Local

LOCAL
Lecture to focus on serial killers
WARREN -- Former FBI agent and true crime author Jim Fisher will return to the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, 444 Mahoning Ave. NW, for a 6:30 p.m. lecture on serial killers Sept. 20.
During his lecture, Fisher, a professor emeritus of criminal justice at Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pa., will discuss the difficulties in solving this type of case and highlight a few of the more infamous killers. Other topics will include whether serial killers are born or made; what is their psychological profile; what motivates them; and who are their victims.
Fisher graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School and served with the FBI from 1966-72. An active public speaker, he is author of six nonfiction books and was twice nominated for the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Allan Poe Award.
The lecture is free. The public is welcome; however, the subject matter is not appropriate for children. Reservations are not required. For more information about library programs and services, visit the Web site at www.wtcpl.lib.oh.us or call (330) 399-8807, ext. 128.
REGIONAL
Journaling class
GAHANNA -- Nancy Christie of Youngstown, author of "The Gifts of Change," will teach a journaling class from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Gentle Wind at 4695 Morse Rd. The fee is $30, and advance registration is required. Call (614) 471-2281.
Youth programs
JEFFERSON -- Henderson Memorial Public Library, 54 East Jefferson St., will hold "Spotlight Readers' Theatre" at 6 p.m. every Thursday beginning this week for children reading at the fourth-grade level or higher. Participants will learn about acting then will rehearse and eventually put on a show. To register, call the library at (440) 576-3761.
The library also will hold its "Stories Out'a My Hat" program for children age 5 or younger on Tuesday and Thursday. Sessions begin at 11 a.m. and feature stories, crafts, songs and games. Registration is required; call the library at the number above.
Book launch
CLEVELAND -- J. Mark Souther is planning several public appearances in the Cleveland area to promote his new book, "New Orleans on Parade: Tourism and the Transformation of the Crescent City," which will be published next month by Louisiana State University Press.
"New Orleans" is a 344-page urban biography; the story of Big Easy in the 20th Century. In it, Souther, an assistant professor of history at Cleveland State University, reveals the impact that tourism has had on the city by examining its architecture, food, music, alcohol, folklore, spiritualism, Mardi Gras festivities, and illicit sex commerce.
Souther will be appearing:
Sept. 16-17, 1-4 p.m., Crooked River Reading Club at the Greater Cleveland Art and Gallery Festival, The Galleria at Erieview, 1301 E. 9th St. Call (216) 830-2665.
Oct. 14, 1-3 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13001 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights; (216) 795-9800.
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. , Mac's Backs, 1820 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights. (216) 321-BOOK.
NATIONAL
'Street' wise
NEW YORK -- When you pick up Kevin Clash's "My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love, and Laughing Out Loud" (Broadway Books, $19.95), you will find out how being the puppeteer for "Sesame Street's" favorite red ball of fur has taught Clash about love, joy, creativity, tolerance and all the other things the Children's Television Network espouses.
Think of this as Elmo and Clash's version of the previously published "The Wisdom of Big Bird" by Caroll Spinney (and if you are having a hard time wrapping your mind around the fact that Elmo is really a guy, we still can't believe Spinney isn't a woman).
Clash, who's been a puppeteer for 26 years, lets us in on behind-the-scenes situations, such as dealing with HIV on "Sesame's" South African cousin, "Takalani Sesame," and the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Through it all, just remember, Elmo loves you.
Combined dispatches