CLSC Lectures

clsc logoReading together since 1878, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle has remained a leader in adult education through quality programming.

Each summer, the CLSC chooses at least nine books of literary quality and invites the authors to Chautauqua present their work to an audience of approximately 1,000 readers.

A gate pass is required to participate in all CLSC programs on the grounds.

Note: CLSC Class of 2019 graduation is August 7, 2019

Online Purchase of Membership (not available during summer season)  Mail-in Purchase of Membership (PDF)  

Member Website  Graduation Application  Historic Book List  History of the CLSC

CLSC Recognition Week

Each summer assembly season, a new class of lifelong learners is celebrated for meeting the reading requirements detailed in the Graduation Application (above). Once a prospective graduate has successfully applied, they are welcome to join us for as much of Recognition Week as they are able. Attendance at any of these events is never required to successfully graduate. The 2019 schedule is:

Sunday, August 4

10:45 a.m., Amphitheater | Class of 2019 Baccalaureate; service with Rev. Dr. Barbara Lundblad 
(Class meets at 9:45 a.m. on Amphitheater back porch.)

9 p.m., Hall of Philosophy | Class of 2019 Vigil

Monday, August 5

7 p.m., Athenaeum Hotel Parlor | Chautauqua Janus Prize celebration
(Class members in attendance will be asked to stand and be recognized.)

Wednesday, August 7

8:30 a.m., Hall of Christ | Class of 2019 photo
9 a.m., from Bestor Plaza | Alumni Parade (classes 2018 and prior proceed, in order, to Hall of Philosophy)
9:15 a.m., Hall of Philosophy | Recognition Ceremony (after which class proceeds to Amphitheater)
10:45 a.m., Amphitheater | Class of 2019 Recognition Day lecture feat. Krista Tippett and Richard Blanco
12:15 p.m., Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall | Class of 2019 luncheon

CLSC Young Readers program

The CLSC Young Readers program encourages the enjoyment of good reading. The books have been chosen for their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers. A special program is offered each Wednesday. Book selections and program information are fully described in the Young Readers brochure available in-season at the CLSC Veranda.

View 2018 Young Readers Selections

Young Readers Historic Book List


All announced CLSC author presentations are below.

Events

  • Thursday, July 18, 2019 | 03:30pm

    Aja Gabel, CLSC Author, The Ensemble

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    Jana. Brit. Daniel. Henry. Together, they are the Van Ness Quartet. Brit is the second violinist, a beautiful and quiet orphan; on the viola is Henry, a prodigy who's always had it easy; the cellist is Daniel, the oldest and an angry skeptic who sleeps around; and on first violin is Jana, their flinty, resilient leader.



    Location: Hall of Philosophy

     

  • Thursday, July 25, 2019 | 03:30pm

    Ilya Kaminsky, CLSC Author, Deaf Republic

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    Deaf Republic opens in an occupied country in a time of political unrest. When soldiers breaking up a protest kill a deaf boy, Petya, the gunshot becomes the last thing the citizens hear―they all have gone deaf, and their dissent becomes coordinated by sign language. 



    Location: Hall of Philosophy

     

  • Thursday, August 08, 2019 | 03:30pm

    Sarah Ruhl, CLSC Author, Letters from Max: A Book of Friendship

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    In 2012, Sarah Ruhl was a distinguished author and playwright, twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Max Ritvo, a student in her playwriting class at Yale University, was an exuberant, opinionated, and highly gifted poet. He was also in remission from pediatric cancer.



    Location: Hall of Philosophy

     

  • Thursday, August 15, 2019 | 03:30pm

    Kanishk Tharoor, CLSC Author, Swimmer Among the Stars

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    In one of this collection’s singularly imaginative stories, despondent diplomats entertain themselves by playing table tennis in zero gravity―for after rising seas destroy Manhattan, the United Nations moves to an orbiting space hotel.



    Location: Hall of Philosophy

     

  • Thursday, August 22, 2019 | 03:30pm

    Joy Harjo, CLSC Author, Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings

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    A musical, magical, resilient volume from one of our most celebrated and essential Native American voices: In these poems, the joys and struggles of the everyday are played against the grinding politics of being human. 



    Location: Hall of Philosophy