Live, In-Person & on Zoom:

Mark Scarbrough returns to OWL this Spring; leading us through 8 weeks of some of his favorite Flannery O’Connor works.

Flannery O'Connor is considered one of America's greatest fiction writers and her writing often reflects her Catholic faith, and frequently examined questions of morality and ethics. When she died in August of 1964, The New York Times called her “one of the nation’s most promising writers.” 

O’Connor is now as canonical as Faulkner and Welty. More than a great writer, she’s a cultural figure: a funny lady in a straw hat, puttering among peacocks, on crutches she likened to “flying buttresses.”

Discussion Schedule:

March 14: A Good Man is Hard to Find; A Circle of Fire; and Good Country People

March 21: The Artificial N----r and The Displaced Person

March 28: Wise Blood: chapters 1 - 7

April 4: Wise Blood: chapters 8 - 14

April 18: The Violent Bear It Away: chapters 1 - 5

April 25: The Violent Bear It Away: chapters 6 - 12

May 2: Greenleaf; The Enduring Chill; and The Comforts of Home

May 9: Everything That Rises Must Converge; The Lame Shall Enter First; and Revelation

MARK SCARBROUGH is a former English Professor and author who teaches seminars on Virginia Woolf, William Faulkner and Toni Morrison. He also hosts three literary podcasts.

The library will have copies of Flannery O'Connor's works to borrow and titles are also available to download as e-books or e-audios to OWL library card holders.

Registration required for in-person attendance.

In addition to our high-quality, organically grown produce, we offer a variety of certified organic garden seedlings for you to transplant into your own home garden in the spring. including a tempting selection of annual flowers. We grow heirloom, standard, cherry, plum, and patio tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, summer and winter squash, melons, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, roots, greens, a tempting selection of annual flowers, and a wide selection of culinary herbs.

Presented by Sam King & Nancy Wright

What does it mean to be descended from the stars? How might awareness of our cosmic origins help us fulfill our role in a living Earth community?

This program will offer an immersion into Journey of the Universe, an Emmy Award-winning film weaving together science and spirituality to tell the epic story of cosmic evolution. We will explore the influence of the Jesuit paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, with special attention to his ideas of matter-spirit, cosmogenesis, and the emerging noosphere. We will also trace the legacy of the great cultural historian Thomas Berry, considering his visions of a New Story, the Universe as “a communion of subjects,” and the Great Work of birthing an Ecozoic Era of human-Earth flourishing.

Participants will be invited to take part in an outdoor Cosmic Walk, an embodied ritual created by Sr. Miriam MacGillis, tracing the 13.8 billion year story of the Universe.

At a time of ecological crisis, we will explore the implications of a Journey worldview for issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental justice.  

The program will conclude with discussion of how our “shared dream experience” can unleash the vision and creativity needed to restore the well being of the Earth community.

Lunch is included.

The Litchfield Farmers Market is one of the few year-round markets in the Connecticut. The weekly Saturday market offers fresh seasonal produce, fruit, berries, herbs, sustainably sourced fish; artisanal cheeses, breads and baked goods, local honey, maple syrup and gifts - all raised, grown or crafted by 15+ local vendors. 

The market occasionally hosts live music and supports non-profits from throughout the Litchfield area.

INDOOR MARKET - November through mid-June (intermittent Saturdays through the winter months -- check the website for dates.) Open Saturdays 10am - 1pm at the Litchfield Community Center located at 421 Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT.

OUTDOOR MARKET - mid- June through October located at Center School, Litchfield.

Saturdays in May t 10:30 AM

All Ages Welcome!

Saturday Storytime is BACK! Come to OWL for an all ages storytime in the children's room every Saturday at 10:30 then stay to play. In addition to our puppet theater, wooden blocks, and train set, and dollhouse! We also have an ongoing Scavenger Hunt with fun prizes for winners as well as a special weekly craft for older children. And most importantly come in to browse our collection of print books, Nutmeg nominees, and Wonderbooks!

This journaling workshop employs meditation, intuition, and visualization. Put pen to paper to chart the possibilities the present holds for you future self. The workshop includes a beautiful, handmade journal, an artists pen and light refreshments.

Teen Book Club & Pizza Lunch!

Saturday, May 10th at 1:00pm

Grades 6 and up.

Join us on the Second Saturday of each month for a pizza lunch and book discussion! In May we will be discussing Not Nothing by Gayle Forman. Copies of the book are available for check out at OWL, Plumb Hill Middle School and Lakeview High School. 

Alex is twelve, and he did something very, very bad. A judge sentences him to spend his summer volunteering at a retirement home where he’s bossed around by an annoying and self-important do-gooder named Maya-Jade. He hasn’t seen his mom in a year, his aunt and uncle don’t want him, and Shady Glen’s geriatric residents seem like zombies to him.

Josey is 107 and ready for his life to be over. He has evaded death many times, having survived ghettos, dragnets, and a concentration camp—all thanks to the heroism of a woman named Olka and his own ability to sew. But now he spends his days in room 206 at Shady Glen, refusing to speak and waiting (and waiting and waiting) to die. Until Alex knocks on Josey’s door…and Josey begins to tell Alex his story.

As Alex comes back again and again to hear more, an unlikely bond grows between them. Soon a new possibility opens up for Alex: Can he rise to the occasion of his life, even if it means confronting the worst thing that he’s ever done?

Registration is required for pizza purposes.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to learn to make an 18th C "pocket" or "purse" - What? They didn't have pockets? Come learn more and leave knowing how to make this essential accessory so you can be ready for 2026.

The workshop is in Classroom 9 of the Pilgrim House. Do let Abigail know you are coming so she can have enough material - or even better, bring your own!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to welcome back NY Times bestselling author and perennial fan favorite Marie Bostwick who will be signing copies of her new book “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” on Saturday, May 10th at 3 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb. By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream.  She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs.  She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy.  On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident.  As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting.  As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

“The Book Club for Troublesome Women” is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year--as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When not curled up with a good book, Marie Bostwick can usually be found in her office, trying to write one.  A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe.  

Drawing on her lifelong love of quilting and her unshakable belief in the power of sisterhood, Marie’s popular Cobbled Court Quilt series has been embraced by quilters and non-sewers alike.  Her standalone books have also found a passionate following among lovers of women’s fiction.  Marie’s novel, “The Second Sister” was adapted into the 2018 Hallmark Hall of Fame feature film “Christmas Everlasting”, starring Patti LaBelle.  Marie’s novel, “Hope on the Inside”, was published in March 2019 and was chosen as a Reader’s Digest “Select Editions” book.  Marie’s books have been published in fourteen different languages.

Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"This is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence . . . Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters."--Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

“In The Book Club for Troublesome Women, the talented Marie Bostwick says this, 'Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for, ' capturing the essence, and the heart, of this story.  If you love stories about friendships, strong women, the 60s, and the power of the written word, this is the book for you.”--Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of Every Moment Since

“Bostwick's latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry, Kristin Hannah's The Women, or Kate Quinn's The Briar Club, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.'--Library Journal Starred Review

This event is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.  

Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.

Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.

No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through time? Introducing the Chabad of Northwest CT JLI Course: Colorful Profiles, where we will dive into the lives of twelve remarkable characters who shaped Jewish history in ways you never imagined! Over the course of four enlightening weeks, you'll meet a tapestry of personalities from courageous converts to wise royal advisors, from daring captives to inspiring philanthropists. Each story is a vibrant thread in the rich fabric of our heritage, offering you a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you captivated and craving more.

Discover the sacrifices that paved the way for future generations, the adventures that defied the odds, and the achievements that illuminate our collective past. This course is not just a lesson in history; its a celebration of resilience, identity, and the colorful spectrum of Jewish life. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your understanding and appreciation of our peoples legacy come join us and let the stories unfold! After all, history is best told through the vivid colors of its characters!

Classes meet in-person on four Sunday mornings at Chabad Lubavitch Of Northwest CT. 

RSVP: chabadNW.org/JLI (zoom option available)

Come join us for a FREE COMMUNITY YOGA class at Charym in Litchfield every Monday at 5pm. This class is for both the young, and not so young, designed to help you release aches and pains while building strength and flexibility. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a gentle practice, this class offers a sequence of basic postures that stretch and strengthen the body. The flow is moderately paced, allowing you to move with ease while focusing on proper alignment and mindfulness. Each posture is taught with an emphasis on safety and awareness, helping you feel more grounded, centered, and stronger with each class. Come as you are and experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Presented by Caroline Phipps

Today, we are in a monumental struggle. What seems like an extreme political power play is considerably more significant than that. Beneath the endless debates about policies, economics, religion, and culture, something more profound is unfolding—a spiritual reckoning—a call to action.

In the face of global chaos, we must embrace our interconnectedness and take meaningful action while remaining strong.

In this workshop, Keeping Your Sanity, we will share and explore strategies for caring for our mental and spiritual health, strengthening our resilience, and remaining informed while contributing in ways that will make a difference.

Please bring pens and notebooks.

Lunch is included.

Tuesdays in May at 10:30 AM

Perfect for 0 - 12 months, but fun for everyone!

Meet us in the Children’s Room for Baby Time! This calm, cozy program is designed for pre-walkers who aren't quite ready for the high energy of Rhyme Time. We will focus on nursery rhymes, lullabies, and bonding with your baby.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

Wednesdays in May at 10:30 AM

Perfect for 18 - 36 months, but fun for everyone!

Lots of rhymes, a sprinkling of songs, and one or two shared board books round out this library program that is perfect for little ones who need to get those wiggles out. Stay to PLAY! After the rhymes, stay for some unstructured play time with other kiddos.

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through time? Introducing the Chabad of Northwest CT JLI Course: Colorful Profiles, where we will dive into the lives of twelve remarkable characters who shaped Jewish history in ways you never imagined! Over the course of four enlightening weeks, you'll meet a tapestry of personalities from courageous converts to wise royal advisors, from daring captives to inspiring philanthropists. Each story is a vibrant thread in the rich fabric of our heritage, offering you a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you captivated and craving more.

Discover the sacrifices that paved the way for future generations, the adventures that defied the odds, and the achievements that illuminate our collective past. This course is not just a lesson in history; its a celebration of resilience, identity, and the colorful spectrum of Jewish life. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your understanding and appreciation of our peoples legacy come join us and let the stories unfold! After all, history is best told through the vivid colors of its characters!

Classes meet in-person on six Wednesday mornings at The Heritage Hotel. 

RSVP: chabadNW.org/JLI (zoom option available)

Shakespeare’s Queens

Shakespeare grew up under the reign of Elizabeth I, a mercurial, intelligent, powerful queen. And her influence is written across many of Shakespeare’s finest female characters. Whether in his dangerous siren-queens like Lady Macbeth and Margaret, or in playful, wayward leaders like Titania and Kate, or in redemptive characters like Hermione and Miranda, Shakespeare seems fascinated by how each of these women wielded power and made choices. Should they speak their minds, or keep to the shadows? Work together or stand alone? And where does their power lie: in mystery, wordplay or swordplay? Created and performed by Shakespearean actress, Poornima Kirby, this jewel of a play dances between Elizabeth’s story, and Shakespeare’s own life as a writer and father to two strong-minded daughters. With history, humor and sparkling poetry, Shakespeare’s Queens is a heartfelt and refreshing exploration of some of the bard’s loveliest verse.

Cost: "Give Local" Donation at door or online

* Pre-registration required for lunch.

Thursdays in May at 10:30 AM

Perfect for 3 - 5 year olds, but fun for everyone!

Join Mrs. Tricia for a classic library storytime - books, songs, bubbles, and more! Come for early literary skills, social connections, and fun! We will focus on one special picture book author each week.

All are welcome to join us for relaxing and reflective music to close the day.

Today: Mad River Quartet

Performances are followed by a reception with refreshments.

* Pre-registration required for reception

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through time? Introducing the Chabad of Northwest CT JLI Course: Colorful Profiles, where we will dive into the lives of twelve remarkable characters who shaped Jewish history in ways you never imagined! Over the course of four enlightening weeks, you'll meet a tapestry of personalities from courageous converts to wise royal advisors, from daring captives to inspiring philanthropists. Each story is a vibrant thread in the rich fabric of our heritage, offering you a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you captivated and craving more.

Discover the sacrifices that paved the way for future generations, the adventures that defied the odds, and the achievements that illuminate our collective past. This course is not just a lesson in history; its a celebration of resilience, identity, and the colorful spectrum of Jewish life. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your understanding and appreciation of our peoples legacy come join us and let the stories unfold! After all, history is best told through the vivid colors of its characters!

Classes meet in-person on four Thursday evenings at the Interlaken Inn.

RSVP: chabadNW.org/JLI (zoom option available)

In addition to our high-quality, organically grown produce, we offer a variety of certified organic garden seedlings for you to transplant into your own home garden in the spring. including a tempting selection of annual flowers. We grow heirloom, standard, cherry, plum, and patio tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, summer and winter squash, melons, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, roots, greens, a tempting selection of annual flowers, and a wide selection of culinary herbs.

Presented by Tim Maurer

Take your faith to new levels: live more appreciatively of God’s intimate love and many GIFTs; live a more on-fire, TRANSFORMATIVE faith. Be inspired by testimonies of God gifting people in amazing ways and by examples of God’s people transforming the world with their gifts. Find more JOY, purpose, meaning and impact living through the faith pillars of GIFT and TRANSFORMATION. Regard the love of Jesus and Mary more profoundly and JOY-fully.

Lunch is included.

Saturdays in May t 10:30 AM

All Ages Welcome!

Saturday Storytime is BACK! Come to OWL for an all ages storytime in the children's room every Saturday at 10:30 then stay to play. In addition to our puppet theater, wooden blocks, and train set, and dollhouse! We also have an ongoing Scavenger Hunt with fun prizes for winners as well as a special weekly craft for older children. And most importantly come in to browse our collection of print books, Nutmeg nominees, and Wonderbooks!

Don't know the rest if the story? Come and hear about this important event in Litchfield's Revolutionary War era history!

Even if you've heard the story every year since you were little, come and celebrate this finally being marked!

As their main America 250 project, the members of the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution are grateful to have been supported by the William Pomeroy Foundation and the Seherr-Thoss Foundations.

“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.”

 Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. Join White Memorial Forest Manager, Mike Berry and Environmental Educator Colleen Harrak for a la reading of this classic tale followed by a family-friendly forest walk. The program really is not just for kids! Big people are invited too! 2:00 pm, A. B. Ceder Room, Members: FREE, Non-Members: $5.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register online: www.whitememorialcc.org

Marilyn Maye in Concert

* Join us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary throughout the year!

A Celebration of Song with Internationally Acclaimed Performer Marilyn Maye

Savory Fare, Specialty Cocktails & Full Bar

5:30PM - 6:30PM

Marilyn Maye & Guests, Accompanied by Piano, Bass & Drums Trio

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Cost:

$200 Per Person

$1200 for Table of 6

Bring a picnic and enjoy a perfect spring evening in the company of this wonderful guitar ensemble that will perform a variety of genres.

Michael Stubblefield (b. 1989) is an American composer, guitarist, and music educator based in Hartford, Connecticut. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael began his higher education studies in music at Diablo Valley Community College, ultimately transferring to California State University, East Bay where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music. Michael is also a graduate of The Hartt School at the University of Hartford with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition and a minor in Music Theory.

Michael's interests outside of music include animals (especially exotic reptiles), reading, hiking, cooking, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and coffee. Michael is currently working throughout New England in a variety of music relation activities, as a composer, a private teacher in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, composition, and music theory, and at The Hartt School as an administrative assistant and tutor of music theory and music history.7:00pm , Activity Shed, All tickets: $10.00. Please pre-register online : www.whitememorialcc.org In the event of cold weather, the concert will take place in the Carriage House.

Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.

Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.

No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!