Lakewood Public Library
Lakewood, Ohio
In Out of the Crash, Caroline Beasley is forced to rethink her life’s trajectory when her teenage son is arrested for the hit-and-run that kills a beloved local mom. As she grapples with regret over neglecting her family and fear of her son going to prison, she’s desperate to strike a balance between truth, justice, […]
Recall Otto Moser’s pub on East 4th Street? Remember his amazing old photo collection of actors, comedians, acrobats, singers, dancers and magicians that lined the walls? Those images tell the story of Vaudeville—America’s first choice for live entertainment in the era before cinema. During this presentation we’ll discover who those celebrities were, why they all […]
Step back into the golden age of American electric railways. Manny Marotta is a 20th century historian who, in 2025, collaborated with famed Northeast Ohio railway historians Tom Patton and Dennis Lamont to produce a definitive guide to the Lakeshore Electric Railway (LSE). The train ran between Toledo and Cleveland from 1884 to 1938, passing prominently through Lakewood. Marotta will […]
Joy King is an author, actress, and motivational speaker inspiring audiences with stories of healing and resilience. As an actress, she has appeared in Hulu’s Eenie Meenie and worked alongside award-winning actors such as Nicholas Hoult and Pete Davidson. Hope is her debut book, a self-help and journaling hybrid which encourages readers to rebuild, rediscover, and rise again through reflection and faith. Joy King will help you explore life’s setbacks and turning points. Books will be available […]
"Grandpa, why do the Browns always lose?" Compelled by a Cleveland Browns-induced frustration, author and grandfather Dave Eifert turned to writing as catharsis, and in the process, unearthed the sole reason why the Browns always lose: they are cursed. Join the author for an interactive discussion about the team, the curse and its mysterious origins as detailed in his new novel. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. t
Come hear Calliope at Lakewood Public Library and read your poem at an Open Mic! The women’s poetry circle will share poems that inspire, entertain and encourage you to view the world in a new light. Featured are Diana Lueptow, Haylee Schwenk, Maria Perme, Cora McCann Liderbach, Shei Sanchez, Sujata Lakhe, Lindsay Barba and Jackie Zielke. The members of Calliope have published poems in chapbooks, journals and anthologies across […]
Spend an hour with the former Superintendent of Lakewood City Schools, Dr. Michael Barnes, for a discussion of his latest book, Winning: Lessons on Life, Learning, and Leadership. Through personal stories and pivotal moments, he highlights both the triumphs and challenges of a life dedicated to education, leadership, and making a difference. Dr. Michael Barnes is currently the Superintendent of Mayfield City Schools, serves as […]
Book by Dr. Shrabani Basu and Watch the Film Victoria and Abdul (2017) Directed by Stephen Frears Based on previously unseen diaries and letters, Dr. Shrabani Basu’s book, Victoria & Abdul, reveals how a humble, 24-year-old Indian clerk found his way to Queen Victoria’s heart and rose rapidly through the ranks to become her private Indian secretary and teacher. After a screening of the film, Dr. Basu will join us remotely from London to discuss how […]
While Kelleys Island is only a few miles from the mainland, living on the little Lake Erie island during winter requires meticulous planning to avoid costly, and potentially dangerous situations. In The Island in Winter, Alexi Panehal discusses the various aspects of island life, from the quirky to the cantankerous, the generous to the genial and everything in between. She […]
Wayne Stewart tests and expands your knowledge of professional baseball- covering players' careers from draft day, rookie season, the All-Star Games and beyond- with a special focus on important men and moments from Cleveland Guardians history. Stewart has appeared as a guest historian on ESPN, numerous radio shows, television programs and podcasts. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.
Cousins in Crime is the true story of Alfred and Charles Polizzi. After struggling to grow up on the streets of Cleveland at the turn of the century, they became members of the Mayfield Road Mob, an Italian American gang that had formed in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood. With the help of their new friends, a wealthy lifestyle came easily- until they began running into government agencies. Then they found themselves alone, fighting an uphill battle to remain free. Author Frank Monastra […]
Trace the origins of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 as it made its way across several states and into Ohio, with award winning author, Mark Strecker. Workers pushed back on repeated cuts in wages and hours, unsafe working conditions and job loss, with a work stoppage that paralyzed most of the region’s freight train traffic. What's referred to as America’s first nationwide strike led to a fascinating moment in Ohio history. For more interesting stories about our great state, visit […]