New Canaan Library’s 9th Annual Literary Luncheon with New York Times bestselling author Paula McLain will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at Woodway Country Club in Darien. Although the popular event for nearly 400 guests sold out rapidly, everyone has a chance to participate and support the Library through its Literary Luncheon Online Auction.

This year’s auction features a larger variety of luxury items, donated by generous corporate and private sponsors from New Canaan and throughout Fairfield County. The auction begins on October 20th, and the bidding will be brisk. The Library urges all to go to the Library’s website at litlunchauction.newcanaanlibrary.org. to register and get in on the fun.

“We want to invite the whole community to support us and bid for these exceptional offerings,” noted Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development. Bidding will be open until noon November 4th, the day after the Luncheon. Winners will be notified by email or phone call.

Tauck, a leading world travel company, is supporting the Library for a second straight year by donating a spectacular African Safari. Two lucky travelers will journey to the heart of Kenya and Tanzania on a 13-day itinerary, Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari – A Tauck Earth Journey. The winners will travel with expert trackers and seasoned Tauck Directors well-versed in the geography and wildlife of the region. To create this Earth Journey, Tauck has spent years working with BBC Earth natural history filmmakers. This allows guests to experience their stories firsthand on tour, in three innovative ways: with film vignettes custom made for Tauck by the BBC, with film making field-equipment “gadgets” including a thermal imaging camera and high powered microphones, and with educational touches provided by their Tauck Directors and local experts. This trip for two is valued at $21,020.

“McLain’s Circling the Sun is set against the magnificent landscape of early-twentieth-century British East Africa, making this trip a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to see the exact environment of the novel. It’s the perfect complement to our Luncheon’s African theme,” says Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development for the Library. “The Library greatly appreciates Tauck’s generosity, and the unparalleled support of all our auction sponsors.” For a complete itinerary and further details please visit the Library’s auction website litlunchauction.newcanaanlibrary.org.

Other auction items include:
• 6 months of shoes from Richards of Greenwich
• Hermés luxury watch from Manfredi Jewelers
• Pearl and Diamond earrings courtesy of L’Armoire
• Diamond necklace designed and donated by Vandy Reh Jewelers
• An original Joan Miró print
• Sensational Ebony and Diamond Earrings by Donna Vock
• A Travelers Package including a Classic Pullman suitcase from Corroon

“The auction is an excellent way to build momentum in the weeks prior to the luncheon,” said Lisa Oldham, Executive Director, New Canaan Library. “Bidding on these incredible items provides a special way for everyone to support the Library and join in the excitement of the event. Proceeds from the auction and the Literary Luncheon will help to sustain all the excellent and free programs and services offered here daily.”

“We are extremely grateful for the exceptional support from our corporate sponsors, including TD Bank, Christine Saxe & Associates and TR Construction as well,” said Campaign co-Chairs Kate Burt and Pam Norton. “Our generous donors enable us to realize our goal of building this important community asset into a world class center for literacy and lifelong learning,” added Oldham.

Visit litlunchauction.newcanaanlibrary.org to bid or newcanaanlibrary.org for further details. Contact: Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development Ecrovatto@newcanaanlibrary.org.