Join the Peoria Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, a collaboration between the Peoria Women’s Club and Bradley University’s OLLI program. Discover the oldest continuous book club in the U.S., founded in 1878, dedicated to promoting reading across various disciplines. This semester’s selection includes four books from the Chautauqua Institution’s annual list:
Friday, September 6: The Excellent Lombards (2017 Book Selection) by Jane Hamilton
Friday, October 4: The Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance (2024 Book Selection) by Dan Egan
Friday, November 1: The First Ladies (2024 Book Selection) by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Friday, December 6: Strangers Drowning: Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Urge to Help (2016 Book Selection) by Larissa MacFarquhar
The First Ladies Description: A novel by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Personal Librarian, depicting the extraordinary bond between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unexpected friendship that reshaped history.
Born to formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to yield to white supremacists intent on hindering her activism and education efforts. As her influence grows, she gains admiration from business leaders and U.S. Presidents alike. Eleanor Roosevelt, deeply impressed, sought out her company. United by their beliefs in women's rights and education, Mary and Eleanor forge a deep friendship, supporting each other through personal trials and national triumphs.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt assumed the presidency, Eleanor pursued her agenda, prompted by the revelation of her husband's affair. Her outspoken stance on civil rights further complicates her role as First Lady, leading to threats due to her association with Mary. Yet their bond strengthens their resolve to fight for justice and equality.
This novel portrays two formidable women whose unique friendship laid the groundwork for the modern civil rights movement.
Start anytime for the opportunity to graduate nationally. Registration includes breakfast, snacks, coffee, and a $10 CLSC membership fee. We welcome all who are interested in literature and intellectual discussions.
Questions?
Contact Peoria CLSC Instructor Lynette Steger at (309) 642-2688 or stegerlynette@gmail.com.
Location: Peoria Women’s Club, 301 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603
Here’s where you can find parking around PWC:
