Join us to read Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring with Off the Shelf: The Wharton Esherick Museum Book Club. Off the Shelf is an Esherick-like twist on the classic book club, and provides the opportunity for bookworms, Esherick fans, and local-community members alike to explore Wharton Esherick’s legacy through the artist’s own richly stocked bookshelves as well as recently published books that illuminate Esherick’s artistic network and enduring legacy.
Each meeting takes place in Esherick’s 1956 Workshop and features a look into WEM’s special collections and archives to explore materials related to the month’s book. Discussions will be moderated by friend of the museum, WEM board member, and Director of West Chester University Special Collections, Ron McColl and will feature occasional guest specialists. Meetings will be held the second Wednesday evening of every month through September. For each meeting we will gather in the 1956 Workshop to discuss a select text and enjoy light fare, refreshments, and community!
» The Wharton Esherick Museum is partnering with Reads & Company bookstore in Phoenixville, PA, who is graciously stocking our book club picks. Off the Shelf participants will receive 20% off their purchase of our monthly pick. Promo code for discount will be included in confirmation email after you register to attend a book club meeting.
How Do I Join?
To join us at Off the Shelf, just register for each book club meeting you’d like to attend.
Admission Details:
$25 per session
$15 for WEM members – Join or renew today to purchase your ticket at this special price!
Off the Shelf Season 2025 Pass: You can now purchase tickets for the whole season (6 meetings) of Off the Shelf at once for $125!
Members can purchase their season pass for a reduced price of $75. Not a member? Become one today!
Meeting Details:
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book: Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
» Purchase from Reads & Company
Many works by Rachel Carson can be found on Esherick’s bookshelves. This includes Carson’s most groundbreaking work, Silent Spring, an indictment of the chemicals industry so poignant it catalyzed a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, and other governmental actions. This text allows us to think deeply about the relationship between nature and culture, how humans shape their environment, and how in turn, the environment affects its inhabitants.