New Canaan Library’s annual Literary Luncheon, renowned for presenting some of the world’s most revered authors, is excited to announce this year’s event will feature New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman, and her newest novel, Magic Lessons. Distinguishing this Lit Lunch from past years will be the shift to a nighttime event, and the unique way in which the highly anticipated fundraiser will unfold. “On Friday 13th of November, our 13th Lit Lunch will evoke an air of witchcraft and the Salem witch trial setting from the inimitable Alice Hoffman’s Magic Lessons. I do believe guests can expect more than a bit of magic from us,” notes Ellen Sullivan Crovatto, Director of Development for the Library.
For the health and safety of all, this year’s Lit Lunch has been re-imagined in the most surprising and splendid way. Literary Luncheon @ Night will deliver every element of the famed event directly to one’s home. Benefactor table purchasers can enjoy a delivery of premium tableware and themed tablescape by NYC based event firm Social Studies, a delicious dinner for 10 by Marcia Selden Catering, beautiful floral designs, wines generously donated by Franco’s of New Canaan and a livestream via Zoom featuring Alice Hoffman, who will be interviewed on her work and take live audience Q and A. Based on various tiers of ticket purchase, the evening will magically unfold as the exceptional décor, culinary delights, grand prizes and surprises that make the Library’s Literary Luncheons such outstanding events are delivered directly to one’s Fairfield or Westchester County home. For the first time, individual tickets for the Zoom talk alone will be available for purchase and include a copy of Magic Lessons.
Ms. Hoffman is the author of such acclaimed novels as The Dovekeepers, the Rules of Magic and Practical Magic which was made into a feature film in 1998 starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. “The novel won’t hit bookstores until October, but our special early preview assured us that her masterful storytelling is on full display in this latest work,” notes Carrie Corcoran, an event co-chair. The novel takes readers back 600 years, to the source of the Owen’s family curse. Hoffman compellingly unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
“We are delighted to have Ms. Hoffman as our guest author this year and give thanks to Simon and Schuster and its Editor in Chief, MarySue Rucci, for this amazing opportunity,” says Crovatto. “Of course, we would prefer to welcome our author and guests in person, but with Covid considerations our top priority we challenged ourselves to reimagine Lit Lunch in a new and exciting way. An added benefit to having the event take place in the evening is that it enables more couples and family groups to join us. Friends who have been meeting in small social pods can enjoy all that Lit Lunch has to offer while continuing to stay in a safe at-home setting, without the risks associated with a large-scale event.” says Crovatto.
“Another unexpected upside is that the live stream program and tiered ticket options means many more people than usual will be able to enjoy the Lit Lunch experience,” says Crovatto. Our dedicated and creative volunteer committee, under co-chairs Sarah Casey, Carrie Corcoran, Michelle Riley and Anne Wagner, is performing its own ‘magic lessons’ and promises to charm you with what they have planned.”
As in previous years, the Library will offer a robust online auction leading up to the day, giving the entire community and beyond a way to get involved in the excitement. According to Auction Committee leaders Cushman and Clarke, the Committee has secured extraordinary and highly desirable auction items. Among them: a fabulous ‘reader’s weekend’ at the Lightkeeper’s Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, including gift card from Elm Street Books; a private boating cruise (day or sunset) on the Sound from Rex Boats; a stunning blue sapphire and diamond cuff bracelet and earring set from Livewell Designs and many, many more enticing items and experiences.

“Every year, people say our annual Literary Luncheon is a magical experience. Well, this year it truly will be! We always enjoy finding unique ways to engage with the community in celebration of the reader-writer alchemy that authors of great books create,” says Lisa Oldham, Executive Director of the Library. “Alice Hoffman’s Magic Lessons transports us back hundreds of years to the infamous Salem witch trials, a fascinating historical period. Hoffman’s tale is also very much a celebration of life, love and family; themes whose importance we might all agree on, especially during these challenging times.”
The Literary Luncheon is the Library’s biggest annual fundraiser, typically welcoming more than 400 guests for bestselling authors such as Delia Owens (2019), Jennifer Egan (2018), Amor Towles (2017), Paula McLain (2016) and Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr (2015).
Generous corporate sponsorship this year comes from Bankwell, Christine Saxe & Associates, DEANE, Inc, Reynolds and Rowella, Lambert, Toohey & Rucci, LLC, Baker Residential and Rand Insurance, with Moffly Media as exclusive media sponsor.
For additional information and ticket options, please visit the Library’s website newcanaanlibrary.org. or email bmoore@newcanaanlibrary.org.