Pequot Library Celebrates Autumn with A Variety Of Programs

Information from Pequot Library:

FAIRFIELD, CT — Pequot Library unveils an array of programs for October, most of which are free and open to the public. Of particular note is the October 5 opening of their newest Special Collections exhibition, How William Became Shakespeare: Four Hundred Years of the First Folio.

Jeff Benedict visits the library on Oct. 3 at 6:00 p.m. for a Meet the Author. Described by The Atlantic as “a masterly journalist who can create characters and spin plot as crisply as any novelist,” he’s a New York Times bestselling sports biographer who will discuss his latest book, LeBron, about NBA star LeBron James. Benedict is also the author of The Dynasty, a look inside the New England Patriots, as well as Tiger Woods, which has been released as a documentary by HBO.

The opening reception for the library’s newest exhibition, How William Became Shakespeare:
Four Hundred Years of the First Folio, will be held on Oct. 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It includes
three events, starting with a guided walk-through of the exhibition with the co-curators, Cecily
Dyer and Dr. Shannon Kelley, and a moderated discussion about the future of Shakespeare
studies with alumni of the Fairfield University Shakespeare program: Diallo Simon-Ponte, ‘20;
Kayla Sullivan, ’20; and Aarushi Vijay, ’22. The panel will be moderated by Fairfield University
student Annie Marino, ’24. Finally, the keynote presentation comes from Pulitzer Prize-winning
historian Stephen Greenblatt. Professor Greenblatt wrote Will in the World: How Shakespeare
Became Shakespeare and Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics.

The Southport Globe Onion Festival II comes on Oct. 7 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate with live music, refreshments, light bites, and all things onion. Entertainment will be provided by local band Lackluster Brother, and participants will also enjoy an assortment of programming and activities designed to educate and enlighten participants about our community’s agricultural heritage led by local seed expert Henon Breen.

Tune in for European Travel Tips and Tools, a digital talk with Rick Steves on Oct. 10 at 4:00
p.m. Master of suspense Ruth Ware leads a digital talk on Oct. 18 at 2:00 p.m., and international
bestselling author John Irving speaks virtually about his career on Oct. 16 at 7:00 p.m. These
three talks are produced in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

The library toasts its 23rd Juried Art Show with a Preview Party Gala on Oct. 12 at 6:00 p.m. Gain early access and a preview of the exhibition, and view works by local and regional artists on sale in support of the library. The party includes a silent auction, full bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres, a “bubbly wall,” and an interactive art experience. Mingle with contemporaries in the art world at this ticketed fundraiser. The library has planned several companion programs as well, including a lecture, “From En Plein Air to Avant Garde: Connecticut Artists & Art Colonies”, on Oct. 19 at 6:00 p.m. with Jennifer Stettler Parsons, Ph.D.; a panel discussion, “How to Start an Art Collection”, on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m.; and the Artists and Collectors Closing Party on Oct. 24 at 4:00 p.m. For young patrons, there’s Blocks and Beads Wire Sculptures from Oct. 13 to 24 and Jonas Wood-Inspired Still Life Drawing on Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m., open to children in grades 3-6.

Related to the library’s Shakespeare exhibition, Chief Librarian Christine Catallo leads Uncovering Shakespeare Book Club: “We That Are Young” by Preti Taneja on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. In this modern retelling of King Lear, the patriarch of the Devraj Company in India resigns unexpectedly on the same day that his youngest daughter refuses to marry the man he has chosen for her. A brutal struggle for power between Devraj and his other two daughters ensues across glittering hotels and crowded slums.

Also related to the Shakespeare exhibition, on Oct. 26 at 6:00 p.m., co-curator of the exhibition Shannon Kelley, Ph.D. will present a program called “Ophelia, Juliet, Cleopatra: Shakespeare’s Leading Ladies”. Dr. Kelley and her college students at Fairfield University will stage an immersive audience workshop focused on Ophelia, Juliet, and Cleopatra. They’ll read dialogue, workshop scenes, and consider different viewpoints on the power, agency, and strength of these famous women. All ages are welcome.

The library also offers several Shakespeare-inspired programs for children and teens. The Colorful Characters of Shakespeare display will be on view in the Children’s Library from Oct. 15 to November 15. Children ages 9 to 12 are invited to the Shakespeare Found Poetry Workshop on Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Mark your calendar for an evening of vintage horror films on Oct. 27 starting at 3:00 p.m. The
library will screen Dracula (1958) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. and The Rocky Horror Picture Show
from 5:00 to 6:40 p.m. The following day, Oct. 28 at 2:00 p.m., the Connecticut Accordion
Association Orchestra will give a concert under the direction of Peter Peluso. They’ll perform an
array of musical pieces from classical to light classics and jazz to Broadway and movie themes.
Tickets cost $10 per person at the door; this program is free for kids ages 12 and under. Proceeds
support the Connecticut Accordion Association. Also on Oct. 28 starting at 6:00 p.m., children
are invited to join a Halloween Magic Show and Jack-O-Lantern Contest. Bring an already-
carved pumpkin to be entered into the contest and then enjoy the antics of Ed Popielarczyk and
his Halloween Magic Show.