2024 CLSC Membership

Reading together since 1878, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle has remained a leader in adult education through quality programming. Each summer, the CLSC chooses at least nine books of literary quality and invites the authors to Chautauqua present their work to an audience of approximately 1,000 readers.

In order to graduate from the CLSC, members must pay four years of Membership Dues (for the full list of qualifications, visit the CLSC's webpage). Your first CLSC dues payment establishes your membership.

Current membership entitles you to a 20% discount on all CLSC and CLSC Young Reader books sold in the Chautauqua Bookstore and CLSC Octagon for the calendar year, as well as a 10% discount on all other books in the Bookstore.  On our website, registered members receive a 20% discount on most CLSC selections, and 10% off all other titles.

Your dues support the operation of the CLSC, the appearance of the CLSC authors each summer, your recognition, and other CLSC efforts in support of literary inquiry.

During the Chautauqua Season, the Bookstore does not process in-store membership applications; for that, you'll need to visit the CLSC Octagon.  Please note that the Chautauqua Bookstore does not run the CLSC.  We collect dues and membership information on the CLSC's behalf, and are happy to help answer what questions we can, or direct you to a person better suited.  Similarly, payments and/or applications made through or mailed directly to the CLSC are not handled by the Bookstore.  If you have questions about the CLSC or your graduation requirements, we recommend you speak to the wonderful staff at the CLSC Octagon.

Note: If, for graduation purposes, you would like to purchase membership for a different year, please make a note in the 'question and comment' section of the membership form below.