Nov 24, 2025 - Culture

Brad Ricca named CCPL's 2026 writer in residence

Sam Allard

Two men engaged in conversation on a stage with wooden walls and red curtains; one in a black suit speaking, the other older in a light blue sweater laughing; small table with water bottles between them. — Brad Ricca and Henry Winkler at Writers Center Stage in 2023. Photo: Cuyahoga County Public Library

Cuyahoga County Public Library has tapped Northeast Ohio author Brad Ricca as its next William N. Skirball writer in residence, giving local writers access to one of the region's most imaginative and prolific nonfiction storytellers.

Why it matters: Ricca, who has dug into everything from the origins of Superman to the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant, will spend 2026 teaching classes, holding office hours and joining select library events to support emerging writers.

Zoom in: Ricca is the award-winning author of seven books. His newest, "Lincoln's Ghost," released in October, explores famous magician Harry Houdini's crusade against spiritualism.

His earlier titles include "Super Boys" (winner of the Ohioana Book Award), "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes" and "True Raiders."
Ricca has long been involved with CCPL programs and in 2023 interviewed Henry Winkler as part of the library's Writers Center Stage series.

Between the lines: Ricca holds a PhD from Case Western Reserve University, where he earned a distinguished teaching award — experience the library hopes will translate to hands-on mentoring for local writers.

Flashback: CCPL launched its writer in residence program in 2016.

Past residents include Dave Lucas, justin a. reynolds, Brandi Larsen and Mary E. Weems.

What's next: Ricca begins his residency in early 2026. The library will announce his class schedule and office hours in the coming months.

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Brad Ricca named CCPL's 2026 writer in residence

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