Executive Director
It is with much appreciation for your continued support that I present the 2023-2024 annual report highlighting Pequot Library’s accomplishments from this past fiscal year. As part of Pequot Library’s Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in June 2023, we set out to implement a number of operational objectives involving expanding audiences and increasing much-needed income, and I’m pleased to report that we exceeded our plans considerably.
As you will note in the following pages, we have welcomed new supporters to the family, proudly hosted school groups for tours of Special Collections exhibitions, have seen an increase in social media followers, and have increased many of our giving areas, particularly in the realm of online book sales thanks to the devoted team of volunteers and staffers who work tirelessly each weekday morning shipping books all over the country. I’d like to extend my deep appreciation to Madge, Malcolm, Cathie, Susan C., Lynn, Sherri, Meg, Doug F., Doug P., Phil, Cindy, Dave, Jane, Laraine, Ruth, Sue W, and Owen L.
Most of all I want to extend my gratitude to the Town of Fairfield and the countless individuals, grantors, and businesses who choose to support our annual operations and special projects; please know how much your contributions are greatly appreciated. This year we pay special tribute (see page 8) to those who have made gifts of support for over 20 years!
I hope you all are inspired by this year’s annual report detailing Pequot Library’s positive impact on the lives of readers and arts and culture patrons of all ages. Thanks to you, Pequot Library is a welcoming and popular destination. Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, each of you helps to ensure that this iconic Connecticut organization thrives year after year.
With appreciation,
Stephanie J. Coakley Executive Director
As a public association library 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Pequot Library relies on the generosity of the Town of Fairfield, donors, corporate and community partners, and Friends of Pequot Library memberships.
Board of Trustees and Staff
OFFICERS
Coke Anne Wilcox
President
Caroline Calder
Executive Vice President
Christopher Wright
Vice President of Investments
Ellen Levinson Treasurer
Kelly D. Laferriere
Assistant Treasurer
Lynne Laukhuf Secretary
TRUSTEES
Ali Fellowes
Caroline Gibson
Rob Johnson
Dan McHale
Margaret Rieck
Charlotte Rogan
Belinda Shepard
Blythe Bracey Smith
Bob Svensk
Libby McKinney-Tritschler
John Turitzin
Lynn Van Winkle
Matt Wagner
Richard “Deej” Webb
EX-OFFICIO
Nelson North
DOCENTS
Anne Boberski
Mike Esposito
Deb Gallagher
Lynne Laukhuf
Peg North
Alana Pellicano
Lynn Van Winkle
INTERNS
Adela Ardrey
Jack Kofron
as of October 1, 2024
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stephanie J. Coakley
DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Grace Calderon Director of Development
Alexandra Heekin*
Development and Administrative Assistant
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Victoria Konopka*
Special Projects Graphic Designer
Jessica McEntee*
Marketing Associate
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS
Cecily Dyer
Special Collections Librarian
Princess McCann*
Special Collections Assistant*
ADULT AND COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Charlie McMahon
Adult Programs Manager
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
John Kofron
Youth & Teen Library Services Manager
Jane Manners*
Children’s Librarian
CIRCULATION DESK AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
Christine Catallo Director of Library Services and Operations
Vasilia Kaouris*
Tierney Latham*
Leslie Mahtani*
Denise Martin*
Natalie Martino*
Meghan McKale*
BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND BOOK SALES
Owen Lockwood*
Bob Repko*
CONTRACTED TEAM
John Gleckler
Finance/H.R. Manager
Shirley Ferguson Jenks
Development/Fundraising
Janet Zamparo
Grant Writer
*Part-time staff member
Financial Report
OPERATING REVENUE
2023-2024* 2022-2023*
OPERATING REVENUE
*Amounts are based on the information from the audited financial statements.
(1) FY23-24 capital improvements of $23,170 and grants and contributions reserves for future capital expenditures.
(2) Net Operating Loss reflects decrease in operating cash to fund operating and capital costs.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Year in Review Dashboard
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
219 84 113 82 27 6 4
Programs for Children and Young Adults
Self-directed Programs for Children and Young Adults
In-person Programs for Adults Virtual Programs for Adults
PATRONS & ATTENDEES
School Programs
Fundraisers and Special Events
Exhibitions
535
Total Programs & Events
23,769 16,500 4,768 4,897 1,892 877 4,555 1,046
Library Patrons
Attendees at Fundraisers and Special Events
Attendees at In-person Programs for Adults
Attendees at Programs for Children and Young Adults
Participants in Selfdirected Programs for Children and Young Adults
Attendees at Virtual Programs for Adults
View of Recorded Virtual Programs for Adults
Attendees at School Programs
58,304 27%
Total Patrons & Attendees
(108,307 with 50,003 web users)
2,694
New Items Added
1,250 Adult 668 Juvenile 417 Young Adult
73 Media
286 ebooks
LIBRARY COLLECTIONS & USE
27,027 Items Circulated*
Juvenile
Young Adult 483 Media
456 Interlibrary Loans
28 Seed Library Circulation
*Pequot Library items checked out at all three Fairfield libraries
143,931 Website Page Views
3,100 Instagram Followers
107,164
Total Items
Adult
Juvenile
2,788 Young Adult 712 Media
4 Other Library Materials**
**Seed library; 1 chess set; 2 learn-to-juggle kits
ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA
5,709 eNewsletter Subscribers
2,652 X Followers
4,102 Facebook Followers
26,104 YouTube Views
70 TikTok Followers
546
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
The Town of Fairfield continues to provide vital support to Pequot Library in the annual amount of $350,000. This funding is crucial to maintaining the operations of Pequot Library, and it amounts to around 20 percent of the annual operating budget. The Town of Fairfield appropriation has remained level since 2009.
SUSTAINING DONORS
Thank you to the 5 sustaining donors who give monthly in support of Pequot Library.
Celie Campbell
Jake and Eliza Chang
Mary Lou McGuire
Peg and Nelson North
Thomas Taglieri
DONORS BY THE NUMBERS
1,141
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
408
DONORS
made gifts to the unrestricted Annual Fund
contributed to Pequot Library in 2023-2024. Here’s how they supported Pequot Library.
778 DONORS
purchased tickets to a fundraiser or otherwise supported a special event
82 DONORS
made a restricted gift in support of the Special Collections, Circulation Materials, or Meet the Author programs, among other things.
69 INDIVIDUAL DONORS were new supporters in 2023-2024, a 44% increase over the previous fiscal year.
181 INDIVIDUAL DONORS have been giving for at least 5 years consecutively.
20 INDIVIDUAL DONORS have been giving for 20+ years consecutively:
Alison and Michael Barry
Pegi and Kent Bernard
Lincoln W. Craighead
Jane K. Dean
Marc and Michele Flaster
Elizabeth M. Gaynor
N. W. Gibbons
Bruce Glaser
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hagan
Robbie Hodgson
Kelly and Richard Laferriere
John and Ellen Levinson
Pat and Walt Lohotsky
Butzi Moffitt
Peg and Nelson North
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Palmisano
Patricia C. Spaght
Mrs. John W. Stokes
Mary H. von Conta (deceased)
Laura and Packer Wilbur
LIBRARY GIVING DAY AND YOUNG PATRONS GROUP
Pequot Library celebrated Library Giving Day on April 3, 2024. This is a day celebrated internationally by participating libraries during which book lovers and people who value all that libraries stand for can show their support for their local institutions. Pequot Library offered a Southport Walking Tour, an a capella performance by Mixed Company from Yale University, as well as a bourbon tasting with Litchfield Distillery to celebrate Library Giving Day.
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS
Pequot Library is extremely grateful to the 12 family foundations whose contributions last year totaled over $38,000. We are especially grateful to the Tremaine family and the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (EHTF) for a $5,000 grant that allowed the library to purchase additional ebooks and audiobooks, as well as an additional $4,000 grant for unrestricted purposes. In addition to these important restricted gifts, the library is thankful to the family foundations that gave unrestricted annual gifts, especially the Vincent Von Zwehl Memorial Fund and the Shelter Hill Foundation.
The library would also like to thank the following Family Foundations for their support of the library for at least 5 consecutive years: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (EHTF), the Wilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc., the Ruscito and Head Family Foundation, the Christian I. & Hilma A. Gravesen Memorial Fund, the James and Wendy Agah Family Foundation, the William and Diana Romney Gray Family Foundation, and the Horton Family Fund. Truly, your commitment and dedication is appreciated every day.
GRANT SUPPORT
During 2023-2024, Pequot Library was the proud recipient of grant awards for General Operations, Technology Enhancements, Passport to Pequot: K-12 School Programs, the long-standing Books for Teachers program, and Special Collections exhibitions and public programs.
Many thanks to these grant-making organizations for providing support to Pequot Library with a total sum of over $160,000, a 171% increase over 2022-2023:
Anonymous
First County Bank
The Hearst Foundations
$26,997 Refinishing Auditorium Floors
$2,000 Passport to Pequot Library: K-12 School Programs
$100,000 General Operations
The M&T Charitable Foundation $2,500 Passport to Pequot Library: K-12 School Programs
Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
National Endowment for the Humanities
Pequot Runners
Renée B. Fisher Foundation, Inc.
CT Humanities Quick Grant
$5,000 Passport to Pequot Library: K-12 School Programs
$10,000 Special Collections/Preservation Assistance
$2,000 Passport to Pequot Library: K-12 School Programs
$25,207 Books for Teachers
$4,999 Exhibition Support
Pequot Library is incredibly indebted to these grantors, especially the Hearst Foundations for their incredible support of operations. We also thank the Renee B. Fisher Foundation for their incredible 20 years of underwriting the Books for Teachers program at the Summer Book Sale. The support for Passport to Pequot Library: K-12 School Programs has enabled so many students from Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, and beyond to use Pequot Library as a resource. Please read much more about the wonderful school programs in that section of this report. Thank you to these 4 foundations for helping us make initiatives possible.
BUSINESS AND CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Pequot Library continues to be grateful to the business/corporate community in Southport and beyond for underwriting Special Events. This year, 46 organizations (including vendors) sponsored Pequot Library’s events in the amount of over $54,000. Many thanks to new sponsors who joined us this year: Foxtrot Home, Kathryn Herman Design, Lendmarq, and Two Roads Brewing Company.
Number of Total Underwritten Corporate Sponsors by Businesses
Art Show 8
Derby Day 9
Southport Garden Stroll 17
Book Sales 6
Holiday Caroling Party 3
Easter Egg Roll 1
Meet the Author 1
ShakesBEER 1
$7,350
$13,500
$21,500
$6,500
$2,000
$500
$500
$500
(Please note that many sponsors underwrite more than one event.)
We are especially appreciative of the four local businesses who support Pequot Library at the Caldecott Club Level ($5,000 per year): Kasson Jewelers, Oliver Nurseries and Design, On the Harbor, and The Russell Agency.
Fundraisers & Special Events
23rd PEQUOT LIBRARY JURIED ART SHOW
Submissions: 292
Participating artists and works on display: 150
Works sold: 28, $17,000
($8,500 to Pequot Library)
Preview Party attendees: 175
Sponsorships: 9 underwriters, $10,250
Special thanks to the Jennifer Crosby Cargill Lipstick and Pearls Fund, Sam Cargill and Southport Rum, Gruel Britannia, The Art Show Committee: Lucy Biggers Rahe, (Co-Chair), Madeline Rahe Peck (Co-Chair), Miggs Burroughs, Lisa Cooper, Meg Gruppo, Jennifer Bradford Kennedy, Margaret Rieck, Sarah Rinaldi, Kelley Schutte, and Jarvis Wilcox.
DERBY DAY
Attendees: 465
Sponsorships: 10 underwriters, $23,500
Derby Dollars sold: 931
Prize awarded in 50/50 raffle: $1,955
Bottles of bourbon donated and sold: 21
Many thanks to the Loya family for being the Main Tent sponsor of this event. Special thanks to The Vintage Horse, Flutes & Foam, the Pequot Yacht Club and Celie Campbell, DryveBox, Melt Mobile, Taconic Distillery, Two Roads Brewery, Highland Imports, DJ Rob, Southern CT Ice & Oil, J. McLaughlin, local businesses who donated items to the Silent Auction, Venü Magazine, and Docs Road Sodas.
SOUTHPORT GARDEN STROLL
Attendees (2-day event): 806
Number of Gardens: 9
Sponsorships: 17 underwriters, $21,500
Raffle items: 8
Vendors: 18
Special thanks to On the Harbor for being the lead sponsor of this event and to Sturges Ridge for sponsoring the Rosé All Day Tent. Thank you to Betsy and Paul Shiverick, Victoria Hagan, Robert Dean, and all of the Southport neighbors who opened their gardens for our guests to stroll through. Thanks also to the vendors who donated goods for our raffle, Catering Staff by Mary Watters, Southern CT Ice & Oil, Proof Pizza and Best Food Fast, Bigelow Tea, the StringBusters, Homegrown String Band, and our wonderful docents from the Greens Farms Garden Club, Fairfield Garden Club, and Westport Garden Club.
TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED FOR PEQUOT LIBRARY FROM SPECIAL EVENTS AND BOOK SALES:
$374,888
VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING PEQUOT LIBRARY: 385 (AT LEAST!)
*This number includes people who volunteer at our books sales, our fundraisers and special events, and our community events, along with docents and board and committee members. This is a conservative estimate. It truly takes a village to run Pequot Library!
In Memoriam
Please join us in celebrating the lives and memories of these friends and supporters who passed away in fiscal year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Simin Allison
Laszlo Birinyi
William Duncan
Mark Foster
Joseph Gagne
Erik Granneberg
Colin Green
Stewart Greenfield
Lawrence Hughes
Laura Payne Lowe
Brian Palmer
Pat Repko
Margaret Simko
Hobart Van Deusen
Planned Giving
THE 1889 SOCIETY
We thank our past and living members of this society of supporters who have provided for Pequot Library in their estate plans. Their forward thinking will allow Pequot Library to thrive for generations to come. To thank these donors, Pequot Library hosted two receptions for the 1889 Society and the library’s major donors: The first was an invitation to join author Paul Freedman, the Chester D. Tripp Professor of History at Yale University, for a private reception preceding a discussion of his book Ten Restaurants That Changed America in September. The second event was a VIP reception preceding a panel discussion moderated by author Eric Jay Dolan about the evolution of maritime navigation. The library also gives our 1889 Society members a gift of thanks around Thanksgiving each year.
If you have provided for Pequot Library in your estate plans, we would like to thank you! Email director@pequotlibrary.org to be added to the 1889 Society.
LIVING MEMBERS OF THE 1889 SOCIETY
Anonymous
Celie Campbell
Virginia K. Cargill
Jane K. Dean
Anne Estelle
BEQUESTS
Meg and Steve Francis
Cathy Lee Gruhn
John E. Herzog
Schuyler Huntoon
Lynne Laukhuf
Carol Reeves Parke
Dr. Ann Reeves
Belinda J. Shepard
Melanie Smith
Pequot Library was the grateful recipient of one bequest in 2023-2024 from Arline Gertzoff.
Supporter Spotlight
ARLINE GERTZOFF JUNE 24, 1946 – SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Arline is remembered as a true daughter of Westport, a dedicated, tireless volunteer for many organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of the town. Arline dedicated her life to volunteering and service, especially in Westport. But there were very few Pequot Library Book Sales or fundraisers where Arline was not also present. She gave her time generously, and she always had a friendly comment or conversation for our patrons and event-goers.
Supporter Spotlight
MEG AND STEVE FRANCIS
PLANNED GIVING: THE 1889 SOCIETY
The Francis family has lived in Fairfield since 1970. Meg is a weekly volunteer in the Book Sale Operations. She and her husband Steve are members of Pequot Library’s 1889 Society, the group for donors who have provided for the library in their estate plans. Their daughter Becky has also been involved for several years and was the first member of the Young Patrons Group, the group of supporters under the age of 50 who become members of the library for networking and exclusive programming.
How has Pequot Library been important to you?
We have enjoyed Pequot as a hub of activity including cultural, artistic, social, and volunteerism. While children, the three kids enjoyed the art classes, story times, and cotillion lessons; as adults, we’ve all enjoyed Derby Day, the Garden Strolls, and concerts on the lawn and in the hall. Pequot Library has been a special place for the Francis family. We love bringing our grandchildren, and hope to have our first great-grandchild visit in 2025!
What do you enjoy most about Pequot Library?
We find Pequot Library a welcoming and friendly place, which offers thoughtful and provocative programs that we thoroughly enjoy. We also have taken some educational trips with library staff.
Why did you choose to include Pequot Library in your will?
To have the pleasure of knowing that programs and events will be enjoyed in the future.
What do you hope the lasting impression of your gift will be?
That newcomers to Pequot will benefit from all that it offers, both the materials and the programs.
BECKY FRANCIS YOUNG PATRONS GROUP
What do you love about Pequot Library?
After moving home to Fairfield after nearly 20 years in Chicago, I truly appreciated Pequot Library as a place that still existed and has kept its place as a gathering spot for the community at large. I enjoy the wide variety of programs offered, from learning how to marble paper to riding on a sleigh at Christmas time, peeking into neighbor’s gardens, and settling into a comfy chair to read.
Why did you become a Young Patron?
I joined the Young Patrons as a way to meet other people in town who appreciated all Pequot Library has to offer and give back to an organization that has been a part of my family.
What impact do you think a thriving Young Patrons Group could have on the future of Pequot Library?
I think a thriving group could help solidify the place Pequot Library holds, and ensure it remains for generations to come.
Special Collections and Exhibitions
Four exhibitions were viewed by hundreds of visitors and local students, including Charting Your Course—supported in part by a grant from CT Humanities—which showcased rare works normally on long-term loan to Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. A Preservation Assistance Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Pequot Library’s first grant from NEH in 20 years, allowed significant upgrades to Pequot Library’s climate monitoring capabilities and supported professional development that the library was able to offer to other Connecticut museums and special collections libraries at no cost. Dozens of students and researchers from the Yale Center for British Art, Fairfield University, Greens Farms Academy, and beyond
SELECT NEW ACQUISITIONS
William Blake, The Complaint and the Consolation; or, Night Thoughts (England: Edward Young, 1797)*
*Image detail above
Charles Chauncy Green, The Nubian Slave (Boston: Bela Marsh, 1845)
Valenti Angelo (artist, frontispiece), The Book of Job (San Francisco: The Grabhorn Press, 1926)
visited the Dillon Reading Room to view the Shakespeare folios and Clare Leighton papers, learn the basics of primary source research, and more. Work also continued on the longterm project to fully catalog the Special Collections’ rare books and archives.
In addition, Pequot Library contributed to the exhibitions of community partners through loans to Fairfield Museum and History Center (for Dearly Departed: Mourning and Memory and Money Talks: The Gilded Age in Fairfield) and to the Westport Museum for History and Culture (for Bittersweet: Chocolate in the American Colonies).
GRANTS
$4,999
CT Humanities Quick Grant
Supported exhibition costs for Charting Your Course: CuttingEdge Navigation and Seafaring and program costs for a talk with Dava Sobel, the bestselling author of Longitude.
$10,000
National Endowment for the Humanities: Preservation Assistance Grant
Supported the purchase of climate monitoring and archival supplies, and supported a fullday workshop at Pequot Library led by NEDCC conservators that was attended by rare book and museum professionals from cultural institutions throughout Connecticut.
ARCHIVES INSTRUCTION AND OUTREACH
Two Fairfield University classes toured How William Became Shakespeare and visited the Dillon Reading Room to learn more about Special Collections research.
Greens Farms Academy “Research Inquiry: American History” students visited the Dillon Reading Room five times in fall 2023. One student returned in the spring to continue her research, which she presented at a school-wide symposium in April 2024.
Cecily Dyer and Princess McCann served as judges for National History Day, March 2, 2024, in Fairfield and New Haven, respectively.
The Book Beautiful: Selections from the Private Press Movement (Perkin Gallery, June 22–September 23, 2023) highlighted Pequot Library’s remarkable private press collection, from the Kelmscott Press to St. Dominic’s Press, and examined the political philosophies and faith that underpinned these organizations. Supported by the Constance C. Baker Rare Book Fund.
Artists Mobilize: Graphic Art During the World Wars (Rennell Room, September 27–December 2, 2023) delved into the poster art of emerging and established artists who found work in war propaganda. This exhibition was presented in community partnership with Fairfield University Art Museum and its exhibition, In Real Times: Arthur Szyk-Artist and Soldier for Human Rights
How William Became Shakespeare: 400 Years of the First Folio (Perkin Gallery, October 5, 2023–February 10, 2024) highlighted Pequot Library’s notable collection of Shakespeare folios while examining how scholars and performers in the former British empire continue to study and interpret the Bard’s plays in novel ways. Co-curated by professor Shannon Kelley, Ph.D., Fairfield University. Supported by the Constance C. Baker Rare Book Fund.
Charting Your Course: Cutting-Edge Navigation and Seafaring (Perkin Gallery, February 24–May 11, 2024) centered on Pequot Library’s rare example of Mr. Harrison’s Timekeeper as well as local 18th– and 19th–century navigation textbooks, this exhibition examined Great Britain’s race to find a method of measuring longitude at sea and why this technology mattered in Fairfield. Supported by the Constance C. Baker Rare Book Fund and Connecticut Humanities.
CATALOGING AND PROCESSING
Work began on weeding circulating collections in the mezzanine, which will allow us to expand storage space in the Dillon Reading Room by moving the existing glass wall several rows down. The expanded storage space will accommodate books now stored at the William B. Meyer storage facility in Windsor, CT, which will be integrated into the existing collection.
The department processed and rehoused several archival collections, including the personal papers of Pequot Library’s first librarian, Helen M. Bradley.
Pequot Library joined Connecticut Digital Archives (CTDA), a digital repository program and community that provides long-term preservation services for nonprofit Connecticut-based institutions. Hosted by the University of Connecticut Libraries in collaboration with the Connecticut State Library, CTDA has no fee and will make our digitized collections more accessible and visible.
We are fortunate to have such treasures in our community. —Exhibition attendee
Top 5
Most Popular
Books
of 2023-2024
Circulating Collection
We are proud to report a 10% increase in materials circulation, thanks in part to the culling of outdated titles and more eye-catching displays. Library staff have been working meticulously to make sure that collections are up to date and that materials are shelved in a more appealing, user-friendly manner. Changes were also made to the Reading Room, to make it a more inviting study space; lamps were added for additional lighting and ambiance, and tables were rearranged to create a better working environment.
Books in Review
Enjoy a selection of adult titles from the 2023-2024 fiscal year chosen by Pequot Library’s Director of Library Services and Operations Christine Catallo, including some books featured in library programming.
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Following an 18th-century midwife as she solves a murder, this book was a favorite among staff and patrons this year.
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
Jason Mott addressed readers virtually to speak of his gripping book, which follows an African-American author as he travels across the country on his book tour, a story woven through with others in unexpected ways.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Xochitl Gonzalez starred in a virtual program where she discussed her novel about artists of color struggling to survive and thrive among the elite art world.
Longitude by Dava Sobel
We were honored to host Dava Sobel in partnership with the Special Collections exhibition Charting Your Course. Sobel’s small but mighty work explores the discovery of longitude and how it revolutionized seafaring navigation—and how we take it for granted today.
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft
Irena Rey is an author of international renown whose translators follow her with a cultish devotion—until she disappears and the fabric of her reputation and facade come undone.
Adult Programs
Adult programming at Pequot Library included hosting renowned, high-caliber authors and scholars such as Stephen Greenblatt and Dava Sobel to Grammywinning musicians. Fans of chamber music flocked to outdoor concerts for our Under the Arches Chamber Music Series, enjoying musicians from Norwalk and Greenwich symphonies as they played their instruments. Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Greenblatt, as well as Fairfield University’s Shakespeare Futures Panel, enlightened Pequot Library attendees with highly nuanced and applicable insights into the world of William Shakespeare. We also hosted our successful ShakesBEER Festival, co-sponsored by Two Roads Brewing and Athletic Brewing Company, complete with a rare harpsichord concert.
In the fall we enjoyed welcoming Jenny Parsons, associate curator of the Florence Griswold Museum, to contextualize our beloved annual Community Art Show. We have continued to offer rare, arthouse films for the greater Fairfield community with our Pequot Presents film series. In the spring we hosted the well-received Living Bird Friendly Symposium, an event that took place across two days, attracting community partners and attendees from across New England. We were also thrilled to partner with Mystic Seaport Museum for an incredibly engaging demonstration of antique navigational equipment. In the spring the library welcomed acclaimed author and historian Dava Sobel, an academic responsible for shaping much of our understanding on historic navigational trends. We also organized the Sea Shanty Festival, attracting hundreds of spectators, all of whom gathered in our auditorium to enjoy music and stories from some of the top performers in the country. Come summer, the community rejoiced at the return of the Under the Arches Chamber Music Series, featuring the Elm City Consort, the New York Waytes, and Piffaro.
Pequot Library has continued in its role as interpreters of the history of Southport. This year we revised and updated our historic walking tour of Southport, leading to sold-out tours throughout the summer and fall. Our staff members also offered historic house research workshops, teaching homeowners how to assess their building’s history by accessing relevant material from the Special Collections.
Children’s Library
MEET THE
AUTHOR JR.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WERE DELIGHTED TO MEET THEIR FAVORITE AUTHORS AND GET THEIR BOOKS SIGNED.
CHILDRENS PROGRAMS
It didn’t rain on our annual 4th of July Bike Parade, but the clouds did let loose as we played on the Great Lawn. It did not, however, dampen the spirit of the event; the majority of people remained stalwart as they stayed in line for hot dogs and face painting.
Pequot Library’s Great Lawn turned into a spooky pumpkin patch in our first ever Jacko’-Lantern Contest. Participants brought their already carved pumpkins to the library and entered them into the contest, and then came inside and enjoyed the hilarious antics of Ed Popielarczyk and his Halloween Magic Show. Guests were invited to wear Halloween costumes and upon leaving the magic show had the chance to revisit the Great Lawn to see their jack-o’-lanterns all aglow in the moonlight.
Pequot Library’s signature winter event—the Holiday Caroling Party—was full of festive holiday cheer. Patrons enjoyed crafts, choirs, treats, horse-drawn carriage rides, surprise visitors from the North Pole, and our holiday market featuring local vendors. Sponsors included Morgan Stanley, Nicols MD of Fairfield, Candlewood Market, and Fairfield Country Day School.
A Pequot Library tradition celebrated another year with the Easter Egg Roll! Families brought their own hard-boiled eggs for decorating/dyeing, and then chose their favorite egg for an age-category race on the Great Lawn. Children enjoyed making crafts and meeting the Easter Bunny. Our sponsor was St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.
Astronomy was also a big draw this year. Mike Francis brought his inflatable planetarium to our auditorium for three filled-to-capacity sessions of his Night Sky Planetarium show in April, and our Great Lawn Astronomy program had stargazers looking through the library’s telescope every clear Thursday night, with over 40 people turning out for the winter solstice edition.
Exhibition-related programming brought in unique children’s events like Learn to Write with a Quill and the ShakesBears puppet show, and our weekly children’s Chess Club consistently filled our classroom to capacity.
Other amazing programs for children and familes: Valentine Candy-Making Workshop; Lenihan School of Irish Dance; Shakespeare on the Sound; on-going programs including Crafty Kids, Babes on a Blanket, Music and Movement for Wigglers, and Drop-in Storytime; DIY Bead Sculptures; Truth or Lie Book Club; Juggling with Matica Circus; Flashlight Constellations; Reading and Rhythm with Orchestra Lumos; Sensory Storytimes; and Miss Susan’s Summer Supper and Campout.
Teen Programs & K-12 School Programs
TEEN PROGRAMS
Pequot Library’s Teen Advisory Board met monthly to discuss and plan ways for the library to better serve young adults, and made great progress in its project to shift the Young Adult collection to the front of the stacks wing while making space for a new teen nook under the mezzanine stairs. Look for the unveiling of this reimagined space in early 2025!
Dungeons & Dragons continued to be our most popular teen program, with each session filling within minutes of being announced. Cooperative Games Club supplemented D&D in the winter, with teens meeting on Monday afternoons to play board games and card games where the players win as a group or not at all.
Our monthly Friday Night Young Artists Cafe (in partnership with Music for Youth) brought in talented performers to share their music in our auditorium.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
In the fall we partnered with Shakespeare on the Sound on a school program for our How William Became Shakespeare exhibition. High school and middle school students (and two groups of homeschoolers) viewed our collection of Shakepeare’s folios, explored the Shakespeare authorship question, and participated in an interactive performance of scenes from the Bard’s most famous plays.
Third- and fourth-grade students from four Bridgeport schools participated in this year’s Meet the Orchestra program, designed in conjunction with the spring’s Charting Your Course exhibition. They began by exploring the Kpanlogo, a music and dance style of the Ga people of Ghana, with percussionist Anthony DeQuattro in Pequot Library’s auditorium in November. They returned in the spring to hear musical selections from around the world performed by a string quartet, and then we visited them in their classrooms to show them some of our historic maps and lead them on an exercise in mapping the musical journey that they took with us this year.
In our exhibition tours for Charting Your Course, students learned about “the longitude problem” and analyzed historical maps. Our semi-permanent Early American Children’s Books and the Formation of National Identity exhibition brought fifth-graders to Pequot Library’s “time machine” in what is becoming a highly anticipated fifth-grade experience.
Finally, we are very excited about the archival research program that we piloted with an American History high school class from Greens Farms Academy and hope to be able to offer it to more high schools soon!
20 SCHOOL PROGRAMS
7 for ages 12-18 SCHOOL PROGRAMS plus 103 chaperones
SCHOOL GROUPS VISITED PEQUOT LIBRARY THIS YEAR FOR:
943 STUDENTS
Special Collections Exhibition tours
Meet the Orchestra programs
Archival research workshops in our Special Collections for ages 6-11 SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Friends and Contributors
The following list of friends and contributors includes donations over $50.
FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($10,000 & above)
Anonymous†
Jennifer and Mario Loya†
Bettina McKee†
Hebe Dowling Murphy†
Elliott and Gail Rogers†
Sandra and Christopher Wright†
VIRGINIA MARQUAND MONROE
GUILD ($5,000 - $9,999)
Mrs. Jill Birinyi
Susan Cugliari
Marc and Michele Flaster††
John and Ellen Levinson††
Kirstin and James Powers
Bill and Erin Russell†
Belinda J. Shepard†
Barbara and John Turitzin
Sara and John Walsh
MARY CATHERINE HULL WAKEMAN
SOCIETY ($2,500 - $4,999)
Anonymous†
Ann Dallas
Jane K. Dean††
Barbara and William Epifanio
Deborah and Michael Held
Mia and Rob Johnson
Kelly and Richard Laferriere††
Lynne Laukhuf†
David S. MacAllaster†
Nancy Maulsby
Douglas Prescott
Chris and Margaret Rieck†
Bob and Anne Svensk†
Stephanie R. Weaver†
Coke Anne and Jarvis Wilcox†
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Stephanie and Frederic Barbatelli
Elinor and James Biggs
Doc and Sandra W. Bisset, Esq.†
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Blair
Ms. Virginia Cargill†
Mr. and Mrs. George E. Clark Jr.†
Blythe and Zandy Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Smith
Carl and Dawn von Bernuth†
Ellis and Michael Weatherly
Deb and Richard Deej Webb†
Courteney and William Weeks
Landon Brett Westerlund†
Pequot Library’s programming is in-depth, quirky, fun, illuminating, and engaging. —Anonymous “ ”
Stephanie J. Coakley and Peter Russell†
James and Christine Cook†
Sean Cowan
Cynthia and Michael Crawford†
Francis Cunningham
Mrs. Luella Davis
Virginia Lynch Dean and James Dean
Charlotte K. Dyslin
Robert and Carol Eck†
Chris and Tina Frantz†
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Galpin Jr.
N. W. Gibbons††
Caroline and Paul Gibson
Nancy and Jeffrey Goldstein
Victoria M. Hagan and Michael J. Berman
Pat and Bob Hastings
Al and Celia Hegyi
Joyce Hergenhan†
Louisa and Nelson Heumann†
Robbie Hodgson††
Schuyler Huntoon†
Megan and Sean Kelly†
Steven and Jennifer Kennedy
Robert Magrish
Kelly and Daniel McHale
The McKinnis Family
Peg and Nelson North††
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Palmisano ††
Roger N. Pocock†
Ellen and Tom Reilly
James and Katy Rogers
Elisabeth Scharlatt†
Susan Schroeder
CONTRIBUTOR ($500 - $999)
Anonymous†
Anonymous
The Ackerman Family
Jeff and Sarah Alper
Milton Armm
David and Beth Barrett†
Elizabeth and Justin Bechtold
Roisin Black
Patricia Borghesan
Jill and Brian Bragg
Derek and Christine Browe
Caroline M. Calder†
Celie Campbell†
Joanie and Rocky Champagne
Amy Cina
Martha Constable
Kim Craig
James Cuddy and Kimberly Walter-Cuddy
Ms. Andrea Dean
George and Louise Demakis†
Sherrie and Jim Douglas
Richard Ellis and Brandon Wagner
David and Edie Faile
Ali Fellowes
Frank Festini
Mr. James A. Fisher and Ms. Pamela S. Viglielmo
Cynthia and John Fitzgerald†
Christine and Jarat Ford
Jack and Ann Franzen†
Doug Fried and Lori Hashizume†
Joan M. and Jeremy Frost†
Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Gallinelli†
John and Maura Gleckler†
Catherine and Philip Glennon†
Ellen Gould†
Tom Graham and Dru Graham
Andrea and Theron Hoffman
Harper and Katharine Homes
Jessica and John Illuzzi
Adele Keating
Sharon and Ron Klammer
Deborah and Zohrab Kouzoukian†
Dana and Brian Lawlor
Marta Jo Lawrence†
Louise Levin
Pat and Walt Lohotsky††
Martha and Don Lord†
Parisa Lotfi and Mehra Golshan
Alessandra and Mark Lovett
Erica and Aidan Mara
Janice and Bob Martinez†
Meghan McCloat
Haylee and Christopher Milligan†
Katie Montgomery†
The Moore Family†
Kathryn and Ryan Morrell
Jennifer Mulligan and Eric Sundman†
Kathryn and Ian Mullin
Jennie and Devin Murphy
Phillip and Elizabeth Neugebauer†
Aimee and Christopher North
Jack Nyquist
Ms. Kathleen S. O’Grady and Mr. Adam Allam
Bonnie Paige
Andreas Papadatos and Brenda Thickett†
Amy and Matt Pardee
Alfred Pavlis and Deirdre Daly
Madeline and Douglas Peck
Stephanie Purzycki
Jonathan and Daina Reeve
Wren and Nathaniel Rex
Candy and Jim Rice
Charlotte Rogan
Christal Rodenhiser and Yogesh Sadarangani†
Robert and Barbara Sallick
Stephanie and David Salomon
Mary Catherine and Edward Santa
Ross Sealfon
Juliana Smith†
Ms. Tami Smith and Mr. Ted Sonnenschein
Tracy and Timothy Stuart
Richard and Alma Tomasovic
David and Anny Ward
Sofia and DeVer Warner
Melody Waterhouse and Philipp Kusche†
Georgiana and Robert Whitehurst
Emily and Grant Wood
Jan Carpenter and John Wynne†
Margaret Zellers†
DUAL/FAMILY ($250 - $499)
Anonymous†
Komal Aggarwal
Ryan and Kelly Ahmed
Laura and Joseph Amicucci†
Elizabeth and Steve Bae
Benjamin Baker†
Sashani Baldeo and John James
Erica and Joe Baldoni
Ellen and Tyler Baldwin
Alison and Michael Barry††
Rosemary Barry and Rolando Pantoja†
Mona Zacharia Beerman
Shelly and Drummond Bell
Pegi and Kent Bernard††
Ms. Lucy Biggers
Sissy and Kelsey Biggers
Barbara Bishop
Maxine Bleiweis
Anne and David Boberski†
Michael and Cara Brennan
John Bricker and Suzanne Carbery†
Kristin Bruno and Josh Heinz
Tara and Timothy Burke
Marco and Elena Caggiano
Courtney and Steven Canter
Jennifer Capalbo
Samuel W. Cargill
Douglas Carle
Cheryl Carlesimo and John McCally
Nyla Carleton
Eric and Lauren Carter
Ann R. Cathcart†
Marilyn Caufield
Eliza and Jake Chang
Brittany Christophersen
Mitchell Clark and Craig Sauer
Heather and Jonathan Cody
Jennifer and Jed Coiteux
Samantha and Philip Collin
Bryan and Stefanie Collins
Lisa Cooper
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Coppola
Augustus Costaldo
Karen and Sandy Crape
Ryan and Lexi Cummings
M. Lynn Dacey
Mary Lou Dan†
AnneMarie D’Attelo†
Mr. Briggs Davidson and Mrs. Moira Davidson
Denise and James DeStaso
Kaitlin and Marcus Dierna
Stephanie DiMeglio
Alexandra and James Dodwell
Victoria and Scott Donohue
Jacqueline Duvoisin
Dr. Philip and Yael Eliasoph
Katheryn Erickson and Christopher Wenzel
Claire and Craig Ervin†
Kimberly and Brian Farnen
Aude and Pierre Ferragu
Christina Ferrara
William and Diane Fields
Keith Figa
Lia and Chris Filiberto
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Jaimie Fisco
Aaron and Samantha Fox
Mez and Ned Francia
Becky Francis
Erin French
Kathleen Friedler
Lina Galvao and Adam Robinson
Emilio Gavrielidis
Blair Gianoulis
Nancy S. Gilliland†
Eileen and Richard Giorgi
Eric and Meghann Glick
Daniel and Danielle Gombos
Michelle and Lawrence Gore
James and Kitty Graves
Laura Grayson
Durelle and Scott Green
Seth and Erin Greenwald
Ilka Gregory
Jonathan and Navida Greifenberger
Emma and Scott Griffin
Cathy Lee Gruhn†
Margaret and James Gruppo
Sandra Guibord
Scott and Melissa Halpern
Donna Hannay
Jennifer and Joel Harss
Jeff and Joy Hendrickson†
James Higgins
Fiona Hodgson
William and Sarah Hollingsworth
Mrs. Harvey Hudes
Jennifer and Matthew Huisking
Olivia and Brian Hunt
Anda and John Hutchins
Paul and Kelly Jacobson†
Paddy and Rebecca Jarit
Shirley Ferguson Jenks†
Suzanne and James Jesse
Arlene F. Johnson†
Mark and Amy Johnson
Shannon and Gerard Kavanaugh
Elizabeth Kaye
Tracy and Paul Keblish
James Kelly and Paula Terry
Maureen E. Keough and Philip R. Epifano
Richard and Katharine Kirk
Robin Kramer
Suzanne Laginestra
Claire Langdon
Loree Lash-Valencia and Gabriel Valencia
Laura Lavelle and Frank Illuzzi†
The Lawlor Family†
Erica Lear
Jung Lee and Jereme Corrado
Mr. William Lerchen
Karen Dill Linder
Dorothy Lindsey
John Lobrano
Debbie Lubinsky and Jeffrey Roberts
Ali and Chris Macadam
Cailin and JT MacMannis
Nick and Jessica Mainiero
Chris and Rachel Mandeville
Giselle Mazier
Mary and Brendan McCracken
John and Jacqueline McFadyen
Charles McMahon and Katherine
Epifanio
Ian and Eryn Meiers
Karl and Stephanie Mergenthaler
Harry and Barbara Merker
Larry and Sheila Merriam
Hilary Merrill
Christine and John Mihalec
Betsy and Dick Miller†
Heather Crosby Mnuchin
Diane Mongiardo
Bill and Madeline Montague
Carolyn Montrose
Doug and Peggy Moore†
Alyssa and Michael Moriarty
Lindsay and Brian Muldoon
Catherine Mullen
Tanya Lapinski Murphy†
Terry and Phil Murphy†
Deborah Murtaugh
Christina Musso and Richard Chambers
Joseph Nathan
Hilarie Nenner
Benjamin and Courtney Nields
Kelly O’Donnell
Rosie and Sean O’Meara
Maria-Teresa Orlowski
Amy O’Shea
John and Joelle Palmieri
Katya Papatla
Diane Parrish†
Gerry and Genny Pearce
Lyn Peck
Ashley and Richard Perkin
Danya Pincavage
Kara and Rudy Pino
Danielle and David Pitts
Kristen and Justin Plock
Jordan and Emily Pollack
Vincent and Diane Porpora
Meredith Poster
Jennifer and Bernard Prat
Alexa and Vincent Prunotto
Bradley and Jane Purcell†
Katy and Rod Rahe
Deborah Reynolds
Eugene and Leslie Riccio†
Allison Rice and Carlos Beracasa
Marilyn Rice
Barrett and Lauren Risley
Grace and Douglas Rosenstein
Matthew and Penelope Rudy
JJ and Krista Sabin
Matt and Kim Salmon
John and Irene Santa
Michael and Kassandra Savicki
Lucas and Ashley Scholhamer
Paul Schreiner and Ariane Mermod
Kelley and Drew Schutte
Michele Seibold
Juliette Seung-Lee and Stewart Lee
Tiffaney and Kelly Sheppard
Allison Sherman
Jennifer and Andrew Sherriff†
Gretchen Shugart and Jonathan Maurer
Amy and Ric Silva†
Jeremy and Kinsey Slevinsky
Jennifer and Christopher Smith†
John Smylie
Patricia C. Spaght††
Michael and Morgan Spaight
Elizabeth and Brian Spears†
Rebecca and Garfield Spencer
Stephen and Meg Staunton†
Allison and Matt Stine
Landon Storrs
Danielle and Dan Stupak
Jennifer and Raymond Sweetland
Thomas Taglieri†
Kathleen Patricia Thrane
Barbara W. Thumm
Dominick and Leah Tisi
Murat Toprak
Libby McKinney Tritschler
Mr. and Mrs. John Tucker†
Lynn and Peter Van Winkle
Michele and Brian Vendig
John Venezia†
Kristopher and Caitlin Villarreal
Matthew and Candace Wagner
Sally Wallace
Fred and Kelly Wang
Mr. and Mrs. DeVer G. Warner
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Watkins†
Beth and John Welch†
Christian Wentz
David Wilson
Zachary and Erica Wilson
Karen Winget
Mr. and Mrs. David S. Wiswell
Abbi and Stephen Yap
INDIVIDUAL PLUS ($100 - $249)
Anonymous† Anonymous*
Anonymous
Maria Abbazia
Katie Ahern
Mary Ahlers
Simin N. Allison*†
P.J. Anthony†
Tara Archer
Lyndsey Arone
Carolyn and Bruce Audino
Dr. and Mrs. J. Warren Axline
Kathryn and Tom Ayars
Lisa Barrieau
Allison Bartkus
Elizabeth A. S. Beaudin
Edward Beisner
Jill and Robert Belinky
Jennifer Benway
Kristin Berry
Kimberly and Robert Bielecki
Ronald Blumenfeld and Selina Strong†
Ms. Carrie Bocian
Bill Bodine and Victoria Fingelly
Lisa and Ted Borter†
Marian A. Bradley
Nancy Breakstone
Christine Brennan
Tracey L. Brittis
Jeff Buckley
Barbara Burian
Daniel Camarro
John and Sharyn Cannon
Linn and Sebastian Cassetta
Chloe Castro
Christine Catallo†
Jim and Marian Cherrone
Judith and Robert Chessin
Brittney and Scott Cianciulli
Kristin and Brian Clark
Yvonne Claveloux
Lindsay Clayton
Gabi Coatsworth†
Heathet Collette
Roberta and James Conroy
Kelsey Cook
James and Nicole Coppack
Lincoln W. Craighead††
Heather Crum
Hillary Cullen
Moira Curran
Amy Waugh Curry
Kirstin and Paul Curtin
Meri-Leigh and Francesco Daniele
Minda Daniell
David Davidson
Cameron Davis
Robert Dean
Jess Defeo
Joe DeFeo
Susan and Doug DeStaebler
Bridgett and Peter diBonaventura†
Alex Dunne
Laure Dunne
Mrs. Henry B. duPont III
Jane and Thomas Dyer
Sandy Earley
Deborah Eck
Tierney and Alex Ehrhart
Sabrina Eliasoph
Dolores and Cliff Ennico
George Estabrooke†
Susannah Eykyn
Roma F. Fanton†
Paul A. Fattibene
Dr. and Mrs. Jon M. Fessel
Allison and Fred Fiedler
Anita Field
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Fisher
John Florio and Sharon Sweeney†
Alice Flynn
Jessica Fokides
C. Stephen and Meg Francis
William and Adeline Fusco
Yasmin G
Jennifer Gage
Joe* and Roberta Gagne†
Johanna Garvey
Paige Getz
Jill Gionfriddo
Bruce Glaser††
Charlotte Glovin
Peter A. Gold†
Sarah Gomez
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Goodman
William Gormley
Sarah and Darrel Grigerick
Marcia and Neil Groglio
Orin Grossman and Jane Sutherland†
Kevin and Marianne Gumpper
Irmgard and Alfred Gwilliam
Diane and Matt Hagerty
Katherine Hainsey
Mary E. Halloran and James Rulmyr
Leslie Hammer
Amy Harlacker
James and Barbara Harman†
Alexis Harrison
Katherine Hayden
Katelyn Hayes
Beth Hebert
Lucinda Heekin
Adair and Arne Heitmann†
Dr. and Mrs. J. Herbin
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Herman and Family
Philip and Rochelle Herr†
Cynthia Herrington
Linda Hodges
Mary Holtze
Robin Hubbard
Elizabeth R. Hulme
Anne R. Jackson
Michelle M. Jaffee
Kathryn Jaffer†
Pamela C. Jones Esq.
Susy Jones
Merritt Juliano
Larken Kade and Andrew Svensk
Viviane Kaneff
Victoria Kann
Diana Kardamis
Constance and Traug Keller
Ellen Kelly
Jill Kelly†
Charles and Elen Kentnor
Bill Klein
Mike and Jen Knapp
Victoria Konopka†
Mary Jean and Preston Koster†
Robert and Bonnie Kreitler†
Paul and Sue Kueffner†
Ellen Kuroghlian
Emily and Joseph LaFemina
Joan and Edward Lahey
Gerry Lang
Taylor Larson
Patricia Laskay
Catherine Leary
Urb and Pat Leimkuhler†
Meghan Lenihan
Casey Levene
Nina Lewis
Sharon Libman
Jacqueline Lobdell
Suzanne Loggie†
Jonathan and Allison Love
Linda and Michael Love
Susan Lukralle
Lauren Luskey
Patrick Lynch
Penny Lyons
Christine Maffia
Katharine Maguire
Debra Mahony
Leslie and Sunil Mahtani†
William L. Malmstedt†
Susan Mango
Erica Mann†
Jane Manners†
Holland Marcovich
Jill Marszalik
Todd and Denise Martin†
Paul R. Mathewson†
Sarah Matthews
Dana and Mike McCreesh†
Timothy McDermott
Amanda McDevitt
Mary Jo McGonagle
Sarah McGrath
Mary Lou McGuire
Jon McMenamin-Balano
Wendy Roseberry “ ”
Great location, great programs, great architecture and most importantly great staff!
Leslie Meredith
Donald Milkavich†
Ruth Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Howard M. Mirsky
Butzi Moffitt††
Michael Mombello and Julia Pierson
Letizia Morales
Faye Mylen
Jennifer Najjar
Amy Nakano
Michael and Rhoda Nayor†
Deborah Nester
Ms. Susan Nettesheim
Katherine and Graham Nix
Marcia O’Connell
Tom and Kathleen O’Connell
Julie Oh
Jean and Al Oneto
Michele Oricoli
Joseph Ornig
Elliot Osgood
Amy and Billy O’Shea
Christy Ottaviano and Kevin Ohé
Ann Owens†
Deb and Jeff Owens
Sharon Palmer
Kellie and Stephen Panus†
Missy Papageorge
Carol Reeves Parke†
Melanie Parsons
Leslie Pennington
Elizabeth B. Perkin
Rob Perkin†
Bernard Perry
Betsy and Dave Perry
Marylynn Piotrowski
Lori Popkowski
Clarissa H. Porter
Jack and Anne Powers
Katerina Powers
Victoria Powers
Kelly Preyer
Pearson and Madison Probst
Ched and Judy Proctor
Domonique Racanelli and Peter Kokkinos
Felice Recupero-Dworet
Linda Reddy
Patrice Redgate
The Reeds
Ann C. Reeves
Camilla Richetelli
Lin Roman
Veronica Rosado
Sandra Rosenberg†
Hardy and Jenn Royal†
Dalia and Reuven Rudich
George Russell
Wendy and Michael Ryan
Wendy and Dominick Savino
Beth Schaefer
BL Scherer
Caron Schwartz
The Scoville Family
Stella Seo
Noreen P. Sewell
Ann W. Shaw
Joy Shaw
Michael and Rebecca Shea
Marlene Sheehan
Gail Sheriff
Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Siderowf
Marcie and David Slepian
Laura Smith
Daniel Snydacker, Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Solazzo
Remy Sosa
Erin Spillman
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stanton†
David Stirling
Mike Stoddard
Honey Milligan Strait
Rev. Cecily Stoddard Stranahan†
David K. Sturges†
Daniel and Pia Suozzo
Elizabeth Sweeney
Peter and Sandra Tallman
Keara and Anthony Tanella
Meghan Teed
Dolores Tema
Rosalina Thomas
Meghan Thornton
Jacquelyn Thunfors†
Honora Timmins
Pam Toner
Anne Toombs and Skip Morse
Geoffrey and Kim Topalian
Linda Tors
Niki Tremaine
Kit and William Ulrich
Barbara B. Valk†
Hobart Van Deusen*
Holly Van Deusen
Doug and Joanne VanEsselstyn
Stefanie Varga
Eugenie Verrillo
Kathleen Vogel
Rob and Lindsay Wallace†
Sally Waugh
Mr. Robert A. Webber and Ms. Mary Filippelli-Weber
Christin and Adam Weberman
Kimberly Weigle
Sylvia R. Weiss
Nancy Voye Weissler
Mary Welch
Terry Wettergreen
George Whipple
Douglas Wieser
Anne and Terry Willie
Paul and Barbara Winsor
Kaitlyn Winterbottom
Rosalie Wolf†
Barbara and Dennis Wong
Alan Wright
Beverly Wright
Christopher J. Wright and Beth Rhame†
Courtney and Frederick Yanni
Mallory Young
Wendy Yu
Sandy Zera†
INDIVIDUAL ($50 - $99)
Anonymous†
Anonymous
Heidi Adair
Linda Albanese
June Albert
Isa Aldyn
Cynthia Allen
Diana and Michael Ambrose
Mark and Nancy Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Auer†
Nancy Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Barnouw
Janine Baron
Jen Bartlett
Lyly Ha and Shawn Bay
Jane Becker
June Bencivenga
Regina Berardino
Carmanie Bhatti
Peter and Susan Blank
Lindsey Bloomenthal
Kathleen Bond
Henry M. Bonner Jr.
Eleanor Bowman
Margaret and Marshall Breines
Debra Brennan
Sandra Brink
Theresa A. Brown
Eleanor Burke
Miggs Burroughs
Elizabeth Byrne
Gerardo and Grace Calderon†
Patricia Carpenter
John and Lynne Casey
Sheila Cashel
George and Kathy Cawman
Anne Marie Cernera
Mr. and Mrs. John Ceruzzi
Mary Chamberlain
Curtis Childs
Robert and Roberta Clark
Melissa and Michael Clear
Noelle Cleary
Colleen Coffey
Mr. Arnold Cohen
Julie Connelly
Noreen Cronin
Elizabeth and Christopher Cross
Mrs. Joan S. Crossman†
Vallen M. Cruz
Zoltan Csillag
Cynthia and Paul Cummiskey
Sandra and James Curley
Joe and Maryellen Damico
Christina deGroot
Roberta Delano
Frank Delany
Rima Demarais
Anastasia DeMarche
Erica Donigan
John and Patricia Donovan
Sarah Donovan
Whitney Dorrington
Linda Doty
Dianne Douglas
Robert and Fran Dubicki
Martha Durham†
Karen and Robert Eaker
Lauren and Zach Effron
Sandy Elgee
Kim Fahey
Lee Ann Fallet
Karim and Elizabeth Farouki
George and Anastasia Fassuliotis
Michelle Fattibene
Susan Fehlinger
Virginia Ferrari
Arlene and William Field
Dennis and Kathryn Flaherty
Eileen Foran
Sally Galan
Molly Galbo
Robert Gaunt†
Elizabeth M. Gaynor††
Scott Glaser
David and Ashley Gold
Annette and George Gosselin
Catherine Fingelly Granneberg
Christine Griffin
MaryGrace Gudis
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hagan††
Carol C. Hanks
Laura Penn Harmon
Jessica Harris
William Harrison†
Marie Hayes
Stephanie Hilton
David Hughes and Pamela Browne
Michael Hund
Lauren Hutnick
Laura Ianuly
Leslie Jannott
Christopher S. J. Jennings
Karen Jones
John Jorge
Jack Kadden
Peter Kappel
Betsey Katz
Sarah and Stephen Keenan
Jane Keller
Lulu Kellogg
Marc Kemeny
Kelcey Kirik-King and Shenton King
Cherril Kolesik
John Koliopoulos
Koryne Koutouvides
Debra and Alex Krayson
Ellen Landowne
Jennifer Leeper
Marissa Leggiadro
Megan Lott
Denise Lugar
Paul and Diane Lytwyn
Adam Macchia
Melissa Mack
Ann and Rob Mackenzie
Julie and Brendon Manwaring
Lauren Marcus
Tulis McCall†
Dennis McCarthy
Sharon McClymonds
Sandra McCue
Kelly McGovern
Kara McKenna-Wong
Ben McMahon and Grace Harrison
Margaret McMann
Alex McNab and Diane Melish†
Frances Meehan
Lydia Menendez
Christine Mennie
Carolyn Meyer
Jori Meyer
Bonnie Michell
Jeanne and Carson Miller
Mr. Jared Miller
Irene and Dean Miltimore
Robin Miner
Chris and Jeanine Monteiro
Meredith Mueller
Kenneth and Ginabeth Murphy
Monica Norwood
Sally O’Brien
“ ”
Thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip for my students. We had a lot of fun and learned a great deal. We love visiting the library! Ms. Rossi Black Rock School
James T. Orrico
Michele Orris-Modugno and Dominick Modugno
Kathleen Oshea
Todd and Mary Pajonas
Valerie Perlman
Molly Pieper
Jay and Eleanor Powell
Ellen Powers
Helen Previdi
Elisabeth and Andrew Priest
Emma Quilhot
George Radwan
Shelly Ramsay
Kerstin Rao
Kathleen Reale
Debbie Reynolds
Gately Ross
Dana Rossi
Jennifer Rubin
Kelle Ruden
Danielle Rudich and Matthew Wosnitzer
Louis and Julia Ruggio
Sally Russell
Jessica Ryan
The Samoviski Family
David and Bronwen Sanders
Sharon Sanford
Virginia V. Sanford
Mary Jo Schmitt
Ms. Diane Schwartz
Susan Seath
Liz Shartel
Carol Shear
Sara Sicona
Craig and Suzanne Simmonds
Liz Sippin
Taya Skubiak
Shelby Smith
Berkeley Soper
Katherine Sousa
Martha Spiegel
Caryl Stern
Janet Stock
Mrs. John W. Stokes ††
Caroline Stoughton
Tim and Grace Sullivan
Ruth Summers
Carol and Mike Sweeney
Kate Sweeney
Laura Taras
Sally Tepas
Ms. Mary Tetro
Addison Thompson
Will Thresher
Mary Ann Tyma
Judy Urquhart
Tereza Valle
Claire Van de Berghe
Katia Vanlandingham
Frankie Vinci
Mary H. von Conta*††
Victoria Vought
Harriet Weiss
Rita and Stephen Weisskoff
Susan Wexler
Alexandra and John Whitaker
Laura and Packer Wilbur††
Rita Wilcox
Lynette Winchell
Caleb Wint
Doni Wisdom
Jessica Wolf
Danielle Rudich and Matthew Wosnitzer
Michael and Joanna Wynne
Viola Yee
JENNIFER CROSBY CARGILL
‘LIPSTICK & PEARLS’ ART FUND
Doc and Sandra W. Bisset, Esq.†
LIBRARY GIVING DAY
Anonymous
Linda Albanese
Elizabeth A. S. Beaudin
Mackenzie Berman
John Bricker and Suzanne Carbery†
Barbara Burian
Caroline M. Calder†
Gerardo and Grace Calderon†
Cheryl Carlesimo and John McCally
Anne Marie Cernera
Stephanie J. Coakley and Peter Russell†
Mr. Arnold Cohen
Cynthia and Michael Crawford†
Amy Waugh Curry
Andrea DaRif†
Jane K. Dean††
Virginia Lynch Dean and James Dean
Christina deGroot
Bridgett and Peter diBonaventura†
Abigail Dodge
Sherrie and Jim Douglas
Susannah Eykyn
Ms. Michelle Fattibene
Christina Ferrara
Frank Festini
Alice Flynn
Christine and Jarat Ford
Becky Francis
C. Stephen and Meg Francis
Joe* and Roberta Gagne†
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Galpin Jr.
Johanna Garvey
John and Maura Gleckler†
Leslie Hammer
James and Barbara Harman†
Lucinda Heekin
Deborah and Michael Held
Robbie Hodgson††
Anne R. Jackson
Pamela C. Jones Esq.
Tracy and Paul Keblish
Victoria Konopka†
Gerry Lang
Lynne Laukhuf†
Christina MacLean
Leslie and Sunil Mahtani†
Jane Manners†
Kelsey Martin
Todd and Denise Martin†
Jessica and Justin McEntee
Charles McMahon and Katherine Epifanio
Mr. and Mrs. Howard M. Mirsky
Mason D. Neely
Betsy and Dave Perry
Clarissa H. Porter
Ellen Powers
Eugene and Leslie Riccio†
Charlotte Rogan
Wendy and Michael Ryan
The Samoviski Family
Belinda J. Shepard†
Rev. Cecily Stoddard Stranahan†
Bob and Anne Svensk†
Barbara and John Turitzin
Graham Turner
Lynn and Peter Van Winkle
Eugenie Verrillo
Kathleen Vogel
Sally Wallace
David and Anny Ward
Deb and Richard Deej Webb†
Coke Anne and Jarvis Wilcox†
Mr. David Wilson and Ms. Rachel Olschan
Kaitlyn Winterbottom
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Anonymous†
Cynthia and Michael Crawford†
Claire Langdon
YOUNG PATRONS GROUP
Anonymous
Gerardo and Grace Calderon†
Eliza and Jake Chang
Stephanie J. Coakley and Peter Russell†
Christine and Jarat Ford
Becky Francis
Caroline and Paul Gibson
Jessica and Justin McEntee
Charles McMahon and Katherine Epifanio
The Moore Family†
Douglas Prescott
Blythe and Zandy Smith
TRIBUTES
In Honor of Charlie Clark
Beth Hebert
In Honor of Jane Dean
Charles and Elen Kentnor
In Honor of Doug Fried
Mrs. Jill Birinyi
Ellen Kuroghlian
In Honor of Bruce Glaser
Erica Lear
In Honor of Sean Kelly
Francis Cunningham
In Honor of Coke Anne & Jarvis Wilcox
Anonymous*
MEMORIALS
In Memory of Jennifer Crosby Cargill
Celie Campbell†
In Memory of Joseph Gagne
Sandy Zera†
In Memory of Eben Graves
James and Kitty Graves
In Memory of Laura Payne Lowe
Anonymous
Tara Archer
Edward Beisner
Christine Brennan
Eleanor Burke
Linda Doty
Joanne Fargo
George and Anastasia Fassuliotis
Linda Hodges
Mike and Jen Knapp
Paul and Diane Lytwyn
Veronica Rosado
Taya Skubiak
Honora Timmins
George Whipple
York International Agency LLC
In Memory of Barbara Torrey
MacAllaster
David S. MacAllaster†
In Memory of Joe G. Milkavich
Donald Milkavich†
In Memory of Anne Patterson
Mike Stoddard
In Memory of Charlie Proctor
Ched and Judy Proctor
In Memory of Pat Repko
Gerardo and Grace Calderon†
Joe* and Roberta Gagne†
Sandy Zera†
In Memory of Hanah Stoddard
Mike Stoddard
In Memory of David Storrs
Landon Storrs
In Memory of George Woods
Barbara Burian
In Memory of Jack B. Zellers
Margaret Zellers
BEQUESTS
Arline Gertzoff*
LEADERSHIP CORPORATE SPECIAL EVENT
SUPPORT
VIRGINIA MARQUAND MONROE GUILD
($5,000 - $9,999)
Kasson Jewelers†
Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates†
On the Harbor
The Russell Agency, LLC†
MARY CATHERINE HULL WAKEMAN SOCIETY
($2,500 - $4,999)
All Seasons Marine Works
Brody Wilkinson PC
Jaguar Land Rover
M&T Bank
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Russo & Rizio, LLC
Santa Energy†
Sturges Ridge of Fairfield†
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499)
Foxtrot Home
Kathryn Herman Design
Lendmarq
Nichols MD of Fairfield
Pirie Associates Architects
Tallman Building Company, Inc.
CORPORATE SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT
CONTRIBUTOR ($500 - $999)
Aspetuck Land Trust, Inc.
Capossela, Cohen, LLC†
Celie Campbell Realtor
Fairfield Country Day School†
Fairfield Veterinary Hospital
Forger-Kunkel Plumbing and Heating LLC
GYL Financial Synergies, LLC
Hatfield Insurance Agency, Inc.
Lindquist Landscape Design
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Two Roads Brewing Company
DUAL/FAMILY ($250 - $499)
Bigelow Tea
Blue Door Vibes
ServiceMaster of Westport†
ZIGZAG by Juliet
INDIVIDUAL PLUS ($100 - $249)
Autuori Electric LLC
Brett Lauren Jewelry
The Delamar Hotel
Gazy Brothers Farm
The Give Collective
The Hat Shop NYC
Haute Energy
in2design
Leah Tries Again
Mercier Mercantile
Sabina Furst Designs
Top Banana
Two Oh Three
Vivid Cottage
CORPORATE UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499)
Capossela, Cohen, LLC†
King Industries
DUAL/FAMILY ($250-499)
York International Agency LLC
INDIVIDUAL PLUS ($100 - $249)
Elm Street Books
INDIVIDUAL ($50-99)
Stop & Shop
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS (IN-KIND)
Bodega Taco Bar
Miggs Burroughs
Celie Campbell†
Samuel W. Cargill
Casa Me
Castle Wine & Spirits
Jim Catallo
Catering Staff by Mary Watters, LLC
Lisa Cooper
Crafty Kids
Doc’s Road Soda
The DRIPBaR of Fairfield
Fairfield Women’s Exchange
Flutes & Foam
Fox News
Garelick & Herbs
Ellen Gould†
Greens Farms Spirit Shop
Margaret and James Gruppo
Elizabeth R. Hulme
Megan and Sean Kelly†
Steven and Jennifer Kennedy
Kindred Spirits & Wine
Kramer Portraits
Ellen Kuroghlian
Kelly and Richard Laferriere††
Lynne Laukhuf†
Living Better
Maserati of Westport
Jessica and Justin McEntee
Mo’s Wine and Spirits
Peter Moylan
Nichols MD of Fairfield
Benjamin and Courtney Nields
Peg and Nelson North††
Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates†
One River School Art + Design
Pamela Einarsen Photography
The Pantry
Bernard Perry
Reverie Brewing Company
Chris and Margaret Rieck†
Marna Ringel
Dalia and Reuven Rudich
Bill and Erin Russell†
Julie Sarkissian
Kelley and Drew Schutte
Linda Shabo
Belinda J. Shepard†
Michael Shusman
Southern Connecticut Ice and Oil LLC
Irene Stasko
Tacombi Westport
Taconic Distillery
Tess Paints Pets
Tribus Beer Company
Two Oh Three
Two Roads Brewing Company
The Vintage Horse
Westport Pilates
MUNICIPAL SUPPORT
Town of Fairfield
MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES
Chevron Humankind
Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching Gift Program
KPMG Gives c/o Bergen County’s United Way
Stifel Financial Corp
FOUNDATIONS
FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($10,000 & above)
Anonymous†
The Hearst Foundations
National Endowment for the Humanities
Renée B. Fisher Foundation, Inc.††
Shelter Hill Foundation
The Vincent Von Zwehl Memorial Fund
VIRGINIA MARQUAND MONROE GUILD
($5,000 - $9,999)
Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (EHTF)†
Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
MARY CATHERINE HULL WAKEMAN SOCIETY
($2,500 - $4,999)
Anonymous
The M&T Charitable Foundation
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499)
The Steven Della Rocca Memorial Fund
First County Bank
Horton Family Fund†
Kaulbach Charitable Foundation
Pequot Runners
Wilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc.†
CONTRIBUTOR ($500 - $999)
The William and Diana Romney Gray Family Foundation†
The Ruscito and Head Family Foundation†
DUAL/FAMILY ($250 - $499)
The James and Wendy Agah Family Foundation†
Christian I. & Hilma A. Gravesen Memorial Fund†
*Deceased †Donor for 5+ consecutive years ††Donor for 20+ consecutive years
MEDIA SPONSORS
Connecticut Cottages & Gardens
Venü Magazine
WSHU
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
DUAL/FAMILY ($250 - $499)
Connecticut Accordion Association
National Charity League, Fairfield Chapter
INDIVIDUAL PLUS ($100 - $249)
Greens Farms Garden Club
St. Pius X Parish
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Art of the Early Keyboard (ARTEK)
Aspetuck Land Trust
Bridgeport Public Schools Debate
League
Capitol Classics Theater
Chabad of Fairfield
Chabad of Westport
Connecticut Lights Out
Connecticut Audubon
Connecticut Accordion Association
Elisa Contemporary Art
Fairfield Forestry
Fairfield University
Fairfield Public Schools
Florence Griswold Museum
GCTYO
Norwalk Symphony
Orchestra Lumos
Open Minds//Fairfield University
Play With Your Food Pollinator Pathway
Ramsey Art Fairs
Robert Dean Architects
Sasquanaug Association
Shakespeare on the Sound
Sustainable Fairfield
University of Connecticut
Westport MOCA
Yale University
Yale University ROTC
Award Winners
MUSA MUHAMMAD | VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The first time I ever volunteered at Pequot Library was the 2021 book sale. I saw the sense of community between the volunteers of all ages that turned them into a well-oiled machine and how important the book sale was for the community.
I started volunteering on Saturdays in the Pequot Library basement behind the scenes. I got a taste of every task that led up to the book sale like seeing the books that people donated come down the conveyor belt, scanning the books, and sorting and packing the books by theme. But the main thing that kept me coming back every week was the people. I’m a lot younger than most of the volunteers, and hearing life stories and advice was always something I looked forward to.
I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen as Volunteer of the Year and to receive this award. The recognition means so much to me, and l want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Pequot Library staff, my fellow volunteers, and everyone who supported me along the way. This experience has been truly transformative, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this wonderful community.
SUSAN SCHROEDER | CRANE-WOOD BOOK SALE VOLUNTEER AWARD
I first volunteered at Pequot 20+ years ago after an early retirement from a career in IT and alliance management. At that time the on-site book sales were the primary channel of raising funds from donated books. After an interval working for a local start-up, I returned to Pequot Library and was happy to apply my computer skills to the new online sales channels including Amazon, Square, and eBay and to learn new skills in pricing, online sales, and more. It’s been fun and rewarding to take part in these efforts and to be part of a great team of dedicated staff and volunteers at Pequot. It’s been exciting to see the revenues coming in to the library to support its efforts in the community. It’s amazing what a team of volunteers can do.
PEG AND NELSON NORTH | HOYT O. PERRY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Peg and Nelson North have a long history at Pequot Library. Nelson has served on the board since 2017 and was executive vice president prior to serving as president from 20202022. This October 2024 he is rolling off the Board. Peg has served on the Meet the Author Committee almost since its inception. You will find both volunteering at almost every book sale, and Nelson was a regular behind the bar at the community events, serving beverages to Pequot Library friends. Peg covers the weekly Write-in programs when the regular instructor is unavailable, and it is a rare program that goes unattended by at least one of them.
“Pequot Library was one of the first experiences we had after moving to Southport. We had a young son and wanted to integrate into the community. We knew the Perry family and they introduced us. The children’s programs were (and are) wonderful. We met, and continue to meet, interesting people at Pequot Library programs. Educated, curious folks abound, attend and volunteer. It is an interesting, fun place. Thank you all for what you do”
Praise for Pequot Library
“Pequot Library is in a stunning building and is a treasure to peruse. They host constantly changing exhibitions centered around a theme. We have attended a number of different events there and have found each one to be so worth the time to visit! The recent Sea Shanty was so fun and informative. Loved the Grog! All of the people who work there are kind and very helpful and knowledgeable.”
—Maggie D. from San Francisco
“My kids love this library; it’s cozy and very kid-friendly. All the librarians are so friendly and helpful! Pequot library itself is a beautiful, historical building. This is almost like a museum. So lucky that we have this library in our area!”
—Irene Thomas
“I thought the presenters were very knowledgeable and well-spoken. I learned a lot about native plants and trees and enjoyed the questions and comments of the group as well.”
—Patricia Kearns, discussing our Living Bird-Friendly Symposium
“There was a fantastic hawk and owl encounter at Pequot Library. Amazing creatures! ‘Lights Out CT’ is SO important to saving birds that migrate at night!!”
—Pamela Jones, discussing our Living Bird-Friendly Symposium
“This magnificent and welcoming library offers a tranquil oasis of quiet sanctuary. So many cherished architectural features include fireplaces, stunning original Tiffany stained-glass windows, ornate wrought iron scrollwork everywhere, and intricate woodwork. A wonderful place to read, walk the manicured grounds, and participate in the numerous activities and lectures on diverse and fascinating subjects. A true gem in the exquisite town of Southport, CT.”
—Marian Sawyer
“The dome darkened and we were looking up at a magnificent starry night sky. Children and family members helped to identify individual stars and constellations in the remarkably realistic night sky projected onto the ceiling of the planetarium dome. We learned how sailors used these celestial objects to chart their courses across the ocean. It was awe-inspiring, informative, and fun!”
–Anonymous online review of Mike Francis’ planetarium show
“I LOVE that it’s free :) but more seriously, this is one of the only activities my son is currently enrolled in that he consistently wants to attend. There is a great diversity of students in age, school, demographics, and he’s loved getting to meet new people. I think John is also a calm and knowledgeable presence.”
–Anonymous Chess Club review
“My children loved the program and were laughing their heads off. I love the introduction to Shakespeare.”
–Anonymous review of the ShakesBears puppet show
“My son loved the game, the campaign, the camaraderie, the feeling of belonging. He looked forward to it every week, and I loved that!”
–Anonymous review of Dungeons & Dragons
“I learned a lot from you guys. And the rare and old books were very interesting. My favorite part was the time machine. It was funny and cool. So again, thank you, Pequot Library.”
–Michael, fifth-grade school tour visitor
“My favorite part is me on stage. I was so shy. It was great. Thank you!”
–Isabella, third-grade Meet the Orchestra program participant
