News

 ROCKY RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY was recently named as one of the top libraries in the nation in Library Journal’s 2011 “Index of Public Library Service.” The rating identifies 262 Star libraries, based on 2009 data from more than 7,000 public libraries nationwide.

“We are delighted to be a Star Library,” said Rocky River Public Library Director Nick Cronin. “Thank you to our patrons who made this possible through their support. And thanks to the dedication of everyone who works at Rocky River Public Library, people are visiting us in great numbers, checking out our materials, attending our programs, and using our technology resources. It’s very encouraging to know that we really are a premier destination point in Rocky River.”

Three hundred and sixty-four days of the year parents tell their children to never take candy from strangers. Then, on the last day of every October they dress those same children up in masks and weird costumes and tell them to go out on the streets at night and either beg or threaten strangers to give them candy.

Halloween is traditionally a holiday observed on the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows, or All Saints Day. In the Middle Ages it was believed that restless souls of the recently dead wandered during the year until All Saints Day, when their fate would be decided. All Hallows Eve was their last chance to get revenge on their enemies before entering the next world. Some people, fearing the consequences, would wear masks to disguise themselves.

It wasn’t until the first decade of the 20th century that Halloween began to be celebrated in the United States and not until the 1930s that children began trick-or-treating. Since then costume parties, haunted house attractions, and watching horror films have also become popular.

“On Stage In River,” Rocky River Public Library’s new live performing arts series, brings you an uplifting and transforming performance of “Prove Yourself” on Thursday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocky River Senior Center, 21014 Hilliard Blvd. 

Cleveland Public Theater and Y-Haven present this original work, created and performed by the residents of Y-Haven, a branch of the Greater Cleveland YMCA. Based on a thirteen-year partnership between the two organizations, the project introduces theatre arts to homeless men recovering from addictions.  Free admission. Limited seating-come early.

I am happy to report that BayComm, a radio group started this year, is now active. We are still looking for additional members, however, to make it truly valuable to the community. We welcome residents from Fairview and Rocky River to join our club. The concept is to have a state-of-the-art, battery-operated CB radio on hand when the power goes out and other forms of communication go down. This will provide a link (or “lifeline”) to family members, and others in the community.

“On Stage in River,” the Library’s new performing arts series, opens with the highly-acclaimed “Verb Ballets” contemporary dance company on June 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocky River Senior Center. Take this spirited journey from classical through contemporary dance as “Verb Ballets” performs works created by master choreographers Christopher Fleming and Heinz Poll. Free admission. No registration. Limited seating, so please come early.

Experience the excitement of future live performances in theater, music and dance in the Library's new series "On Stage in River," celebrating the perfoming arts.

For additional information, call Rocky River Public Library at 440-333-7610 or visit www.rrpl.org.

Wonder what the "War On Women" is all about? Come to an exciting and timely forum on Tuesday, June 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Rocky River's Umerly Center, 21016 Hilliard. Hear speakers outline what this war is all about and how we can fight back. Speakers include:

- Nickie Antonio, State Representative
- Kellie Copeland, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio
- Gary Dougherty, State Legislative Director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio
- Cynthia Demsey, Chair, Cuyahoga Democratic Women’s Caucus

The event is sponsored by the Democratic Clubs of the Western suburbs, including: Bay Villiage, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake and the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats.