Pequot Library Showing Rare Holiday Memorabilia

Southport, CT – Experience the magical and memorable role holidays play in the lives of all readers, especially children, through Pequot Library’s Special Collections exhibition of vintage postcards, holiday literature, and caroling music dating back to 1848. Come to the opening reception of Holiday Magic: Selections from the Children's Historical Collection on Thursday, December 14, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. where light hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., join children's book author and Fulbright scholar Christine Pakkala, MFA, for a gallery tour and a discussion of literary heroines. 

"The Pequot Library is a community treasure, and I'm thrilled and truly honored to be the visiting scholar at the library's opening reception of Holiday Magic: Selections from the Children's Historical Collection," Pakkala says. "I've long been fascinated by literary heroines, especially those featured in the girls series genre. I’ve read series from the turn of the last century (predating Nancy Drew) and the 1950s, to the 1980s and, of course, to the present day. I’m going to present some books from my collection, such as Beverly Gray, Cherry Ames, Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Wakefield twins of Sweet Valley High, my own Lola Zuckerman, and Jasmine Noguchi.”

Pakkala has published essays in Salon, Serendipity, and Brain, Child, and is the 2013 winner of the Ladies Home Journal essay contest. She’s the author of Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green, which earned a starred review from “School Library Journal,” and a novel for teens, Jasmine and Maddie. Pakkala is also a former English teacher and is currently on the faculty of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. The Westport Writers’ Workshop is a nonprofit, independent literary arts center that offers high-quality creative writing classes, community events, and outreach to underserved and special populations. 

In Pequot’s appealing exhibition you can view classic materials from its Special Collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Explore books and imagery covering a variety of religious and secular subjects, from Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and “Primrose Day,” including the antics of Eloise and Babar the Elephant. The exhibition is on view through February 4, 2018 during regular Library hours. This exhibition was made possible in part through a generous gift in memory of Richard M. Carpenter and the Constance C. Baker Rare Book Fund.

Related public programs:

Storytime Fireside Tales

Tuesdays, December 19, January 9 and 16 at 7:15 p.m. For dads and youngsters, everyone can wear their pajamas, listen to classic stories by the lit fire, and make popcorn the old-fashioned way: in the fireplace!

Lecture/Discussion Fantastic Finds: Holiday Magic

Friday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m. Come listen and learn as Special collections, consultant and exhibition curator Dr. Elizabeth Beaudin gives a hands-on viewing of select items from the Children’s Historical Collection. The Children’s Historical Collection is a subset of Pequot Library’s Special Collections focused on children’s literature and early reading materials.

Film Pequot Presents, Jr: Holiday Movie Marathon at 10:30 a.m.

December 27 Elf (2003—PG—1 hr 37m)

December 28 The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992—G—1 hr 25m)

December 29 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993—PG—1 hr 16m)

Families are welcome to brings blankets and their own refreshments to the Auditorium

 

Public programs are supported in part by the Town of Fairfield.

 

Please visit www.pequotlibrary.org to learn more about this vibrant library, educational, arts and cultural institution. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 115. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Pequot Library Brings Culture to Life!

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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