Teeing Off Black History Month at Stark County District Library

This week, as we leave January behind and begin February, your Stark County District Library has numerous exciting and informative programs scheduled, including a great program in celebration of the story behind Historic Clearview Golf Club that will inspire you and make you want to break out your clubs a couple of months early.

Each program below is linked to the Stark County District Library Events calendar, where you'll get more information about the program (such as the time the event is offered) and have the opportunity to register online or by phone to attend.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Lake Community Branch continues its series, Set Sail for Weight Loss, a fun and educational program that discusses strategies for managing diet and exercise habits in 2012. You'll also get to sample some tasty, healthy recipes.

Speaking of food, author Lisa Abraham will visit North Branch on Thursday, Feb. 2 to present Cooking Confidential. Abraham is the author of Famous Chefs and Fabulous Recipes: Lessons Learned at One of the Oldest Cooking Schools in America. Get the inside story on famous chefs, recipes, and cooking tips.

Also on Thursday, Feb. 2, the Stark County District Library Genealogist will visit Madge Youtz Branch to present Beginning Genealogy. Your library has an excellent Genealogy Department, and this program is a fantastic way to learn about the resources available to you to start tracing your family tree.

Join us at Main Library on Saturday, Feb 4 to Tee Off Black History Month at the Library. You'll get to meet author Richard Michelson and illustrator Eric Velasquez as they present their book, Twice as Good, the story of William Powell and East Canton golf course Clearview, the only golf course designed, built, and owned by an African American. Twice as Good is a wonderful story that presents Powell's fascinating and inspirational history, and it's beautifully illustrated. At the event, you'll also get to meet PGA/LPGA professional Renee Powell, daughter of William Powell.

Michelson, Velasquez, and Powell will participate in several other events beginning on Thursday Feb. 2 at Walsh University, including a talk by Richard Michelson "Understanding Social Justice through Children's Literature," and an exhibition of Eric Velasquez's original illustrations for the book at the Canton Museum of Art. Here's a link to the full list of events and details celebrating the release of Twice as Good.

And, on Monday, Feb. 6, learn about the Underground Railroad at Jackson Township Branch. Historical presenter Paul Goebbel will share the history of the people who risked everything to help slaves escape to freedom.

As always, there are many other excellent events planned at a branch of the Stark County District Library near you, including children's story times, book groups for adults, computer classes, and programs for teens like Marvelous Mustache Day on Friday, Feb. 3. For a full listing of events and programs, check www.StarkLibrary.org/eventscalendar and find something that enriches and inspires you today.