Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library designated a Literary Landmark in honor of Harvey Pekar

PHILADELPHIA —  The Cleveland Heights (Ohio)-University Heights Public Library (Heights Libraries) will be designated a Literary Landmark  in honor of Harvey Pekar (1939-2010), author of the iconic comic book “American Splendor,” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Lee Road Branch of Heights Libraries.

Along with the plaque, there will be a dedication ceremony for a statue of Pekar created by local sculptor Justin Coulter, with funds raised by his widow, Joyce Brabner, through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $38,000. There will also be a presentation by JT Waldman, the artist who collaborated with Pekar on his posthumously published graphic novel, “Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me.”

Pekar spent countless days at Heights Libraries, working on stories that celebrated his hometown and the common man. “The library was Harvey’s first love and second home,” said Brabner.

Pekar’s relationship with the library is a big part of “Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me.”  The collaboration between Pekar and Waldman began in 2008 and included trips to the Lee Road Branch of Heights Libraries, which is featured in the book.  Waldman’s talk will focus on his collaboration with Pekar and the role the library played in their research for the book.

Partnering with United for Libraries for the dedication are Heights Libraries and Friends of the Heights Libraries.

The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. More than 120 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. More information is available on the United for Libraries website. 

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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