LPLS, the Elyria Public Library System (Website | Profile), Avon Lake Public Library (Website | Profile), Amherst Public Library (Website | Profile), Grafton-Midview Public Library (Website | Profile), Herrick Memorial Library (Website | Profile) in Wellington, Oberlin Public Library (Website | Profile) and Ritter Public Library (Website | Profile) in Vermilion will each host discussions on the book starting in September at their respective libraries.

In October, the author will return to Lorain County to take part in book talks with project participants at various locations throughout the county.

An Open Book is a personal narrative of how books and reading have shaped Dirda’s life, from living with his blue-collar family in Lorain during the post-World War II years to manhood. The author’s love for books ultimately led to his current role as a book columnist for The Washington Post, where he has been for more than 30 years.

The book discussions scheduled thus far will be held:

• 6 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 2, Lorain Public Library System’s South Lorain Branch, 2121 Homewood Dr., Lorain


• 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Lorain Public Library System’s Avon Branch, 37485 Harvest Dr., Avon


• 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library, 351 6th St., Lorain


• 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Herrick Memorial Library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington


• 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, Lorain Public Library System’s Columbia Branch, 13824 W. River Rd. North, Columbia Station


• 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch, 4125 E. Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake


• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake


• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, Lorain Public Library System’s North Ridgeville Branch, 35700 Bainbridge Rd., North Ridgeville


• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 or 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion


• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., Amherst

In addition to the Dirda book discussions, the Elyria Public Library System’s West River Branch, at 1194 W. River Rd. North, Elyria, will host a special "Share Your Favorite Book When You Were Growing Up" discussion at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Dirda will join LPLS patrons for a book talk at noon Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Main Library, 351 6th St., Lorain. Tickets are $5 and include lunch. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Main Library administrative office (lower level) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning Oct. 1st. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Checks or money orders should be made payable to The Friends of The Lorain Public Library, Inc. Call (440) 244-1192, ext. 221 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 221 for more Lorain Public Library System event ticket information.

Other Dirda talks throughout the county are free and will be held:

• 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Elyria Public Library System’s West River Branch, 1194 W. River Rd. North, Elyria. Call (440) 324-2270.


• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St., Oberlin. Call (440) 775-4790.


• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake. Call (440) 933-8128.