Lakewood Public Library Director, Kenneth Warren, a civic fixture in the City since his arrival in 1984 has advised the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire effective July 1, 2009.

Mr. Warren, who oversaw a period of dynamic growth for the Library in both its services and facilities, will be sorely missed. Having worked hand in hand with Ken during an extensive construction and renovation project, I can attest to his devotion to the community. His love of his adopted community goes far beyond his efforts on behalf of the library. While certainly the multiple number one rankings in Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HALPR) during his tenure speak volumes as to his efforts as Director, such recognition merely scratches the surface of Lakewood’s true Renaissance man. The civic activities, in which he has been a part, included such diverse interests as being a founding member of the Lakewood Observer and LEAF, past president of the Lakewood Christian Service Center, past president of the Lakewood Kiwanis Club, the Lakewood Scholarship Foundation, as well as past president of the Ohioana Library Association...

Lakewood Public Library’s role-playing game for youth in grades five through eight which focused on campaigning and winning an election concluded on Friday, November 14. Teams of students transformed librarians into candidates for the fictitious office of President of the United Streets of Lakewood. More information, including video of the speeches and debate, is available at http://www.lkwdpl.org/youth/election.html.

The following is an article written by our high-school media correspondents, Mathias Hansen and Spencer Paul:

If you’ve never had a chance to catch the jazz duo Sugarcoat, consider dropping by the Lakewood Public Library Sunday, December 7, for an hour of great music to ease you into the hectic holiday season.

Sugarcoat is made up of keyboard player Chris Hanna and vocalist Kelly Wright. They cover such classics as “Route 66,” “Fly me to the Moon,” “Don’t get Around Much Anymore,” and “Cry Me a River,” as well as some favorites like “Moondance” and “Fever.”

What does it take to find a job in 2008? Good contacts, up-to-date skills, flawless resume, excellent interviewing techniques – those are the things that haven’t changed for decades.

What has changed? Most job hunters will now be required to use the internet for job applications and contacting employers. Even job seekers who have never used a computer personally or professionally find that computer skills are necessary to secure a position...

Are you ready to watch the fur fly? Take a trip to Gay Purr-ee with Duchess, Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse. C’est la vie, what have you got to lose! Enjoy this Disney romp with the whole family presented by the Family Music and More program at the Lakewood Public Library...

If at any point in the foreseeable future utilizing one of the library's 66 (60 at the Main Branch, 6 at Madison) brand new free to use computers seems like a good idea, then coming into contact with the PC Reservation System is inevitable.

For those used to the old sign in sheet system, the change may be potentially frustrating at first, but the learning curve is tiny and certainly worth the effort. The PCRS (PC Reservation System) streamlines the process for patrons and staff alike. It is fully automated, allows for the option to sit at that computer which is preferable (instead of the library staff making assignments), and allows for more accuracy and fairness determining computer assignments when the room is full...

The Friends of the Lakewood Public Library, a volunteer organization that first formed in 1980, want to thank their many donors and let everyone know that they are gearing up for yet another sale to the public in November. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Friends’ President of fifteen years, Paul Dimmick, for an update on the newest Friends’ events and plans. The Friends preview sale will be on November 20th, and the ½ off, $3.00 bag sale for the public will be on November 22nd...

Lakewood Public Library and Lakewood Recreation Department are teaming up to present “Hoop Stories,” a program which will unite the body and mind by celebrating the sport of basketball through stories and activities...

This month a new role-playing game for youth in grades five through eight which focuses on campaigning and winning an election began at Lakewood Public Library. Teams of students are transforming librarians into candidates for the fictitious office of President of the United Streets of Lakewood. They are creating political parties, platforms and focusing on a few city and library issues. Campaign posters are currently hanging in the Children’s and Youth Services Department. More information is available at http://www.lkwdpl.org/youth/election.html. Voting in the library and online is open to all and will run from October 30 through November 5...

Sunday afternoons have long been the home of free entertainment at the Library. For over twenty years, the Friends of Lakewood Public Library have offered concerts, lectures and even a little drama nearly every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. But on Sunday, November 2 the Friends will try something they’ve never done before. They’ll show a free movie using the Library’s brilliant digital theater set-up—His Girl Friday (1940) starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell...

Shannon Okey, multitalented celebrity of the fiber and craft world, will be at Lakewood Public Library on Tuesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. in the Main Library auditorium where she will discuss her book, How to Knit in the Woods. There will be books available for sale and signing at this free event...

Skip Blockbuster, Borders and Best Buy. Lakewood Public Library offers patrons free access to hundreds of movies, music CDs and audio books in the new Audio Visual Department.

From the popular blockbuster films, top hit music CDs and best-selling audio books, to foreign and independent movies and music from across the globe, the Library offers a wide variety of AV material.

And the collection is growing...

Family Music and More is happy to announce the return of the Kulture Kids to Lakewood Public Library on Saturday, October 25th. This time we will be exploring the land down under in a program called "Inside th Outback" Join us for an evening of stories, songs and games as we learn about Australia and New Zealand...

The secret is out—there’s a new club in town! A club where budding artists, musicians, and great thinkers come together. Sound like you? There’s just one catch—you have to be in middle school. Still sound like you? Then you belong in Club Life!

The Cleveland Museum of Art has since its inception collaborated with local educators to bring some of the finest works of art into the lives of students in the Cleveland area and beyond. With the start of the new school year, many teachers are looking for new and creative ways to engage students in the classroom. On Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. teachers are invited to the Main Library Auditorium to learn about the variety of resources available through the museum to enhance learning for students in kindergarten through high school...

As of September 17th, the after school program Homework Connections has returned to the library. Every Monday through Thursday from 3-7pm, students will have access to a separate set of computers in the Learning Lab area of the Technology Center, a space specifically designed for research, writing and collaboration...

Want to know more about upcoming book sales, free movies or computer classes? Check out the Lakewood Public Library's online calendar. It offers a way for patrons to stay up-to-date on what is going on at the library, as well as plan their monthly activities...

Join us as Jack Mizenko and Gary Rice lead their audience in songs from the “hippie” era and beyond on Sunday, October 19th, at 2:00 p.m. in the main library’s auditorium. The “Hippie Hootenanny” is an extension of the Monday evening acoustic jam sessions that have taken place since 2002 at the Lakewood Phoenix coffeehouse. The Lakewood Public Library is happy to give a new forum to these talented musicians. Since it is a hootenanny, the audience is encouraged to sing right along, so please come and participate! This event is free to the public...

The most requested film in the (relatively short) history of Lakewood Public Library’s digital cinema is finally here. Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 masterpiece, Seven Samurai will be shown on Saturday, October 11 at a special time—5:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium. The show starts early because of the nearly three-and-a-half hour running time, including intermission. Dialogue is in Japanese with English subtitles, but don’t worry. Masterful action and adventure cross the language barrier easily. Subtly beautiful cinematography is universal. Admission is free and so are snacks—as long as you bring your own from home. This film is Not Rated by the MPAA, though it should be noted that we don’t recommend it for small children...