CLSC Lectures
Reading together since 1878, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle has remained a leader in adult education through quality programming.
Each summer, the CLSC chooses at least nine books of literary quality and invites the authors to Chautauqua present their work to an audience of approximately 1,000 readers.
Contact Information
CLSC Octagon
716-357-6293 (in-season)
clsc@chq.org
Department of Education
716-357-6255
Chautauqua Institution
Attn: Department of Education/CLSC
PO Box 28
Chautauqua, NY 14722
2026 Selections
Young Readers program
The CLSC Young Readers program encourages the enjoyment of good reading. The books have been chosen for their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers.
CLSC Unbound
For almost 150 years, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) has served as a foundational program fulfilling Chautauqua Institution’s mission of lifelong learning. Building upon this history, and with a continued active role in Chautauqua’s programmatic life, Chautauqua Literary Arts presents CLSC Unbound, a virtual extension of the traditional CLSC Author Presentations beyond the Chautauqua Summer Assembly that seeks to deepen our connections with previous CLSC authors, Chautauqua Janus Prize winners, Chautauqua Prize winners and finalists, Chautauqua Writers’ Center connections, and more. This extension of the CLSC is rooted in its storied past. From its origins as a year-round correspondence course to the vibrancy of an annual reading season convening prominent authors and fellow readers in discussion, the CLSC’s story has been one of accessible yet serious learning. These events will take place periodically throughout the year for free via Zoom Webinar.