In the age of e-books and despite the downfall of Borders, Cleveland Public Library (CPL) still believes that the beauty of books is always worth celebrating. That’s why CPL and the Ohio Center for the Book, along with other founding partners Art Books Cleveland, Cleveland State University's Michael Schwartz Library, and the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation, have teamed up to present the third annual Octavofest, a month-long series of events in October to call attention to the book and paper arts.

“CPL is thrilled to sponsor Octavofest” said Felton Thomas, executive director of CPL. “While our library is constantly evolving and embracing new technology, we know that books are indispensible, and we appreciate the value, craft, and creativity that go into making them. Octavofest gives everyone the chance to see just how much skill and artistry is involved.”

Octavofest (which takes its name from a traditional bookmaking format) kicks off on October 1st with the 4th Annual 4Ever Morgan Open House and Silent Auction and Octavofest 2011 Opening, an event sponsored by the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation, at 1754 E. 47th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103. The event is open to the public and features hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, live music, papermaking & bookarts demonstrations, and a silent auction of artworks created on handmade Morgan paper, collections of other artworks, and many surprise items. Those interested in attending should visit morganconservatory.org to sign up.

As part of the celebration, CPL will host Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Travelers’ Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry, on Thursday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. Niffenegger will speak about her craft, which includes not only writing books, but also the art of designing them, as she is a talented and dedicated book artist who has also worked in the graphic novel medium and taught book arts at Columbia College.

Other Octavofest highlights include:

* A showing of the inspiring documentary film Proceed and Be Bold, about printmaker Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.

* WATCH ART demonstrations on making books sponsored by Art Books Cleveland

* A book and paper fair sponsored by the Northern Ohio Bibliographic Society of Cleveland

*A “Warhol Mania” display of books on the famous pop artist, Andy Warhol, sponsored by The Cleveland Museum of Art

*Ongoing exhibits and lectures on at CPL, CMA, CSU, and other locations

* Bookmaking classes and demonstrations throughout the month

* Artists’ Show and Tell events in CPL’s Treasure Room

* Forums and presentations on rare books and book collecting.

Additional Octavofest participants include The Cleveland Artists Foundation, The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), The Cuyahoga County Public Library, John Carroll University, the Northeast Ohio Bibliographic Society, Oberlin College, Rocky River Public Library, the Rowfant Club, and more. Octavofest is funded in part by a generous grant from the George Gund Foundation.

For a complete schedule of events, please check octavofest.org for all the details. You can also contact Amy E. Dawson, Acting Manager of CPL’s Literature Department, at (216) 902-4947 or amy.dawson@cpl.org.