Pequot Library Presents Beyond the Book Club Series

Southport, CT – Pequot Library's Beyond the Book Club is more than just a book club. Taking inspiration from Pequot Library's founder, Virginia Marquand Monroe, this book club focuses on both women and Pequot Library's mission, "Bringing Literature, Music, Art, Science & the Humanities to our Community." The club is free and open to everyone. It meets ten times a year. There are book discussions plus practical applications such as related workshops or movies.

This year, Beyond the Book Club focuses on Extraordinary Women. The Town of Fairfield is in the midst of its 375th anniversary, and Pequot Library celebrates its 125th anniversary. Through her generous gift, Mrs. Monroe, an extraordinary woman herself, built the Pequot Library on her estate and gave Pequot Library to the community to be "Free as air to all."

In honor of both historic events, this year's Beyond the Book Club focuses on women's contributions. starting with the life of post-revolutionary midwife, Martha Ballard. Two movies will be shown in February exploring midwifery in the context of women and community nurturing. Registration encouraged for these free programs.

Thursday, February 13th, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Movies: A Midwife's Tale (PBS) and Call the Midwife (BBC).

Thursday, February 20th, two programs are offered. One is a presentation on Abigail Adams by Dr. Mona Garcia. Dr. Garcia taught European history at the college level. She has presented conference papers in the United States and Great Britain and has publications in her field of English history, one of which has been included in the Bibliography of British and Irish History (formally the Royal Historical Society Bibliography). Followed by a Book Discussion at 7:00pm, A Midwife's Tale (Ulrich) and Book of Ages (Lepore). Participants may attend one or both.

Coming up, April's theme is Travels; September, Women Defying Gender Role between the Wars; and November 2014, Women who Re-defined themselves during and after WWII.

All programs are held in Pequot Library's beautiful Reading Room. For more information or to register, contact Marianne Pysarchyk at (203) 259-0346 ext. 19 or pysarchyk@pequotlibrary.org.

Please visit www.pequotlibrary.org to learn more about this vibrant library, educational, arts and cultural institution. All classes and programs are open to everyone. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 15.