On Wednesday, August 3, I will be recognized along with 57 other people for having read 12 books on the book list of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC). This event will be the subject of a future blog post. Today, I’m going to focus on the Chautauqua Institution itself and the learning opportunities and experiences it offers.

The Chautauqua Institution has turned this western New York community for which it is named into a polymath’s paradise. For a nine-week period running from the end of June through August, the Institution provides an array of lectures, discussions, concerts, classes, and performances that tie into four “pillars” of learning and growth: arts, education, religion, and recreation. Each of the nine weeks, in turn, has a particular theme. Week One focused “What Should Be Ameria’s Role in the World?”; Week Two followed with “The Wild: Reconnecting with Our Natural World.” Week Six began today with its theme of “After Dark: The World of Nighttime.” So, what’s in store for Chautauquans in the days ahead? Quite a bit, actually.

For a fee, people can participate in a short story discussion group, learn about women of the Hebrew Bible, explore film noir, or gain skill in defending a Bridge hand. As you can see, some of these classes don’t directly relate to the week-long theme, but that’s the beauty of Chautauqua. There’s always something for everyone of every age and interest. There’s even an extensive program for children.

There are also numerous events that require no fee to participate. On Tuesday, there’s a brown bag discussion on “Sending Poetry to the Moon,” led by poet-in-residence Jim Daniels. Wednesday activities include a presentation by author Sidarta Ribeiro on his book The Oracle of the Night: The History and Science of Dreams. Then on Thursday, the Smith Memorial Library will celebrate its 91st anniversary with a special program, and later in the day, best-selling author Maggie Shipstead will talk about her book, Great Circle.

In some ways, Chautauqua is a typical small town. It has a post office, police station, movie theater, and various shops. It has a primary care medical center and a daily newspaper that is sold by a girl who calls out “get your Chautauquan Daily” in a loud yet melodious voice. In other ways, the town is like a small college. Many of the programs and classes I mentioned are provided in an amphitheater that easily seats a 1,000 or more people. The nearby Hall of Philosophy is another open-air structure where lectures and ceremonies take place. (This will be the site of Wednesday’s recognition ceremony.) Smaller classes are held in places like Alumni Hall, Pioneer Hall, and Hall of Christ. Besides the college-type buildings, there are religiously affiliated houses. Each house has resources and programs that offer insight to the beliefs and values of the faith it represents.

After this week, I’m not sure when I’ll be coming back to Chautauqua. Beyond the recognition that comes from reading 12 books on the CLSC list, one can receive further recognition by reading more books. A total of 26 titles puts you into the Guild of Seven Seals; 47 makes you a Parnassian. The highest level is the Vincent Echelon (201 titles). I think the Guild is a reachable goal for me. I’m less sure about the levels beyond that. But whenever I return, I’ll be ready to learn, grow, and explore. Because that’s what Chautauqua is about. In many ways, it represents the way life ought to be.