"The only way to have a friend is to be one."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friends values its neighbors and wanted to find a way to support the efforts of the Shaker African-American Moms Support (S.A.M.S.) group. Our answer was to purchase a Little Free Library for them to install in neighboring Hildana Park. Friends purchased the library and provided the books. Kim Harris of S.A.M.S. will oversee the Little Free Library and work with Stephanie Jonas of the Friends to keep it stocked with good reading material for all ages. Please join us at the dedication from 2-5 pm Sunday, June 9 at Hildana Park and be sure to stop by the Friends table and meet our friendly folks in red aprons.
Look What Friends Bought for the Library
Friends purchased a new van for the Library and wrapped it with a colorful design. Look for it rolling up and down the streets of Shaker Heights as it delivers items to and from each library. It is a cheerful reminder of the friendly support provided by the Friends!
Friends' Board members, Evelyn Greene, Tamar Calland, Stephanie Jonas, Larry Jemison, Dave Greene, Joyce Becker , and Tony Mangoff , had a great time debuting the van Friends purchased for the Library, and proudly marched up Van Aken Boulevard in the City's Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27.
Summertime . . . and we're ready for reading! Shaker Library staff have worked hard to create enticing summer reading programs for all ages - preschool, school-age, teen and adults. Friends is proud to help sustain these exciting programs that promote reading. Sign up soon.

Join us from 6-8 pm Thursday, June 6 at Main Library for the Sounds of Summer Reading Kickoff , an all-ages event celebrating music, books, and reading presented in partnership with the Shaker Schools, the City of Shaker Heights Recreation Department, Family Connections, S.A.M.S., the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Friends of the Shaker Library. Enjoy music and snacks at the dance party. Make a craft or read to a dog. Learn how to download books on your mobile device from OverDrive. Sign up the whole family for summer reading! No reservations required.
Meet Authors Fran Golden and David Molyneaux
7-8:30 pm Wednesday, June 12
in the Bertram Woods Reading Garde n
Join authors and Clevelanders Fran Golden and David G. Molyneaux, who have been writing and eating their way through the Forest City for decades. Join them on a scrumptious expedition when they talk about their book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Cleveland, and sample some unique eats. Following their talk, books will be available for sale and signing.

20th Annual Barbara Luton Art Show
Margaret Heydorn poses by her Best of Show oil painting, Trippin' Through Grand Central, which now hangs by the door at Main Library.

Thanks to the Friends for its creation of the Barbara Luton Art Fund, which allows the library to hold this anticipated yearly art competition. Thanks also to the Friends for providing the hospitality for the artistic afternoon and awards ceremony.
Poetry in the Woods Has Lost a Beloved Poet
Our condolences to the family of poet Dan Rourke who left us much too soon. He last shared his poetry with a most appreciative audience on April 10 at Bertram Woods Branch.

Poet Margaret Ryan explains the role of poetry as this: “Through poetry, we learn how to be human, how to deal with suffering, what is important and lasting, and what really doesn’t matter much.”
Dan Rourke knew what was important and his poetry is lasting. May he rest in peace.
email us: friends@shakerlibrary.org