The literary world, and anyone who has read her work, mourned the loss this week of author Toni Morrison. The Lorain native, Nobel Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winning author died Monday at the age of 88. She wrote 11 books--including Beloved--considered by many to be a masterwork. Her writing explored the nature of black identity in America--especially that of black women and the enduring pain of slavery. Share your thoughts on "Beloved," "The Bluest Eye," "Song of Solomon" or any of Toni Morrision's works as we begin today's show with a remembrance. Later, we'll learn more about this year's recipients of the Cleveland Arts Prize. Finally, the importance of helping seniors deal with bed bugs.

Guests:
Marilyn Sanders Mobley, Ph.D., Professor of English, Professor African-American Studies, Case Western Reserve University

Susan Spivey, Manager, Lorain Public Library System

Carrie Wise, Managing Producer, Arts & Culture, Ideastream

Alenka Banco, Executive Director, Cleveland Arts Prize

Daniel Gray-Kontar, Co-chair, Verge Fellowships, Executive Artistic Director, Twelve Literary Arts

Mary McNamara, Director, Cleveland's Department on Aging

Joe Lynch, Cuyahoga County Board of Health's Bed Bug Task Force