Library's Sendak Exhibit Kicks Off Thursday

The has set up an exhibit portraying the early life and career of Maurice Sendak, best known for his work writing and animating the children's book "Where the Wild Things Are."

But there's more than just the exhibit.

Librarian Andrea Fisher, who had a hand in setting up the programs, said the library will be hosting and sponsoring several events to coincide with the exhibit, including the opening reception this Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. that includes a lecture on Jewish expressionism by Rabbi Alan Lettofsky and a performance by Lakewood High School alum Max Mueller, who composed an original score to "Where the Wild Things Are."

"It's getting really big and kind of out of hand," Fisher said laughing. "A lot of his work is enjoyed by kids and adults, but there's so much more you get out of it as an adult."

Among the events:

• Screening of "Tell Them Anything You Want," a documentary on Sendak's life, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.;
• Hosting a lecture on the history of the Jewish community in Cleveland by Rabbi Alan Lettofsky on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.;
• Showing "Where the Wild Things Are," Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.; and
• Hosting CityMusic Cleveland for a performance of music from composers who were killed in concentration camps during World War II on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.

Fisher said the Lakewood library was only one of 35 libraries across the continent to get to host the Sendak exhibit, which was created by the American Library Association.

"Any sort of costs not covered by the ALA were paid for by the Friends of Lakewood Library," she said.

The exhibit is free, and will run now through Feb. 24.