularity of this fundraiser for the 2011 Summer Reading Program, registration will be done by a random lottery. To be entered into the lottery, call the Willowick Library at 440-943-4151, ext. 3. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. May 21. Be ready to rank in order a preference of tour times. Cost of the tour is $25 per person. Transportation will depart from the Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.


-- 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

Make a craft all day at the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., in the Children's Department. Children can come in any time during the day to make a balancing butterfly craft. Stop by the children's desk for details. Supplies are limited. Details: 440-255-8811.


The Willoughby Area Support Group of the Lupus Foundation of America Inc. Greater Cleveland Chapter will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 2 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square.


Mentor Library's Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for May 2. 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.


At the upcoming regular meeting of the East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society, Tom Neel, Ohio Genealogical Society Library director, will present a program on doing research in Ohio county courthouses. In addition, he will give an update on the new Ohio Genealogical Society Library, located in Bellville.
The presentation will be at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center, 6306 Marsol Road, Mayfield Heights. Guests are welcome to attend for a $3 visitor fee that may be applied to membership. The facility is handicap accessible. Details: Stacie at 216-379-0749 (evenings or weekends) or Mac at mksauer4@roadrunner.com.


A free Medicare information program will be at 7 p.m. May 4 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. If you are approaching age 65 or going on Medicare for the first time, this is an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how Medicare works. Speaker Laura Mutsko designed the class to make the Medicare system easy to navigate and understand. Mutsko is the owner of Mutsko Insurance LLC and has been a license insurance agent since 1997. She has extensive experience in the insurance industry, much of it in the field of elder insurance products and services. To register, call the library at 440-943-4151.


Perry Library will belatedly celebrate Earth Day at 7 p.m. May 5 at the library (3753 Main St.) when Lakeland Community College professor Lisa Lewins discusses the "greening" of that institution. For more details on the program, click here. To register for the free program, call 440-259-3300 or visit perrypubliclibrary.org.


Children ages 3 and older are invited to a Mad Hatter Tea Party from noon to 2 p.m. May 6 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Take a trip down the rabbit hole with activities, crafts, stories and refreshments. Please bring a teacup. Details and registration: 440-255-8811.


Mentor Library's Headlands Branch, 4669 Corduroy Road, is hosting a Mother's Day Appreciation for children 3 to 10 years old at 3:45 p.m. May 6. Make a special gift and card for Mom. Details and registration: 440-257-2000.


Comics and Friends presents Archie Comics writer Craig Boldman as part of Free Comic Book Day, May 7 at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. Visit www.comicsandfriends.com.


Friends of the Kirtland Public Library will host a book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7. The library is at 9267 Chillicothe Road.

Coming up

Larry Morrow, author of "This is Larry Morrow ...," will be at the South Euclid Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 4645 Mayfield Road, from 7 to 8 p.m. May 9 Details: 216-382-4880. Click here to read an excerpt from "This is Larry Morrow ..."


Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Morley Library's meeting Room B, with the next meeting taking place May 9. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. The library is located at 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Bo Peep's lost sheep will visit the Children's Theater at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., at 11 a.m. May 11. One of Little Bo Peep's real live sheep will be at the library. Children will have a chance to get close to one of the library staff's favorite farm animals and hear some stories about his sheep friends. All ages with an adult may register. Details and registration: 440-255-8811.


Chardon Lupus Chat (Medications & You) will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 11 at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. The program is presented by the Lupus Foundation of America Inc. Greater Cleveland Chapter. RSVP at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org.


Scrapbooking for Tweems will be 7 to 8 p.m. May 11 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The event for children ages 8 to 12 years old will be in the Children's Theater. Tweens can bring some favorite photos and use decorative paper and supplies to create a unique scrapbook page. Supplies will be provided. Registration begins May 2. Details and registration: 440-255-8811.


Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village will present a book reading and signing of "WOOF!" by author Neil Markey and illustrator Pam Spremulli from 5 to 8 p.m. May 12 at 15463 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township. Signed books will be available and Rescue Village will receive 25 percent of the proceeds from book sales at the event. The Golden Barkery (www.GoldenBarkery.com) will co-sponsor the event. Spremulli is best known for her award-winning children's book "Letter Birds." Spremulli and Markey live in Chagrin Falls.


Mentor Library's Headlands Branch, 4669 Corduroy Road, will have a Friday the 13th event from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. May 13. Those ages 3 1/2 to 10 will hear lore and tales of superstition and origin of "Friday the 13th." Details and registration: 440-257-2000.


Dan Coughlin, author of "Crazy, With the Papers to Prove It," will be at the Chagrin Falls Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 100 E. Orange St., from 2 to 3 p.m. May 15. Details: 440-247-3556.


Registration begins May 9 for Paws to Read at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Children ages 6 to 12 who can read independently can sign up for a 30-minute session May 18. They will be paired with a gentle dog, licensed and trained to be a good listener. Details: 440-255-8811.

Ongoing events

National Candy Month Contest at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will be May 16 through June 16. June is Candy Month. Check out books from the children's area and receive one chance at guessing how many candies are in the jar. The person with the closest answer wins the jar. One guess per child, per day. The winner will be announced June 17. Details: 440-255-8811.


-- 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 Twentysomething Readers Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 25 at Panera, 9587 Mentor Ave., Mentor, to discuss this month's selection "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson. Discussion is with Mentor Library librarian Steve Haas.


Author Regina Brett will visit Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., at 7 p.m. April 26. She will be signing copies of her book, "God Never Blinks," which will be available for purchase. Call the library to register: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.


Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. April 26 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn how to save money on grocery shopping, restaurants, utility bills, cellphones, vacations, gas and more. Details: www.joethecouponguy.com/schedule/index.htm


The Chardon Friends of the Library will host its annual Maple Festival book sale in Chardon Library's Bostwick Room April 28 through May 1. On April 28 will be a Friends-only preview from 9 to 10 a.m.; you may join the Friends or renew membership at the door. General sale hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28, 29 and 30, and from 1 to 5 p.m. May 1. May 1 is bag day, when books will be prices at $3 per bag.


Claire Zurbuch, a resident of Hambden Township for nearly four decades, is the season’s featured artist at “Art in the Mart” at the Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Zurbuch is a photographer who specializes in film. His work features nature, landscapes and photos from a recent trip to Italy with his wife, Kay. Zurbuch will present “Photographing Italy” at 7 p.m. April 28. More than a travelogue, the free program will include tips on how to photograph a vacation. “Art in the Mart” is sponsored by the Geauga Council for Arts & Culture, whose mission is to bring art and people together. All of the items are for sale and the proceeds benefit the artist, the council and the Middlefield Library. Other Art in the Mart locations include the New York Deli, the Geauga YMCA and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Those interested in purchasing a piece, can email artinthemart@gmail.com or call 440-537-3344.


Friends of the Euclid Library will have a book sale during the following times:

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 29 (special members' only preview)
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30
• 1 to 4 p.m. May 1 (buy a bag for $2 and will it with the book sale materials

The sale will be at Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St. Details: 216-261-5300.


The Force will be with you from 11 a.m. to noon April 30 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Padawans ages 3 to 7 and their Masters can come for a morning of "Star Wars" fun. Making light sabers and practicing dueling are just two of the many activities going on. Coming in costume is encouraged. Register at 440-482-2189 or www.madison-library.info.


Drumplay, a percussion group from Cleveland, will perform at 1 p.m. April 30 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The event is intended to be interactive and fun for the entire family. Children will make a drum craft to take home. Drumplay's sound is described as "rhythmprovisation": world/jazz percussion inspired by Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and West African rhythms as well as Middle Eastern motifs. Registration is appreciated but not required: perrypubliclibrary.org or 440-259-3300.


The Friends of the Burton Public Library will host its annual meeting and volunteer recognition at 2 p.m. May 1 at the library, 14588 W. Park St. The public is invited, and entertainment will include a portrayal of legendary Cleveland journalist Dorothy Fuldheim by local writer, actor and producer Carol Starre-Kmiecik. Refreshments will be served. Details: 440-834-4466.

Coming up

Mentor Library's Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for May 2. 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.


At the upcoming regular meeting of the East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society, Tom Neel, Ohio Genealogical Society Library director, will present a program on doing research in Ohio county courthouses. In addition, he will give an update on the new Ohio Genealogical Society Library, located in Bellville.
The presentation will be at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center, 6306 Marsol Road, Mayfield Heights. Guests are welcome to attend for a $3 visitor fee that may be applied to membership. The facility is handicap accessible. Details: Stacie at 216-379-0749 (evenings or weekends) or Mac at mksauer4@roadrunner.com.


A free Medicare information program will be at 7 p.m. May 4 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. If you are approaching age 65 or going on Medicare for the first time, this is an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how Medicare works. Speaker Laura Mutsko designed the class to make the Medicare system easy to navigate and understand. Mutsko is the owner of Mutsko Insurance LLC and has been a license insurance agent since 1997. She has extensive experience in the insurance industry, much of it in the field of elder insurance products and services. To register, call the library at 440-943-4151.


Comics and Friends presents Archie Comics writer Craig Boldman as part of Free Comic Book Day, May 7 at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. Visit www.comicsandfriends.com.


Larry Morrow, author of "This is Larry Morrow ...," will be at the South Euclid Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 4645 Mayfield Road, from 7 to 8 p.m. May 9 Details: 216-382-4880. Click here to read an excerpt from "This is Larry Morrow ..."


Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Morley Library's meeting Room B, with the next meeting taking place May 9. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. The library is located at 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


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

If you're one who goes to the library to learn about your family history, you might be interested in genealogy workshops and seminars sponsored by Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library (OHS), the Franklin County Genealogical and Historical Society (FCGHS) and the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Find the list of next year's workshops here on the Ohio Historical Society's Collections Blog. The programs are $35 or less (some are free!), and all take place at the Historical Society or Columbus Metropolitan Library.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is a great resource for those interested in genealogical resource. I was introduced to some of the materials in their collection during a workshop I took through Kent State's School of Library and Information Science while earning my master's degree. I haven't had the same exposure at the Historical Society, but I can only imagine the fantastic collections within their walls.

Genealogy can be a difficult but incredibly rewarding field to get into. If you are looking to jump start your family history research, these programs would be an excellent place to begin.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com