New Canaan Library’s annual Literary Luncheon this year celebrates 10 years of presenting superb authors at its popular fall fundraiser. This year’s honored guest speaker is The New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles, speaking about his critically acclaimed novel A Gentleman In Moscow. The event will be held on Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Woodway Country Club in Darien.
The Library is honored to dedicate the 10th Anniversary Literary Luncheon to former New Canaan Library President, Alicia Wyckoff. Most recently serving as President of the Board of Trustees from 2015-2017, Alicia has been a committed Board member and volunteer since 2011. Her vision and great generosity have helped shape a new future for New Canaan Library.
A charming and elegant historical novel, A Gentleman In Moscow chronicles the surprisingly eventful life of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel by a Bolshevik tribunal for writing a poem deemed to encourage revolt. Count Rostov nonetheless lives the fullest of lives, discovering the depths of his humanity despite the oppressive and dark realities of the Soviet era.

“We feel so fortunate to have Amor Towles as this year’s Literary Luncheon speaker,” says Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development for the Library. “The opulent and historic setting of his book will be re-imagined for our guests through the incredible talents and efforts of our volunteer committee, co-chaired by Kate Burt, Pam Norton, Chelsea Staniar, and Sharon Teles.”
“Each year the Literary Luncheon provides us with a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of the Library to our community’s cultural fabric,” notes Lisa Oldham, Executive Director. “The historical significance and rich culture of Russia that A Gentleman in Moscow highlights inspired us to create exceptional related programming during the months of October and November that we hope the entire community will enjoy.”
The Literary Luncheon is the Library’s biggest annual fundraiser, welcoming over 400 guests last year for bestselling author Paula McLain. “We are excited to offer an online auction again this year, in which anyone can participate, in addition to a special prize drawing at the luncheon. Volunteers have been working hard since the spring and we can already feel the enthusiasm building in the community for this year’s event!” note Burt and Norton.
Generous corporate sponsorship comes from TD Bank, Christine Saxe & Associates/Halstead, Brown Thayer Shedd Insurance, Matthew R. Dougherty, LLC, and Fox Hill Builders. For information about becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Krista B. Cody at Kcody@newcanaanlibrary.org.
The overwhelming response to previous Literary Luncheons means the event will once again be held in two rooms at Woodway Country Club, allowing more to attend. Mr. Towles will give his formal presentation in the main ballroom, which will be viewable via live stream in the Noroton Room. At the conclusion of the luncheon he will move to the Noroton room to sign copies of his book and conduct an intimate question and answer session with those guests.
A limited number of general tickets will go on sale in early October, on the Library’s website: newcanaanlibrary.org. General tickets are $200, and are for seating in the Noroton Room only. Benefactor invitations will be mailed out in late September. All ticket purchases should be made online; there will be no tickets sold at the Library or at the door.
For additional information please visit the Library’s website newcanaanlibrary.org. or email kcody@newcanaanlibrary.org.