The New Canaan Library Association will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. As part of the annual celebration and recognition of the Library’s successful year, performances will be presented for all to enjoy. The Summer Theater of New Canaan will preview scenes from Camelot; students from the Studio of New Canaan will showcase their work; and three High School and Middle School Musicians, Harrison Besser, Fabian Hough and Kelsey Hsu will give a performance. There will also be student art exhibits from the Summer Enrichment Art Camp and the Chinese Language School of Connecticut.

During the business portion of the meeting, there will be a retrospective look on the Library’s busiest year in since its founding in 1877. Over 529,000 items were checked out of the library between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Board of Trustees’ President, Karen Stevenson, will address the “State of the Library” and provide a glimpse of the future ahead; Director, Alice Knapp, will report on the year’s activities; and, Friends’ President, Valerie Stryker, will review the many contributions made by the Library’s award winning group of volunteers during the recently completed Library year.

In 1877, when the Free Reading Room was opened with a subscription to some newspapers and magazines, the three local businessmen, who had raised $70 to furnish and stock this new organization, would never have anticipated the longevity and success of the future New Canaan Library. Beginning with a few newspapers and donated books, the collection has grown to 184,711 items. The physical library has also grown, moving to its current location in 1913, with additions and renovations in 1937, 1952, 1979, and 2003, to today’s library. Since its founding 132 years ago, the Library has enjoyed serving the Town of New Canaan.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting of the Association, whose membership includes individuals who have made gifts of time, money, or property during the preceding year. Please R.S.V.P. to Susan LaPerla.