Celebration of local authors begins Oct. 23

The Lorain Historical Society will be holding a week’s worth of events beginning Oct. 23 to celebrate the city’s literary icons past and present.

The Historical Society will hold a series of free events each evening from 6 to 8 p.m. where they will showcase the works of authors who have called Lorain “home,” according to a news release

“There is a different event each night and we are just fascinated by how many writers and authors have come from Lorain, what kind of inspired it for all of these writers,” said Kaitlyn Donaldson, collections supervisor for the Historical Society. “We really try to find something for everyone even if you aren’t a writer yourself so there is something you can find.”

Donaldson said Lorain author Kelly Boyer Sagert helped coordinate the week and they hope to highlight the depth of area talent which globally acclaimed author Toni Morrison calls home.

“There are more authors from Lorain than people know about,” Donaldson added.

The schedule for literary week is as follows:

• Oct. 23: Free Writing Workshop and Book Fair — Learn from local author Kelly Boyer Sagert at a writing workshop and be prepared to purchase books from some of Lorain and Lorain County’s published authors. Online publishing resources will be made available through the Lorain Public Library System.

• Oct 24: Children’s Literature — Reading and workshop coordinated by Marti Skarupa of “Look How Lovely (Mira que lindo!).” This evening is particularly for parents and children.

• Oct. 25: Helen Steiner Rice, as presented by Charlene Connors Savoca. This one-woman show is followed by a poetry writing workshop. It is presented in partnership with the Lorain Arts Council.

• Oct. 26: The Grandma Gatewood Story — The Emmy-nominated documentary “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story,” written by Lorain resident Kelly Boyer Sagert and produced by Elyria resident Bette Lou Higgins. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and is followed with a Q&A with the producer. There is a $5 admission fee for this event.

• Oct. 27: Open Mic Poetry/Short Prose — Coordinator Debra Rose will facilitate the evening. Organizers are calling for family-friendly language only; no hate speech. Online publishing resources will be made available through the Library System.

For more information, contact Lorain Historical Society Executive Director Barb Piscopo at bpiscopo@lorainhistory. org.