Volume XXV | August 2019
August 2019
Shaker Library: Strengthening our community and transforming lives
by bringing together people, information, and ideas.
Imagine. Discover. Connect.
Planning a Renovation With Our Community
10 am-noon OR 4-6 pm Wednesday, August 7
OR 10 am-noon Saturday, August 10
Get in on the ground floor! The way Shaker Library uses its space and resources to support our community is critical for our success. We need your comments and observations to help guide our plans for the renovation of the Main Library building. Refreshments provided by our generous Friends of the Shaker Library.

Sessions will be held on the first floor of the Main Library. Drop in any time and share your thoughts with us. 
The Van Sweringens Remake the Face of Cleveland: 2-4 pm Saturday, August 3
Joseph Blake, SHHS Class of 1964, wrote his University of Notre Dame senior thesis on the Van Sweringen developments in Cleveland. After a lifetime spent in business overseas, Joe returns to speak about the Van Sweringen brothers' influence on Greater Cleveland.

Artistic Opportunities for Kids at Main Library
Recycled Art: 4:15 pm Monday, August 5
Use your imagination to create fantastic works of art with recycled materials. For all ages. 

No registration required.

How to Draw Anything: 4:15 pm Thursday, August 8
From robots to rabbits and cats to cars, practice combining shapes and lines to sketch whatever you want. For grades 4-6.

Open Office Hours: Free Social Services@Your Library 4-6 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays at Main Library
Meet local social service providers each month for free, drop-in appointment sessions and connect with the services you need. 
  • Tuesday, August 6: Milestones Autism Resources
  • Tuesday, August 13: Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
  • Tuesday, August 20: Greater Cleveland Food Bank
  • Thursday, August 15: Help Me Grow

No registration required.
Knitting at the Library: 10 am-noon Wednesday, August 7 at Main Library or 7-8:30 pm Wednesday, August 21 at Woods Branch
Feeling at loose ends? Bring a project and get or give help in the morning August 7 with experienced knitter Elfriede Heaney or in the evening August 21 with experienced knitter Fern Braverman.

No registration required.
Tai Chi: 10-11 am Mondays, August 12, 19, and 26
Learn the health benefits and movements of this ancient martial art that is generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. Please wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes for this introduction to Sun-style Tai Chi exercises offered in collaboration with the City of Shaker Heights Recreation Department.

No registration required.
Books We're Discussing in August
  • A book about sisters, families, immigration, mental illness, loyalty, love, and caregiving
  • A fascinating biography of a man's lifelong quest to bring new plants to the United States.

These are the books we're reading this month. Click on the link to reserve your place and pick up a copy of the book at Main Library for PubReads and Book Buzz, and at Woods Branch for Award Winners.
Sketchbook-Making Workshop:
7 pm Wednesday, August 14 at Bertram Woods Branch
Get a jump on Octavofest and make a sketchbook to note your to-read list. Gene Epstein and Ellie Strong of Strong Bindery will lead a workshop to build a sketchbook using a single signature pamphlet binding and a wrap-around cover.

A Brief History of Black Speculative Fiction and Afrofuturism with Jeremy Glover:
3 pm Saturday, August 24 at Main Library
University of Michigan scholar Jeremy Glover will speak about the history of black speculative fiction as it emerged in the 20th century and its political and artistic innovations, including its relationship to mainstream science fiction and fantasy.

Check our August Calendar
for More Events and Activities
Please share our Library eNews with your friends. The programs listed above are just a few of many interesting Library offerings this month.

Be sure to join our Summer Reading Program for all ages.