June 12, 2014
Friends of the Library Luncheon/Meeting Minutes
In Attendance: Glenda Carbaugh, Kathy Dobda, Jane Dugan, Richard Fox, Rita Hammond, Frank Klaus, Barb Loomis, Greg Sadlek,
Michael Schwartz (President Emeritus), Ann Marie Smeraldi, Barbara Strauss, Glenda Thornton (Library Director), Barbara Walker, and
Michael Wells (Friends President).
Noon--lunch; Michael Wells convened the meeting at 12:15 pm and asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Octavofest
Glenda Thornton told the group about the annual citywide event, Octavofest. The Michael Schwartz Library is one of the
founding members of the grass roots effort that celebrates the book and paper arts. Visit http://www.octavofest.org/for
more information and a schedule of events, held mostly in October.
Common Reading Experience
Ann Marie Smeraldi, First Year Experience Librarian, spoke about CSU’s Common Reading Experience. First Year students
enrolled in ASC 101: Introduction to University life share a common reading experience by reading a selected book and
participate in events related to the book. This year’s book is Walkable City by Jeff Speck. CSU will bring the author to
Cleveland on October 7 for various events, including a talk about his book and a meet and greet lunch at 1:30 pm
cosponsored by the Friends, the Library, and the University. Friends of the Library will be invited to attend.
Annual Bus Excursion
The group discussed 2 possible destinations for their annul Bus Excursion in the spring:
 First Ladies' National Historic Site in Canton
 Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas Ohio
They decided that the weather was not conducive for visiting Malabar Farms in early spring. Instead, the group was in favor
of traveling to The First Ladies’ National Historic Site in Canton. Friday, March 13, 2015.
Michael Schwartz suggested that the excursion could also offer a tour of the Kent State University Fashion Museum. Note that
time does not permit the group to tour both locations. The excursion in 2015 will be to First Ladies’ National Historic Site in Canton. A tour of
the Kent State University Fashion Museum will be considered for 2016.
Annual Local Authors Book Talk Series (April 2015) and Book Discussions for fall 2014/spring 2015
Barbara Loomis reported that Claire Gebben, a native Clevelander, recently offered to do a presentation of her new novel, The
Last of the Blacksmiths, for the Friends of the Library. Glenda Thornton provided a summary of the novel, about a young
German immigrant and his struggle as a blacksmith’s apprentice in 19th century Cleveland. Gebben used letters written
between immigrants and their families to create a poignant historical tale. All agreed to invite Claire Gebben to be the
featured author in the spring. Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30.
After reviewing a number of other suggested titles, the group decided on the following books for discussion (all in Rhodes
Tower, room 503).
•
Walkable City by Jeff Speck. Barbara Walker and Ann Marie Smeraldi agreed to co-lead a book discussion prior the Jeff
Speck’s visit to CSU in October. (October 1, 2014, 2:00 – 3:30) Friends are also invited to lunch with Jeff Speck on
October 7, 1:30 – 2:30.
•
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou. Attendees will also be invited to read a few lines from one of Maya
Angelou’s poems. Discussion leader: Barbara Strauss (October 29, 2014 1:30 – 3:00 pm)
•
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan (February 25, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30) Discussion Leader: Greg
Sadlek
•
The Round House by Louise Erdrich (March 25, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30) Discussion Leader: Richard Fox
Other suggestions: Wives of Los Alamos by Tarashea Nesbit, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: A Novel by Haruki Murakami,
We are Water by Wally Lamb and more.
Mike Wells adjourned the meeting at 1:20 pm
Agenda
Friends of the Library meeting/lunch
Thursday, June 12 2014
noon | RT 502
1) Octavofest: Celebrating the book and paper arts (October 2014) — Glenda Thornton
2) Supporting CSU’s Common Reading Experience—Walkable City by Jeff Speck –
Author visit on October 7, 2014. –Ann Marie Smeraldi
3) Bus Excursion: Spring Break week: Friday, March 13, 2015
 First Ladies' National Historic Site in Canton (60 miles/1 hour, 6 minutes)
 Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas Ohio. (70 miles/1.5 hours) Louis Bromfield
Home
4) Ideas for book discussions (fall 2014/spring 2015)
5) Annual Local Authors Book Talk Series (April 2015).
a) Claire Gebben -- Book title: The Last of the Blacksmiths
b) Other suggestions
6) Other
Meeting to be conducted by Michael Wells, CSU Friends of the Library President