What's going on at your library?

Heights Libraries is a proud supporter of Octavofest, the annual Northeast Ohio-based celebration of book-related arts. This month, the library offers hands-on classes, lectures, tours and more, to extol the glory of the written and spoken word in its many manifestations. Find more at www.heightslibrary.org.

Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.

Cedar-Coventry Author Series: Emerging Notable Author Kevin Keating. Kevin Keating's debut novel, The Natural Order of Things, and the stories contained within have received much critical praise. Robert Olen Butler called it "a dark and utterly compelling work with an unnervingly resonant vision of our present age. Excellent work by a fine young writer."The book follows several students, teachers, employees and priests at a Jesuit boys' school as their stories weave in and out of one another's. Meet the author and hear him read from his riveting novel. Marian Morton, John Carroll University professor emeritus and local history writer, will join Keating for a conversation about the novel. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Lee Road Library
2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.

Words as Ritual. Throughout the ages, letter combinations, alphabets, chants and talismans have been intimately woven together to provide protection, offer guidance, and turn desires into reality, in both religious and secular settings. Discover the history of the methods various cultures have used to tap into the magic of words. This program is part of the Octavofest celebration.

Noble Neighborhood Library
2800 Noble Road, 216-291-5665

Monday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

Poetry Palooza. Children in grades K–5 can learn to express themselves by exploring the vast world of poetry through crafts and activities inspired by various styles of verse. Registration began Sept. 29.

University Heights Library
13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700

Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

Travel Tales: Tea in the Sahara. Travel lovers unite—and share stories of an unforgettable meal, a hidden gem of a neighborhood, a surprising interaction with locals. Join like-minded wanderers in this program led by Tammy L. Currier, designer and former travel editor.