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New Canaan Library

151 Main Street
203-594-5000

Mission:
Enrich the town's intellectual and cultural life by providing free and convenient access to information, fostering lifelong learning, and encouraging the exchange of ideas.
 
Vision:

New Canaan Library's vision is to be the cornerstone of our community's intellectual and cultural life by:
 
Providing free and convenient access to literature and information in its many formats, and serving as a forum for the exchange of ideas;
 
Presenting stimulating and diverse cultural events, including music, visual arts, author visits, performing arts and film;
 
Offering superior service in a welcoming, intellectually enriching and accessible environment;
 
Engaging every segment of the community – all ages, interests, needs and learning styles;
 
Respecting and valuing the contributions of staff, volunteers and donors;
 
Embracing technology that delivers cutting-edge resources for the 21 st century; and by
 
Managing this vital town asset in a fiscally responsible, flexible and environmentally sensitive way to ensure we meet the evolving needs and interests of our patrons while building on a tradition of respect for and enhancement of the mind, the spirit, and the community.


Recent News

New Canaan Library Upcoming Programs for January 6th - 15th, 2024

Calendar of Events Featured Event The Slip: The New York City Street That Changed American Art Forever by Art Historian Prudence Peiffer Thursday, 1/11 6:30pm - 8:00pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium REGISTER In her book, The Slip: The New York…

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New Canaan Library Happenings for the Week of January - December 16, 2023

Featured Event The Nutcracker: Hear the Story, See a Performance, Learn a Dance Tuesday, December 19th 4:15pm - 5:15pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium REGISTER The magic of The Nutcracker ballet comes to…

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New Canaan Library Weekly Newsletter - December 8, 2023

Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative Presenter Jennifer Burns Wednesday, December 13th 6:30pm - 8:00pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium REGISTER New Canaan Library is pleased to welcome author and New Canaan native Jennifer Burns to…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - December 2023

Create Your Own Website with Google Sites McLaughlin Meeting Room Saturday, 12/9 at 12:00pm Have you ever wanted to create your own website? Create one using Google Sites' user-friendly interface that features numerous templates, themes, and…

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New Canaan Library Happenings for the Week of November 24, 2023

Mark Your Calendar The Library will close at 6 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 6th for a private Library function. December exercise class registration opens on Monday, November 27th at 9am. Our Annual Fund Campaign is underway. Make…

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New Canaan Library News - October 27, 2023

Featured Event Artist and Solider for Human Rights: Arthur Szyk Sunday, November 5th 2:00pm - 3:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium An exhibition on the art of Arthur Szyk - In Real Times, Arthur Szyk: Artist & Soldier for Human…

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November Book Discussions At New Canaan Library

November Library Book Discussions for Adults New readers are always welcome! Can't Sleep Thrillers Book Club Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 pm. Pulse-racing, jaw-dropping, and shiver-inducing books are always in season. Join the librarian-led…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - October 20, 2023

Featured Event Gil Harel: Defying Gravity (and Expectations) - A Brief History of "Wicked" Thursday, October 26th 7pm - 8pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium Musicologist and professor Gil Harel leads us into a musically enhanced exploration of…

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Upcoming Book Discussions At New Canaan Library

Library Book Discussions for Adults New readers are always welcomed! The Romance Lovers Book Group Saturday, October 21 at 11:00 am. At this meeting we will discuss The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston. Register Here BookTok Book Group…

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New Canaan Library Weekly Newsletter - October 6, 2023

Let's celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop! "Fashion Killa": How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion Wednesday, October 11th 7:00pm - 8:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Fashion Killa commemorates the contributions…

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Technology and STEM Programs for Adults - October 2023

Cricut Crafts for Adults: Bookmarks Anderson MakerLab Tuesday, 10/10 6:30 pm Create your very own bookmark using the Cricut machine! Before we create our bookmarks, we will start with an introduction to the Cricut Maker- a machine that can cut and…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - October 2023

Calendar of Events Featured Event Renowned Journalist Carl Bernstein Presents Annual Richard Salant Lecture Thursday, October 19th 6:30pm - 8:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium New Canaan Library is honored to welcome celebrated journalist…

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New Canaan Library Weekly Newsletter - September 29, 2023

Featured Event Glass House Presents: A Conversation with Sculptor Mark Mennin Tuesday, October 3rd 6:00pm - 7:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Join artist Mark Mennin and Glass House chief curator Hilary Lewis for a conversation…

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New Canaan Library Weekly Newsletter - September 22, 2023

Featured Event Landscape Architecture and Design Sunday, September 24th 3:00pm-5:00pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium Greenwich resident Fred Landman acquired a handsome Georgian Revival house and grounds in 1994. Deeply committed to the…

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New Canaan Library News - September 18, 2023

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…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - September 8, 2023

Literary Luncheon 2023 We are thrilled to announce that Pulitzer Prize-winning author GERALDINE BROOKS, author of Horse, will be our featured speaker at the 2023 Literary Lunch. Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - September 2023

Calendar of Events Featured Event Premiere by New England Academy of Dance and Film Screening: "Flower" a Documentary by Misty Copeland Saturday, September 23rd 2:00pm - 3:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium For ages 12 and up…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - September 1, 2023

Literary Luncheon 2023 We are thrilled to announce that Pulitzer Prize-winning author GERALDINE BROOKS, author of Horse, will be our featured speaker at the 2023 Literary Lunch. Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - August 25, 2023

Featured Event Spotted Lantern Fly Wreaks Havoc in CT Wednesday, August 30th 6:30pm - 7:30pm Craig B. Tate Conference Room This presentation urgently addresses the damage the Spotted Lantern Fly is wreaking on our landscape and explains what we…

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Book Groups at the New Canaan Library

Book Groups at the Library Health & Wellness Book Group at the YMCA Meeting: Wednesday, September 20 at 10 am. at YMCA of New Canaan At this meeting we will discuss: Atomic Habits by James Clear. Register Here Romance Lovers Book…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - August 18, 2023

The new online library catalog is live! Preview the new catalog HERE and register for a class HERE Featured Event An Evening with Argentine Guitarist Carlos Pavan Tuesday, August 29th 7:00pm - 8:00pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium Immerse…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - August 11, 2023

Calendar of Events New online library catalog coming! Our online library catalog will be updated on Thursday 8/17! Preview the new catalog HERE! Programs for August 11th - August 25th Introduction to Google Docs and Drive Tuesday, August 15th…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - August 4, 2023

Tick Talk: How a Bite can Lead to Illness Thursday, August 10th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Lyme disease - the most prevalent tick-borne disease in CT - is on the rise. Learn how to protect yourself and your family. We are…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - August 2023

Adult Programs - August 2023 Calendar of Events Featured Event Tick Talk: How a Bite can Lead to Illness Thursday, August 10th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium We are happy to partner with the Town of New Canaan to present an…

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New Canaan Library Programs for July 28th - August 11, 2023

ESL for Beginners Tuesday, August 1st Tuesday, August 8th 10:00am - 11:30am McLaughlin Meeting Room Develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Learn basic grammatical sentences, short dialogues about personal information,…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library -July21 ,2023

The Legacy Building is Moving starting July 31st! The Legacy building is on the move! Weather permitting, the building will begin to make its journey over the course of several days to its new location 115 feet west on Monday July 31st. Click here…

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New Canaan Library Programs for July 14 - 27, 2023

It’s not too late to join our Summer Reading for Adults program! We’re focusing on “The Natural World” and we have lots to offer - from curated reading lists on all related topics to packets with maps and suggestions for…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - July 7, 2023

Next Week at New Canaan Library Summer Reading is not just for kids! This year’s theme is “The Natural World” and like summer’s relaxed vibe, we’ll put challenges to the side and read purely for enjoyment. Explore…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library -June30,2023

Calendar of Events Summer Reading is not just for kids! This year’s theme is “The Natural World” and like summer’s relaxed vibe, we’ll put challenges to the side and read purely for enjoyment. Explore fiction and…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - July 2023

Adult Programs - July 2023 Calendar of Events Summer Reading is not just for kids! This year’s theme is “The Natural World” and like summer’s relaxed vibe, we’ll put challenges to the side and read purely for…

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New Canaan Library News - June 26 ,2023

New Canaan Library and New Canaan YMCA have joined forces to bring you Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi Gentle Yoga A foundation-building class designed to introduce new students to yoga, as well as offer regular practitioners a gentle class to…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - June 23, 2023

Featured Event Self Defense Class for Women (Ages 14-18) Tuesday, June 27th 6:00pm-8:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Instructors from Club Kung Fu will lead a focused workshop to help teenage women feel confident and safe. REGISTER…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - June 16, 2023

Mark Your Calendar The Library will be closed on Sundays for the summer beginning 6/18. We will be closed until 1pm on Friday, 6/23 due to electrical work. TWO WEEKS LEFT TO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT In celebration of over 100,000 visitors through…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - June 9, 2023

Featured Event Bestselling Author Wendy Walker: What Remains Monday, June 12th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Please join us for a special event featuring thriller novelist Wendy Walker in conversation with author Deborah…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - June 2, 2023

Calendar of Events Finals are fast approaching for our high school students and you may notice more teens around the Library. Please wish them well as they prepare for their exams! Extended Hours for TEENS ONLY are as follows: Monday 6/5 open…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs - June 2023

Calendar of Events Featured Event The United States and the United Nations: What’s at Stake and Why it Matters Thursday, June 8th 7:00pm - 8:00pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium We are pleased to partner with the UN Committee…

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New Canaan Library News - May 26, 2023

Closed Sunday, May 28th and Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day Calendar of Events Support The Annual Fund! Gifts made by June 30th matched up to $100,000 Thanks to a generous pledge by the Library Trustees, Annual Fund gifts made by the close…

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New Canaan Library : June Exercise Class Registration Opens May 29, 2023

Registration for June Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi opens Monday, May 29th at 9am. Gentle Yoga Mondays, 10am-11am Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium June Classes Monday, 6/05: Register Here>> Monday, 6/12: Register Here>>…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - May 19, 2023

Calendar of Events Featured Events Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard: Innovation in the global food system Tuesday, May 23rd 6:30pm - 7:30pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Following the incredible success of Chez Panisse, chef,…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - May 15, 2023

Calendar of Events Featured Events Beethoven's Innovations with Musicologist Gil Harel Monday, May 15th 7pm-8pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium Professor Gil Harel will discuss how Beethoven's novel approach to form and harmony allowed him…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - May 5, 2023

Featured Events Author Talk: Matthew Desmond Poverty, by America Wednesday, May 10th 6:30pm - 8:00pm Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium Matthew Desmond, acclaimed sociologist and Pulitzer Prize winning author of Evicted introduces his…

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New Canaan Library Adult Programs for May 2023

Calendar of Events FEATURED EVENTS Mysteries, Murders, Killers and Thrillers: Crime Writers Discuss Their Work with Bestselling Author Wendy Walker Tuesday, May 2nd 7pm - 8pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Audiorium We are thrilled to host Sisters in…

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Healing Asian Hate Since Vincent Chin

Healing Asian Hate Since Vincent Chin Monday, May 8th, 6:30-8:30pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Join us for a panel discussion exploring the current climate of hate and what individuals, communities, and businesses can do to reduce racial…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - April 28, 2023

Calendar of Events Parking Update: Library Parking signs now designate the 76 free spaces the Library has leased in the Center School Lot. The Town Parking Authority will resume monitoring the meter for the numbered, non-Library spaces during…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - April 21, 2023

Parking Update: Library Parking signs now designate the 76 free spaces the Library has leased in the Center School Lot. The Town Parking Authority will resume monitoring the meter for the numbered, non-Library spaces during weekdays before 4PM.…

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New Canaan Library Happenings for the Week of April 17 - 23, 2023

Upcoming Programs for Adults: APRIL 17th to APRIL 23rd ArtScapades Presents: Gardenscapes: From Vista to Vase Monday, April 17th 7pm-8pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium With a focus on Impressionism, ArtScapades looks at how gardens…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - March 31, 2023

FEATURED EVENT Chris Whipple Presents: The Fight of his Life: Inside Joe Biden’s White House Tuesday, April 4th 6:30pm Reception, 7pm Event Start Time Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Please join New York Times bestselling…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - March 24, 2023

FEATURED EVENT How Business Does Well by Doing Good: MillerKnoll on Designing for People, Planet, and Profit Thursday, March 30th 7pm-8pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Learn how MillerKnoll, a collective of brands including Herman…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - March 17, 2023

ArtsScapades Presents Bookscapes: From Cover to Canvas Monday, March 20th 7pm-8pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Books and reading have been powerful visual motifs throughout history. This lecture looks at artists who put books, and…

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Next Week At New Canaan Library - March 10, 2023

Featured Event Stephen Roach Presents: Accidental Conflict: America, China and the Clash of False Narratives Thursday, March 16th 6:30pm Reception, 7-8pm Event Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium Join economist Stephen Roach as he…

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New Canaan Library -Health and Wellness Program Update

Due to the sizable interest in the weekly Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi classes, registration is now required. Please register for each class individually. Registration opens a week before the beginning of each month. Classes will take place in the…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - March 3, 2023

Next Week at New Canaan Library Click here to see the full calendar of events This coming week, workers will be onsite finishing our bookshelves. We apologize for this necessary disruption. Thank you for your patience and understanding! …

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New Canaan Library - Adult Programs For March 2023

Featured Event Vaping and Marijuana: What Is the Impact On Our Lungs? March 9th, 7pm - 8pm Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium In collaboration with Stamford Health: Connecticut's recent legalization of marijuana and growing popularity of vaping…

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Next Week at New Canaan Library - February 24, 2023

Next Week at New Canaan Library Click here to see the full calendar of events This coming week, workers will be onsite finishing our bookshelves. We apologize for this necessary disruption. Thank you for your patience and understanding! …

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New Canaan Library Exciting News! Library Opening On February 14, 2023

After over a decade of preparation and countless hours of hard work by staff, our construction crew, and volunteers, we are delighted to share that we will open the New New Canaan Library building on February 14th at 9 am. We are eager to start…

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Next week At New Canaan Library - December 24, 2022

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! The Library is currently closed to the public. After over a decade of preparation, we are excited to open the NEW New Canaan Library in February 2023. To ensure that our books are on the shelves and our…

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Next week At New Canaan Library - December 16, 2022

The Library is currently closed to the public. After over a decade of preparation, we are excited to open the NEW New Canaan Library in February 2023. To ensure that our books are on the shelves and our team is ready to deliver excellent services…

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New Canaan Library : Contribute To The Library's Memory Book

Contribute to the Library's Memory Book Now through 12/31 As we get ready to transition into our NEW New Canaan Library building, we want to celebrate the wonderful memories that we’ve made together at New Canaan Library so far. Please…

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Next week At New Canaan Library - December 9, 2022

The Library will be closed December 17 through mid-February After over a decade of preparation, we are excited to open the NEW New Canaan Library in February 2023. To ensure that our books are on their shelves and our team is ready to deliver…

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Next week at New Canaan Library - December 2, 2022

Next week at New Canaan Library The Library will be closed December 17 through mid-February After over a decade of preparation, we are excited to open the NEW New Canaan Library in February 2023. To ensure that our books are on their shelves…

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Next week At New Canaan Library - November 18, 2022

Please note our Thanksgiving holiday hours: Regular hours Saturday-Tuesday Wednesday, 11/23: 9am-5pm Thursday, 11/24: CLOSED Friday, 11/25: CLOSED Regular hours Saturday-Sunday NaNoWriMo comes to NC Library Sunday, 11/20 1pm Plaut…

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New Canaan Library - 15th Annual Literary Luncheon

15th Annual Literary Luncheon What an inspirational afternoon! We cannot offer enough thanks to all who made our 15th annual Literary Luncheon such an incredible success! Many, many thanks to our featured authors Madeline Miller and Rebecca Kuang,…

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