Discover the World of James Joyce’s Ulysses at the Free Library This Summer
This summer, immerse yourself in the literary world of James Joyce’s Ulysses, as the Free Library offers a multitude of opportunities for discussion, exhibition, and celebration.
“When one reads these strange pages of one long gone one feels that one is at one with one who once…”
Originally published in 1922, Ulysses is hailed as a cornerstone of modern literature. Despite its daunting reputation, the Ulysses Book Club was established to make this masterpiece more accessible to readers.
For those interested in tackling Joyce’s masterpiece with fellow enthusiasts, the Ulysses Book Club convenes on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Parkway Central Library. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the novel, you’re welcome to join the discussions at any time.
This summer, there are multiple avenues to celebrate Ulysses. The annual Bloomsday celebration, which honors the events of the novel, occurs on June 16. The Rosenbach Museum and Library, which houses the original manuscript, will host live readings and special programming during the Bloomsday Festival.
For a more introspective experience, visitors can view a rare 1930 edition of Ulysses featured in the Book Complaints: An Exhibition on the Third Floor of the Parkway Central Library. This edition, with its marbled cover and “Bach” stamped on the spine, offers a glimpse into the novel’s controversial history. As the exhibition curator notes, “When the modernist novel was first serialized, it was considered obscene in both England and the United States. Copies imported to the United States were burned by the post office.” The exhibition runs through August 29.
Join the Ulysses Book Club
The Ulysses Book Club gathers monthly on the fourth Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room 108 of the Parkway Central Library. Participants can attend as many meetings as they wish, with no prior registration required.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Ulysses Book Club | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
- Ulysses Book Club | Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
- Ulysses Book Club | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Delve deeper into Bloomsday and Beyond with this curated Free Library reading list.
For those interested in the historical defense of Ulysses, the Free Library’s podcast archive features insights on the “band of literary radicals and free speech activists” who championed the novel: The Most Dangerous Book: The Battle for James Joyce’s Ulysses with Maya Lang.
The exhibition Book Complaints and the Defense of Intellectual Freedom will be displayed in the Third Floor Dietrich Gallery of the Parkway Central Library until August 29, 2026.
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