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"I am completely smitten with the Lunch with Books patrons...who welcomed me like a long-lost cousin. It takes two to have a successful reading: an enthusiastic presenter and an engaged audience, and boy did the stars align for us." -Marie Manilla, Still Life with Plums

"Lunch With Books is an outstanding program -- one of the best in the country." -NPR Journalist Matthew Algeo, The President is a Sick Man


"With a new book in hand, I’ve visited a lot of libraries lately, and I think the Ohio County Public Library is my all-time favorite. People are kind and welcoming, and deeply appreciate a visiting writer." -Jaimy Gordon, Lord of Misrule (National Book Award)

“I wanted the book launch to be at Lunch With Books because it is the best library book program in West Virginia and because Wheeling and the Wheeling area was centrally involved in so many of the firsts in West Virginia sports.” –Bob Barnett, Hillside Fields: A History of Sports in West Virginia

This blog is being discontinued.

This blog is being discontinued.
Please visit: www.ohiocountylibrary.org/calendar

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Next Tuesday, January 5th--Charles Darwin's On The Origin of Species--The Story Behind The Revolutionary Book That Shook The World


Jim Butler, a naturalist-professor, will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, January 5 at noon to recount the amazing story, in a fully illustrated presentation, of what led to the publication of Charles Darwin's landmark 150 year-old book, On the Origin of Species. Butler will show why the book so deeply challenged prevailing views by suggesting that life on earth is not static, as most believed, but forever changing. An emeritus professor in the department of renewable resources at the University of Alberta, where he taught conservation biology among other subjects, Dr. Butler began his career working at Oglebay Park. In addition to co-hosting a wildlife television show and authoring several books, he is a poet, author, internationally known naturalist and environmentalist. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tuesday, December 29 at noon: Images of America--Bellaire

On Tuesday, December 29th at noon, authors Holly Bruno and Miami University of Ohio professor Andrew Ehritz will be at the Ohio County Public Library’s Lunch With Books program to discuss Bellaire, the new entry in the popular Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing. Bellaire grew to prominence in the early 19th century when rich deposits of coal and sand were discovered. Glass factories earned Bellaire the nickname “Glass City.” Industry grew rapidly, and the railroads brought tradesmen and immigrants. Bellaire has also been home to an enamel works, a steel factory, lumberyards, brick makers, and bottling companies. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tuesday, December 22 at noon: Craig Karges Returns!

Craig Karges, Wheeling’s own “Extraordinist,” returns to Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday December 22 at noon along with co-author J. David Diosi to discuss the new book, Extraordinary Tales: Stories from the Road. One part travel memoir and one part encyclopedia of the paranormal, the book takes readers around the world to explore the mystery of Atlantis, King Solomon's Mines, the Ark of the Covenant, Jack the Ripper, the secrets of the pyramids, Bigfoot, the White Witch of Jamaica, the Bermuda Triangle, and WV’s Mothman. It's a fun-filled world of ghosts, vampires and crystal skulls. Don’t miss the pre-Christmas magic! Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December 15: A History of the Wheeling Fire Department

On Tuesday, December 15th at noon, longtime Wheeling Fire Chief Cliff Sligar will be at the Lunch With Books program at the Ohio County Public Library discuss the history of the department and about his personal experiences as Chief. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.Test

Monday, November 30, 2009

JUST ADDED: Craig Karges and J. David Diosi on December 22!


NEW PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Craig Karges, Wheeling’s own “Extraordinist,” returns along with co-author J. David Diosi on Tuesday, December 22 at noon to discuss the new book, Extraordinary Tales: Stories from the Road. One part travel memoir and one part encyclopedia of the paranormal, the book takes readers around the world to explore the mystery of Atlantis, King Solomon's Mines, the Ark of the Covenant, Jack the Ripper, the secrets of the pyramids, Bigfoot, the White Witch of Jamaica, the Bermuda Triangle, and WV’s Mothman. It's a fun-filled world of ghosts, vampires and crystal skulls. Don't miss the pre-Christmas magic at Lunch With Books!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tuesday, Dec 1: Witness at Hawk's Nest with Dwight Harshbarger

On Tuesday, December 1 at noon, WVU Psychology professor and author Dwight Harshbarger will be at the Lunch With Books program at the Ohio County Public Library to discuss his new book, Witness at Hawk’s Nest. The book explores the Depression era story of WV men (2/3 of whom were African American) who worked digging a tunnel for Union Carbide. More than 1000 workers eventually died from silicosis in one of America’s worst, and least known, industrial disasters. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tuesday November 24: Alan Fitzpatrick

On Tuesday, November 17th at noon, Alan Fitzpatrick will be at the Lunch With Books program at the Ohio County Public Library to tell us about his new book, In Their Own Words: Native American Voices from the American Revolution. The book contains a unique and never before published collection of speeches of 18th century Native-American orators painstakingly transcribed from the Haldimand Papers housed in the British Library and National Archives of Canada. These documents provide insight into American Indian views of the events of the war in the Ohio Country. Cecy Rose, who created the cover art for the book, will accompany Mr. Fitzpatrick and will display some of her paintings. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tuesday, November 18: The Swedish Nightingale

History will come alive at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday November 17 at noon as actress JoAnn Peterson portrays 19th century Swedish singer Jenny Lind. Known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” Lind was an acclaimed performer in Europe before being invited by P.T. Barnum to tour the United States, where she gave 93 concerts. In 1851, Lind visited Wheeling, performing at the Old Fourth Street Church. It was her only performance in West Virginia. Ms. Peterson’s appearance is made possible by the West Virginia Humanities Council History Alive program. While Peterson is a seasoned actor and vocalist, the program is not a concert, but a first-person presentation. Peterson regularly performs at West Virginia Public Theatre, writes and directs murder mystery plays, and provides entertainment for groups and organizations. She is the owner of Mountaineer Country Tours, which arranges group tours to West Virginia. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

November 10: Stonehenge

On Tuesday, November 10 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will welcome Pamela Apkarian-Russell (aka, The Halloween Queen) will return to discuss her new book, Stonehenge: Myth, Mystery, & Fog, featuring vintage photographs of the famous site. A display of Pamela's Stonehenge-related collectibles can currently be seen in the library's main display case. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tuesday, November 3: Music of the Great Depression


Rev. Bob Willits of First Presbyterian Church in Wheeling will present "Hard Hitting Songs for Hard Hit People," the music of the Great Depression.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Oct 27: A History of West Liberty University

On Tuesday, October 27 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will welcome Dr. David Javersak, who will discuss his new book, West Liberty: From Academy to University, A History. The book, which covers life on campus from the founding of the school in 1837 through today, features many photographs and stories that go beyond the usual chronology of events. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesday, October 27: Hazel Atlas Glass

On Tuesday, October 20 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will welcome Joan Weiskircher, who will discuss the history of Wheeling’s Hazel-Atlas Glass Company from its beginning until its demise, including some information on the corporate headquarters building. Joan will also select a nice variety of glass - bottles, jars, & everyday dishware, plus Avon bottle lids, for a temporary display in the Old Wheeling Room. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

On Tuesday, October 13 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will welcome Dr. Matthew Blommel, Assistant Director, WV Center for Drug and Health Information and Clinical Assistant Professor, WVU School of Pharmacy. Dr. Blommel will review Our Daily Meds by Melody Petersen. The book is about how the big drug companies earn billions by spending heavily to promote a drug – even one that often doesn’t work as advertised. About 270 Americans die each day from doctor prescribed medicines. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tuesday, October 6: Author Savannah Schroll Guz

On Tuesday, October 6 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will welcome author and WVNCC English professor Savannah Schroll Guz, an art critic for Pittsburgh City Paper, and a monthly review columnist for Library Journal. Her latest book, American Soma, is a collection of fables and letters that explore modern politics, evolution, alternate histories, the nature of late capitalism, and the darker corners of human nature. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tuesday, September 29th: The Art of Nature

On Tuesday, September 29 at noon, naturalist, writer, & artist Julie Zickefoose will be at the Ohio County Public Library’s Lunch With Books program to discuss her book, Letters from Eden, which offers scenes from her beloved southern Ohio home. The scenes illuminate well-crafted essays based on her daily walks and observations. The book explores the interactions between people and animals. Julie Zickefoose began her career as a field biologist and became a magazine and book illustrator. Her monthly commentaries bring a glimpse of Appalachia to NPR's All Things Considered. Her appearance is sponsored by West Liberty’s Hughes Lecture Series. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Next Tuesday: Two Great Programs!


First, on September 22 at noon, Anna Harsh & Allegro Dance Company will be at the Ohio County public Library’s Lunch With Books program to present an afternoon of traditional Italian dances followed by a brief Q & A about the dances and Italian culture. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Then at 7 PM: It’s Capitol Movie Night! On Tuesday evening, September 22 at 7 pm, the Ohio County Public Library, in partnership with the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation, will offer a free screening of the first motion picture ever shown at Wheeling’s historic Capitol Theatre. A part of the community-wide celebration of the reopening of the Capitol, the screening will be held in the library’s auditorium. The sixty-eight minute Fox film, Romance of the Underworld, debuted in 1928, and starred Mary Astor as a gangster’s girlfriend who works in a nightclub but gets a chance at a new life with a little help from a kind cop played by Robert Elliott. The film also stars Ben Bard and Broadway favorite John Boles. The library will screen an original 16 mm print of the film on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The screening of Romance of the Underworld is free and open to the public. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, Sept 22: Italian Dance at NOON & A Capitol Movie Night at 7 pm

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

September 15: Welcome Back Capitol Theatre!

On Tuesday, September 15 at noon, the Ohio County Public Library’s Lunch With Books program will help celebrate the long awaited reopening of Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre. Local historian Kate Quinn will present a history of the famous building, including a look at the various performers it has hosted over the years. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September 8: Historic Forts of the Ohio Valley


On Tuesday, September 8 at noon, Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library will host Weirton attorney and author Michael E. Nogay. Mr. Nogay will discuss his new book, Every Home a Fort, Every Man a Warrior: Stories of the Forts & Men in the Upper Ohio Valley During the Revolutionary War. The book features information about Logan's Massacre, Lord Dunmore's War, Ft. Henry hero Captain Samuel Mason, Lewis Wetzel, and Andrew Poe's epic battle with the Indian known as Big Foot. The book also contains several secrets from the Revolutionary War era in Western Virginia as well as descriptions of over 35 forts and blockhouses, all of which are shown on a detailed map of the period. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

September 1: Archaeology in the Northern Panhandle

Andrea Keller, Cultural Program Coordinator at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex will be at the Ohio County public Library’s Lunch With Books program on Tuesday, September 1 at noon to present From Ice Age to Industrial Age : An Overview of Archaeology in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, a trip through time, from Native American prehistory through European contact and beyond. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Next Meeting of the Minds Tuesday August 25 at 6 pm.

The topic: God. How big (or small) does he (?) need to be?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

August 25: "My Lifetime" Books with Larry Good


Wheeling’s Larry Good will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, August 25 at noon to discuss “My Lifetime” books, the Life-Story organizers he helped invent to guide people in recording personal histories. The books, available from Personal History Systems at http://www.mylifetimebook.com/, are fully customizable albums - topics that fit individual needs in keeping a personal history. Each album is delivered with pages to help you write about your life, as it changes, to include new family members, loved ones lost, career changes, finances, a daily diary, lifestyle data, hobbies, personal faith, a travel log, and much more. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Library to Celebrate Capitol Reopening with Silent Film Screening

On Tuesday evening, September 22 at 7 pm, the Ohio County Public Library, in partnership with the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation, will offer a free screening of the first motion picture ever shown at Wheeling’s historic Capitol Theatre.

The event will be a part of the community-wide celebration of the reopening of the Capitol and will follow historian Kate Quinn’s Lunch With Books presentation on the history of the famous theatre scheduled for Tuesday September 15 at noon in the library’s auditorium.

The sixty-eight minute Fox film, Romance of the Underworld, debuted in 1928, and starred Mary Astor as a gangster’s girlfriend who works in a nightclub but gets a chance at a new life with a little help from a kind cop played by Robert Elliott. The film also stars Ben Bard and Broadway favorite John Boles.

The library will screen an original 16 mm print of the film on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Live piano music will accompany the film as the library’s auditorium is transformed into a 1928 movie theatre, complete with ushers, historically accurate food and beverages, and period music, costumes, etc.

Billed as “Wheeling’s New Million Dollar Theatre: A Wonderland of Entertainment,” the 3000 seat Capitol Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 1928 at 12:30 pm. Admission for the “Gala Opening” was sixty cents.

In addition to Romance of the Underworld, the Capitol’s “First Mighty Offering” featured continuous entertainment from 1 pm to 11 pm, including the popular American tenor John Steele, stage plays, a pantomime act, song and dance, acrobats; and a special organ prelude featuring Dusty Rhodes at “the $50,000 Wonder Organ…the finest organ in West Virginia.” The Wheeling Intelligencer estimated that at least 15,000 people attended throughout the day.

The screening of Romance of the Underworld is free and open to the public. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.





This project is in partnership with the Wheeling National Heritage Arera Corporation.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Aug 18: The Life & Times of Henry Schmulbach with Ryan Stanton


Ryan Stanton, an educator and local history enthusiast who maintains a blog called The Bell Rang, will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, August 18 at noon to share some of his research on Wheeling businessman and brewery founder, Henry Schmulbach. The program will feature photos of places associated with Schmulbach’s life, as well as breweriana. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

August 11: Street Car Days in Wheeling

Jack Syphers, one of Wheeling’s last living trolley car men, will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, August 11 at noon to tell us about his memories of a lost era: Street Car Days in Wheeling. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

August 4: Science & Government

Dr. Stanley Barkin, formerly the associate director of one of the units of the National Research Council (NRC), will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, August 4 at noon to discuss the history and role of both the NRC and the National Academies of Science (NAS). These quasi-governmental organizations were initially chartered by Abraham Lincoln and often collectively called the “U.S. Supreme Court of Science.” Currently, the NRC has been advising the government on such critical topics as stem cell research, climate change, and objects on a collision course with earth. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

July 21: The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb: Hiroshima and Nagasaki: August 1945

Dr. Dennis Wainstock will return to Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, July 21 at noon to discuss his new book on the controversial decision to drop two atomic bombs on Japan during WWII. The book, The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb: Hiroshima and Nagasaki: August 1945, presents both an American and a Japanese view of events leading up to the bombings and explores the justifications offered by President Truman and Secretary Stimson. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

July 14 at noon--Saving the Highlands

Cindy Rank of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy will discuss her organization’s efforts to save the state’s environment and natural beauty in the face of constant threats.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

July 7: China's Islamic Women

Dr. Art Barbeau, Emeritus Professor of History and Anthropology at West Liberty, will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, July 7 at noon to tell us about his visits to China, where he encountered a Muslim community 30 million strong, and was able to visit women’s Mosques. The presentation will include slides. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

June 30 at Noon: Folk Music


Rev. Bob Willits, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Wheeling, will perform folk music with a message, mostly from the 1960s.

Friday, June 12, 2009

June 16: A Galapagos Journey with Dr. Scott Shalaway

Naturalist Dr. Scott Shalaway will share memories and photographs from his 2008 expedition to the Galapagos Islands. One of our most popular guests, Dr. Shalaway is a freelance newspaper and magazine columnist who writes a weekly nature column. He also has 3 radio shows: Talk of the Town, M-F noon-1 pm on AM on Talk Radio 1370 WVLY, The Wild Side, Saturdays 9-11 am, also on AM 1370, and Sundays noon to 2 pm on 1360 WMNY in Pittsburgh.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June 9: Sharkwater--Film Screening and Lecture

Film: 10 AM, Lecture: NOON

On Tuesday, June 9 at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library, view the documentary, Sharkwater at 10 AM and stay for a noon lecture on the plight of sharks by Jennifer Lewis, Aquarist at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. In Sharkwater, filmmaker Rob Stewart debunks media stereotypes of sharks as man-eating monsters and exposes the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations. Stewart discovers these magnificent creatures have gone from predator to prey, and how despite surviving the earth's history of mass extinctions, they could easily be wiped out within a few years due to human greed. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Harry Truman Still a Crowd Pleaser




Author and NPR journalist Matthew Algeo visited Lunch With Books on Tuesday, May 26th to talk about his latest book, Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip.

The program drew an impressive 85 attendees, one of the highest totals in the 12 year history of Lunch With Books. Many thanks to Mr. Algeo for a superb presentation.

Here are a few photos from the event:

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday, June 2 at noon: HUMAN RIGHTS

Rebecca King, a long time activist & member of Pittsburgh’s chapter of Amnesty International, will explain what the organization does and how to join. She will also present an overview of the status of human rights in the modern world.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday, May 26: Author Matthew Algeo on Harry Truman's Weird But True Road Trip

Author Matthew Algeo will join us at Lunch With Books to discuss his new book, Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip. In 1953, ex-president Harry Truman and his wife Bess took an unprecedented road trip, driving 2,500 miles from Independence, Missouri, to the East Coast and back again with no Secret Service protection. The Trumans spent a night at the McClure House Hotel in Wheeling, a stop featured in the book. All along the way, they ate in roadside diners and tried, unsuccessfully, to blend in. Algeo revisits the Trumans’ route, stays at the hotels where they stayed, and eats at the same diners. Along the way he takes readers on brief detours into relevant historical topics. Algeo will also discuss his first book, Last Team Standing: How the Steelers and the Eagles – “The Steagles” – Saved Pro Football During World War II .An award winning journalist, Algeo’s stories have appeared on radio shows like All Things Considered, Marketplace, and Morning Edition. His wife, Allyson, works for the U.S. government as a Foreign Service officer. They currently reside in Rome.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

May 19 at Noon: Dr. Liberty Kovacs


Dr. Liberty Kovacs, former wife of Martins Ferry poet James Wright and mother of poet Franz Wright will discuss her memoir, Liberty’s Quest.

From the book jacket:

"(Eleutheria) Liberty (Kardules, Wright) Kovacs, Ph.D., MFT, MSN . . . is a self-actualized Greek-American octogenarian who grew up (and lived much of her adult life) between cultures. In spite of the drama and challenges, Libby led a life of admirable perseverance and courage to be all she could be. She not only changed generational patterns and went to nursing school and college at the price of being disowned by her father, but she went all the way to earn an MFT and MSN, and then at age 52, a Ph.D. She worked as a marriage and family therapist into her late seventies. On top of this, she raised three sons, sometimes single parenting, sometimes being caught in the middle with step-parent issues. And to feed her soul, for nineteen years she courageously went white-water rafting."

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday, May 12 at NOON: Wheeling's Coal History


Coal historian William Kalb will be at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library on Tuesday, May 12 at noon to talk about the impact of Wheeling area coal production, including the famous #8 seam, on the development and history of the city. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

May 5: Six Women of Wheeling

Jeanne Finstein & Judi Hendrickson will present Six Women of Wheeling: Snapshots of Wheeling's History Through the Eyes of Tryphena Hornbrook, Eliza Greathouse Zane, Elizabeth Campbell McLure, Sallie Maxwell Bennett, May Van Graveness Kitchen, and Gail Hamilton Holliday. Spanning the years from 1818 to 1969, each woman has a unique story; and each gives us a brief picture of life in Wheeling during her lifetime.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

West Virginia Monsters!

On Tuesday, April 14 at noon at the Ohio County Public Library, Kurt McCoy will discuss his book, White Things: West Virginia’s Weird White Monsters. You know about Mothman but McCoy will tell us about the many other strange phantoms that lurk in our wooded hills like the Grafton Monster, Sheepsquatch, and the Morgantown Morlock. McCoy grew up in Moundsville, and he’ll tell us about the haunted hotel where his father's family lived, a report about a huge serpent that menaced the Mount de Chantal area, the UFO landings in Oglebay Park, and sightings of the "Vineyard Hills Frankenstein,” among other eerie things. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are served. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Tuesday, April 7: Lafcadio Hearn

On Tuesday, April 7 at noon at the Ohio County Public Library, Mary-Bess Halford will discuss the life and works of Lafcadio Hearn. Also known as Koizumi Yakumo, Lafcadio Hearn was an author of Greek and Irish parentage who, after working as a reporter in the United States, moved to Japan and became a Japanese citizen. He was best known for his books about Japanese life, especially ghost stories & legends. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bag lunch and free beverages are served. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

March 31 at Noon: Arthur St. Clair

Local Historian Dick Phillips will discuss his research on Arthur St. Clair, Major General and Governor of the Northwest Territory—an unappreciated patriot of the revolutionary period.

Friday, March 20, 2009

March 24: Malcolm X


Dennis D. Wainstock, who teaches American history at Fairmont State University, will discuss his new book, Malcolm X: African American Revolutionary at the Ohio County Public Library's Lunch With Books program on Tuesday, March 24 at noon. The book focuses on the final years of Malcolm X, including his adoption of and eventual disillusionment with the religion of the Nation of Islam and questions surrounding his assassination. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Patrons are invited to bring a bagged lunch and free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Hughes Series Author to Appear at Library


Author Cathy Day will discuss Comeback Season: How I Learned to Play the Game of Love at the Ohio County Public Libary's Lunch With Books program on Thursday, March 19 at noon. The book is part memoir about life as a single woman and part sports story about the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl season. The Indiana born Day is the author of The Circus in Winter. She teaches fiction writing at Pitt. Day’s appearance is an extension of West Liberty ’s Hughes Lecture Series. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Bring a bag lunch, free beverages are provided. Please call the library at 304-232-0244 for more information.

Top Ten Lunch With Books Programs

Program; Presenter; Attendance; Date

1. SAENGERFEST; Eintracht German Singing Society; 200; 07-17-10

2. A Lucky Child; Auschwitz Survivor Judge Thomas Buergenthal; 198; 03-04-11

3. Fashion Show; Civil War 150; 194; 11-20-11

4. Ruanaidh; Art Rooney, Jr. and Jim O'Brien; 168; 06-15-10

5. Follow the River; James Alexander Thom; 160; 06-05-08

6. Warwood Memories; 157; 12-18-12

7. The Quiet Man Pub Reading; 150; 08-30-12

8. Wheeling Then and Now; Sean Duffy; 146; 09-07-10

9. Bloch Brother Tobacco; Stuart Bloch; 131; 04-27-10

10. Reasons to Believe; Dr. Scott Hahn; 126; 08-21-07

Book Discussion Groups

The Ohio County Public Library facilitates book discussion groups for both young adults and adults. Currently, the OCPL offers two adult groups, which meet on the first Monday and third Thursday of each month.

In addition to its own growing collection, the OCPL has access to the book discussion collection of the West Virginia Library Commission.

To join or form a book discussion group, or for more information, please call 304-232-0244.

Meeting of the Minds Philosophy Group

The Meeting of the Minds Philosophic Inquiry Forum is facilitated by David Weimer. The group meets virtually every Tuesday at 6 PM. Call the library for meeting room locations.

For more information, visit www.firstknowthyself.org/m&mphilosophy.htm or contact group organizer, David Weimer, at 740 526-0985 or by email at dwwweimer@comcast.net..