Great Books at Colby College
Summer 2024 IN PERSON

Sunday, July 21 through Saturday, July 27, 2024

Join us this July for our annual lively week of discussions on the picturesque campus of Colby College. You may find yourself gaining insights rarely achieved while reading alone. Connect with fellow book lovers and make lifelong friends, as you enjoy the beauty and splendor of summertime Maine.

The New Dorm
Our week at Colby is now enhanced with the option of staying in air-conditioned dorms at Alfond Main Street Commons, in downtown Waterville. Last year was our first time staying in the new high-rise dorm and people were very appreciative of this new modern accommodation which contains elevators, suites with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, a lounge and two restrooms with showers, as well as free laundry rooms in the hallways. The college also provides a free parking lot adjacent to the new dorm and frequent, round-the-clock shuttle service from the dorm to a central location on campus. Downtown Waterville itself has become nicely gentrified, and there is a mall behind the downtown dorm, a pharmacy a block away, and fine restaurants across the street from the dorm.

Discussion Groups
This unforgettable vacation brings together readers who love great literary works and provides an opportunity to associate with those sharing that enthusiasm. We eat all our meals together on campus and participate in formal discussion groups that meet for two hours each morning, Monday through Saturday, in campus classrooms. Books are mailed once registration deposits are received, and people are expected to have read them before arriving. Readers develop insights through the Great Books Foundation’s Shared Inquiry Method. Not quoting outside sources facilitates an egalitarian discussion wherein the emphasis is truly on readers and the text. Discussion leaders are assigned, moving from group to group during the week. A leaderless group is available upon request for experienced participants if preferred.

A Glimpse of Truth
People attending Colby Great Books vary in age, background, education and interests, but all share a love of reading. Some have come to Colby for decades, but many newcomers arrive each year. Everyone is welcome and embraced as full and equal participants. The goal is shared inquiry, shared ideas, shared laughter, and shared experience. Results are often friendship, fun and sometimes even glimpses of truth.

Come explore the opportunities available through these links.

• Print the Complete Registration Form for 2024 Colby
• Registration Information for 2024 Colby
• Explore the Colby Books and Discussion Groups
  For those who wish to receive books early, we are happy to mail your books upon receipt of your deposit.
  
• Campus and Off-Campus Accomodations

More info about the new dorm at Alfond Main Street Commons can be found on the Colby website, where to live. Each suite has air conditioning, four separate dorm rooms, one bathroom.

• Recreational Activities

After discussions, participants are invited to use the many recreational, athletic and cultural opportunities available on campus for free.

• Contact Information and Travel Arrangements

For questions about the program or housing, please contact John Dalton at 610-608-7711 or Email: agreatbook@aol.com For questions about Colby, please call Special Programs at 207-859-4730

Colby Protocols

We are fully prepared to meet and comply with all required safety protocols. Attendees must adhere to CDC protocols as well as Colby College's own Covid safety protocols. We invite you with confidence to join us in-person for our annual lively week of discussions on the traditional and picturesque campus of Colby College.

Junior Great Books at Colby College - 2024 WILL NOT BE ACTIVE THIS SUMMER

Due to Covid, there will be no Junior Great Books at Colby this summer.

To discuss individual arrangements for Junior Great Books older children, please contact John Dalton directly at 610-608-7711 or Email: agreatbook@aol.com