On Exhibit

On Display in the Atrium & Community Room

Community Room

March Gallery Showcase Artist:  TBA
Exhibit: TBA
Dates: TBA

Atrium

On Display in the Display Cases:

Presenter: Dr. Walter Powell
Exhibit: The Buckingham Display 
Dates:  March, 2026

 

March Atrium Display:

Exhibit: Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
Dates: February 23 – March 20, 2026
Location: Otis Library Atrium

Otis Library is hosting the traveling exhibit Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, on loan from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The exhibit will be on view in the library’s atrium from February 23 through March 20, 2026, and is free and open to the public.

When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the U.S. Declaration of 1776 as a model.

This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination.  This exhibit is offered in conjunction with America’s 250th Norwich CT, a community initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

March Book Display:

Women’s History Month

This March, we are celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting the voices, struggles, and triumphs of women who have reshaped our world. Our curated book display features a wide range of stories—from the “hidden” figures of NASA and the first female doctors in America to the cultural icons who changed the face of music and law.

Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into scientific breakthroughs, an intimate memoir, or a visual history of female pioneers, these titles offer a powerful look at the women who refused to be sidelined.

Our selection includes groundbreaking biographies and historical accounts, such as:

  • The Six by Loren Grush: The remarkable story of the first American women in space.

  • Becoming by Michelle Obama: A deeply personal memoir from the former First Lady on finding her voice.

  • The Doctors Blackwell by Janice P. Nimura: A fascinating look at the sisters who became the first female MDs in the U.S.

  • The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson: The story of Jennifer Doudna and the future of the human race.

  • Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik: A vibrant tribute to the life and times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

  • How Women Made Music by NPR Music: A rich history of the female artists who defined genres and broke boundaries.

Women’s History Month is more than just a look back at the past; it’s an invitation to be inspired by the “shatterers of glass” who pave the way for future generations. These books explore the intersections of science, art, politics, and social justice, proving that history is—and always has been—herstory.

Visit the display in the main lobby all month long! All featured books are available for checkout. If a title you’re looking for is currently out, just ask a librarian to place a hold for you.

Permanent Displays

Art by Dan Topalis

Dan Topalis has been painting and drawing since 1976. When he lived in Philadelphia, he would draw the homeless sleeping on the benches in the park. Now living in Norwich, he has continued his passion of painting people he sees. He has always loved each person, appreciating that there is a story in every person’s face. He chooses people whose faces intrigue him. 

Dan’s work is a permanent fixture at Otis Library. There are pieces on display throughout the building. Additional pieces are featured periodically in the Community Room on the second floor, when another exhibit is not on display.  

“Children of the World” by Lavanya Shubhakar

Lavanya Shubhakar, local artist and Director of Education at Mystic Museum of Art, created a multi-panel artwork titled Children of the World for Otis Library. The panels focus on cultures of various regions/countries and feature children of all abilities and ages. Lavanya’s main goal for the project is for all viewers to find a part of themselves in the artwork. 

To view her installation, please visit the Children’s Department on the second floor of Otis Library. 

This project was made possible by the Norwich ARPA grants for arts and culture awarded to Lavanya by the Cultural Coalition in partnership with the City of Norwich.

Children’s Playroom Mural by Carolyn McNeil

Carolyn McNeil is a local artist who volunteered over 30 hours and donated the supplies to create this beautiful mural to brighten our playroom. She works as a muralist, spreading joy and art throughout the area. 

A large tree stretches from floor to ceiling. Its branches are home to little native woodland creatures. Green fields reach about half way up the wall.

Papier-Mâché Art by Pamela Spiro Wagner

Pamela Spiro Wagner is an accomplished author, poet and artist who lives with schizophrenia.  Pamela is a graduate of Brown University, and briefly attended medical school.  Through her art, poetry and writing, she tries to express the experience of mental illness and mental health.  With her twin sister, psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn Spiro, she wrote the extraordinary book Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and their Journey through Schizophrenia, which received the national NAMI Outstanding Literature Award and was a finalist for the Connecticut Book Award.  The artist generously donated these pieces to Otis Library in 2009.

The Papier-Mâché Doctor wears a blue shirt of many shades in a seemingly random pattern. His light brown skin is accented with small, confetti-like pieces of color. The colors represent mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.
The Papier-Mâché child wears a peach and blue tank top. His dark brown skin is accented with small, confetti-like pieces of color. The colors represent mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.

“The View of My Town”  by Samson Tonton

Local artist Samson Tonton’s piece, “The View of My Town,” is on permanent display in the Otis Library Community Room. The piece is his interpretation of the City of Norwich. Mr. Tonton has exhibited his work at Otis Library several times over the years, always to rave reviews!  We are so grateful for this very generous donation.

Samson Tonton and then Director Bob Farwell stand next to "The View of My Town."

“Waterfall”  by Faith Satterfield

Donated in 2016, this piece is a juxtaposition of an aerial map view and standing right in front of flowing water. This harbor town is made better by the water that flows through it – water brings a place of peace and quiet, even when it roars. 

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