A statewide, year-long celebration of author Toni Morrison kicks off Wednesday, Feb. 18 on what would have been the Lorain native’s 95th birthday. 

Morrison is one of the most renowned authors in U.S. history, publishing 11 novels and earning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. 

Literary Cleveland, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, East Cleveland Public Library, and The City Club of Cleveland are just some of the organizations hosting events throughout the year in celebration of Morrison’s work and achievements. 

Here’s a list of events for you to explore around Cleveland, in Cuyahoga County, and in Morrison’s hometown of Lorain: 

Ohio celebrates Toni Morrison Cleveland kickoff

Lit Cleveland will host a kickoff celebration at Karamu House that will feature open mic readings of Morrison’s work and a live broadcast of the Columbus kickoff events. The Columbus kickoff will feature author Namwali Serpell, whose book about Morrison was released Feb. 17.  

“[Publishers] are also reissuing some of Morrison’s novels with different artwork and different forwards in the beginning of the books,” said Britt Lovett, project manager of the Morrison celebration for Lit Cleveland. “We’ll have some of those [books] there for people to purchase.”

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Where: 2355 E. 89th St. Cleveland 44106

Reach for the Star Storytime & Craft

Morrison wrote several children’ s books with her son, Slade Morrison. Kids and families are invited to the Willoughby Hills Public Library for a reading of the Morrisons’ book “Please, Louise” about a little girl whose trip to the library sends her on great adventures. 

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Where: 35400 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills 44094

A Community Day Party Celebrating Toni Morrison

Members of Toni Morrison’s family will host a community celebration in their hometown of Lorain. Attendees can see exclusive artifacts and photos curated by the family and enjoy some of the foods and dishes Morrison wrote about in her books. Lovett said the family is also looking to host after-dark spoken word events throughout the year and a closing celebration on Feb. 18, 2027. 

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3-6 p.m.
• Where: 1764 E. 28th St., Lorain 44055

Toni Morrison: “The Pieces I Am” Documentary Viewing

East Cleveland Public Library will host a matinee-time viewing of the Toni Morrison documentary, “The Pieces I Am.” The documentary features Morrison in her own words addressing her work, her life and her career, plus a discussion after. 

• When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 
• Where: 14101 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland 44112

On Morrison: A Conversation About Toni Morrison with Author Namwali Serpell

The City Club of Cleveland hosts a conversation with Harvard professor and author Namwali Serpell, whose book, titled On Morrison, was released Feb. 17. The book focuses on Morrison’s literary skills and techniques and how to get the most out of reading her work. The event also features a book signing and sales by ThirdSpace Reading Room. Tickets start at $30.

• When: Friday, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Where: 1317 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44115

Girl Talk: Celebrating Toni Morrison

Hexagon Books in Cleveland Heights will host a discussion on Morrison’s legacy featuring local publisher Rhonda Crowder, Lit Cleveland’s Michelle Smith, and author Kim Martin Sadler. “Examining [Morrison’s] whole life,” said Smith, “and framing her as a dynamic, dimensional figure in publishing, in academia, in scholarship, and not just in writing, helps us to gain an even deeper understanding of this woman’s greatness and profound contribution to literary, regional, national, international history.” Tickets are $23.18. 

• When: Friday Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m. 
• Where: 2184 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights 44118

A Source of Self-Regard: A Historical Exploration of Toni Morrison’s Literature

Literary Cleveland has created a year-long workshop that will explore the historical aspects of Morrison’s work by reading and discussing her 11 novels in the historical order the books were set, starting with “Mercy,” set in the 1600s, through to “God Help the Child,” set in the 2000s. Participants read one novel per month and return for a discussion the third Saturday of every month starting Feb. 21 with the course intro. Costs vary.  

• When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-3 p.m. 
• Where: 1464 E. 105th St., Cleveland 44106

Toni Morrison Statewide Virtual Book Club

Literary Cleveland will also hold a free statewide virtual book club that follows the same curriculum as the in-person workshop. Participants will read all 11 of her novels in the historical order they were set, starting with “Mercy,” set in the 1600s. Participants will read one novel per month and meet online the last Sunday of every month to talk about the book.  

• When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Where: Online

Book Discussion: “Beloved”

Willoughby Hills Public Library will hold a book discussion on Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Beloved,” with light refreshments provided. 

• When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
• Where: 35400 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills 44094

Book Discussion: “Song of Solomon”

East Cleveland Public Library will hold a book discussion on Morrison’s third novel, “Song of Solomon,” as part of its own monthly book club series on Morrison’s works. Library associate Joshua Gage said the discussions will start with very basic questions, usually about the characters, and then delve deeper into the story. “Especially with ‘Song of Solomon,’ ” he said. “This one is such a multi-generational story, a layered, metaphorical story as well. So there’s a lot of angles that we can discuss.” 

• When: Thursday Feb. 26, 4-5:30 p.m. 
• Where: 14101 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland 44112

Closing Reception: Collaborative Toni Morrison Mural by DAYZWHUN

Loganberry Books in Larchmere will host a closing reception and public viewing of a mural honoring Toni Morrison created by local mural designer DAYZWHUN plus six other local artists. 

• When: Thursday Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.
• Where:  13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights 44120