Founded in 1869, the Cleveland Public Library has grown exponentially over the past 150 years. It now features 27 neighborhood branches, the Main Library downtown and Public Administration Library at City Hall. It also offers homebound delivery services and mobile services to daycare and senior centers.
This year, it’s been celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of events. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Cleveland Public Library Foundation will host a Black, White and REaD 150th anniversary fundraiser that’ll kick off at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library and Louis Stokes Wing.
Authors in attendance include the following: Paula McLain who wrote the New York Times bestseller The Paris Wife; D.M. Pulley, the best-selling author of The Dead Key, American poet Philip Metres; Dan Chaon, who wrote the national bestseller Ill Will; and bestselling author Loung Ung whose memoir, First They Killed My Father, inspired a Netflix movie directed by Angelia Jolie.
There will be literary-themed food and cocktails, and attendees can visit Brett Hall, where the current exhibit The World of Puppets: From Stage to Screen is now on display. The Mike Petrone Band and other Cleveland acts will perform. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. General admission tickets go for $150. VIP tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available. The VIP experience includes a special cocktail reception in the Cleveland Digital Public Library and a special invitation to a preview night of the upcoming Cleveland 20/20 exhibit. (Niesel)