Library

On Friday the 13th of January, three teens participated in the Lakewood Public Library’s first Top Teen Chef program. The teens were invited to take part in three food challenges, or battles. They had 45 minutes to complete the challenges. They were given a large selection of potential ingredients and asked to compete in a “Battle Kool-Aid,” “Battle Celery,” and “Battle Brownie.” Using the main ingredients listed in each battle, they were required to create a beverage, appetizer, and dessert.

CityMusic Cleveland will perform The Emigrants, part of The Persistence of Creativity series, at 7:00 p.m. on February 20 in the Main Library Auditorium. This special event is in preparation for their spring production of Brundibár and also coincides with the exhibit In a Nutshell: the Worlds of Maurice Sendak on display in the Main Library Second Floor Gallery. A string quartet and woodwind quintet will play the rarely performed music of six different composers whose lives were devastated by the Holocaust.

It is likely that if you have children or teens in your house, at least one of them is deeply engrossed in a manga or anime series. Big eyes, action lines, dramatic plotlines, bizarre and adorable creatures- all staples of this now familiar genre. Manga and anime have seen a dramatic explosion in popularity here in the U.S. over the past twenty years, but the medium’s history is much longer and richer than you might expect.

Homework ER

For family members of all ages

Everyone knows the story of Cinderella and her wicked stepmother. Chinese Cinderella tells the true story of an unloved Chinese girl growing up in Shanghai and Hong Kong, complete with wicked stepmother. Born in 1937 in Tianjin, China, author Adeline Yen Mah begins her book in the autumn of 1941 and concludes it in the autumn of 1952. Mah was considered bad luck because her mother died shortly after giving birth to her. Although Mah was subjected to emotional cruelty by her father, stepmother, and siblings, she excelled as a student. We read how neglect and loathing was heaped on Mah during her painful childhood and how she was abandoned at a boarding school as the Red Army approached. Her isolation fueled her studies and she earned a medical degree from London Hospital Medical School and eventually established a medical practice in California. She has worked as a physician, anesthesiologist, and writer.

Jan. 28

Friday, January 13

Top Teen Chef
For Youth in sixth through twelfth grade

Do you have what it takes to be Lakewood's Top Teen Chef? Test your culinary skills and make your own tasty, no-bake treat. Ingredients will be provided and creations will be judged. Not recommended for teens with food allergies. To register, please stop in, call 216-226-8275, ext. 140.

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room.

Saturday, January 14

Tail Waggin' Tutors
For school-age children

Bone up on your reading skills by reading to a dog. Drop in for a one-to-one session with one of our dogs and owners that have been certified through Therapy Dogs International.

11:00 - 12:30 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room.

No matter where I’ve called home, I’ve always been a fan of the local library. The books. The quiet. Living in Lakewood though, you’ve got to know we have something extraordinary in the way of libraries. In addition to a robust collection of books, movies and music, a computer lab with free training and assistance, free films and theatrical performances, and wonderful children’s programs, our library’s Sunday with the Friends programming brings an astounding lineup of musical talent playing for the public nearly every weekend!

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will come to the Main Library Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. to present the illustrated lecture Coming to America: Cleveland’s Jewish Community. In a second program, the Maltz Museum will host a guided tour of the museum in Beachwood on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. These two programs are held in conjunction with the In a Nutshell:The Worlds of Maurice Sendak exhibit currently on display in the Main Library Second Floor Gallery.

Dan Ruminski tells a great story. The celebrated local historian will be delighting us once again with Millionaire’s Mile: The Great Estates of Wickliffe, a new true tale full of drama and fascinating facts at a special Sunday With The Friends event on January 22 at 2 p.m. in the First Floor Multipurpose Room at the Main Branch of Lakewood Public Library.

This past summer, Lakewood Public Library hosted a comic creation class for kids in sixth through twelfth grade. The program, titled C.O.M.I.C.S. (Create Original Manuscripts Illustrated Completely Series) took participants through the entire comic creation process, from writing outlines, through character creation and design, all the way to a finished complete comic. Participants worked independently or as writer/illustrator teams. For part of the program the group was joined by special guest Nicole Boose, former Marvel editor, who spent time with the children critiquing their work and advising them on their projects as they developed.

Fifteen second- through fourth-graders displayed their creations in the multipurpose room at the Lakewood Public Library on Wednesday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m. Family and friends viewed their interpretations of the styles of Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, M.C. Escher, Marcel Duchamp, and Alexander Calder.

The word librainium is not found in the dictionary. However, if you live in Lakewood, have children under the age of five, and frequent the library, then you are probably familiar with this interactive play area. Located within the Children’s Department of the Lakewood Public Library, the librainium is filled with letters, shapes, textures, facts, and images that contribute to the development of early literacy skills in young children.

Jan. 10

Business Book Talk: Making Ideas Happen

Get down to business with like-minded Lakewoodites. Tim Zaun will put a friendly face on the new ideas and latest innovations coming your way.

Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room

Jan. 11

Health and Wealth: Improve Your Performance

Would you like to live a more natural and healthful life? Holistic wellness coach and master herbalist Rachel Anzalone confronts your greatest health challenges with her powerful plan.

Wednesday, January 11 at7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

Jan. 12

Booked For Murder: “Mr. White’s Confession”

The eccentric Herbert White enjoys photography and has a bad memory. This combination proves disastrous when two dancers he takes photos of wind up murdered. Lieutenant Wesley Horner can't decide if Mr. White is guilty or just a convenient patsy. Meanwhile, the policeman has his hands full with his vagrant mistress and corrupt cops on all sides. If Mr. White can't remember, can justice be served?

Thursday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room

Family Weekend Wonders

Make the library a part of your family weekend time with programs featuring stories, activities, music and crafts. These free programs are offered every weekend throughout the year at both the Main Library and Madison Branch. No registration is needed.  Check out our website (www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/youth) for times and upcoming themes.

Main Library Activity Room and Madison Branch Auditorium

Let the wild rumpus start! Join us Thursday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Second Floor Gallery, as we celebrate the opening of In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak. Lakewood Public Library is one of only 35 North American libraries to be awarded this travelling exhibition by the American Library Association. 

Lakewood Public Library would like to congratulate the winners of the third annual Spelling Bee Championship. This year we had twenty students compete in two different categories. The winners in the 4th and 5th grade competition included: Drew Sheldon as the first place winner, Zeartus Perry Jr. as the second place winner, and Rebecca Bjelopera as the third place winner. There were eleven students who competed for these top three spots.

The top three winners in the 6th through 8th grade competition included: Maura Therber as the first place winner, Jenan Alkhdour as the second place winner, and Cassie Cisco who placed third out of a group of nine finalists. Each student competed in a preliminary round of written and oral spelling challenges to earn the right to spell in the  final championship. Congratulations to all who competed this year! We look forward to challenging you again next year.

Anyone looking to enjoy a phenomenal music performance needs only to visit the Library to find just that. Master guitarist, Jim Volk, will be bringing his guitar playing talents to the Lakewood Public Library.

You may know “Martha Speaks” as the animated children’s program on PBS KIDS, but did you know that Martha’s adventures originated in a book? Author and illustrator Susan Meddaugh penned the initial story about a talking pooch in 1992. Hilarious situations arise when ten-year-old Helen feeds her dog Martha some alphabet soup that travels to Martha's brain instead of her stomach, resulting in her ability to speak.

1. Name/Position/Department:  Marilyn Mulloy, Supervisor, Customer and Automation Services

2. Birthplace: St.Luke Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio

3. Tell us something interesting about you: I traveled quite a bit when I was younger because I worked for United Airlines. I celebrated my 21st birthday in Paris and learned to ski in the Swiss Alps.

3. Tell us something interesting about you: I traveled quite a bit when I was younger because I worked for United Airlines. I celebrated my 21st birthday in Paris and learned to ski in the Swiss Alps.

4. How long have you worked at LPL? It will be 25 years this December.

5. What's your favorite spot in the Library? I don’t think I have just one favorite, but the Grand Reading Room is really, really nice.

Dec. 17

Lakewood Art House Cinema: “A Wonderful Night in Split”

Three lost souls spend New Year’s Eve winding their way through the dark medieval streets of Split, Croatia. Navigating a new world only recently thrust from the old, each is seeking escape through deceit, drugs or sex. Featuring Coolio (yes, Coolio) as a U.S. Navy man on leave and Eastern European musical pop sensation Dino Dvornik, this is one of the most memorable films to come out of the new Eastern European cinema.

Saturday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

You’ve seen them around town, playing solo, duo and all together. The Flipside is like five bands in one. Their gentle harmonies and earnest dedication to music and community allow them to put a personal stamp on their repertoire of original songs, folk standards and classic rock. They will be performing at Lakewood Public Library Sunday with the Friends at 2 p.m. on December 11 in the Main Library Auditorium.

Library Journal has awarded Lakewood Public Library a 5 Star Rating. This places Lakewood among the best public libraries in the nation. Over 7,500 libraries were rated by the LJ Index, but only 262 received star ratings. Lakewood earned its accolades in the $1 million to $5 million expenditure category. Overall, Northeast Ohio Libraries did very well, but Lakewood Public Library leads the pack.

The Lakewood Public Library’s Art Explosion program wrapped up its fall session on Saturday, November 19 with its biannual art exhibition. The show punctuated the program’s 8th season by showcasing the awesome works of art made by its 5th through 8th grade participants. Nearly 70 people attended, including the children themselves, their parents, families and friends, as well as some from the general public. The projects on display included exercises in color mixing, a selection of “limited palette” paintings, non-self-portraits, and amazing mixed media masks. (Not to mention the chilling photographs from Halloween’s zombie makeup workshop!)

Saturday, December 10
Tail Waggin’ Tutors

Years before I began working here at the Lakewood Public Library I would on occasion attend a Sunday with Friends Program and think how great it was that this was available to the public and moreover, that it was free. Ah, love those things that are free.

I would also religiously go to The Friends of The Library Book Sales and buy books I might not otherwise purchase because I wouldn’t want to spend the money if I wasn’t sure. At these prices, however, I could load the trunk of my car with troves and treasures sure to delight the whole family.

Bob Ford is a man of many talents. As singer, storyteller, historian, and artist, Ford is well-known for his ability to bring history to life through songs and stories. By adding music and drama to his stories, Ford inspires his listeners to “get excited about history.” Whether he’s recounting tall tales or Celtic legends, whether he’s singing folk music or holiday songs, Ford adapts his performances for all ages, resulting in “foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun.“

On Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., join Bob Ford for a lighthearted holiday sing-along in the Lakewood Public Library’s Main Auditorium. Ford will combine holiday favorites with his folk songs and storytelling. 

Nov. 30

November 2 – December 14

Strokes of Genius
For students in second through fourth grade

Art activities and stories open up the world of art. Learn about renowned artists and the history of creativity. To register, stop in or call (216) 226-8275, ext. 140.

Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room.

Tuesday, November 15
Family Story Time Fun Nights

For the whole family
Chase away the chills of fall and join us for an evening of favorite fairytales with a twist!
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room

Spend an evening with internationally acclaimed author Thrity Umrigar as she celebrates the publication of her latest novel at Rozi’s Wine House, 14900 Detroit Ave., in Lakewood. This event, benefiting the Lakewood Public Library Foundation, will take place on Thursday, January 5 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and will feature an open bar with wine, beer and delicious bites. Books will be available for sale through local vendor Mac’s Backs and the author will be happy to sign copies of all her works.

Umrigar is the author of several novels including The Weight of Heaven and The Space Between Us—abestseller in India and a #1 Book Sense pick in the U.S. She will be making Lakewood one of her first stops on her book tour for her latest novel, The World We Found, which is released on January 3. Focusing on the friendship of four women, The World We Found tells the story of bottled secrets, unfulfilled dreams, and the acceptance that can lead to redemption.

What do you get if you remove the Crocs from your feet, dip the shoes in a bucket of soapy water, and blow on them? You get bubbles! If this idea has never occurred to you, you are not alone. But it has occurred to “The Bubble Lady,” Sue Durante. Close to 100 people enjoyed her creative antics and watched the bubbles fly during a recent performance at the Lakewood Public Library.

Children and adults were amazed as they witnessed her inflating tiny bubbles, long bubbles, giant bubbles, and a remarkable square bubble. Sue searches her home for everyday household items that become the tools for producing remarkable frothy creations. A piece of rope, a mesh strawberry basket, and the plastic holder from a 6-pack of soda were among the numerous objects that enabled The Bubble Lady to construct magnificent balloons of soap. The feat that drew the most enthusiastic response from the crowd involved a small wading pool filled with sudsy water, and a hula hoop with a handle. 

You are determined. Your house will be clutter-free before you put that turkey in the oven Thanksgiving morning. Valiantly, you work your way through the National Geographics stacked in the basement and the picture books your grown kids have left behind. As you get your domain in apple-pie order, please consider donating unused materials to the Friends of Lakewood Library. You’ll be surprised at the good it will do.

The Lakewood Library celebrated Teen Read Week from October 16 to October 22!  Wednesday, October 19, was our Spine Poetry program.  Spine poetry is created by finding book titles you like and stacking them. The book titles become the lines of the poem.

Polish your resume, stand out from the crowd and land that job with the help of a new program at Lakewood Public Library in partnership with the Career Development and Transition Services of Cuyahoga Community College.

Lakewood Public Library’s art program for middle school age children is now in its 4th year, having eight successful seasons under its belt. This latest season featured a mixed bag of projects including the creation of Abstract, Representative, and Non-Objective pieces, Limited Pallet paintings, Non-Portrait self portraits,  and even a special Halloween Zombie Makeup workshop.  All of these works of art and more will be on display to the public during the Art Explosion Art Show, happening Saturday, November 19th, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in the Main Library Multipurpose Room. Join us for refreshments, a slide show, and an excellent selection of works by our amateur artists.

     Hey teens! Do you have what it takes to win it in a minute? Join us Saturday, November 12th at 3pm for Lakewood Public Library’s “Can You Win it in a Minute?”. Based on the NBC game show, “Win it in a Minute”, this program will ask two person teams to compete in events based on those that you would see on the television show. Have you ever tried to stack six die on  the end of a Popsicle stick while holding it in your mouth, or stacked 7 sponges on your forehead while standing and leaning back? It sounds so easy, right? Give it a try at home. As a matter of fact, you can try all the events required for this game at home. Check out the LPL Teen Space by following a link at www.lkwdpl.org/youth/ , just look for the Teens tab. There you will find videos to explain how each game is played. Practice is encouraged if you really think you can win it in a minute!

Return to the classroom with Friends of Lakewood Public Library and Lakewood Council of PTAs on Tuesday, November 17, with the second film in the “School in the Cinema” series hosted at the Main Library.

When Grant Bailie was a kid he had a set of science encyclopedias that predicted the future. It was a future full of magical new inventions and far away worlds. Everything was going to be shiny, different and new. The problem is they were wrong.

1. Name/Position: Roy Pitchford, Supervisor Library Department: Everywhere

2. Birthplace: Oshkosh, Wisconsin (yes, like the jeans)

3. Tell us something interesting about you: I can and have done just about every job in the library, despite having no library-related degrees. I have never read any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books, nor do I plan to.

4. How long have you worked at LPL? Since July of 1998, more than 13 years.

5. What's your favorite spot in the library?
The computer room. Anywhere else, I would be limited to what is available on the shelf. With the Internet, I can read, hear or see just about anything I could possibly be interested in.