Noelle Nasar tries a very special white and chocolate cake with raspberry filling. As part of Rocky River Public Library’s 80th anniversary celebration, Wild Flour created the elaborate dessert shaped and decorated as the original library. (West Life photos by Larry Bennet)

Elaborate cake takes the cake
at River Library’s 80th anniversary
By Allison Pritchard
Rocky River
Published Nov. 26, 2008

Baker Susan Johansen of Wild Flour Bakery made a 60 pound cake with 15 pounds of flour, 20 pounds of frosting and eight dozen eggs that stood six inches in height. This 19”x 26” chocolate and white creation was colorfully decorated and shaped like the original Rocky River Public Library – surely the highlight of the library’s 80th anniversary celebration.

Mascot Rocky Rover greeted hundreds Sunday alongside library staff who gave away mementos such as calculators, bouncy glow balls and green tote bags at the door. As the event began, flocks of children gathered all over the library with just-made balloon animals in tote, to listen to John Thayer play guitar and enjoy cake.

Zach Boker sneaks a taste of the cake.

The library wanted to continue its tradition of giving back to the community, which is one reason why it used River’s Wild Flour to create the replica of the original library, Kitty Sommers, marketing and public relations director said. Following a speech by Mayor Pamela Bobst, a huge lineup formed to try the tasty concoction.

Everyone was all smiles and the event that made a great way to kick off the holidays, Sommers said. They enjoyed several other activities including Technology Show and Tell downstairs. Patrons could enter a drawing for an iPod shuffle after learning about the library’s technology offerings.

Additionally, prize giveaways took place every 30 minutes, including a unique raffle only for those who have achieved 80 years of age. Cowan Pottery Museum hands-on exploration and a giant book sale were also popular.

Bobst commented on the library’s many features. Ranked seventh in its size, it’s no surprise Rover River Public Library offers a cornucopia of programs. Director John Lonsak noted that one recent trend in circulation is that that patrons have been getting more into entertainment types of media as opposed to nonfiction books or newspapers.

The event was sponsored by the Rocky River Public Library Foundation (which has been helping the library for 40 years), the Women’s Committee of Rocky River and Friends of the Rocky River Public Library.

The 80th Anniversary Planning Committee included Krista Carte, Cindy Cheetham, Mary Ellen Fisher, Evelyn Janoch, John Lonsak and Kitty Sommers. The library’s actual date of the 80th anniversary was Monday.

Rocky River Public Library is open Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday: 1-5 p.m. (during the school year).

Rocky River Public Library is located at 1600 Hampton Road and can be reached at (440) 333-7610. Visit www.rrpl.org for more information.

On the Web:

• Rocky River Public Library