Summer 2023 - Inside View

News and Events at Rocky River Public Library

A Message from the Interim Director

I am pleased to announce we will soon have a new art installation at the Library. A large-scale mural will be installed in the Southeast Stairwell leading from the lobby to the Mezzanine Level of the Children’s Department. This mural will give new life and excitement to this space and be an opportunity to expand the Library’s amazing art collection and showcase local art. Earlier this year, a committee of nine community members of all ages convened to review submissions from twelve different local artist groups before selecting three finalists to make formal presentations. By the time this edition of Inside View is delivered to you, the committee will have selected the artist who will be awarded the project. Keep an eye out for more information on the grand reopening of the space later this summer.

Thank you to all nine committee members for sharing their time and giving meaningful consideration and enthusiastic discussion of each artist submission. I must also thank our friend, Sarah Seibert, for generously volunteering her time, knowledge, and expertise to this mural. Without her, this project would have never happened.

The mural is not the only new art in the Library. The Cowan Pottery Museum is currently exhibiting The Works of Thelma Frazier Winter. The exhibit includes stunning works from many stages of the artist’s career, beginning with her time at Cowan and continuing until the 1960s. The exhibit was made possible through items on loan courtesy of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cathryn and Roger Stanbridge, and Joseph Davis.

This summer, we will be adding new programs including the new Art + You series that we will host at Elmwood Park and Cabin. However, we will continue to offer perennial favorites like Summer Lawn Concerts and a Riverinos x History Talks series collaboration on the history of the Cleveland Police Department. The Library will also continue our long tradition of holding a Summer Reading program. Join us on Saturday, June 10 in celebrating this year’s theme, “All Together Now” with a Block Party on the Library Lawn.

Finally, if you are interested in volunteering at the Library, please consider joining one of our support groups! The Foundation is planning a special event fundraiser this fall. We are also looking for a few volunteers to sort books for the Friends Ongoing Booksale on Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Library. Contact us for more information. See

What’s New

Registration begins May 1.

VIRTUAL AUTHOR EVENTS

Check out our new Virtual Author Series! Sign up in advance through our website to watch authors live or watch archived videos of past events. Perfect for book clubs, the series includes authors such as Bonnie Garmus, who wrote Lessons in Chemistry and Courtney Summers, who will discuss her new book I’m the Girl on May 20, and so many more! If you have questions, please stop at the Reference Desk. Visit libraryc.org/rrpl

BEGINNING ASL CLASSES

Mondays, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Community Room

This workshop for adults will offer basic vocabulary and basic conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. The workshop will be taught by an ASL instructor and voiced off. PowerPoints will be emailed before each workshop to allow you to prepare.  Participants must be 18 and over. Registration required

All Ages Events

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

Saturday, May 6, All day

Free comic books will be available for fans of all ages thanks to Carol & John’s Comic Shop. Celebrate the day with comics, crafts, and more! While supplies last.

RRPL FEATURED BOOKMARK CONTEST

Participants will create art using Cowan artwork as inspiration and submit it as explained below. You can help the RRPL staff judges panel pick a winner by liking your favorite piece via our social media pages in July! Three winners (Children, Teen, Adult) will be announced July 31. Good luck! Email submissions to cowan@rrpl.org by July 16. Include: High quality image of artwork, Name & Age, Title, Brief artwork summary. The bookmarks will be 2 in x 6 in.

ART + YOU

PAPER ARTS - PAPERMAKING

Wednesday, July 19, 3:00 to 4:30 pm, Elmwood Park & Cabin, 600 Elmwood Road, Rocky River 44116

Join experts from The Morgan Conservatory for a hands-on experience in Western Hand Papermaking. From pulp to a one-of-a-kind sheet of paper, you’ll be able to create your own colorful designs and textures. All materials will be provided. For ages 15 and up. Space is limited. Registration required.

FIBER ARTS - PUPPET MAKING

Wednesday, August 9, 10:00 to 11:30 am, Elmwood Park & Cabin, 600 Elmwood Road, Rocky River

Join instructor Audra Costello for this small group experience in making and using a puppet of your own design. Fabric puppets will be constructed using some hand or machine sewing elements. All materials will be provided. For ages 15 and up. Space is limited. Registration required.

LIFE INSIDE THE HONEYBEE HIVE

Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Auditorium

Ann Cicarella, beekeeper and native plant landscape designer, will take you inside the world of a honeybee hive. Learn how bees communicate, their various jobs, and how they make honey. Ann will bring an “observation hive” and we’ll have a honey tasting! Ages 6 and up. Registration required

POWERPOINT PARTY WORKSHOPS

Thursdays, July 20, August 3, August 17, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Learn how to create captivating presentations and practice public speaking skills in this series of workshops that culminates in an opportunity to show off your work in front of an audience. Participants will attend three workshops to prepare a fun fiveminute presentation related to the theme “All Together Now”.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Thursday, August 31, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Auditorium

Just want to be in the audience? Join us for presentation night to see entertaining five-minute presentations on the theme “All Together Now”, prepared by workshop attendees.

LIBRARY LAWN CONCERTS

5:00 to 7:00 pm, Library Lawn

Grab a picnic blanket or a chair and join us this summer! Purchase dinner from a food truck and enjoy live music on our lawn.

Wednesday, June 14 |

Hip to That, a Cleveland jazz trio and Manna Food Truck

Wednesday, July 12|

Maura Rogers and the Bellows, a Cleveland Americana music band and FrankieLynn Food Cart

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 19, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Library Lawn

A family-friendly celebration of PRIDE in Rocky River for all in the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends, allies, and neighbors! All with LOVE in their hearts are welcome to join us as a community as we connect, laugh, and celebrate with PRIDE!

Look for the icon shown below to see our Summer Reading programs!

Cowan Pottery Museum

Registration begins May 1. Please call the Cowan Pottery Museum with any questions at 440-895-3763.

HISTORY TALKS

CLEVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, June 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Join Thomas Matowitz as he discusses the history of the Cleveland Police Department.

RRPL FEATURED ARTIST BOOKMARK CONTEST

Winners announced July 31

Participants will create art using Cowan artwork as inspiration. You can help the RRPL staff judges pick a winner by liking your favorite piece via our social media pages in July! Three winners (Child, Teen, Adult) will be announced July 31. Good luck! Email submissions to cowan@rrpl.org by July 16. Include: high quality image of work, name & age, title, and a brief artwork summary. The bookmarks will be 2 in x 6 in.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

To view the collection digitally visit rrpl.org/cowan or schedule a tour by

PHONE 440-895-3763

EMAIL cowan@rrpl.org

Summer Reading 2023

2023 ALL TOGETHER NOW SUMMER READING Saturday, June 3 through Saturday, July 22 Sign up in person or online through the Beanstack website or app. Children: Track your reading online or with a paper game board. Teens & Adults: Track your reading online or stop by the Reference Desk to complete an entry form.

SUMMER READING BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, June 10, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Library Lawn

Kick off the summer All Together Now at our Summer Reading Sign Up and Block Party extravaganza! Adults, Teens, and Children are encouraged to start their summer right by signing up for our Summer Reading program, with new prize levels unlocked by reading and attending programs. Come for the games, crafts and music, but stay to spend time All Together Now.

Children’s Programs

Registration begins Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am. To register, visit rrpl.org and click on ‘Events’, call 440-333-7610 x 4, or stop by the Children’s Department. Registration required unless noted.

BIRTH TO AGE 6

BABY & ME STORYTIME

F or babies, toddlers, & their caregivers

Mondays, 9:15 to 9:35 am & 10:15 to 10:35 am, Tuesdays, 9:15 to 9:35 am, Wednesdays, 6:15 to 6:35 pm & 7:00 to 7:20 pm,

June 12 through July 24, skips June 19 and the week of July 4, Purple Room

Snuggle up for a lapsit program of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stay and play with board books and puzzles afterward for extra fun.

2S & 3S STORYTIME

F or children ages 2-3 & their caregivers

Tuesdays, 10:15 to 10:45 am, Wednesdays, 9:15 to 9:45 am & 10:15 to 10:45 am, Thursdays, 6:15 to 6:45 pm & 7:00 to 7:30 pm,

June 13 through July 20, skips the week of July 4, Purple Room

Join us for a program of stories, songs, and rhymes.

KINDERGARTEN HERE I COME

F or children ages 4-6 on their own

Mondays, 1:30 to 2:15 pm & 7:30 to 8:15 pm, Thursdays,10:15 to 11:00 am, June 12 through July 24, skips June 19 and the week of July 4, Purple Room

Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and activities designed to strengthen key skills for school success. Help your preschooler prepare for the transition to kindergarten.

MESSY ART @ HOME

F or children 2-5 & their caregivers

Monday, July 17

Are you brave enough to get messy at home? This kit contains everything you need to create a process centered art project. Supplies must be picked up on the 2nd Floor or via our Drive-thru.

PARACHUTE PLAY

F or children ages 4-6

Monday, July 31, 1:30 to 2:00 pm & 6:30 to 7:00 pm, Purple Room Jump in and get energized with a parachute, music, and movement!

FAMILY DROP-IN STORYTIME

F or children and their caregivers

Mondays, August 21 & 28, 10:15 to 10:45 am,

Thursdays, August 24 & 31, 6:30 to 7:00 pm, Auditorium

An all ages, family storytime to bridge the gap from summer session to fall session. No registration required.

GRADES K-2

X-STREAM TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGE

F or students completing grades 2-3

Thursday, July 6, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Purple Room

Combine science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM) and join our team to build x-STREAM-ly tall and creative structures out of building toys and everyday objects. Fun and prizes for all.

WEEK OF WELCOME

TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 THROUGH 26

Caregivers are required to remain in the Library during programs if children are ages 10 and under.

BANG THE DRUM

F or students completing grades 2-3

Wednesday, July 19,

3:30 to 4:30 pm, Purple Room

Tired of work and play and just want to bang on your drum all day? Then join us as we learn about the magic of community drum circles while also making our own upcycled drums. Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own containers to build their drum.

DIY ICE CREAM SOCIAL

F or students completing grades K-3

Tuesday, July 25, 5:00 to 5:45 pm, Library Lawn

Beat the summer heat by making your own ice cream on the Library Lawn!

TWEENS (GRADES 4-6)

TWEEN SCENE DROP-IN

F or tweens

Mondays through Thursdays while RRCS is in session, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Green Room

Stop by the Library after school to hang out and enjoy a rotating selection of crafts, activities, and games. No registration required.

VOLUNTEER YOUTH CREW

F or students completing grades 4-6

Saturday, May 20, 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Library Lawn

Want to volunteer at the Library? Now is your chance!  Help the Children’s Department with special projects – this month we will be gardening in the Library Lawn! No registration required

CRAFT WITH PRIDE

F or students completing grades 4-6

Thursday, June 15, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Purple Room

Celebrate Pride by learning how to weave and braid different styles of bracelets to show off your Pride.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS ACADEMY

F or students completing grades 4-6

Thursday, June 29, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Purple Room

Be you a greenhorn adventurer or seasoned dungeon crawler, all are welcome to join us for this short foray into the world of Dungeons and Dragons.

ESCAPE BALOR’S TOMB

F or students completing grades 4-6

Thursday, July 20, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Purple Room

Archaeologists recently discovered an ancient structure off the coast of Scotland. Whilst exploring it, you and your companions find yourselves lost in its winding underground passageways. Gather your wits because you have only 25 heart pounding minutes to find your way out.

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Programs to Create a More Inclusive Community

MOCK TRIAL

F or students completing grades 4-6

Thursday, July 27, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Purple Room

Do you fancy yourself a young legal eagle or are you eager to learn more about the justice system? Join us as we see what it takes to go to trial in this mock trial program where we will examine and try a case from history and see if the verdicts match.

WEEK OF WELCOME

Tweens and teens

Tuesday through Friday, August 22 through 25

Come participate in our QR code scavenger hunt as we welcome you back to school! During the first week of classes, you will embark on a hunt to meet staff members and explore the entire Library. Complete the entire scavenger hunt to receive a prize. No registration required

For the whole family, these programs are co-led with a facilitator and sponsored by a grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Participants may pick up their copy of the book prior to the program. Look for the icon shown below for similar programs.

SERVICE DOGS HELP US ALL

F or students completing K-3

Tuesday, June 13,

4:30 to 5:30 pm, Purple Room

After reading the book, Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship and sharing the book series, Wednesday and Woof, we will learn more about Service Dogs and how they help our lives with a visit from W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Registration required

I CAN SEE WITH THE HELP FROM FRIENDS

F or students completing grades K-3

Tuesday, July 11,

4:30 to 5:30 pm, Purple Room

After reading the books, Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille and My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, we will practice braille and find out how braille books are made from a speaker from the Ohio Library for the Blind & Print Disabled Registration required

Family Events

Registration begins Saturday, May 20, at 9:00 am

Registration required unless noted.

ADAPTED STORYTIME

F or children with special needs & their families

Saturdays, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, 10:00 to 11:00 am, Purple Room

Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This storytime is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. To register, visit connectingforkids.org/library

FROM SEED TO TABLE

Thursday, June 1, Purple Room & Library Lawn, Thursday, August 10, Library Lawn & Auditorium, 4:30 to 5:30 pm

Join us as we plant seeds & seedlings in our new raised garden beds. Once they are grown, we will harvest and make a snack. Caregivers and children will plant, sow, and enjoy together.

ALL TOGETHER NOW SUMMER READING PROGRAM

For children birth-age 12

Saturday, June 3 to Saturday, July 22

Sign up in person or online through the Beanstack website or app. Children: Track your reading online or with a paper game board. Teens & Adults: Track your reading online or stop by the Reference Desk to complete an entry form.

MY COMMUNITY STORYBOOK WALK

F or children ages 3-12

Submissions accepted June 4 through 23, 2nd Floor, Storybook Walk starting July 5

It’s your turn to tell the story! Pick up a Story Sheet from the Children’s Room, and tell us what “My Community Means to Me.” Turn in your submission by June 23 and view our community’s artwork on the Storybook Walk in July. No registration required.

READ WITH PRIDE

Monday, June 5, 7:00 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday, June 6, 10:15 to 10:45 am, Purple Room

Join us as we share stories, songs, and rhymes about inclusion, acceptance, and love.

JUNETEENTH JUBILEE

F or school-age children & their families

Saturday, June 17, 3:00 to 4:00 pm, Auditorium

Celebrate Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day – here at the Library! Enjoy Juneteenth themed books, songs, crafts, and refreshments to commemorate this special day of freedom for America’s past, present, and future.

THE MAGIC OF BUBBLES

Tuesday, June 20, 2:00 to 2:45 pm, 4:00 to 4:45 pm, 7:00 to 7:45 pm, Auditorium

Sue Durante, known as the Bubble Lady, will create bubbles of all shapes and sizes by using a variety of common objects. Her grand finale is a massive cylindrical bubble so large a child can stand inside!

CURBSIDE CRAFTS TO GO

Mondays, June 26 & July 10, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Lobby

Beat the heat and pick up a packet by the front door with directions and supplies to make a cool summer craft. Have fun, be festive, and create at home. All you need is glue or a glue stick. No registration required; available while supplies last

JUNGLE

TERRY’S

ANIMAL SHOW

Tuesday, June 27, 2:00 to 2:45 pm, 4:00 to 4:45 pm, 7:00 to 7:45 pm, Auditorium

Come to the Library this summer for a wild and wonderful animal show. Trainer Jungle Terry will present many exotic animals and interesting facts that will amaze children of all ages.

FAMILY

MY COMMUNITY STORYBOOK WALK (SEE ABOVE)

STICK TOGETHER MYSTERY MOSAIC

July 1 through 31,

Mezzanine

Stop by the Children’s Department to help create a surprise sticker mosaic picture. Readers who share a title of a favorite book will receive colorful stickers to add to the picture. If we stick together, the mystery image will soon be revealed!

INSIDE DRIVE-IN: MONSTERS, INC.

For children ages 3 and up

Wednesday, July 5, 2:00 pm craft, 3:00 pm movie, Auditorium

Join us as we make cars out of cardboard boxes to create a drive-in right in our auditorium.  Even if you cannot make the craft part, you are welcome to come for the movie when we watch Monsters, Inc Registration required for craft, but not for movie

FAMILY TIE-DYE

Thursday, July 13, 3:30 to 4:00 pm, Library Lawn

Join us on the Library Lawn to make your own tie-dye!  We will supply bandanas for all; families can bring additional items to dye if they wish. Groovy!

MAD SCIENCE EXPERIMENTATION TIME

Tuesday, July 18, 2:00 to 2:45 pm, 4:00 to 4:45 pm, 7:00 to 7:45 pm, Auditorium

Join us for exciting and interactive experiments and demonstrations with a real-life scientist. Mad Science brings the science and fun to match your enthusiasm.

Programs for Parents and Caregivers

Join us for a variety of programs to help parents and caregivers support their families. Registration is required for all of the following programs

DIGITAL ADAPTIVE PSAT AND SAT

Tuesday, May 2, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

The PSAT and SAT will be transitioning to a new digital format beginning Spring, 2024. The experts at Seely Test Pros will help you prepare your Class of 2025 student.

CYBERSECURITY FOR TEENS

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 to 11:00 am, Training Room

Prepare for summer at home by learning the latest information about cybersecurity. This program will cover red flags and best practices to keep safe online.

SAT/ACT FOR PARENTS

Tuesday, June 13, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

Let the experts at Seeley Test Pros guide you through pros, cons, and features of the SAT and ACT so you can help your student maximize their test success.

READING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

Tuesday, July 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

Learn how regular reading habits benefit grades and test scores and get expert tips on how to help your teen build their reading skills.

ROADMAP TO COLLEGE

Tuesday, August 22, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

New to the college admissions process?

The experts at Seeley Test Pros will answer your questions about when to start the process, completing applications, and preparing for and taking tests.

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GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Join area libraries and celebrate literacy with a free day of fun at the Great Lakes Science Center. Saturday, August 5, 10:100 am to 5:00

FROM SEED TO TABLE THURSDAY, JUNE 1 AND THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 4:30 TO 5:30 PM

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

THURSDAYS, MAY 11 & MAY 25

3:30 TO 4:30

Teen Programs

Registration begins May 1. Programs DO NOT require registration unless noted.

MAY

TEEN OPEN COMPUTER LAB

Mondays during the school year

3:30 to 5:00 pm, Computer Training Room

Teens are invited to the lower-level computer Training Room every Monday for an open lab. Computer availability first-come first-serve.

STUDENT ADVOCACY TEAM

Tuesday, May 2, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Community Room

As a group, students will work on crafts while discussing current events and planning programs and activities that meet the diverse needs of Rocky River teens. Grades 7-12.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Thursdays, May 11 & May 25, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Community Room

Drop in to join fantastical adventures in this classic magic role-playing game. The May 25 session will be dedicated to selecting characters to be 3D printed. Grades 7-12.

CYBERSECURITY FOR TEENS

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 to 11:00 am, Training Room

Prepare for summer at home by learning the latest information about cybersecurity. This program will cover red flags and best practices to keep safe online. Grades 7-12. Registration required.

TEEN SCREEN

Tuesday, May 16, 3:30 to 5:00 pm, Auditorium

Drop in for popcorn and a movie! Grades 7-12.

JUNE

SUMMER READING BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, June 10, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Library Lawn Stop by the Teen Area for party games and prizes.

SAT/ACT FOR PARENTS

Tuesday, June 13, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

Let the experts at Seeley Test Pros guide you through pros, cons, and features of the SAT and ACT so you can help your student maximize their test success. Registration required

MYTHICAL MINIATURES PAINTING

Thursday, June 22, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Auditorium

Personalize your own mythical creature and learn how to create architectural elements for your next role-playing game adventure. Grades 7-12. Registration required.

JULY

STUDENT ADVOCACY TEAM

Tuesday, July 11, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Community Room

As a group, students will work on crafts while discussing current events and planning programs and activities that meet the diverse needs of Rocky River teens. Grades 7-12.

READING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

Tuesday, July 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

Learn how regular reading habits benefit grades and test scores and get expert tips on how to help your teen build their reading skills. Registration required.

AUGUST

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 19, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Library Lawn

A family-friendly celebration of PRIDE in Rocky River for all in the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends, allies, and neighbors! All with LOVE in their hearts are welcome to join us as a community as we connect, laugh, and celebrate with PRIDE!

ROADMAP TO COLLEGE

Tuesday, August 22, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

New to the college admissions process? The experts at Seeley Test Pros will answer your questions about when to start the process, completing applications, and preparing for and taking tests. Registration required.

Adult Book Discussions

Registration begins May 1. Programs DO NOT require registration unless noted.

RIVERINOS

Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 pm,

May 17, Community Room | American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse covers the five-month long arson spree that left a small Virginia community reeling.

June 21, Auditorium | History Talks X Riverinos True Crime: History of the Cleveland Police Department

Join Thomas Matowitz as he discusses the history of the Cleveland Police Department.

July 19, Community Room | Diamond Doris: The True Story of the World’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief by Doris Payne

Using her southern charm, quick wit, and fascination with magic as her tools, Doris Payne began shoplifting small pieces of jewelry from local stores. Over the course of six decades, her talents grew with each heist until she was a world-class jewel thief.

August 16, Community Room | Ripped from the Headlines

Join us as we discuss the active cases we see in the news.

BOOK LOVERS BOOK SOCIAL

Saturday, August 5, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Community Room

Do you love reading? Bring your favorite book and join your fellow book lovers for an afternoon of snacks and conversation, and leave with a longer TBR list. Registration required.

ADULT ROCKY RIVER READERS

BOOK GROUP

Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Green Room

June 8 | Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Join us to discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, which features a female scientist in the 1960s whose career is derailed. Instead, Elizabeth Zott finds herself becoming the star of a popular cooking show and inspires other women with her independence and unconventional approach in the kitchen. Registration suggested

August 10 | The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Join us to discuss The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Nora Seed discovers a library where each book contains the story of a different reality—one tells her life as it is; others tell what could have been. Given chances to change old decisions and swap her reality for a new one, Nora must decide what truly makes life worth living. Registration suggested

BOOK A CHAT WITH CHIEF LICHMAN

An Honest Man by Michael Koryta

Tuesday, August 15, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Green Room

From the author’s website, “Israel Pike was a killer, and he was an honest man. They were not mutually exclusive.” Intrigued? Pick up a copy and join a lively discussion led by Police Chief Lichman Registration suggested

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one.”

George R. R. Martin

Adult Programs

Registration begins May 1. Programs DO NOT require registration unless noted.

MONTHLY SERIES

INDIE INT’L FILM FESTIVAL

Mondays, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, 6:30 pm, Auditorium

Explore the world of films with a selection of a foreign or independent film. Selections are updated as soon as possible.

ASL FORUM: A PLACE TO USE/PRACTICE

Tuesdays, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Community Room

Join coordinator R. Kevin Borowiak as attendees practice their American Sign Language skills and proficiency. The goals are to practice the basics and to build vocabulary through usage. The group is open to the hearing, hard of hearing, and deaf. Registration required.

TAKE IT AND MAKE IT CRAFT KITS

The weeks beginning May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20

Stop by the Library and pick up a craft kit that you can make at home. We provide the instructions and materials, and you provide the creativity! Kits will be available at a table in the Reference Area while supplies last.

WRITER’S GROUP OF ROCKY RIVER

Tuesdays, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Zoom

New and experienced writers welcome. Fiction, nonfiction, and all genres in between. Have your work critiqued and give feedback to others. Participants are expected to read each piece, note how it can be improved, and come to the group prepared to discuss. Registration required.

MOVIE MATINEE

Fridays, May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25, 12:00 pm, Auditorium

Our movie matinees feature a recently released film. Selections are updated as soon as possible.

SPICE CLUB COOKBOOK

Register by Wednesday, May 31 to receive a recipe form

Do you love to cook? Let the monthly Spice Club choices inspire you to contribute a recipe to our mini cookbook. Register to receive a recipe form, a list of past spices and instructions. Registration required.

VIRTUAL AUTHOR EVENTS

We now have a Virtual Author Events series that you can watch from home! Sign up in advance through our website to watch authors live or watch archived videos of past events. Perfect for book clubs, the series includes authors such as Bonnie Garmus, who wrote Lessons in Chemistry and Pam Jenoff, author of The Lost Girls of Paris. If you have questions, please stop at the Reference Desk.

MAY

HOUSEPLANT CARE BASICS

Thursday, May 4, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Keep your indoor jungle looking its best with River Plant Company. Get to know popular houseplants and learn the tips and tricks of plant care. Learn to manage the fundamentals of water, soil, and light to grow happy and healthy plants.

FLAVORS OF THE WORLD: ASIA, PART 1

Saturday, May 20, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Auditorium

In this series, we will explore the flavors of Asian cuisine/food. Then we will cook an Asian dish to share. Registration required

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: THE LAVENDER SCARE

Monday, May 22 and Thursday, July 27, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Auditorium

Join us for a screening of this groundbreaking documentary that focuses on the campaign by the US government to root out all homosexual employees, inadvertently helping to spark the gay rights movement. 75 minutes. Discussion to follow.

GENEALOGY

Are you looking for assistance with a genealogy project? Do you need a few tips on using Ancestry? Email askalibrarian@rrpl.org for more information or to make an appointment with a staff member who can get you started.

JUNE

BUDGET YOUR MONEY BETTER

Thursday, June 1, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Feeling financially overwhelmed? Take the mystery out of managing your finances with Mallory Burger of First Federal of Lakewood. Learn how to create and stick to a practical, workable budget that fits your needs and financial goals.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: 13 TH

Monday, June 5 and Thursday, June 22, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Explore the history of racial inequality in the U.S. and how that inequality went straight from enslavement to imprisonment. 100 minutes.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Friday, June 16, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, Auditorium

Help save lives this summer by giving blood. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “RockyRiverLibrary” or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment.

HISTORY TALKS: CLEVELAND POLICE DEPT.

Wednesday, June 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Join Thomas Matowitz as he discusses the history of the Cleveland Police Department.

RAINBOW EMBROIDERY SAMPLER

Sunday, June 25, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Auditorium

JULY

SUMMER MOCKTAILS

Thursday, July 13, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Auditorium

Cool down during the hot summer days with a refreshing mocktail! Learn how to make summer mocktails that you can enjoy all season long. Registration required

CREATE A PAPER SUCCULENT

Sunday, July 16, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Auditorium

Add a touch of greenery to your home décor without worrying about watering or wilting. Embrace your creativity and  learn how to create a paper succulent  using the Cricut Maker. No green thumb necessary! Materials provided.

Registration required.

AUGUST

BOOK LOVERS BOOK SOCIAL

Saturday, August 5, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Community Room

Do you love reading? Bring your favorite book and join your fellow book lovers for an afternoon of snacks and conversation, and leave with a longer TBR list.

Registration required.

FLAVORS OF THE WORLD: ASIA, PART 2

Saturday, August 12, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Auditorium

In this series, we will explore the flavors of Asian cuisine/ food. Then we will cook an Asian dish to share. Registration required.

RESUME HELP

Does your resume need an update or an edit? Scan the QR code or email us at careerservices@rrpl.org for more information or to make an appointment with a staff member.

Learn the basics of embroidery with this rainbow sampler! Participants will learn multiple embroidery stitches, how to thread a needle, and how to start and finish an embroidery hoop. Materials provided. Registration required

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 19, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Library Lawn

A family-friendly celebration of PRIDE in Rocky River for all in the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends, allies, and neighbors! All with LOVE in their hearts are welcome to join us as a community as we connect, laugh, and celebrate with PRIDE!

PUBLIC COMPUTER ACCESS

The Public Computer Room provides computers with internet connections housing pre-installed productivity software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. A limited amount of free printing is provided to all Rocky River Public Library cardholders. We also offer resources to scan, fax, and copy.

Training Programs

Registration begins May 1. Visit rrpl.org to view a calendar of events and register. Please call the Training Services Department at 440-333-7610 and press ‘5’ or email us at computer.training@rrpl.org, with any questions. Registration required for all programs.

MORNING STEAM

Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:00 am, Auditorium or Zoom

Join us once a month to explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics!

Morning STEAM programs can be viewed virtually, please call the Training Services Department or email us at computer.training@rrpl.org to receive a Zoom link.

FBI TIPS FOR TEEN ONLINE SAFETY

May 13

Prepare for summer at home with your tweens and teens by learning the latest information about teen online safety. An FBI representative will cover red flags to watch for and offer best practices to prevent your teen from online exploitation.

DIGITAL EQUITY

July 8

Digital Equity is an indicator of a flourishing community. Join us for a discussion about the digital divide, why it matters, and how Rocky River stacks up against the five elements of Digital Equity.

HISTORICAL WOMEN IN MATHEMATICS

August 12

Enjoy a non-technical talk on the patterns found in the lives of women who have made significant contributions to what renowned mathematician Gauss called “the Queen of the Sciences.” Presented by Michael Lanstrum from Cuyahoga Community College.

LANGUAGE LEARNING INFORMATION SESSIONS

Mondays, May 15, July 31, August 21, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Training Room Monthly information sessions will give you a crash course in how Mango Languages and Transparent Language Online work, where you can access these interactive resources, and what you need to succeed.

OPEN HOURS

Sundays, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Training Room Practice makes progress, but staying motivated can be tough. Our open hours could be the key to making time for language learning. Software and equipment are provided. Learning is independent; no language instructors are present.

TECH COFFEE CHATS

Saturdays, May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Community Room

Not sure what the latest tech jargon means? Got a phone, tablet, or computer that keeps acting up? Join us for coffee, troubleshooting, and casual conversations about trends in technology.

POWER POINT PARTY WORKSHOPS

Thursdays, July 20, August 3, August 17,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Learn how to create captivating presentations and practice public speaking skills in this series of workshops that culminates in an opportunity to show off your work in front of an audience. Participants will attend three workshops to prepare a fun fiveminute presentation related to the theme “All Together Now”.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Thursday, August 31,

6:30 to 7:30 pm, Auditorium

Just want to be in the audience? Join us for presentation night to see entertaining five-minute presentations on the theme “All Together Now,” prepared by workshop attendees.

COMPUTER CLASSES

COMPUTER ESSENTIALS

Tuesday, May 9,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Novice users will learn the basics of using a computer, including mouse skills, keyboard basics, identifying computer hardware, and an introduction to the Microsoft Windows operating system.

FILE MAINTENANCE

Tuesday, May 23,

6:30 to 8:30pm, Training Room

Learn the basics of both internal and external computer storage using a Microsoft Windows computer with an emphasis on using File Explorer to keep your files organized and find them with ease.

MICROSOFT OFFICE ESSENTIALS

Tuesday, June 6,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Get to know the big three Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Become familiar with each program’s interface, how to open and close documents, enter information, and other basic functions.

440-333-7610

rrpl.org/itt

EXCEL FORMULAS AND FUNCTIONS

Tuesday, June 20, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Increase your Excel skills by studying formulas and functions. Excel formulas are equations that create outcomes, and functions are preset formulas. These are the building blocks for creating Excel worksheets that work for you.

EXCEL FOR FINANCE

Monday, July 24, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

This course is an introduction to using Excel to format, calculate, and model data like financial professionals. You’ll learn Excel formulas and functions used daily by financial professionals and how to create easy-tounderstand charts.

EXCEL FOR HOME BUDGETING

Tuesday, August 1,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Ready to track your household spending and create a personalized budget? We will cover using and personalizing an Excel home budget template, as well as how to use the Excel formulas and functions most useful in person budgeting.

WORD FOR FAMILY NEWSLETTERS

Tuesday, August 15, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

A family newsletter can be a great way to send updates to relatives near and far. In this class we will cover what sections you can include, advanced formatting options, how to insert images, and how to print or email your newsletter.

MOBILE CLASSES

EXPLORE THE LIBBY APP

Tuesday, May 16,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Community Room

With one app you can search the Library’s digital collection, place holds, and browse materials. Learn how to utilize the Libby app to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Bring your phone or tablet and discover how to borrow and download.

ANDROID ESSENTIALS

Thursday, June 29, 6:30 to 8:30pm, Training Room

Discover techniques for interacting with Android devices including important system functions, basic apps (email, calendar, internet browsers, and contacts), and learn to customize your experience by changing Android settings.

APPLE ESSENTIALS

Thursday, July 6, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Learn techniques for interacting with iOS devices including important system functions, basic apps (email, calendar, internet browsers, and contacts), and learn to customize your experience by changing Apple settings.

MOBILE DEVICE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room Master documenting important moments with your mobile device. Apple and Android users will learn basic tips and tricks for taking great pictures with their device, as well as key information about the Photo app and storage.

INTERNET CLASSES

INTERNET ESSENTIALS

Thursday, May 18,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Increase your internet browsing confidence by understanding internet connections, identifying commonly used browsers, learning basic browser tools and icons, exploring basic online activities, and getting basic safety tips.

CLOUD COMPUTING

Thursday, June 1,

6:30 to 8:30pm, Training Room

Cloud computing is a great alternative to using local storage and frees up computer system resources. Learn about cloud computing concepts and explore cloudbased applications with Google Drive.

INTERNET SKILLS

Thursday, June 15,

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Build your ability to find trusted and accurate information online, communicate with others via email, save and/or print online information, and identify online scams, phishing attempts, and other security concerns.

MICROSOFT 365 ESSENTIALS

Monday, August 28, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Training Room

Get to know the online versions of the Microsoft Office apps: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Learn how the Microsoft 365 applications are different from the offline versions, tour the interfaces, and become familiar with saving and retrieving files.

TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATES

Northstar learners can earn basic skills certificates on a variety of topics, including Basic Computer Skills, Microsoft Office, Information Literacy, Social Media, Internet Basics, and Using Email. Visit rrpl.org/training/training-certificates or scan the code for details.

Between the Covers

Between the Covers is a selection of new books coming to Rocky River Public Library this Summer!

MAY

Dykette

Jenny Fran Davis

Partners Sasha and Jesse are thrilled to escape Brooklyn for the holidays, invited to the country home of two older, distinguished lesbians. They’re joined by Jesse’s best friend, Lou, and Lou’s latest lover, Darcy, whose queer confidence

Sasha envies.

The Half Moon

Mary Beth Keane

Longtime bartender Malcolm Gephardt buys the Half Moon bar when his boss retires, but soon realizes that long-time customers do not welcome change. Meanwhile, his marriage gets shaky as his lawyer wife, Jess, realizes that she may not be able to have a child. Events converge as a blizzard hits, a bar patron vanishes, and Malcolm learns something shocking about Jess.

The Covenant of Water

Abraham Verghese

Set within the Christian community of Kerala on southern India’s Malabar Coast, this novel follows a family that suffers successive tragedies, with at least one person in each generation drowning to death. Despite its venerable traditions, family matriarch Big Ammachi knows change is coming.

The Three of Us

Ore Agbaje-Williams

Temi, her best friend, and her best friend’s husband co-exist in a very tenuous, resentful triangle. When they have too much to drink over the course of an afternoon, we hear each character’s perspective as secrets get spilled, truths get told, and relationships are questioned.

The Ferryman

Justin Cronin

On the island paradise of Prospera, residents live contentedly until they’re warned by a monitor embedded in their forearms that it’s time for their scheduled renewal. After boarding the ferry to the Nursery, The Ferryman (and some island resisters) begin to suspect that all is not as benevolent as it seems.

The Disenchantment

Celia Bell

Unhappily married Baroness Marie Catherine and self-confident Mademoiselle de Conti become lovers in 17th century Paris. When a shocking and unexpected murder occurs, Marie Catherine must escape, disappearing in the dark underbelly of a city full of people who have secrets they would kill to keep.

JUNE

Dead Man’s Wake

Paul Doiron

Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch witnesses a hit-and-flee speedboat plowing into two swimmers and suspects murder when he learns that the victims were a badly slashed up man and his married lover.

Watch Us Dance

Leila Slimani

In late 1960s Morocco, biracial siblings Aicha and Selim deal differently with the era’s uncertainties. Tough-minded Aicha wants to study medicine in France, while her rebellious younger brother Selim would rather hang out with the hippies converging on his country.

Girlfriend on Mars

Deborah Willis

Amber Kivinen is competing on a reality TV show with a difference: she wants to win one of two seats on the first human mission to Mars, sponsored by billionaire Geoff Task. That means leaving behind Adam, her puzzled boyfriend of 14 years.

What the Neighbors Saw

Melissa Adelman

Pregnant Alexis and her husband Sam are thrilled with the Cape Cod fixer-upper they’ve just bought in a fancy Washington, DC, suburb. Their joy is short-lived, however, as neighbor Teddy is found murdered on the banks of the Potomac and secrets start crawling up through the cracks of a nowdivided neighborhood.

The Brightest Star

Gail Tsukiyama

Based on the life of Anna May Wong, the only Asian American woman to achieve fame in Hollywood’s early days, this novel outlines her rise to stardom and the challenges she faced, both professionally and personally, fighting to win lead roles, accepting risqué parts to financially support her family, and keeping her illicit love affairs hidden.

The Puzzle Master

Danielle Trussoni

Reality and the supernatural collide when an expert puzzle-maker is thrust into an ancient mystery— one with explosive consequences for the fate of humanity.

The Housekeepers

Alex Hay

Housekeeper at one of the grandest houses in Edwardian Mayfair, Mrs. King is shocked when she is dismissed from her position. Quickly rallying, she calls on the smarts she acquired growing up among con artists and thieves and puts together a plan for revenge that will take place on the night of the house’s eagerly anticipated costume ball.

Sunshine Nails

Mai Nguyen

When the Toronto-based family nail salon of Vietnamese refugees Debbie and Phil Tran is threatened by the chain salon opening across the street, their children Jessica and Dustin and cousin, Thuy, find a way to undermine the competition. But Debbie and Phil begin to wonder if it’s worth undermining the family to save the salon.

The Librarianist

Patrick deWitt

Bob Comet, a retired Librarian who has always lived through and for books, begins to open up after he starts volunteering at the local senior center and is reminded of a painful incident from his complicated and turbulent past.

Crook Manifesto

Colson Whitehead

Furniture store owner and ex-fence Ray Carney returns after the sensational Harlem Shuffle, trying to stay on the straight and narrow and not quite succeeding. The second of the Harlem Trilogy, Whitehead again delivers a portrait of a struggling community in 1970s New York.

How Can I Help You

Laura Sims

Margo works inconspicuously at a small-town public library, hiding her past as a nurse whose patients sometimes met suspicious deaths. But newbie staffer Patricia thinks there’s something off about Margo and becomes especially alert when a patron dies at the library.

Small Worlds

Caleb Azumah Nelson

Stephen, a first-generation Londoner, is the son of Ghanian immigrants. His life is supposed to follow a specific track, to university and then onto a prominent career, but he veers off course when he chooses to pursue music instead.

AUGUST

The Apology

Jimin Han

In South Korea, a 105-year-old woman receives a letter. Ten days later, she has been thrust into the afterlife, fighting to head off a curse that will otherwise devastate generations to come.

Time’s Mouth

Edan Lepucki

In 1950’s California, Ursa, possessing the gift of memory, flees her hometown, forming a cultlike community of sisterhood. Soon the community takes an ominous turn, forcing Ursa’s son and his pregnant wife to seek refuge and abandon their daughter Opal. Now a teenager, Opal must journey into her own past to reveal the secrets that gave rise to the source of her family’s painful legacy.

Family Lore

Elizabeth Acevedo

This is the story of a Dominican-American family, centered on four sisters, one of whom has an uncanny ability to predict when people will die. When she asks to bring the family together for a living wake, everyone shows up, bringing all their secrets and troubles with them.

Bridge

Lauren Beukes

Bridget Kittinger is paralyzed by choices. When she finds an object that she thought was imaginary in her dead mother’s freezer, something her mother called the “dreamworm,” it opens a path to all other realities—and a million and one dangers.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

James McBride

When a skeleton is found at the bottom of well in 1972, African American and Jewish residents of Chicken Hill, a small run-down neighborhood in Pennsylvania, struggle with the discovery and find that even in dark times, it is love and community that sustain us.

Tom Lake

Anne Patchett

Gathering with her family at their Michigan orchard in spring 2020, Lara is pestered by her daughters to tell them about her long-ago romance with renowned actor Peter Duke, with whom she acted in a theater company called Tom Lake. The story leads the young women to reconsider their own lives and how they think about their mother.

If you’d like to put any of these titles on hold, contact the library at 440-333-7610, or go to rrpl.org to place an online hold.

Donations to RRPL

DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY 2022

Cowan Pottery Museum Associates

Friends of the Rocky River Public Library

Rocky River Public Library Foundation

The Aquarelle Society

In Memory of Ruth Collins

Glenda Carbaugh

Barb Gauthier

Laura Graf

Marianne Hocking

Kriss Ann Loughman

Mary Lynn Sertich

Carol Singleton

Hedvig & Nezso Novota

Cynthia Schafer

The Edward R. & Jean Geis Stell Foundation

Melissa & Thomas Stickney

In Memory of Ruth Thurber

Richard Donaldson

Patricia Geiger

Suzanne Hartford

Huffman Family Trust

Charles Inglefield

Barbara Morrison

Patricia W. Murray

John Rowland

Annette Yamada

BOOK DONATIONS

In Memory of Kevin Allison

The Allison Family

In Honor of Sharon Fruchey

The Friends of RRPL

In Honor of Andrea, Lindsey, & Will Hobosn

Jody Hobson

IN-KIND DONATIONS RRPL

Applebee’s

Blackbird Baking Company

Cleveland Charge

The Fehrenbach Family

Dr. Milton W. Goode

Cleveland Monsters

Sarah Siebert

Esther Verbovszky

Wild Flour Bakery

IN-KIND COWAN POTTERY

Rev. Timothy Daw

Kent State University Museum

Jill Palajac & Ray Holan

Lesley Woodward

RRPL FOUNDATION

Heather Barlow

MaryAnn Boyer

Deborah Coch

Carol Gould

Lynn Lunoe

Margaret Male

Kim & Michael Pease

Dorothy Reichenbach

The Rossiter Family

Karen & Joseph Weger

FRIENDS OF THE RRPL DONATIONS

The Fruchey Family Fund

The Zarnick Family Foundation

2023 FRIENDS OF RRPL CORPORATE SPONSORS

Ballrick Orthodontics, Dr. John Ballrick

Corrigan Krause CPA’s and Consultants, Molly Stinn

FitzGerald Team Howard Hanna, Aileen

FitzGerald & Elizabeth Gleim

Northern Title Agency, Deb & Dave Furry

River Dental Arts, Dr. Emily Zeisler

Rust Belt Reclamation, Megan November

Ashely Saxe Real Estate, Howard Hanna

Stickney & Stickney, Melissa & Thomas Stickney

Water Bear Marketing, Nate Louis

Have you recently attended a program, event, or book club meeting with us? Please share how it went by scanning the QR code answering a few quick questions on our ‘Events’ tab by clicking ‘Programming Feedback Survey’.

Calendar of Events

Listed are all of our programs happening this Summer that DO NOT require registration.

July 4

ROCKY RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

1600 Hampton Road

Rocky River, Ohio 44116-2699

(440) 333-7610 • www.rrpl.org

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Friday & Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

MISSION STATEMENT

To cultivate meaningful connections by providing information, inspiration and a welcoming place for contemplation and community.

VISION STATEMENT

Leading and innovating through community-based services.

Rocky River Public Library is an independent library participating in CLEVNET, a consortium of library systems that share collections across Northeast Ohio. It is supported by the residents of Rocky River and by a portion of the General Fund of the State of Ohio. The Library’s taxing authority comes only through the Rocky River Board of Education which, at the request of the Library, places periodic ballot issues before the public.

RRPL has a seven-member Board of Trustees, consisting of community members, which is the governing body authorized by the State of Ohio to establish policies and develop an annual budget. All Board and committee meetings are open to the public.