New Canaan Library is one of 12 libraries featured in national American Libraries’ 2023 Design Showcase

This annual roundup celebrates new or renovated libraries addressing patron needs in exciting, effective ways. Recognized for our sustainable design that references New England’s stone, forests, and our town’s midcentury modern architecture, the new Library brings climate-conscious community space to a beautiful new level.  More>>

Featured Event

Premiere by New England

Academy of Dance and Screening of

"Flower" by Misty Copeland

Saturday, September 23rd

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium

For ages 12 and up

New Canaan Library, Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) and the New England Academy of Dance (NEAD), present a screening of Misty Copeland’s short episodic film, Flower. Following the film will be a spectacular dance premiere by NEAD, created and choreographed by Ted Thomas to reflect the themes of Ms. Copeland's film. Christina Johnson, Principal Dancer for Dance Theatre of Harlem and Complexions, plays the role of Misty’s mother and will be featured in the Q&A after the program. Register Here>>

Calendar of Events

Programs on September 16th - September 23^rd

Author Talk: Fiona Davis PresentsThe Spectacular

Tuesday, September 19th

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium

Fiona Davis discusses her new book, The Spectacular. Set in NYC in the 1950s, a talented young dancer defies society’s expectations when she joins the Rockettes. At the same time, a madman is terrorizing the City. Register Here>>

Health and Wellness Book Group @YMCA in the Williams Room

10:00am - 11:00am

Wednesday,

September 20th Register Here>>

Wednesday, September 27th Register Here>>

We discuss the bestselling book, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear.

Aging Successfully and Stressless-ly: Wills & Trusts 

Wednesday, September 20th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium

NCL and Staying Put in New Canaan, welcome Attorney Michael Nedder, presenting an overview of wills, trusts and estate planning. Register Here>>

Finding Your Next Read

Wednesday, September 20th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Craig B. Tate Conference Room

Discover Novelist Plus, Goodreads, and Vega to find your next read.

Please bring a mobile device or a laptop to class. Register Here>>

Introduction to Google Docs and Drive

Thursday, September 21st

2:00pm-3:00pm

McLaughlin Meeting Room

In this hands-on class you’ll learn how to use both of these free, easy-to-use applications. Register Here>>

Chair Dance:

Move and Groove with Claudia Devita

Thursday, September 21st

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium

Motivating music and infectious positivity will carry you away as you exercise. Register Here>>

Notable Reads Book Group

Thursday, September 21st

11:15am - 12:15pm

McLaughlin Meeting Room

Up for discussion is A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet: a prophetic, heartbreaking story of generational divide. Register Here>>

Romance Lovers Book Group

Saturday, September 23rd

11:00am - 12:00pm

McLaughlin Meeting Room

This month we are reading Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert. Copies for check out can be found on the hold shelf. Register Here>>

Ongoing Weekly Programs

Gentle Yoga

Mondays, 10am

Bring your own mat. Registration for October sessions will open on Monday, September 25th at 9am.

More>>

Open Tech

Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm

Come in for one-on-one support More>>

Open MakerLab

Wednesdays, 4pm-6pm

Drop by and check it out

More>>

Tai Chi

Fridays, 10am

All levels are welcome. Registration for October sessions will open on Monday, September 25th at 9am.

More>>

Programs for Children, Teens and Families

New Canaan Library Annual Pumpkin

Fest Carving Contest and Stroll

Friday, October 20th

5:00-8:00pm

Schubert Children’s Garden

Show your creativity at New Canaan’s favorite pumpkin carving contest! Pumpkins are $35 and prizes will be awarded for for Best in Show for Children, Teens, and Adults, Funniest, and Scariest Jack-o-Lanterns. Reserve your pumpkin! All proceeds benefit the Children’s Reading Room and Programming. 

Robert the Guitar Guy Concert

Saturday, September 16th

10:30am

Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium

Join Robert the Guitar Guy as he plays some favorite kids’ songs for 30 minutes of fun! Best for families with children ages 5 and under! Register Here>>

Kids Music with Michael-Louis Smith

Monday, September 18th

4:15pm

Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium

Bring your little ones and join local musician Michael-Louis Smith to enjoy a fun and educational performance. Participants should be ready to sing along to their favorite songs, explore various genres of music and boogie to the beat while they learn about melody, harmony and rhythm! Best for toddlers and preschoolers! Register Here>>

Book Explorers for Grades 2-3

Monday, September 18th

4:15pm

Arlene H. Grushkin Children's Program Room

Book Explorers is a book club for 2nd & 3rd graders that meets monthly on Mondays from 4:15pm to 5:00pm. Join Miss Dajana for a book discussion of Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst, followed by a fun activity. Register Here>>

Five Steps to a Successful College Application Essay

Monday, September 18th

6:30pm

Craig B. Tate Conference Room

Faced with writing a college application essay, high school students often feel paralyzed. Mr. Howard’s presentation will outline the five steps of research, planning, brainstorming, writing and revising that will help uncover each student’s answer. Register Here>>

Young Critics Book Group for Grades 4-6

Tuesday, September 19th

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Arlene H. Grushkin Children's Program Room

The Young Critics are reading Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak this month. Join Librarian Rebecca Fox to discuss the book, enjoy some pizza, and craft or play games with your friends! This program is for any children in 4th-6th grades. Register Here>>

3-5's Storytime

Wednesday, September 20th at 1:30pm

OR Friday, September 22nd at 10:30am

Kontulis Family Storytime Room

Join Miss Dajana or Miss Rebecca for a 3-5’s Storytime with songs, rhymes, felts, and special books and activities! Please register for either the Wednesday class or the Friday class.

Register For 1:30pm Wednesday>>

Or

Register For 10:30am Friday>>

Pizza and Pages Book Group for Grades 6-8

Thursday, September 21st

7:15pm - 8:00pm

Arlene H. Grushkin Children's Program Room

Middle schoolers in grades 6-8, join us each month for a book discussion, games, and pizza. You can pick up each month's selection at the Library to read at home before the meeting. We'll also vote on the book for next month. In September we will be reading The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold by David Arnold. Register Here>>