New Canaan Library’s 2014 Literary Luncheon will feature Christina Baker Kline as guest speaker, author of the New York Times bestseller Orphan Train.  The Literary Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 13th, 2014 from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm at Woodway Country Club, 540 Hoyt Street, Darien, CT.

“We are thrilled to have Christina as our speaker,” says Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development. “We will not only be entertained, but educated about this fascinating and controversial part of our history”.

TD Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2014 Literary Luncheon.  Lisa Oldham, Executive Director of the Library notes: “It’s an honor to welcome TD Bank for a fifth year as our Presenting Sponsor. Jenny Esposito and her team at TD Bank have helped make the Library’s Literary Luncheon the great success it is and we are grateful for their ongoing support.” Christine Saxe of Christine Saxe and Associates, William Raveis Real Estate New Canaan has signed on as a Corporate Sponsor of the 2014 Literary Luncheon.

Orphan Train highlights a significant, but often overlooked, chapter of American history. From the mid 1800s to 1929 over 200,000 abandoned, orphaned or vagrant children from the streets of New York were shipped to the Midwest on trains, in hope of a new and better life. Instituted by Charles Loring Brace, a compassionate Methodist minister, the Orphan Train program became a first attempt – and finally a controversial one – at foster care or social services.

This is the story of one such child, and her modern day counterpart.

Given the serious issues of child welfare that the book explores, this year the library will highlight the work of Filling in the Blanks, a local non-profit organization that fights childhood hunger by providing needy children with meals on the weekends.  “The library asked us to participate in the Luncheon by creating a ‘Giving Train’, so guests at the luncheon can help us support local families in need,” said Tina Kramer, co-founder Filling in the Blanks.

Event Co-Chairs Annie Drapkin and Patricia Mee put together a terrific committee, noting “We have a great team in place but are always seeking new volunteers.  This author is an exciting choice for the luncheon and we have some surprises in store!”  Proceeds from the event will support the New Canaan Library.

Tickets to this year’s Literary Luncheon sold out in record time.  “In an unusual twist this year we found ourselves fully subscribed before general invitations had been sent, due to a very generous Benefactor response,” notes Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development.  “We also made good use of our online and social media connections which opened up information about the event to the widest audience ever!  We are looking forward to a great afternoon.”

For information about other upcoming library events, please visit our website at www.newcanaanlibrary.org/ or contact Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development at 203-594-5025, ecrovatto@newcanaanlibrary.org.

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New Canaan Library’s mission is to enrich the town’s intellectual and cultural life by providing free and convenient access to information, fostering lifelong learning and encouraging the exchange of ideas.