Event Types: Clubs

This month, the Friday Afternoon Book Club invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich and unforgettable world of A Prayer for Owen Meany by bestselling author John Irving. Known for its emotional depth, sharp wit, and profound themes, the novel promises to spark meaningful conversation and reflection among book lovers.

Set in 1950s New Hampshire, the story follows the lifelong friendship between John Wheelwright and the remarkable Owen Meany—a boy with a strange voice and an unshakable belief that he is destined for a divine purpose. Through Owen’s extraordinary faith and the twists of fate that shape their lives, Irving explores powerful themes of religion, destiny, grief, and identity.

Book club members will explore questions like: What does it mean to believe in something greater than yourself? How does friendship shape our sense of self and purpose? And how can one small person leave an outsized impact on the world?

All are welcome—whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting this unforgettable classic. Join us for a thoughtful and engaging discussion!

Shop at the Shepaug Agriscience’s Spring Plant Sale for all of your spring planting and Mother’s Day needs! Shepaug FFA students have been growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowering hanging baskets in their state-of-the-art greenhouse. Students will also be selling welded projects, flower arrangements, and their much-anticipated honey. Shepaug FFA students use the money raised to help their chapter attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, attend leaderships conferences in the state, and supports their annual banquet. We hope to see you at the Shepaug Garden Center on the May 10th!

The Gunn Memorial Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to join us for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.

Over the hour, participants will read articles extracted from French magazines, covering cultural topics and current events. Guided conversations will encourage lively exchanges, helping participants refine their French while deepening their appreciation for Francophone culture.This program is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles, share perspectives, and experience the richness of the French language in a welcoming environment.

Join us for a meaningful cultural and linguistic experience!

Register here

The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal is a critically acclaimed novel that offers a compelling blend of magical realism, family legacy, and cultural exploration. It is an ideal choice for thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Set in 1970s Puerto Rico, The Storyteller’s Death follows Isla Larsen Sanchez, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of identity, grief, and belonging. After her grandmother’s death, Isla begins to experience vivid visions of her ancestors’ stories—visions that both unsettle and enlighten her. As Isla unravels generations of hidden truths, the line between past and present, myth and reality, becomes increasingly blurred.
Ann Dávila Cardinal masterfully weaves together themes of intergenerational trauma, storytelling, and cultural identity in a novel that is as emotionally resonant as it is thought-provoking.

All community members are invited to participate in this literary exploration. Whether you are a longtime participant or new to the group, we welcome your insights and perspectives.

The Gunn Memorial Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to join us for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.

Over the hour, participants will read articles extracted from French magazines, covering cultural topics and current events. Guided conversations will encourage lively exchanges, helping participants refine their French while deepening their appreciation for Francophone culture. This program is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles, share perspectives, and experience the richness of the French language in a welcoming environment.

Join us for a meaningful cultural and linguistic experience!

Register here

Join the Gunn Library Book Club on Thursday evening for a rewarding discussion on celebrated author Niall Williams’s beautiful book, The Time of the Child.

Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from the town. His eldest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father’s shadow, and remains there, having missed one chance at love – and passed up another offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.

But in the Advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy’s lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter’s lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.

Set over the course of one December in the same village as Williams’ beloved This Is Happiness, Time of the Child is a tender return to Faha for readers who know its charms, and a heartwarming welcome to new readers entering for the very first time.

Registration is required