Events at Lakewood Public Library
August 31
Documentary Film
The City Dark Directed by Ian Cheney Unrated
Every traveling city dweller knows that feeling—when you first hit country and the sky fills with a countless number of visible stars. After moving to New York City from rural Maine, the filmmaker asked a simple question. “Do we need the stars?” From Brooklyn to Mauna Kea, to Paris, killer asteroids, hatching turtles and injured birds in the city streets, serve to unravel the implications of a globe glittering with lights.
Saturday, August 31 at 6 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 1
Holiday: Sunday before Labor Day – Closed
September 2
Holiday: Labor Day – Closed
September 4
Lakewood Historical Society: City Directories: An Overlooked Source for Family History
In the course of piecing together a family history, the smallest clue can provide a thrilling glimpse into lives of our ancestors and should not be overlooked. For those who have caught the research bug, Master Genealogist Deborah Abbot recommends spending time with the Library's impressive collection of city directories. These handsome old volumes, dating back to the late 19th century, can be seen as an informal census of a community. Filling the gap between each Federal Census ten times over, directories can be used to follow your ancestor's migration, occupation, place of employment and paint a picture of the neighborhood where they lived.
Wednesday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 5
Documentary Film: 180° South: Conquerors of the Useless (2010) Directed by Chris Malloy
Presented by Case Western Reserve University’s Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence Follow Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Along the way he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life and prepares himself for a rare ascent of Cerro Corcovado. Jeff's life turns when he meets up in a rainy hut with Chouinard and Tompkins who, once driven purely by a love of climbing and surfing, now value above all the experience of raw nature and have come to Patagonia to spend their fortunes to protect it. The Library is honored to present this film as part of the celebration for Yvon Chouinard’s acceptance of the Inamori Ethics Prize. Visit case.edu/events/inamori to learn more.
Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 7
Muslim Journeys: Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (2002) Directed by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz - With an Introduction and Post-Film Discussion led by Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, Professor of Islamic Studies at John Carroll University
This breathtaking documentary tells the story of the seventh century prophet who changed world history in a score of years and whose legacy continues to shapes the lives of more than a billion people. The film takes viewers not only to ancient Middle Eastern sites where Muhammad's story unfolds, but into the homes, mosques and workplaces of some of America's estimated seven million Muslims to discover the many ways in which they follow Muhammad's example. Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, holder of the Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies at
John Carroll University, will introduce the film and begin our Muslim Journey. After the credits, he will lead an interfaith discussion where all respectful people are welcome to ponder the life of the husband, father, statesman and prophet who inspired generations and whose words echoed across Arabia and spread to every corner of the world.
Saturday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 8
Sunday with the Friends: Amethyst String Duo
Violinist Mary Beth Ions and cellist Kent Collier are in-demand, professional musicians dedicated to bringing the beauty of live string music to audiences everywhere. Follow them on a world tour through some of their favorite classical and contemporary pieces. In Italy, selections from Vivaldi segue into the score from the Godfather. Bach, Handel and the waltzes of Strauss loom large in Germany and Austria. The Beatles make a surprise appearance in England alongside Andrew Lloyd Weber and Elgar in the halls of Downton Abbey. They'll live La Vie en Rose in France, fall for the lovely Carmen in Spain and dance through Eastern Europe with Gypsy czardas and other folk traditions. Back in the USA, Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and the stars of Broadway will welcome us all home.
Sunday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 11
Meet the Author: The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-1920 by Scott H. Longert
Since the founding of professional baseball, few teams have risen above years of mediocrity only to see their fortunes interrupted by war and tragedy. Fewer still have then rallied to win the World Series. In the early twentieth century, the Cleveland Indians brought the world championship to their city of passionate fans in a spectacular style that has yet to be replicated. The Best They Could Be recaps the compelling story of the ballplayers and team owner who resurrected this proud but struggling franchise. Although the Cleveland ball club had been an active part of professional baseball from the late 1860s and a charter member of the American League, by 1915 the team was on the brink of collapse. Into this dejected atmosphere came new owner James C. Dunn, who, lacking baseball experience, nonetheless had the business savvy to bring his club to the forefront, acquiring superstar center fielder Tris Speaker, Larry Gardner and other great players. But during the rise of the franchise, the outbreak of World War I interrupted baseball. Then, in 1920, as the Indians were leading the pennant race, shortstop Ray Chapman died after a pitch fractured his skull. The outpouring of sorrow from teammates and fans alike made the Indians more determined than ever to fight their way to the top. Scott H.
Longert’s entertaining and poignant narrative traces the rise, fall and rebirth of one of America’s most beloved baseball teams. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.
Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 11
Learning Lab Classes: Introduction to Ancestry: Library Edition
The Ancestry genealogy resource is free to use every day at the Library. How far back would you like to trace your family tree? Genealogist Deborah Abbott will show you how to unlock the secrets held by census reports, military records, birth certificates and death notices in this hands-on workshop. Unravel your history with professional results.
Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Learning Lab
September 14
Learning Lab Classes: Internet Skills
Learn the skills you need to teach yourself. We begin with PC basics, navigate through the Internet and finish with web searching. We recommend that all students practice using a mouse before class. Ask the Technology Center staff to show you how.
Saturday, September 14 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Library Learning Lab
September 14
Lakewood Public Cinema: A Face in the Crowd (1957) Directed by Elia Kazan
Andy Griffith flashes his dark side as Lonesome Rhodes, an Arkansas drifter who becomes a media sensation overnight and drinks his newfound power in monstrous gulps. Patricia Neal plays the reporter who discovers him in a back-country jail and is the first to fall under his spell. She has a wild time watching his raucous rise from wandering guitar picker to rabble-rousing TV star, but by the time he starts dabbling in politics she’s wondering if she can bear to watch his inevitable fall. The creative team behind On the Waterfront missed out on a second round of kudos when the film’s indictment of media power proved to be too far ahead of its time. Since then, it has been largely forgotten in the shadow of Griffith’s sitcom success, but today we can laugh and gawk and feel the pain as it cuts us too close to the bone.
Saturday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 15
Sunday with the Friends: Scimitars Swing Band
Back in the 30s and 40s, America needed a break from the dark days of war and depression. Relief came in the form of a new up-tempo jazz called swing that swept the country with its cheerful syncopated rhythms. It was
the kind of music that asked you to get up and dance. So let’s bring back the sounds of Glen Miller, Les Brown, Woody Herman and Duke Ellington with the Scimitars Swing Band! Director Paul Lawrence leads a seventeen-piece jazz orchestra with full saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. They’re sure to make a big, happy sound in our little auditorium.
Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium
September 17
Knit and Lit Bookclub: Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk
Come share your passion for great literature and show off your knitting, crocheting, counted cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting works-in-progress. For full book descriptions, visit www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/bookclubs.
Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room
September 18
Lakewood Historical Society: Preservation 101
Margaret Lann of the Cleveland Restoration Society will give a brief overview of the historic preservation movement and explain the legal and governmental structures through which preservation activities are carried out. Learn how the movement has evolved from concern for the homes of founding fathers to preserving recently historic resources and presenting a broader vision of cultural significance.
Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium