BOOKISH BYWAY The Ohio Literary Trail leads the well-read on a journey through the state. BY ALICIA ADAMS
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hio’s writers, poets, authors, and musicians have left lasting impressions on Supreme Court judges, inspired presidents, and moved the entire nation to change its opinion. Their stories, songs, poetry, and literature have graced the silver screen, won Pulitzer and Nobel prizes, and helped create a whole new genre of fiction. Ohio’s erudite literary talent even helped define the English language itself. The Ohioana Library Association, a nonprofit literary organization, has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting Ohio authors and their works, and to that end, published the first Ohio Literary Trail in 1957 to honor and highlight artists and their cultural contributions. The trail showcases more than 70 landmarks, including historical buildings, libraries, and markers, as well as festivals that commemorate Ohio’s literary contributions. The publication took the form of a printed map for the first several decades of its existence. In 2020, the trail went online (www.ohioana.org/resources/the-ohio-literarytrail-2), where it now features an interactive map that divides the state into five regions. Each section of the site contains links and information about the destinations within the region. The map is downloadable and — perhaps as a subtle nod to its past — is also printable. David Weaver, executive director of the Ohioana Library, said the digital map has been met with incredible enthusiasm. “Even though we launched it during a pandemic, we have been thrilled with people’s response to it.” The Ohio Literary Trail isn’t all about authors who have been relegated to the pages of history. “We felt it was important
to include interaction with current writers at events in each of the regions — celebrations where you can meet present-day Ohio writers and learn about their work,” says Ohioana board member Betty Weibel. With so many treasures to explore on the trail, it can be hard to figure out where to start — so we asked Ohioana Library Association board members and their program director, Morgan Peters, to share some of their favorites. Continued on page 30
FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29
