Join presenter Peter Farnsworth to explore AI through two influential voices: historian Yuval Noah Harari, whose books have sold over 45 million copies across 65 languages, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has made speaking out on AI his top priority. Harari’s “alien intelligence” challenges our understanding of thinking and creativity. His 2018 book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, anticipated today’s concerns about work and freedom. Gates’s August 2026 essay "The Turbulent AI Era is Here" urges action on…

Celebrate the musical talent of local high school student Nila Thirumalai in an intimate afternoon flute recital. Featuring a vibrant repertoire of classical masterworks, contemporary pieces, and familiar lyrical melodies, this special performance highlights Nila's dedication, artistry, and technical skill. Join us for an inspiring performance celebrating the next generation of local musical talent! Nila Thirumalai is a senior at New Canaan High School and flutist that plays in the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division and the Norwalk Youth…

New Canaan Library is pleased to present author Jenna Helwig for a special evening starting our newest conversation series, Food Is My Language. Through this new series, the library will have conversations with authors, chefs, and activists for whom food is the defining thread of their pursuits. Author and editor Jenna Helwig will join us to celebrate her passion for food, including her new mystery novel, The Foreign Correspondent’s Wife. Jenna will speak to her creative pursuits through the lens…

Join New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Victoria Kann for a special celebration of her brand-new picture book, Snickerdoodle, and the 20th anniversary of Pinkalicious! Meet Snickerdoodle, an adorable new puppy who is trying very hard to fit in with his new family—and learning that sometimes the best way to belong is simply to be yourself. Victoria will read Snickerdoodle, answer questions, and play a fun game with the audience! Families can also enjoy crafts, activities, and a PINKAMAZING…

Confused about the SAT, ACT, test-optional, adaptive exams… and everything in between? You’re not alone—and no, you’re not supposed to magically know this. In this session, we’ll break it all down in plain English (no jargon, no stress). We’ll cover: SAT vs. ACT: Adaptive testing, format, timing, and what makes each one different What’s actually considered a “good” score Superscoring and how it can work in your favor Test-optional, test-blind, and test-flexible policies (what they really mean) Score reporting: what…

A practical roadmap for essays, timelines, and building a compelling application. In this session, we're going to talk about: Essays, Supplementals, Interviews: What To Do & When Maximizing Your Summer: What to Complete Before Senior Year Asking for Recommendations: Who to Ask & When The College Application Website & Admissions Cycles (EA, ED, Regular, Rolling Admissions, etc)

Whether you’re just getting started or already overwhelmed, this session will show you where real money actually comes from—and how to go after it strategically. We’ll cover: The 3 main sources of funding: FAFSA/government, universities, and private scholarships Who actually gets scholarships (hint: not just “perfect” students) Types of scholarships you can apply for Scholarship scams to avoid (because yes, they exist) Where to actually find legitimate scholarships How to use scholarship databases without going down a rabbit hole

Journey through time and place with acclaimed authors Suzanne Nelson (Librarians of Lisbon), Diana Giovinazzo (Daughters of Naples), and Weina Dai Randel (The Last Rose of Shaghai) explore the art of writing historical fiction. From the romantic streets of Paris and the vibrant alleys of Naples to the rich dynasties of China, these three storytellers will share how they breathe life into the past. The evening will begin with an opening discussion led by Suzanne Nelson, followed by a collaborative…

When are you eligible for Medicare? How do you enroll, and what coverage options are available? Join us for an informative presentation covering these questions and more. Designed for people approaching Medicare eligibility as well as current beneficiaries who want to learn more about their coverage and benefits, the program will include time for questions and answers. A CHOICES-trained counselor from the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA) will lead the presentation.

Tom Mayes, the author of Why Old Places Matter and the former Chief Legal Officer for the National Trust, will share insights about the deep meaning of old places, from his work establishing The Glass House as a National Trust Historic Site to the legal battles over the civic architecture of Washington DC, all through the lens that places have the power to change people.

Pulitzer Prize winning historian and MacArthur Genius Annette Gordon-Reed—a highly sought-after expert on the American Revolution and founding generation—brings fresh insight to the Constitution and the formation of the American government. Join us to hear this key contributor to Ken Burns' 2025 documentary series, The American Revolution, share the founding’s present and future relevance for our lives.

Award-winning fiddle/banjo and guitar duo Rakish present Celtic music like you've never heard it before. Creating something new from the deep well of tradition, they will take us on a musical journey that explores Scottish and Irish Celtic composition, as well as classical chamber music and improvisational styles.

Drawing on unpublished archival material, Kennedy’s Only Hero explores John F. Kennedy’s lifelong admiration for Winston Churchill and how Churchill’s writings, policies, and leadership shaped JFK’s political beliefs and presidency. Discover how Churchill influenced Kennedy’s views on national security, diplomacy, public speaking, and public service in this revealing story of an admiration that helped change the course of history.

New Canaan Library is thrilled to host local author Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington for the very first event on her official book tour! True investment wisdom isn’t found in public talking points. It’s what experts share at the family dinner table or over coffee with close friends. Derived from years of experience, investment experts and co-authors Jenny Harrington and Rebecca Patterson bring together insights from 25 seasoned finance professionals. Cutting through the jargon, they all share the personal stories, hard-won…

Once a defining tree of eastern North American forests, the American chestnut has a history that reaches across continents--and a future still being written. Michael Goergen, President and CEO of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), will trace the tree’s rise and decline, share what decades of restoration work have taught us, and explain where TACF is headed. He will introduce recurrent genomic selection, an approach that helps breeders make progress on several traits at once: resistance to disease, growth, adaptation,…

Learn First Aid from New Canaan EMS and save a life! First aid training is designed to teach people the basic principles and techniques for providing immediate help if and when they witness a serious injury or illness. The goal of first aid is to preserve life and prevent the condition from worsening in the safest way possible until professional medical help is available.

What do Greek gods, pagan rites, cubist paintings, and novels that broke the rules have in common? More than you might think. “On or about December 1910,” Virginia Woolf wrote, “human character changed.” And yet the artists of that new century kept reaching back for the oldest stories on earth. Join librarians Flannery, our classicist, and Tara, our modernist, for an illustrated lecture in two voices. Homer’s Odyssey becomes a day in Dublin in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Stravinsky’s ballet about…

The need to maintain a reliable blood supply is constant and vital; by donating, you are helping to change, and perhaps save, a life! Advanced appointments are required. Donors must bring a positive form of ID. For a complete list of requirements and helpful tips for potential donors, please contact the Red Cross Donor Client Center at 1-866-236-3276, open 24/7. Information is also available at redcrossblood.org.