How has everything around us has evolved? How have scientists tracked evolution and what tools can inform us about the future? New Canaan Library hosts Yale’s Science in the News program, where three Yale scientists discuss evolution across space AND time. Up for discussion will be how the gut bacteria has evolved over lifetimes, the tools scientists used to trace the last universal common ancestor, and how galaxies can come to an end over time.

What do food labels really tell you? Dr. Raquel Harrison (MD, FACEP, dipABLM), dual board certified in emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine, presents a thorough and demystifying overview of food labels. In addition to protein, fat, or carbohydrate percentage, labels tell us about sodium content, sugar and much more. And, what about nutrition in your fruits and vegetables, which don’t have labels? Start eating healthier with these easy tips! With over 12 years of experience working in large urban emergency…

Learn storytelling from the best in this introductory workshop with The Moth. Since its launch in New York City in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of stories told live and without notes, renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. In one 3-hour session, participants will learn The Moth’s unique storytelling principles; hear a sample story; brainstorm, reflect, and begin developing a personal story; and connect with others in the room. Spots for this special learning experience…

Get ready for an afternoon filled with laughter and fun as authors Dan Gutman and Alan Katz join us for a hilarious Joke-Off at the library. The authors will talk about their books and writing process, followed by a Joke-Off, Q&A and book signing. Dan Gutman is the beloved author of the My Weird School series, The Genius Files, and many other stories that make kids laugh out loud while they read. His unique blend of humor and adventure has…

We are excited to partner with the Carriage Barn to bring you another event in our Women in the Arts Lecture Series. Professor Page Knox joins us for a discussion of the fascinating female flower painters and their extraordinary still lives, as they used the genre to create exquisite works of art and to establish themselves in eras ranging from Renaissance Italy and the Dutch Golden Age to the time of the French Royal Academy and today’s contemporary art world.

For parents feeling overwhelmed by the college selection process for students with learning and attention differences: Join us for an informative panel discussion on finding the best-fit college or transition program. This event will empower you with the tools, strategies and resources you need to advocate for your student’s future!

Celebrated author Kevin Baker will discuss his latest book The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City, which was voted Sports Illustrated #1 Book of 2024. This hugely entertaining history of baseball and New York City is bursting with larger-than-life figures and fascinating stories from the game’s beginnings to the end of World War II. In Baker’s hands the city and the game emerge from the murk of nineteenth-century American life—driven by visionaries and fixers, heroes…

Diane Morrisey has 1.5 million followers on Instagram! CT's own social media icon and food influencer is relatable because of her acute sense of humor and her easy and innovative recipes that come with a big side of “you got this” encouragement.

Join our dynamic and interactive panel discussion to explore the connection between metabolic syndrome and dementia. We will discuss the clinical and structural changes needed to address the growing number of dementia cases, focusing on practical opportunities for early intervention through new testing, treatments, lifestyle modifications, and team-based care. The panel will also evaluate several ongoing clinical trials that could revolutionize dementia prevention and treatment. Q & A session will follow the discussion.

Author Christopher Gorham will speak on his latest book, Matisse at War: Art and Resistance in Nazi Occupied France, spotlighting the years during WWII when Henri Matisse and his family defiantly refused to evacuate Nazi-occupied France. This groundbreaking book illuminates the previously untold history of their passionate roles in the Resistance and the prodigious, revolutionary work the artist produced in the face of fascism, violence, and hate.

New Canaan Library is delighted to share the incredible film by New Canaan's own Devon Chivvis. “The Harvard 5: a story of love, architecture, and a design revolution” documentary film tells the little-known story of five ground-breaking architects and designers who ignited a modern design revolution from the least likely place –colonial New Canaan, CT. “The Harvard Five” as they became known–Philip Johnson, John Johansen, Landis Gores, Eliot Noyes, and Marcel Breuer– were fueled by a sense of hope and…

This program delves into the realities of paranormal investigation, exploring the challenges of blending science with unexplained phenomena, faith, and public stigma. Through real-life case studies and evidence, participants will gain a deeper understanding and have the opportunity to ask questions.

The absence of pediatric surgical capacity is a growing crisis, exacerbated by war, climate change, and migration, as well as from lesser-reported rising cancer rates, road traffic injuries, and trauma morbidity. Dr. Maija Cheung, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Yale University and Chief Medical Officer for KidsOR, will shed light on the extent and consequences of these healthcare disparities, and share solutions for even the most challenging, underserved areas. We are grateful to Dr. Mark DeWaele, Board Chairman/President of KidsOR,…

On the occasion of the re-issue of the iconic floor lamp that Richard Kelly and Philip Johnson designed in 1953 for The Glass House by the New Canaan-based firm of BassamFellows, architectural historian Dietrich Neumann will explore Richard Kelly’s design philosophy and his collaborations with Philip Johnson and Mies van der Rohe at the Glass House, the Lake Shore Drive Apartments, and the Seagram Building.

The first of her family to be born in the U.S., Elena Sheppard tells a powerful story of leaving and remembering, the Cuban Revolution and its diaspora. Through a spellbinding blend of cultural myth, historical texts, and personal narrative, The Eternal Forest seeks to understand the nature of inheritance, how trauma and memory are passed down through generations, and what it means to yearn for a place you can never fully know.

In the first program of our new World Music Series, master musicians Ranendra Das (tabla) and Satyaki Dutta (sarod) will take us on a musical journey that is millennia in the making. Prepare to be transported by their intricate, complex rhythms and deeply resonant sounds as we listen and learn about this rich musical tradition. This program is co-sponsored by the India Cultural Center. Tabla is a North Indian instrument that consists of two drumheads made of goatskin. Sarod is…

New Canaan Artisans Holiday Boutique shopping continues. This event offers a diverse array of exquisite handcrafts, including knitted children's sweaters, home décor, and jewelry. These are just a few of the many exceptional handcrafts you will find at this special event. Proceeds from the sale are donated to charities throughout Fairfield County. So, come do your holiday shopping and support your community.

In partnership with New Canaan Community Foundation, New Canaan Library is thrilled to host a Nonprofit Volunteer Fair featuring 40 nonprofits in New Canaan and the surrounding area. Drop in any time between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to speak with representatives and learn how you can get involved with these organizations. Whether you're looking for volunteer opportunities for kids, teens, or adults; hoping to get involved with a nonprofit's board; or simply wondering what organizations support our community, this…

We are pleased to welcome back Mike Hayes, the former commanding officer of SEAL Team Two, White House fellow, and director of defense policy and strategy at the National Security Council. Mike will discuss his new book Mission Driven: A Path to a Life of Purpose. This lecture is for anyone going through a transition: young people, recent graduates, professionals shifting to new roles, or people shifting to find new balance in their lives. Mission Driven is a roadmap for…

Join us at the Library for a screening of The Princess Bride (1987). Directed by Rob Reiner (1947-2025), this classic tale of love and adventure is one of a kind. As a grandfather reads to his sick grandson the story of Buttercup and her true love Wesley, the audience is transported into a world of sword fighting, monsters, miracles, and (of course) true love.

Drum roll please! Norwalk Symphony is excited to present the many sounds, sizes, and assortment of traditional and unusual percussion instruments. Have you ever banged on a pot with a spoon? Clapped together pieces of wood or metal? Rung a bell? You are a Percussionist! Using our upcoming educational performance of Berlioz' "Symphonie fantastique" we see how The percussion part stands out as a relatively early example of an ambitious and highly elaborate, active, even central part of the score,…

Award-winning landscape designer and photographer Emily Kelting presents a journey through the rich history and design of Japanese gardens, including its connection to Buddhism, significance of tea houses, and concepts of water, moss, pine. Emily Kelting is an author, award-winning photographer, landscape designer, and owner of GreatScapes, a 23-year-old landscape design and installation business based in New Canaan.

Discover a curated collection of local craftsmanship at this seasonal artisan market. Enjoy free admission while supporting a great cause, as all proceeds benefit local non-profits

For parents of all children in preschool and elementary school. Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn and grow—and it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand how to join in and support their children’s play at home. In this encouraging, hands-on training, Meghan Perazella, MEd, BCBA, LBA (CT), will explore the new Let’s Play materials released by the CT Office of Early Childhood and provide practical strategies to make playtime more meaningful for all children—neurotypical and…

Join us at the Library for a screening of Sense and Sensibility (1995). Directed by Ang Lee, Jane Austen's timeless classic is masterfully adapted to the big screen. When their family is forced to relocate to Devonshire, the lovely Dashwood sisters find themselves navigating through life in the English countryside where heartbreak and love await them.

Erin Walsh's client list includes Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez--and now, YOU! She joins us to present her new book, The Art of Intentional Dressing, to help you find your personal style, dress for your destiny, and manifest your most magnetic life.

In More Than a Game, Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun reflects on a career defined by relationships, perseverance, and mentorship. Co-written with Dom Amore, the memoir shares stories of players like Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, and Rip Hamilton, highlighting a legacy built on community and care. A three-time national champion at UConn and Hall of Famer, Calhoun offers an inspiring look at leadership both on and off the court.

Do you need help with plant identification? Insect Damage and disease diagnosis? Plant suggestions? Vegetable growing advice? Invasives management? UCONN Master Gardeners of Lower Fairfield are standing by to solve your garden issue in this weekly plant clinic. Experts from the UCONN Master Gardener Program will be able to answer your questions on the spot, or do research and follow up with you. It is a great chance to meet like-minded garden enthusiasts and nature lovers. Stop by - we…