Free Speech

You might already know that I’m a big fan of libraries. I could do a whole series of posts on what they offer. And maybe I will.

For now, though, I’ll focus on the free talks you can attend at your local library. As you might expect, there are book launches and author visits. But you’ll also find programs featuring speakers on health topics, ballot issues, popular culture and local history, for starters.

You can find a calendar of events on each library’s website. In Cuyahoga County, the Cuyahoga County Public Library and Cleveland Public Library systems have calendars for each of their branches. Lakewood Public Library, which has two branches, has an online calendar and a PDF of its program guide that can be downloaded. Both Rocky River Public Library and Westlake Porter Public Library have a calendar of events and programs on their sites. Some libraries also mail program guides to residents and/or library cardholders and have copies on site.

I should mention that our many local colleges and universities and some businesses and organizations also have free events with speakers. Look for more information about those and the libraries’ events in future posts.