Harvey and Friends Bookshop opens

The Harvey and Friends Bookshop, located on the second floor of the Lee Road Library, opened for business in February. It is named in honor of longtime Cleveland Heights resident Harvey Pekar, who died last summer.

Pekar was a well-known cartoonist, the author of American Splendor, and the subject of the movie with the same title. He was also a prominent supporter and friend of the Heights Library.

The bookshop has thousands of books from which to choose, all donated to the Friends or removed from the library’s circulating collection. Bookshop shelves are arranged by subject. Available genres range from preschool books to adult fiction and mysteries, and a wide variety of nonfiction subjects. Adult books cost $1.25, children’s titles are 75 cents each, or 50 cents if two or more are purchased. Friends members receive a 25-cent discount on adult titles.

Some bookshop highlights include a child’s play space, book-related gift items, and vending machines stocked with office supplies and healthy snacks. Freshly-brewed Phoenix Coffee and baked goods are available, with discounts for Friends. Free-standing racks of ongoing book sale items can still be found on the first floor of the Lee Road Library as well as at each of the other Heights Library Libraries. Friends volunteers will continue to sort and shelve donated books on Tuesday evenings, and will be on site to assist customers during most library hours. 

All bookshop proceeds will be used to maintain, improve and add to resources, facilities and services. Money will also be used to support programs for children and adults.

Shop managers Joni London and David Robbins are working closely with the library staff to develop a showcase of Pekar’s graphic works that will debut this summer in a grand opening celebration. The project will illustrate Pekar’s contribution to the underground comic book industry. 

The bookshop is also available for community events.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 216-932-3600, ext. 299, or visit www.friendsofheightslibrary.onefireplace.com.