The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, West Virginia, offers a variety of programs for adults patrons, including Lunch With Books, The People's University, the Fracking Facts series, and monthly book discussion groups.
"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
Aug 26 Bridge Building in WV with Terry Lively
Aug 19 Nicaragua: Religion & Politics
“Speaking [at Lunch With Books] was the highlight of my summer. A spectacular facility, a wonderful array of speakers, and a community dedicated to one of its finest resources. You all should be proud of what you're doing. I look forward to returning.” -Rudy Dicks, The ’63 Steelers
"I am completely smitten with the Lunch with Books patrons and their fearless leader, Sean Duffy, 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. It’s not always easy to read one’s fiction in public, but this library family provided a sea of welcoming faces filled with warmth, attentiveness, and good will. Their generous laughter and emotional investment helped me to bring my prose fully to life. A thousand blessings to you all." -West Virginia Author Marie Manilla, Still Life with Plums
“We set a personal attendance record and personal best for the number of books sold!”
-Peter Zeranski, Polish Classic Recipes
"I enjoyed my talk at your library very much indeed. There was a very special rapport between the audience and me. The informality and good humor with which you conducted the proceedings also helped make my visit most enjoyable. I can see why so many people attend your programs." -Judge Thomas Buergenthal, A Lucky Child
"A Few Words about the Ohio County Public Library:
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.
This is a handsome library in the historic riverfront city of Wheeling, with a dedicated and articulate Coordinator of Programs, Sean Duffy, who brings in a large and spirited audience. There’s a real sense of community here, almost of family. People are kind and welcoming, and deeply appreciate a visiting writer, especially one who shows an interest in their city. I had a wonderful time there." -Jaimy Gordon, National Book Award Winning Author of Lord of Misrule
"If I want the best and most attentive and responsive audience I know I will have it during Lunch With Books...at the Ohio County Library. No one is looking for a free lunch. They're looking to learn more about the latest books and they buy their share of them. I wish I could find more venues as good as this one.." - Author Jim O'Brien, The Chief and Steeler Stuff
