Read any good books lately? Think back. You can probably remember the first book you ever read. Most movies started out as books. And almost all interesting people eventually write a book. The songs we sing, the lyrics that ring in our ears. Literature surrounds us, haunts us, taunts us.
Crack one open. -Thomas MulreadySUBSCRIBEPODCASTHELP Photo byThomas Mulready CoolCleveland.com
Indoor Fireworks
We’ve wrangled a payload of local literary links this week, cause now’s the time to sit down with that book you’ve been planning to read. Local bookstores will be glad to ship whatever you need, and they need your support! Our world-class libraries have online programs, and area groups are hosting Zoom events & workshops, even an online open mic. Read local. NEO’s literary scene flourishes even in quarantine!
April is National Poetry Month
And to celebrate, sign up for an inspiring email a day of Ohio poetry all month, plus prompts to help you write your own.
Look Local First
If you’re ordering books online, think about our local indie bookstores first. They may have just what you need, or they can get it for you.
Free Movies and eBooks
Make the most of your library card from home. Cuyahoga County Public Library offers free eBooks, movies, music and more. No card? You can sign up free online.
Murder in the Cultural Gardens
Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com has written his first novel, a whodunit set in Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens.
Cleveland Kids Book Bank
Two out of three low-income kids don’t won a single book. You can help. To enroll, text “Cleveland” to 70138 and follow the prompts.
Suddenly, campaigns for offices ranging from state legislature to congress to judicial seats have had to alter their tactics, eliminating house parties, door knocking and fundraisers in favor of digital voter contact. Learn how several local campaigns are pivoting.
If you’re a dancer, theater artist or visual artist, that time stuck in the house can be spent polishing up your application for grants, programs and shows coming up later this year. Here are some things you can apply for.
Restoring Their Lifeline
About three dozen Oberlin Conservatory piano students were stuck on campus when things shut down, unable to return to their native countries. They were also unable to access pianos to practice in shuttered campus buildings. So arrangements were made to bring the Steinways to them.
A Longer Wait
Cleveland’s FRONT International Triennial has announced that its second iteration will be pushed back a year from 2021 to 2022, due to the challenges with fundraising and coordinating events with CLE Ohio arts institutions that are currently closed.
The Maltz Museum has announced that both its awards ceremony for its annual Stop the Hate youth essay contest and its Maltz Heritage Award dinner will be celebrated entirely online. It’s also ramping up its blog to offer more content.
Sharpen Your Leadership Style
Cleveland Leadership Center is connecting and inspiring virtually: Their Leader Lunch Breaks feature candid conversations with leaders; Leader Lines offer inspirational videos; and Connecting Through Conversation put you in touch with leadership topic discussions.
Kids Going Stir Crazy?
You don’t have to drive out to Willoughby to take advantage of the Fine Arts Association’s online classes for kids.
Stuck inside? Melt Bar and Grilled has you covered. It’s National Grilled Cheese Weekend, and Melt has quickly risen to the challenge by offering a portion of sales to Ohio food banks. In these trying time, maybe a little comfort food is all you need. SPONSORED
Content Marketing Institute founder Joe Pulizzi sold the business to focus on his writing — and his conspiracy thriller The Will to Die has just been released, with Cleveland references galore.
SAT 4/11 The Boys of Summer For its 4th annual Negro League Centennial Celebration, the Baseball Heritage Museum presents a program about the Cleveland Indians’ early black players. It’s on Zoom, of course.
WED 4/15 Stories of Rust and Renewal Cleveland-based Belt Publishing puts out nonfiction books about life in the Midwest — its culture, history and politics. Check out their new releases at the website. Author events are, of course, on hold.
MANSFIELD
Notes on the Pandemic
One fool down in Florida, a preacher at a megachurch and big-time tRump supporter, said that he had a “machine” that prevented the virus from entering his church. He had to be carted off to the pokey by the local sheriff… Read MoreComing Up Hard
My young friend had come up hard in East Cleveland. But due to his razor-sharp mind, a mother who cared deeply and did all she could for him in spite of her financial circumstances, and a school guidance counselor who really gave a damn… Read More
It’s blossom time in northeast Ohio — and they’re everywhere. So find a street that’s not crowded, keep your distance, and drink in the smell and colors of spring. It’s great therapy! We took these at the Cleveland Museum of Art Lagoon.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
