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Image for event: Author and Librarian Douglas Westerbeke

Registration now closed

Author and Librarian Douglas Westerbeke

in conversation with BPL Director Ben Heckman

2024-04-30 19:00:00 2024-04-30 20:00:00 America/New_York Author and Librarian Douglas Westerbeke Join us at Gramercy Books for Douglas Westerbeke’s debut novel that charts the adventures of one woman's journey as she tries to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving. Gramercy Books -

Tuesday, April 30
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-04-30 19:00:00 2024-04-30 20:00:00 America/New_York Author and Librarian Douglas Westerbeke Join us at Gramercy Books for Douglas Westerbeke’s debut novel that charts the adventures of one woman's journey as she tries to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving. Gramercy Books -

Join us at Gramercy Books for Douglas Westerbeke’s debut novel that charts the adventures of one woman's journey as she tries to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving.

NEW VENUE: NOW BEING HOSTED AT GRAMERCY BOOKS (2424 East Main Street).

Ohio Librarian Douglas Westerbeke’s A Short Walk Through A Wide World charts the incredible, adventurous life of one woman as she journeys the globe trying to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving. Douglas will be in conversation with Bexley Public Library Director Ben Heckman.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets Life of Pi in this dazzlingly epic that Shelf Awareness calls: “A wild romping adventure, a poignant tale of relationships and interconnectedness, and a compelling journey of self-discovery.” 

Paris, 1885: Aubry Tourvel, a spoiled and stubborn nine-year-old girl, comes across a wooden puzzle ball on her walk home from school. She tosses it over the fence, only to find it in her backpack that evening. Days later, at the family dinner table, she starts to bleed to death.

When medical treatment only makes her worse, she flees to the outskirts of the city, where she realizes that it is this very act of movement that keeps her alive. So begins her lifelong journey on the run from her condition, which won’t allow her to stay anywhere for longer than a few days nor return to a place where she’s already been.

From the scorched dunes of the Calashino Sand Sea to the snow-packed peaks of the Himalayas; from a bottomless well in a Parisian courtyard, to the shelves of an infinite underground library, we follow Aubry as she learns what it takes to survive and ultimately, to truly live. But the longer Aubry wanders and the more desperate she is to share her life with others, the clearer it becomes that the world she travels through may not be quite the same as everyone else’s...

Fiercely independent and hopeful, yet full of longing, Aubry Tourvel is an unforgettable character fighting her way through a world of wonders to find a place she can call home. A spellbinding and inspiring story about discovering meaning in a life that seems otherwise impossible, A Short Walk Through a Wide World reminds us that it’s not the destination, but rather the journey—no matter how long it lasts—that makes us who we are. 

A Short Walk Through A Wide World will be available for purchase at the event or at Gramercy Books any time after its April 2nd release.

Though a screenwriter by trade, Douglas Westerbeke has been a librarian at one of the largest libraries in the United States. Cinema and literature have had a strong influence on him, from the adventures of Indiana Jones and Forrest Gump to Borges, Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, and the work of Viktor Frankel. Westerbeke has also spent the last decade on the local panel of the International Dublin Literary Award, which inspired him to write his own book. 

Bexley Public Library Director Ben Heckman is a proud 2003 graduate of Capital University with a degree in education. After a short time as a teacher and as a manager with Starbucks, Ben’s passion for learning led him to Bexley Public Library, where he began his career at the circulation desk. Ben earned his Master’s in Library Science Degree in 2014, and served as BPL’s public services manager and as assistant library director before becoming director in 2017. Ben’s appreciation for serving the Bexley community reminds him daily of Mark Twain’s quote, “Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Books Reading and Storytelling |

TAGS: | |

Bexley Public Library

Phone: 614-231-2793

Hours
Mon, Jan 13 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jan 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jan 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jan 16 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jan 17 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jan 18 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jan 19 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Bexley Public Library was founded in 1924 and first housed in Bexley High School, now Montrose Elementary School. The present building opened in 1929 and was designed by architects O.C. Miller and R.R. Reeves who drew upon French and Italian architecture from the 17th century for the design.

The library is located at 2411 East Main Street, at the intersection of East Main Street and Cassady Avenue. Parking is available in our parking lot on Euclaire Avenue and in front of the library on Main Street. Main Street is a No Parking Tow Zone from 4:00-6:00 p.m. weekdays.

Upcoming events

Wed, Jan 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Wed, Jan 15, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Jan 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Jan 16, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Jan 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Board Room

Thu, Jan 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sat, Jan 18, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Jan 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Jan 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Jan 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Jan 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Tech Center Classroom
This event is full

Tue, Jan 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 21, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 21, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Drexel Theatre

Wed, Jan 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 22, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Thu, Jan 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Thu, Jan 23, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Jan 23, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Fri, Jan 24, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Fri, Jan 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Tech Center Classroom

Sun, Jan 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Jan 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Jan 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Jan 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 28, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Jan 28, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Cancelled
Tue, Jan 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library

Wed, Jan 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 29, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Jan 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Thu, Jan 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Jan 30, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sat, Feb 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Tech Center Classroom

Sun, Feb 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Feb 02, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium
This event is full

Mon, Feb 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 04, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Tue, Feb 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 05, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Wed, Feb 05, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library
This event is full

Thu, Feb 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - BPL Virtual Programs

Fri, Feb 07, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sat, Feb 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Feb 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Feb 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 11, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 12, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 12, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Wed, Feb 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium
This event is full

Thu, Feb 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Fri, Feb 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sat, Feb 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Feb 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Feb 16, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 18, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Drexel Theatre

Wed, Feb 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Wed, Feb 19, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 19, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 20, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Mershon Auditorium

Sat, Feb 22, 10:30am - 3:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Board Room
This event is full

Sun, Feb 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Feb 23, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium
This event is full

Sun, Feb 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space
Registration opens Monday, February 3 2025 at 10:00am

Mon, Feb 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 24, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Feb 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 25, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Feb 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Feb 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Feb 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Mar 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Mon, Mar 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 05, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 05, 1:15pm - 2:30pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Mar 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 12, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Mar 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Mon, Mar 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Board Room

Fri, Mar 21, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Mar 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library

Sun, Mar 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Mon, Mar 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 24, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Mar 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Mar 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Mar 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Sun, Mar 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bexley Public Library

Mon, Mar 31, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Mar 31, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Apr 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Tue, Apr 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Wed, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Wed, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Thu, Apr 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Thu, Apr 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Mon, Apr 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Mon, Apr 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Youth Services Space

Tue, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Apr 08, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Wed, Apr 09, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Apr 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Thu, Apr 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Sun, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Bexley Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Mon, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Mon, Apr 14, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium

Tue, Apr 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Bexley Public Library - Bexley Library Auditorium