Finding Dorothy Mockup
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Author Visit September 26

Get swept away over the rainbow with dazzling displays and programs inspired by the classic movie The Wizard of Oz with a special visit from Finding Dorothy author Elizabeth Letts on September 26.

Unveil the secrets behind the curtain as we dive behind the scenes of the iconic movie and the inspiration behind the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Beginning August 1, the Library is distributing 150 Finding Dorothy books to encourage reading, sharing, and engagement. Don’t miss The Wizard of Oz educational exhibit. This interactive fantasy-adventure based on the beloved movie takes children and families over the rainbow to the colorful Land of Oz, Munchkinland, The Emerald City, and more.

“Magic isn't things materializing out of nowhere, Magic is when a lot of people all believe in the same thing at the same time, and somehow we all escape ourselves a little bit and we meet up somewhere, and just for a moment, we taste the sublime”

― Elizabeth Letts, Finding Dorothy

September 1-20

Show off your pets in their best Wizard of Oz inspired costumes, take a photo of them, submit your picture to us at salltmont@alpl.org for a chance to win a gift card to Earthwise Pet of Avon Lake. Get creative! Have fun! Submissions taken Sept. 1st - 20th. Voting Sept. 21st - 25th. Winners announced Sept. 27th. 

September 9-13

Ages 8-17
Lollipops, Skittles, and Jellybeans! Oh My! Complete the Taste of Oz scavenger hunt for some yummy Oz-themed treats. Pick up your challenge sheet at the Information or Children’s desks.

Wednesday, September 11, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Join photographer and experienced storm chaser Bruce Bishop to learn about the excitement and perils behind storm chasing. Learn about storm chasing planning, apps to make your chasing safer and easier, and view various photographs and videos from real storm chases.

Friday, September 13, 7pm

Come and enjoy the classic film “Wizard of Oz”, but outside. Just bring your chairs or blanket or both for an evening out. Popcorn will also be available for purchase. Movie begins at 7:30pm.

lorain tornado

Lorain Tornado 100th Anniversary

Monday, September 16, 1pm-2pm

Learn more about the 100th anniversary of the tornado that devastated Lorain (and Sandusky) at the Avon Lake Historical Society program.

Monday, September 16, 7pm-8pm

Come see the suffragist movement brought to life and hear from the women who fought for the ratification of the 19th Amendment with a Suffrage panel including Victoria Woodhull, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Sojourner Truth.

Week of September 17

Pick up instructions and supplies to create a book-folded Toto.

Thursday, September 19, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Dr. Laurel Zwissler will present L. Frank Baum’s ideas about magic and witches and explore continuing pop culture influences.

Saturday, September 21, 10am-12pm

Ages 10-18
Join the Beck Center for an in-depth musical theater workshop for aspiring thespians. Work on vocal techniques, sharpen your acting skills, and gain more confidence for your next audition with hands-on and immersive activities.

Saturday, September 21, 2pm-3pm

Come meet a horse from Angels Haven Horse Rescue in Grafton and learn more about these beautiful animals.

Saturday, September 21, 2:30pm-3:30pm

Join Fox 8’s Mackenzie Bart and her friend Roxy to learn about weather.

Week of September 23

Pick up a take-home kit of poppy seeds inspired by The Wizard of Oz.

Monday, September 23, 9:30am-11:30am

Explore the science behind the tricks
used in The Wizard of Oz and other movies.

Monday, September 23, 6:30pm

Ages 13+
Not all witches are naughty, but they can be crafty. Create your own lucky little witch’s broom (or besom), to sweep away negativity and bring love and luck into every room of your home.

Wednesday, September 25, 3:30pm-4:30pm

Ages 16+
Discuss our favorite wicked witch with the novel that inspired the musical.

Wednesday, September 25, 6:30pm-8pm

Ages 13+
Gather your team of six as we test your knowledge on all things Wizard of Oz. Hosted by the Friends of Avon Lake Public Library.

Letts Bio Photo

Author Visit Elizabeth Letts

Thursday, September 26, 1pm and 7pm

The Avon Lake Public Library is honored to bring author, Elizabeth to speak on Thursday, September 26th at 1 p.m. Ms. Letts will be speaking at the Avon Lake Public Library at 7:00 p.m. There will be limited seating for this event and registration here is required. One ticket per person.

Books will be available for purchase and there will be an opportunity for the author to sign books at this event.