As part of the statewide yearlong celebration of the literary works of Nobel, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author – and Lorain, Ohio native – Toni Morrison, the East Cleveland Public Library, located at 14101 Euclid Avenue, has organized a series of special events throughout the year to pay homage to the talents of this homegrown author.
“This project is designed and led by Literary Cleveland with Ohio Humanities, Ohioana Library Association, and the Toni Morrison Society. As a local public library, we’re proud to be a part of this statewide celebration!” says Adult Reference Librarian Joshua Gage.
In addition to Cleveland, other key Ohio cities participating in the project are Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.
“To celebrate, the Library will host a monthly book group throughout 2026 to read the works of Morrison. We’ll be starting on Feb. 26 with her book ”Song of Solomon,” the 1977 novel that helped her gain national prominence and attention, that explores African American themes of identity, flight and community, and it’s a strong introduction to Morrison’s work. These discussions are free for the community to attend; just read the book and show up. We hope readers will try some of Toni Morrison’s novels and join us for some lively community discussion and literary fellowship.”
The schedule for the remainder of 2026 is as follows:
- February 26 – Song of Solomon
- March 26th – A Mercy
- April 30th – The Bluest Eye
- May 28th – Sula
- June 25th – Jazz
- July 30: Beloved
- August 27: Tar Baby
- September 4: Home
- October 29: Paradise
- November 20; Love
- December 17: God Help the Child
Who was Toni Morrison?
Born Chloe Anthony Wofford, Morrison nicknamed herself Toni during her teen years, after converting to Catholicism and being baptized under the name Anthony, in reference to Saint Anthony of Padua.
She is the author of 12 fiction novels, seven nonfiction titles and a series of children’s books, co-written by her son, Slade Morrison.
In addition to the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes (she was the first black woman to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature), Morrison was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Her novel, Beloved, was made into a major motion picture starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, Thandie Newton and Kimberly Elise.
Morrison would have turned 95 on February 18.
“Before becoming a world-renowned author, Morrison worked in an Ohio library, Lorain Public Library — an experience often cited in stories about her early love for literature and intellectual curiosity,” said East Cleveland Public Library Executive Director Carlos Latimer.
“East Cleveland Public Library can draw inspiration from this history, positioning itself as a cultural guardian of Morrison’s legacy and a literacy hub for Black stories and authors,” Latimer said.”Given that Morrison’s work often explores themes of Black girlhood, family, trauma, beauty, and resilience, her writing resonates deeply in communities like East Cleveland that value both cultural pride and social understanding.”
For information on more Toni Morrison events in Ohio, go to the Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison website.
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