Library summer programs celebrate the Gay Games

This summer, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library will offer entertaining and thought-provoking LGBTQ-themed (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) programs for adults. The library's Looking Through the LGBT Lens programs are planned to coincide with, and complement, the 2014 International Gay Games, coming to Cleveland in August.

“The Gay Games is a huge event for all of Northeast Ohio, and we’re proud to be supporting it with our programs this summer,” said Nancy Levin, Heights Libraries director. “Public libraries are all about inclusiveness and respect for individual viewpoints and differences, and these programs and displays fall right in with our mission and values.”

The programs begin in June and end in August, and feature book discussions, original art displays, films, local history talks, and performances by local LGBT artists:

June 11, 7 p.m. at Lee Road Library - Book Talk: Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyal.

July 9, 7 p.m. at Lee Road Library - Book Talk: The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Aug. 4, 7 p.m. at Coventry Village Library - LGBT Local Author Panel: A diverse panel of local writer-performers, including Judah Leblang (Finding My Place), Christine Howey ("Exact Change"), and slam poetry champion Eris Dyson, will offer their insights and perspectives on the LGBTQ experience.

Aug. 6, 7 p.m. at Lee Road Library - Personal Narratives of the Local LGBT Movement: A look at the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ movement in Cleveland. John Grabowski of the Western Reserve Historical Society will offer an overview of the society’s LGBT archives, followed by a panel discussion with local activists and community members. Presented in partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.

Aug. 7, 7 p.m. at Dobama Theatre - LGBT Artists’ Showcase: Judah Leblang, Christine Howey and Eris Dyson will follow up their Aug. 4 authors’ panel with a performance of theater, poetry and art.

Aug. 13, 7 p.m. at Lee Road Library - Book Talk: Breaking the Surface by Greg Louganis.

Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m. at Lee Road Library- Lee Road Movie Night: “Pariah.” In this film, Alike, a 17-year-old African-American woman who has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school, is quietly embracing her identity as a lesbian.

Some programs require registration. Visit www.heightslibrary.org to register and for more information.