Vladimir Nabokov claimed that a major writer is a storyteller, a teacher, and an enchanter. In other words, a provider of astonishments, and you know how dearly our world needs its astonishments.
Here in Northern Ohio, The LIT is doing its best to nurture artists able to astonish us. The LITs book drive helped create a library for Ted Ginn Academy. Our forthcoming Lantern Awards will honor writers who live and work nearby, major writers such as George Bilgere, Mary Doria Russell, Michael Oatman, David Hansen, Sarah Gridley, Lou Suarez, Derf, Dan Chaon, David Giffels, and James Renner, to name a few. Recently weve hosted Paula McLain, Thrity Umrigar, and Mike DeCapite at our very popular book club, Local Perspectives, to astonish and to read to us.
In May, The LIT learned it will be a 2011 recipient of a much-needed General Operating grant through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. For this we are grateful, and yet between now and the end of 2010 The LIT must raise considerable funds in order to cross the bridge into that magical next year. We need to support office staff, print MUSE magazine, pay rent and utilities, expand innovative programs and community outreach, and keep the generous vendors who are always helping Ohios oldest and largest independent literary center stay afloat. Please, won’t you help too?
This is how you can help: Send in your annual contribution now, when its needed most. Mail a check to The LIT in an amount meaningful to you, or safely donate online below. Together weve been devoted to Ohio readers and writers and have had a 36-year history of astonishments. Together we will always have an astonishing future.
Respectfully yours,
Judith Mansour
Executive Director