Umrigar book release party benefits Heights Libraries

The Story Hour is the lastest book by Cleveland Heights author Thrity Umrigar.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m., critically acclaimed local author Thrity Umrigar will celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Story Hour, with a benefit for the Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries (FFHL) at The Wine Spot. 

“In addition to providing the world with another wonderful novel, Thrity has made sure the local community will benefit from this book,” said Sue Pardee, FFHL president. “She offered to work with Suzanne DeGaetano, owner of Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry, and the Heights Libraries to donate proceeds from a book release party to the fund.” Mac’s Backs is sponsoring the event.

Pat Gray, manager of the Coventry branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, arranged to have the party benefit FFHL, a year-old endowment that benefits the independent local library system. “Thrity and Suzanne came to me and said they wanted to help the library,” Gray said. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

The book release party will take place at The Wine Spot, 2271 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, and will feature food from Café Tandoor and wine samples to accompany Umrigar’s remarks about her new book. FFHL will receive profits from ticket sales and a portion of the proceeds from books sold at the party.

Tickets are $50 and are availale online at http://tinyurl.com/thrityffhl. 

Kirkus Reviews calls The Story Hour “a forceful examination of identity, cultural isolation and the power of storytelling," and calls Umrigar “an impressive writer (who) delivers another smart, compulsively readable work.”

The Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries was established in 2013 by the Heights Libraries Board of Trustees as a 501(c)3 organization that is entrusted to administration by the Cleveland Foundation. Individuals and organizations can contribute to the Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries as a tribute to a friend, to memorialize a loved one, or to honor a special occasion. Contact the fund at director@heightslibrary.org or 216-932-3600.