Lake-Geauga League combines efforts for author visits

Cooperation is the key to success for the LakeGeauga League of Libraries’ new Off the Page speaker series, according to community outreach coordinator Jason Lea of Mentor Public Library.

The League of Libraries consists of 10 public libraries in Lake and Geauga counties, and the combined efforts of these libraries have brought numerous authors to the area. The group on April 28 presented the Northcoast Writers’ Showcase, featuring keynote speaker Christina Baker Kline, author of “Orphan Train” - and has more author visits in the coming weeks.

Lea said the area is very fortunate to have well-supported libraries, and their working together results in larger programs and, ultimately, more enjoyment by their patrons.

In regards to getting authors to the libraries, Lea says it’s important to get on an author’s radar by reaching out to them, whether through an agency or speaking to the author directly. This task Lea credits to Travis Fortney and the team of reference librarians, who have booked almost all of the author visits thus far.

Lea thinks bringing authors to the area is important for a number of reasons.

“It’s not about bragging rights,” he said. Instead, Lea believes the importance lies in entertainment and inspiration.

After working for years on stories to be published, authors have interesting and unique experiences to share with their readers. In addition, Lea believes many readers have ideas for stories themselves, and hearing a successful author speak to his or her tireless work and setbacks can inspire readers of any age who wish to pursue that path.

He hopes these author visits will inspire a new generation of writers.

The upcoming Off the Page speakers include Paula McLain, author of “The Paris Wife,” and debut novelist Rebekah Frumkin. McLain will discuss her latest novel “Love and Ruin” at Geauga County Library’s Newbury Auditorium from 4 to 6 p.m., May 5. Frumkin will discuss her novel “The Comedown” at Willowick Public Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., May 9.

Other upcoming area author visits include:

• André Bernier, author of “Christmas in Pilaf” series and “The Extra Mile,” from 3 to 4 p.m., May 5, at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St. in Painesville.

• Laura DeMarco, author of “Lost Cleveland,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m., May 17, at Perry Public Library, 3753 Main St.

• Jim Sulecki, author of “The Cleveland Rams: The NFL Champs Who Left Too Soon, 1936 -1945,” from 7 to 8 p.m., May 29, at Perry Public Library

• John “Derf” Backderf, author of graphic novel “My Friend Dahmer,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m., June 12, at Mentor Public Library’s main branch, 8215 Mentor Ave.

• Mindy McGinnis, author of “Not a Drop to Drink” and “The Female of the Species,” joined by Cinda Williams Chima, author of “Stormcaster” in the “Shattered Realms” series, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., July 17, at Mentor Public Library’s main branch.