WESTPORT — The Westport Library is launching a new way to learn, and at a new level, with “Verso University.”

The initiative is described as “a year-round series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures designed to further education and learning — and above all, learning for a lifetime,” according to a library release.

Programs — one time and series — will cover a range of topics designed for people of different interests and ages, according to library officials. Offerings will change each semester.

An inaugural presentation will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, March 13, with Martin Yellin, scientist and Westport resident, lecturing on the wide-ranging impact of discoveries made in space. Register here for the free program.

Verso University will offer these programs this spring:

“The Range of Literary Realism: Four Masterpieces of 21st Century Fiction”

Mark Schenker, lecturer in English at Yale University, examines “literary realism” as portrayed in four contemporary novels. Class topics and dates are:

  • April 4: “Wolf Hall,” by Hilary Mantel (2009)
  • April 18: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” by Mark Haddon (2003)
  • May 2: “Life After Life,” by Kate Atkinson (2013)
  • May 16: “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan (2021)

“Got Problems? Think Them Through for Better Problem Solving!”

This program, planned for May, will be led by Mike Hibbard, PhD, and Patricia Cyganovich, EdD, focusing on “thinking-it-through, problem-solving processes to use in any area of life,” according to the library.

“Fiction Writing Master Class”

In May, Gabino Iglesias, noir writer and Westport Library StoryFest alumnus, will lead a master class-style writing workshop.

“Crew Call”

With enrollment slots open on a rolling basis through fall, participants have an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in media production at the library’s Verso Studios. Last year, more than 100 people participated in Verso Studios’ training, the library said, and slots available this year are limited.

For more information, call the Westport Library at 203-291-4800.

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