06 4, 2023

True-Crime Writer Rick Porrello Shares the Story of Multiple Murderer

By |2023-05-31T12:08:43-04:00June 4, 2023|

Cleveland’s best known true-crime writer and former police chief Rick Porrello will discuss his newest book, There’s More Bodies Out There, during a special author talk at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at our Main Branch.

The book tells the story of former con artist and mob-affiliated hitman Richard Henkel who claimed to have murdered 28 people. Porrello spent 10 months communicating with Henkel as research for There’s More Bodies Out There.

Porrello is also the author of The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia and biographies about organized crime bosses Danny Greene and Shondor Birns.

Porrello’s talk is free to enjoy. Due to limited space, registration is required. Sign up online or call our Main Branch at 440-255-8811 est. 1. His book will be available for sale and signing after his talk.

For more info on Cleveland organized crime

07 21, 2022

Celebrate & Investigate Mentor-on-the-Lake History with our New Group

By |2022-07-12T10:43:59-04:00July 21, 2022|

All are invited to celebrate and investigate Mentor-on-the-Lake’s with our group of history enthusiasts. The Mentor-on-the-Lake History Buffs will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at our Lake Branch.

The group gathers and documents information that pertains to the city’s past. Reminiscing and sharing is also encouraged.

The History Buffs are open to all, and the library asks that people RSVP to join the discussion. They can sign up on our website or by calling us at 440-257-2512.

05 7, 2022

Meet Lucretia Garfield: An Ohio Girl in Washington

By |2022-05-01T10:02:43-04:00May 7, 2022|

See history through the illuminating eyes of First Lady Lucretia Garfield!

Debbie Weinkamer, a historical reenactor from We Made History, performs as Garfield and share stories from her life in Washington D.C. from the 1860s to 1880s. As you might already know, Lucretia was the wife of U.S. Congressman, President and Mentor native James A. Garfield.

Lucretia Garfield grew up a shy farmer’s daughter from Garrettsville, Ohio, and was hesitant to put her family in the “fishbowl” of Washington D.C. for reporters and socialites to critique.

Debbie (as Lucretia) will return to the library when our Civil War series continues on Wednesday, May 11. She’ll discuss what the home front was like in Hiram, Ohio, while her husband James A. Garfield and brothers fought in the Civil War. The program is free to attend. You can register to attend on our website.

05 6, 2022

Discover True-Crime Stories of Murder & Mayhem on Lake Erie

By |2022-05-03T10:19:56-04:00May 6, 2022|

Local historian and author Wendy Koile has written about the legends of Lake Erie and disasters on its shores. So, for her newest book, she explores stories of murder and mayhem on the lake.

In this interview, Koile explains how researching history is like treasure hunting. (She has experience with both.) She also shares why she loves Lake Erie and wants to tell its stories. Finally, she recommends where you should eat if you only have one night in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

For more true crime from our YouTube channel:

05 28, 2021

Explore the Urban Legends of Ohio

By |2021-05-28T16:00:17-04:00May 28, 2021|

Ohio is stuffed with frightening folktales and chilling legends. Have you heard of Cry Baby Bridge? Helltown? The Melon Heads that were rumored to live in Kirtland?

Our own Ms. Mollie introduces you to the stories behind the legends of Mothman, the Monster of Minerva, the Lake Erie Monster, and more. She’ll also tell you about the state’s many Bigfoot sighting and the only known Witch Trial to occur in Ohio.

If you can’t get enough of local lore, our YouTube channel has authors sharing some of their favorite stories that they’ve researched:

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