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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

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.

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..