Oscar Wilde reshaped British theater by turning what could be farces into witty, satirical critiques of Victorian society. His plays are social comedies but with emotional and ethical weight. We will read “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Lady Windermere’s Fan” and “An Ideal Husband.” Teresa Grosch, a former fiction editor for Playboy, returns to lead the discussions. Registration required.

Please note:

--Week 1 will be in the Forte Room (on the main level) due to a conflicting room booking.

--For this short series, please do not register unless you can be present at at least two classes.

--Possibly uniquely among public libraries, the Big Books series gives its participants a free copy of the book discussed. The books for the summer 2026 series along with the reading assignments will be available at the library's reference desk starting Monday, June 15. If you register but change your mind about participating, please return your copy as soon as possible so another participant can have it.

--Participants are invited to a screening of the 1999 film version of "An Ideal Husband" on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 7:00- 8:30 PM. It is directed by Oliver Parker and stars Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchette, Julianne Moore, and Jeremy Northam. 97 minutes.