Cleveland Park
Interim Library

Historical Home Runs

Engaging middle grade historical fiction

A lot of people are hesitant to pick up a book if it is labeled historical fiction. What they don't realize is that historical fiction is not that different from the sometimes more "glamorous" fantasy novels -- both are set in a world different from the one we know today. I find exploring different worlds, whether they are fantastical or historical, extremely interesting which is why I love both genres. What follows is a very abbreviated list of some of my favorite historical fiction titles which I believe would interest even the most reluctant historian.

Legends & Lore DC Book Discussion Series

'Literary Capital'

Do you enjoy reading about hometown Washington, D.C.? The Cleveland Park Library has a local book discussion series!

Job Seekers Clinic June

Civil service exams

Staff at Cleveland Park Library are available for job seeker assistance all month, every month. While we can provide only the quickest help for walk-ins, call the Information Desk, 202-282-3072, or email clevelandparklibrary@dc.gov to make an appointment for one-on-one assistance. You can receive help writing cover letters and resumes, navigating job search websites, setting up accounts on popular job websites, and filling out online job applications.

History/Biography Book Club

A new book club at Cleveland Park

The Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library is getting a new book club! Well, not new, actually - it's been around for almost 10 years. It's the History/Biography Book Club. It began at the Martin Luther King Library in 2005, moved to the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in 2011, and is now coming to Cleveland Park. It meets the fourth Monday of every month but December.

'Rain Fall' by Barry Eisler

Cleveland Park Mystery Book Club June selection

On Thursday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., we will discuss Barry Eisler's Rain Fall, first in the series featuring John Rain, a Japanese-American businessman based in Tokyo. Trained by the U.S. Special Forces and a veteran of Vietnam, he is a cool, self-contained loner who has built a steady business specializing in death by "natural causes." He is also a man struggling with his own divided nature: Japanese/American, soldier/assassin, samurai/ronin.

Female Characters with Stories to Tell

Fiction that feels authentic

One thing I love about reading is the opportunity to get lost in someone else's voice. Characters may act differently or make choices I wouldn't, but a great writer helps me understand why - because the characters feel like real people, and real people react in different ways! The following books may not have a lot in common thematically or stylistically, but they all feature female narrators with compelling voices and stories I cared about.

'The Crossing Places' by Elly Griffiths

Cleveland Park Mystery Book Club May selection

When a child’s bones are found on a desolate Norfolk beach, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson calls in forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway. Nelson thinks he has found the remains of Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing 10 years ago. Since her disappearance he has been receiving bizarre letters about her, letters with references to witchcraft, ritual and sacrifice.

Job Seekers Clinic May

GED Testing

The Cleveland Park Job Seekers Clinic is available all month long. While we can provide quick help for walk-ins, please call the Information Desk, 202-282-3072, or e-mail clevelandparklibrary@dc.gov to make an appointment for one-on-one assistance. You can receive help writing resumes and cover letters, filling out job applications, and setting up accounts on popular job websites.

Adults

May Teen Events

See what's happening this May at Cleveland Park

May is here and that means a new month of events at Cleveland Park! On May 6, we will be watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off! May 20, at 4 p.m. is teen gaming hour. We will have video games, board games, and card games available so however you like to play, we have you covered.

Teens

Mother's Day Crafts

Tissue paper flowers

Mother's Day is around the corner! Make some Mother's Day crafts with us on Friday May 1, at 4 p.m. Children will learn to make tissue paper flowers and decorate a jar for their flower arrangements, and also make a card if time permits. While this program is for children of all ages, the very young may need adult assistance. Come and explore your creativity while having some fun.

Cleveland Park Interim Library