Sunday , 16 February 2025

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” Chosen as National Endowment of the Arts Annual Big Read

Lorain Public Library System, Lorain Historical Society, Oberlin Public Library, Oberlin Heritage Center and Community Foundation of Lorain County have partnered together to offer several months of diverse programming for audiences of all ages inspired by Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” through the National Endowment of the Arts annual Big Read.

The National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read is a community-wide reading initiative that unites people around a single, powerful book to spark meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity and deepen connections. This year, “Beloved” takes center stage, offering LPLS and its partners the opportunity to create dynamic programs that honor the community’s history and resilience while showcasing the enduring impact of Toni Morrison’s extraordinary legacy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison was born Chloe Wofford on February 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio. Morrison was a critically acclaimed Lorain native and hometown hero who became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. For Lorain and surrounding communities, she exemplified the American dream. Despite humble beginnings, Morrison achieved remarkable success through sacrifice, risk-taking, perseverance, and hard work, rather than by chance. Toni Morrison is synonymous with Lorain: you cannot discuss the history or impact of Lorain, Ohio, without discussing her life.

Morrison frequently remarked that her experiences growing up in Northeast Ohio were a prolific and monumental influence on her writing. While writing “Beloved,” Morrison immersed herself in Ohio history to understand our region’s treatment of Black individuals before and after the Civil War. In fact, several Lorain County cities were locations along the Underground Railroad. Oberlin’s connections to the Underground Railroad are well documented as the entire town generally was known as a safe area for freedom-seekers and this history was honored by the Toni Morrison Foundation with the installation of the “Bench by the Road” in the city in 2009. As the Lorain historical marker at Black River Landing explains, Capt. Aaron Root transported people aboard his ships while crossing Lake Erie so they could find freedom in Canada.

“Featuring “Beloved” allows LPLS and our community partners to have poignant conversations about both the importance of Black history and the significance of local anti-slavery efforts within our community,” says COO Jennifer Winkler, “so that the sacrifices of these individuals are not forgotten and we continue to learn from our past.”

“Beloved” is available in print, large print, audio and digital formats.

BIG READ 2025 KICK-OFF CELEBRATION: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Join the Lorain Historical Society for an engaging biographical presentation on Toni Morrison, highlighting her profound contributions to literature and her deep connections to the Lorain community. Following the presentation, celebrate with the Community Foundation of Lorain County as they honor the winners of the 2025 Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to pick up a complimentary copy of “Beloved,” connect with fellow community members and enjoy an afternoon filled with literature, history and fellowship. Lorain County Imagination Library will also have Toni Morrison picture books for families. This event is free and open to the public.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

TONI MORRISON POSTER CONTEST: Lorain County students in kindergarten through college were invited to choose one of two inspiring Toni Morrison quotations and create an original piece of artwork reflecting its meaning. The deadline for submission was Nov. 15, 2024. Judging will take place in January and the winning pieces in each age category will have their work framed and displayed in the Toni Morrison Reading Room at the Main Library for one year.

TONI MORRISON “WHERE WE LIVE” POETRY CONTEST: Local students in grades 6 through 12 and adult residents of Lorain County were invited to submit their original poem, based on the theme “Where We Live,” of up to 40 lines in free or formal verse. The deadline for submission is Nov 30, 2024. Prizes will be awarded to the first through third place winners respectively. Prizes are sponsored by The Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc. and an anonymous donor. All entrants are invited to attend an Open Mic Poetry Event in February where our contest winners will be announced!

OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Local poets are welcome to perform their original work and the winners of the annual Toni Morrison Poetry Contest will be announced. Preregistration required.

POETRY WRITING GROUP: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Lorain Bring samples of your completed poetry or work in progress to share with the group, receive feedback and criticism and exchange ideas. Preregistration required.

TONI MORRISON: “THE PIECES I AM”: Monday, Feb. 17, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Join us for a screening of the film released in 2019 that includes research materials found in our local history archives. A brief question and answer session will follow the film. Preregistration required.

TONI MORRISON STORY TIME: Friday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., Oberlin Public Library – Join us for a special story time featuring Toni Morrison’s books for kids!

WRITER’S GROUPS: Saturdays, 2 to 4 p.m., March 1; April 12; May 10, North Ridgeville Branch • Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., March 4; April 1; May 1, South Lorain Branch • Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., March 5; April 2; May 7, Avon Branch – Join us in these pressure-free and friendly writing groups to engage in writing exercises, and peer critiques and as well as support for whatever project you are working on. Preregistration required.

MAKER-IN-RESIDENCE CALIL CAGE AT THE MAIN LIBRARY IN LORAIN MARCH THROUGH MAY: MAKER-IN-RESIDENCE OPEN STUDIO HOURS: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 4, 18; May 13 • Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m., March 13, 27 • Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 3, 17; May 1 • Wednesdays, 3 to 5 p.m., April 9, 23 • Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Wednesday, May 21, 3 to 4:30 p.m. • Friday, May 30, Noon to 2 p.m. – Drop by and meet our Maker-In-Residence, Calil Cage, spoken word artist, author, speaker and educator with The Sparrow’s Fortune, a vibrant poetry collective dedicated to inspiring and empowering the community through arts, entertainment and creative writing workshops. Connect with Calil, learn about his creative process and engage in meaningful conversations about art and storytelling.

MAKER-IN-RESIDENCE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOPS: Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m., March 5; April 9; May 7 • Wednesday, April 23 from Noon to 2 p.m., Main Library in Lorain

WOMEN IN HISTORY: SOJOURNER TRUTH AND SARA LUCY BAGBY: Thursday, March 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Avon Branch – Robin Echols Cooper and Robin Pease from Women in History will portray Sojourner Truth and Sara Lucy Bagby, respectively. Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist, Civil War nurse and suffragette; Sara Lucy Bagby was one of the last fugitives to be surrendered under the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act, but after the Emancipation Proclamation, walked to freedom. Preregistration required.

TONI MORRISON’S HOMEMADE BISCUITS: Tuesday, March 11, 6 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch – Explore Toni Morrison’s inspiring stories for young readers while learning to make her biscuit recipe in a hands on baking experience. Preregistration required.

MARGARET GARNER: FROM HISTORY TO THE FICTIONAL STORY OF “BELOVED”: Tuesday, March 11; 6:30 p.m., Oberlin Public Library, Community Room • Monday, June 9; 6 p.m. at the Main Library in Lorain – Join the Oberlin Heritage Center for a program exploring the tragic and powerful story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved woman whose desperate act of resistance inspired Toni Morrison to write “Beloved.” Garner, who escaped with her family from Kentucky to Cincinnati in January 1856, was placed in an unimaginable situation when faced with the threat of being captured: having her children be returned to a life of enslavement or doing whatever it took to spare them from such existence, including taking their lives. The story and trial of Margaret Garner ignited fierce debates on slavery and humanity, and highlights the devastation brought about by the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and how states like Ohio became critical battlegrounds in the fight for freedom. This program includes mature content and may not be suitable for young audiences.

TEEN CREATIVE WRITING GROUP: Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 13; April 3; May 8, North Ridgeville Branch – Join other teens interested in writing to learn, share discuss and write. For ages 9 and up. Preregistration required.

“PEENY BUTTER FUDGE” STORY TIME: Saturday, March 15, 2 to 3 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Monday, March 31, 6 to 7 p.m., Columbia Branch Tuesday, April 8, 6 to 7 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Celebrate the joy of family and food with a special reading of “Peeny Butter Fudge” by Toni Morrison, followed by a fun, hands on activity where families can make their own peanut butter fudge together! Preregistration required.

TONI MORRISON’S CARROT SPICED CAKES: Monday, March 17, 11 a.m., South Lorain Branch – Immerse yourself in the rich themes and significance of food in Toni Morrison’s storytelling as we bring one of her cherished recipes to life. Preregistration required.

MAKER-IN-RESIDENCE YOUTH WRITING WORKSHOPS: Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., March 19; May 21, Main Library in Lorain – Unleash your creativity with Calil Cage, our Maker-In-Residence and artist from The Sparrow’s Fortune! This fun and interactive workshop is designed for young writers and creators in grades 5 to 12 to explore the magic of storytelling and self-expression. Preregistration required.

WOMEN IN HISTORY: FANNIE LOU HAMER AND MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE: Sunday, March 23, 3 to 4 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Robin Echols Cooper and Jeannine Gaskin from Women in History portray Fannie Lou Hamer and Mary McLeod Bethune, respectively. Fannie Lou Hamer was an African American sharecropper turned civil rights worker and founder of the MS Freedom Democratic Party; Mary McLeod Bethune was an African American educator, founder of Bethune Cookman College, Presidential advisor and recipient of Spingarn Medal. Preregistration required.

MULTIPLE “BELOVED” BOOK DISCUSSIONS: Tuesday, March 25, 1 to 2 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Tuesday, April 22, 1 to 3 p.m., Main Library in Lorain • Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m., Ship to Shore store, Lorain • Monday, April 28, 2 p.m., Columbia Branch • Monday, April 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Gather to discuss the author’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Beloved.” Preregistration required.

“BELOVED” FILM SCREENING: Sunday, March 30, 2 to 6 p.m., Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway – Join us for a free screening of “Beloved,” the powerful film adaptation of Toni Morrison’s acclaimed novel. Following the showing, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring community members. Together, we’ll celebrate Toni Morrison’s profound influence on literature, explore the importance of Black history and highlight the legacy of local anti-slavery efforts. Preregistration required.

EXPLORING TONI MORRISON: A LITERACY LEGACY: Monday, March 31, 6 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch • Monday, April 7, 6 to 7 p.m., Columbia Branch – Celebrate Toni Morrison’s profound impact on literature with an overview of her groundbreaking works and a discussion on her themes, characters and contributions to American storytelling.

POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP: Wednesday, April 2, 6 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch – Join the Writers Group for a special poetry workshop to celebrate National Poetry Month! Both first time poets and lifelong writers are encouraged to attend.

THREADS OF CHANGE: FASHION BEFORE AND AFTER THE CIVIL WAR: Monday, April 7, 6 to 7 p.m., Main Library in Lorain – Step into the past with Kent School of Fashion Professor Catherine Amoroso Leslie for an engaging journey through the evolving styles of pre-Civil War America and the transformative post-war years. Discover how clothing reflected these pivotal historical periods’ social, cultural and economic changes. Preregistration required.

FOLKTALES AND FUN: A TONI MORRISON STORY TIME: Saturday, April 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Monday, May 5, 11 a.m. to noon, Domonkas Branch • Monday, May 5, 6 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch • Tuesday, May 6, 6 to 7 p.m., Main Library in Lorain • Thursday, May 22, 10:30 a.m., South Lorain Branch – Discover the magic of storytelling with a reading of Toni Morrison’s beloved folktales, followed by engaging hands-on activities that bring her stories and themes to life. Preregistration required.

WOMEN IN HISTORY: HARRIET TUBMAN AND SARA LUCY BAGBY: Monday, April 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Main Library in Lorain – Allison Smith and Robin Pease from Women in History portray Harriet Tubman and Sara Lucy Bagby, respectively. Harriet Tubman was a conductor along the Underground Railroad, Army scout and African American suffragette; Sara Lucy Bagby was one of the last fugitives to be surrendered under the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act, but after the Emancipation Proclamation walked to freedom. Preregistration required.

KIDS COOK: EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION BREAKFAST CAKE: Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Main Library in Lorain • Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch – A beginner’s series for young cooks, bakers and foodies ages 9 to 12. Preregistration require.

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