The Library Kicks Off Writers & Readers in the CLE 2024

JANUARY 11, 2024 (CLEVELAND,OH) – Start 2024 with fresh perspectives from Writers& Readers in the CLE at Cleveland Public Library. Enjoy a variety of candid conversations with popular writers, dynamic authors, and discussions about empowering all to thrive and the craft of writing in a post-pandemic world.

Through its Writers &Readers, Writers Unplugged and Ohio Center for the Book, Cleveland Public Library engages authors, academics and public figures in discussions surrounding the books and stories that have shaped their lives and how the craft of writing has evolved.

2024 WRITERS & READERS AT CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY*

Writers & Readers

Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium unless noted.

Libraries Without Limits: Access for Incarcerated Readers

Reginald Dwayne Betts

Thursday, January 18 I 6:00 p.m.

 

The Heart of the Matter:

Transforming Cleveland Through Nonviolent Communication

Morris Ervin & Stephanie Bachman Mattei

Thursday, February 1 I 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

H.U.S.H. (Help Us Say Help) Documentary Screening

Antwon Lindsey

Thursday, February 23 I 5:30 p.m.

 

Writers Unplugged

Susan Petrone

Wednesday, February 7 I 7:00 p.m. I South Campus

 

Lisa Unger

Friday, March 8 I 7:00 p.m. I Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium

 

Writers Unplugged

continued

 

Cara Black

Monday, April 1 I 7:00 p.m. I Virtual

 

Samuel Burr

Thursday, April 11 I 4:00 p.m. I Virtual

 

Heather Gudenkauf

Monday, April 29 I 7:00 p.m. I Virtual

 

Ohio Center for the Book, National Poetry Month

2nd floor, Main Library, in the Center for the Book area

Noah Falck (Dayton) & Lindsay Turner (Shaker Heights)

Saturday, April 20 I 4:00 p.m.

 

Stephanie Ginese (Cleveland) & Taylor Byas (Cincinnati)

Saturday, April 27 I 4:00 p.m.

*subject to change

 

Poet, lawyer and 2021 MacArthur Fellow Reginald Dwayne Betts will kick off the 2024 season of Writers & Readers on Thursday, January 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Louis Stokes Wing of our Main Library. Advocate, author and director of Freedom Reads Reginald Dwayne Betts for a conversation addressing the impact of enriching reading materials and libraries within prisons at Libraries Without Limits: Access for Incarcerated Readers. Libraries offer connection, empowerment, and inspiration to individuals overcoming formidable obstacles. Yet incarcerated populations often face profound barriers to vital literacy access.

Certified trainers Stephanie Bachmann Mattei and Morris H. Ervin, Jr. will lead an interactive, city-wide workshop on The Heart of the Matter: Transforming Cleveland Through Nonviolent Communication on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Learning Commons of our Louis Stokes Wing. Leave uplifted with critical tools to infuse empathy into your daily communication as a neighbor, leader and Clevelander.

Susan Petrone talks about her latest book, The Musical Mozinskis, at the February installment of Writers Unplugged on Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00p.m. at the South Campus of Cleveland Public Library. Petrone has been published by Glimmer Train, Muse, Conclave, Cleveland Review, and Whiskey Island. Her short story, “Monster Jones Wants to Creep You Out” (Conclave, 2010) was nominated- for a Pushcart Prize. Her non-fiction has appeared in CoolCleveland, Belt magazine, and ESPN.com.  She is also one of the co-founders and former president of LiteraryCleveland.

Join us for a screening of the acclaimed documentary H.U.S.H. (Help Us Say Help) on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. Breaking down stigma around mental illness, the film grippingly explores the Black community’s challenges through personal stories and expert commentary. Stayfor a book signing and an impactful panel conversation with director Antwon Lindsey and local advocates discussing available resources and ways to support mental wellness and those struggling. Shades of pink, cognac, and white are gently encouraged in support.

Writers Unplugged continues featuring New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty novels, Lisa Unger, on Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. Unger is promoting her latest book The New Couple in 5B,which publishes on March 5. With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense. Registration is required.

Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library celebrates National Poetry Month with two readings at Main Library featuring Ohio poets. On Saturday, April 20 at 4:00p.m. enjoy readings with Noah Falck (Dayton, OH) and Lindsay Turner (Shaker Heights, OH)and on Saturday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m. enjoy poets Stephanie Ginese (Cleveland, OH) and Taylor Byas (Cincinnati, OH).

Celebrate authors, librarians, booksellers, illustrators, publishing professionals, and literary advocates in and from the state of Ohio with Page Count, an interview-format podcast presented by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library. From internationally recognized and bestselling authors to professionals working on a grassroots level to improve access to books and literacy resources, new episodes are released every other Tuesday.

To register for FREE these literary events or for more information, visit cpl.org