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, 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 are invited to choose one of two inspiring Toni Morrison quotations and create an original piece of artwork reflecting its meaning: “She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order.”
OR
“You are your best thing.”
Artwork should be drawn horizontally and can be either 12 inches by 18 inches or 8.5 inches by 11 inches. It must be done on white poster board or drawing paper (no lines). All artwork must be original; no traced, trademarked or copyrighted characters, slogans, etc.
Completed posters can be submitted starting Oct. 1, 2024 by scanning it as a .jpeg with at least 300 dpi resolution to morrisonposter@lpls.info or drop it off at any LPLS branch. Include your contact information, school name if applicable, and for participants ages 18 and under, provide the name of your teacher, parent or caregiver.
The deadline for submission is Nov. 15, 2024.
Judging will take place in January, 2025 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 are invited to submit your original poem, based on the theme “Where We Live,” of up to 40 lines in free or formal verse beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
Email your poem to lorainpoetry@lpls.info. Please paste your poem into the body of the email; do not send as an attachment. Include your legal name and pen name if applicable; middle or high school grade if applicable; name of school; home address; phone number and email address. A parent, legal guardian or teacher is welcome to submit a student’s poems on their behalf. The deadline for submission is Nov 30, 2024.
Prizes of $75, $50 and $25 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. at the 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. at the North Ridgeville Branch
Monday, March 31, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Columbia Branch Tuesday, April 8, 6 to 7 p.m. at the 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. at the North Ridgeville Branch
Tuesday, April 22, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Main Library in Lorain
Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Ship to Shore store, Lorain
Monday, April 28, 2 p.m. at the Columbia Branch
Monday, April 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library in Lorain
Gather to discuss the author's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Beloved." Preregistration required.
"BELOVED" FILM SCREENING
Saturday, March 29, 2 to 5 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. at the Avon Branch
Monday, April 7, 6 to 7 p.m. at the 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. at the North Ridgeville Branch
Monday, May 5, 11 a.m. to noon at the Domonkas Branch
Monday, May 5, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Avon Branch
Tuesday, May 6, 6 to 7 p.m.at the Main Library in Lorain
Thursday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. at the 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. at the Main Library in Lorain
Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Avon Branch
A beginner's series for young cooks, bakers and foodies ages 9 to 12. Preregistration required.