Regarded as perhaps the greatest short story collection in the English language, James Joyce’s "Dubliners" is the Westport Library’s selection for WestportREADS 2015. A vivid portrait of Dublin during a time of social and political upheaval, each of the book's 15 stories can stand alone, but together they form what Joyce called "a chapter of the moral history of my country." The emotional and intellectual truths of the book glint as brightly today as they did 100 years ago. Help celebrate the centennial of this masterpiece throughout January by participating in a wide range of programs and activities for all ages.
Sponsored annually by the Library since 2001, WestportREADS is a program dedicated to strengthening the community through the shared experience of a book. Two companion books are available for children: "Fiona’s Lace" by Patricia Polacco and "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff.
The following is a list of programs and events; see westportlibrary.org for details and a list in chronological order.
Kick-off Programs:
Sunday, January 4, 3 pm, McManus Room: "Dubliners" 101: An Introduction with Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian. Background and insight for enjoying this literary classic.
Sundays, January 4, 11, 18, and 25, 1-4 pm, The Great Hall: Collage and Mixed Media Workshops. Four guided collage-making workshops led by multi-media artist and teacher Melissa Slattery, each exploring a theme from one of the stories in "Dubliners" as a starting point. Slattery will talk about the project on Friday, January 30, at 12 noon in The Great Hall. All ages welcome.
Saturday, January 10, 4 pm, McManus Room: Author and Broadcaster Frank Delaney. This award-winning writer and broadcaster discusses his work, including his bestselling novel "Ireland," the vast influence of Joyce and his historic Joyce podcast project.
Sunday, January 11, 2 pm, McManus Room: Irish Music and Step Dancing from Themselves. Hear Irish music on harp, violin, and guitar, along with percussion, song and poetry in a program inspired by James Joyce and his book "Dubliners."
Events with Community Partners:
Thursday, January 15, noon, Westport Historical Society: History Lunch Break: Explore Irish Saugatuck. Join Town Art CuratorKathie Bennewitz for a discussion of Robert L. Lambdin’s mural and the current exhibit "Saugatuck @ Work" at the Westport Historical Society. Register by calling 203.222.1424; suggested $5 donation at the door. Co-sponsored with Westport Historical Society and Westport Arts Advisory Committee.
Thursday, January 15, 7 pm, Westport Country Playhouse: A Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Irish Poet Paul Muldoon. Westport Country Playhouse Artistic Director Mark Lamos interviews Paul Muldoon, poetry editor for The New Yorker. Register with Westport Country Playhouse box office (203.227.4177; free). Community partner: Westport County Playhouse.
Saturday, January 17, 4 pm, Christ & Holy Trinity Church: Movie: A Talkback and Special Screening of "The Dead." The final film by director John Huston, based on the closing story of James Joyce’s "Dubliners" (1982, 85 mins.), followed by a conversation with Hearst Newspapers entertainment reporter Joe Meyers and Joyce expert Mark Schenker, Dean of Academic Affairs at Yale University. Purchase tickets ($10) online at westportcinema.org or at the door. Co-presenter: Westport Cinema Initiative.
Sunday, January 18, 2 pm, Quinnipiac University: Tour of Ireland's Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University, Hamden. A private docent-led tour of the world's largest collection of Great Hunger-related art. Register online at westportlibrary.org. Free.
Thursday, January 29, 7 pm, McManus Room: Neighbors and Newcomers Discuss "Dubliners."
Creative and Interactive Programs:
Tuesday, January 13, 7 pm: The Art of the Irish Fisherman's Sweater. Julie Van Norden of Westport Yarns shares historic stitches and patterns. Participants are invited to bring their own sweaters or works in progress.
Throughout January, Creation Station, Children's Library―Kids: Make Paper Lace. Drop in and experiment with making lace with paper. Get ideas from “Fiona’s Lace” by Patricia Polacco.
Throughout January, Riverwalk Hallway Exhibit: "Westport & the Emerald Isle" exploring Westporters' connections to Ireland.
Book Discussions:
Monday, January 12, 6 pm, Westport Library, Seminar Room―Kids: Mysterious Book Society. Discuss "Nory Ryan’s Song" with author Patricia Reilly Giff. Register online at westportlibrary.org. Free
Tuesday, January 20, 11 am & 7:30 pm, Westport Library, Sheffer Reading Room: PageTurners Discuss "Dubliners."
To request a facilitator for your book discussion, please contact Kelle Ruden at kruden@westportlibrary.org or 203.291.4818.
Thursday, January 22, 1:30 pm, Westport Center for Senior Activities (21 Imperial Ave.).
Thursday, January 29, 7 pm, Westport Library, McManus Room: Neighbors and Newcomers.
Movies:
Tuesday, January 6, 2 pm, McManus Room: Movie: James Joyce: "So This Is Dyoublong?" An in-depth documentary about Joyce's life and works. (1000, 59 mins.)
Tuesday, January 13, 2 pm, McManus Room: Movie: "Dancing at Lughnasa" Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian introduces this film based on Brian Friel's play, set in rural Ireland in 1936. (1998, 95 mins.)
Tuesday, January 20, 2 pm, McManus Room: Movie: "The Wind That Shakes the Barley." A drama set during the early days of the Irish Republican Army. (2006, 127 mins.)
Tuesday, January 27, 2 pm, McManus Room: Movie: "Agnes Browne." Set in Dublin in 1967, Anjelica Huston stars in and directs "Agnes Browne," a funny, tender tale of Irish life. (1999, 92 mins.)
Dine Around Town: Dublin! Enjoy Irish-themed dinners at four of Westport's finest restaurants. Menus include three courses and wine. Proceeds from the dinners benefit the Westport Library. Co-sponsored with CT Bites. Purchase tickets online; $100 per person.
Tuesday, January 6, 7 pm: Terrain.
Wednesday, January 14, 7 pm: Da Pietro.
Thursday, January 22, 7 pm: Blue Lemon.
Wednesday, January 28,7 pm: Spotted Horse Tavern.
And a Whiskey Tasting!
Sunday, January 25, 3 pm, LUXE Wine Bar (190 Main St.): Whiskey Tasting at LUXE. Lew Bryson of Whiskey Advocate magazine leads a tasting of Irish spirits and signs copies of his book, “Tasting Whiskey.”
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
For further information, phone 203-291-4800, or check westportlibrary.org.