July 4 Celebrations, Annual Book Sale Upcoming At Pequot Library

FAIRFIELD, CT — Southport's Pequot Library will host a variety of programs in July centered on American history, community, wellness and family activities, many of them free and open to the public.

The library's special collections exhibition, UNFINISHED REVOLUTION: 250 Years of Marking American Independence, remains on display through Sept. 26. The exhibition features historic speeches, photographs, diaries and souvenirs from the nation's Centennial and Bicentennial commemorations, highlighting how American independence has been celebrated in Southport and beyond.

Nation's 250th Anniversary Events

Pequot Library's annual Fourth of July Bike Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Participants are invited to bring decorated bicycles, scooters or wagons to Five Corners in Southport Village before parading to the Great Lawn. Activities include face painting, sack races, a hula hoop contest and crafts. Super Duper Weenie will provide free hot dogs, while ice cream and drinks will be available for purchase.

Teen docents will lead a guided tour of UNFINISHED REVOLUTION at 11 a.m. July 4. Additional exhibition tours are scheduled for Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

A behind-the-scenes look at rare books and manuscripts from the library's Americana Collection will be offered during "Out of the Vault: Selections from Pequot Library's Americana Collection" at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. Attendance is limited.

A day trip to the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16. Participants will meet at the museum for a private guided tour of the home where Samuel Clemens lived from 1874 to 1891. The $50 ticket includes a boxed picnic lunch.

Community Events

The Pequot Library Summer Book Sale will run July 24-28, with hours varying by day. More than 100,000 books and other items spanning more than 50 categories will be available throughout the library campus, including the Great Lawn, parking lot, auditorium and Reading Room. Admission is free.

Health And Wellness

"The Gold Step with Cori Adams" will meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 6. The fitness class is open to all experience levels, with equipment provided. Registration is required, and classes cost $35. Additional sessions are scheduled for Aug. 3, 10, 17 and 24.

"Qigong for Cultivating Calm within Chaos" will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 2. The class focuses on movement and wellness practices.

Pilates on the Great Lawn will be offered Saturday, July 11, and Saturday, July 18, led by Jean Kaul, a nationally certified Pilates teacher. Classes are open to all levels and cost $25 each.

"Monday Meanders," a 45-minute guided neighborhood walk led by Adult Public Programs Manager Genevieve Swenson, will take place at 10 a.m. July 13 and July 20. Registration is limited to eight participants per walk.

Family And Youth Programs

The Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, for students in grades 6-12 interested in volunteering and helping shape teen services and programs at the library.

Author Victoria Kann will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pinkalicious at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Kann will read from the book, followed by a signing. Copies will be available for purchase through Black Rock Books.

A Friendship Bracelet Workshop for children ages 8 to 12 is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Participants will create their own friendship bracelets during the hands-on program.