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.
6:00 PM-7:00 PM
FREE
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-thursday-book-club-the-storytellers-death-by-ann-davila-cardinal/
Immerse Yourself in French Culture with an Hour of French Conversation at the Gunn Memorial Library.
The library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers 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!
Registration is required
www.gunnlibrary.org or call 860-868-7586
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/french-club-for-adults/
Immerse Yourself in French Culture with an Hour of French Conversation at the Gunn Memorial Library.
The Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to 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!
Registration is required
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
FREE
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/french-conversation-series-3/
Join us for a special screening of A Complete Unknown, the acclaimed 2024 biographical drama about legendary musician Bob Dylan’s transformative early years.
Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown chronicles the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet) as he arrives in New York City in 1961. Determined to meet his idol, the ailing folk singer Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Dylan quickly immerses himself in the vibrant Greenwich Village music scene. Under the mentorship of figures like Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) and alongside contemporaries such as Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), Dylan’s meteoric rise challenges traditional folk norms, culminating in his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
A Complete Unknown has garnered critical acclaim, earning eight nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Chalamet. The film is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Dylan’s early career and the cultural shifts of the 1960s.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the story of a musical icon’s rise to prominence and the moments that defined a generation.
Rated R
2:21 H
5:00 PM-7:20 PM
FREE
Registration is required
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/may-movie-a-complete-unknown/
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Free
Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. In August, we will focus on a collection from Dianne Seuss and examine how the poet transforms personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk
About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Registration is required
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/contemporary-poets-with-mark-scarbrough-4/
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Free
Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. In July, we will focus on collections from Tracy K. Smith and examine how the poet transforms personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk
About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original food content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Registration is required
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/contemporary-poets-with-mark-scarbrough-3/
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Free
Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. In June, we will focus on collections from Ocean Vuong and examine how this poet transforms personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk
About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Registration is required
The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/contemporary-poets-with-mark-scarbrough-2/
Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. We will focus on collections from Joy Harjo, Ocean Vuong, Tracy K. Smith, and Dianne Seuss for the next few months. We will examine how these poets transform personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk
About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Free
Registration is required
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/contemporary-poets-with-mark-scarbrough/
Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/contemporary-poets-with-mark-scarbrough/
Our featured artist for May & June is photographer Maura Salvati. Her exhibit of Nature Photography features over 70 unique images. Come view the show, meet this local photographer and learn about her work at our Artist’s Reception. All are welcome.
Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9113
Time: 2 – 5 pm
Artist’s Reception: Maura Salvati
Need a laugh? Join author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin for a funny program about funny programs! Marty will talk about the evolution of sitcoms over the decades, from I Love Lucy to The Big Bang Theory. Test your knowledge of sitcom trivia and enjoy hilarious clips from some of your favorite shows at this fun and interactive program. This program is suitable for teens and adults. Please register @harwintonlibrary.org/events
Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9113
Time: 6:30 pm
The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time
