Bloomsday Comes To Chatham: Eldredge Library To Celebrate Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’

CHATHAM – In 1923, T.S. Eliot wrote an essay, "Ulysses, Order, and Myth,” a book review of the then-recently released James Joyce novel “Ulysses.” Within the review, Eliot wrote, “I hold this book to be the most important expression which the present age has found; it is a book to which we are all indebted, and from which none of us can escape.” 

More than 100 years after Ulysses’ publication and Eliot’s review, Cape residents are still finding ways to connect to the text. 

On June 16, in recognition of the 121st anniversary of the day within Joyce’s novel, the Eldredge Public Library will be hosting its first “Bloomsday Celebration.” Bloomsday events, according to the listing from the library, are held annually throughout the world each June 16 in celebration of the singular day that takes place within the story. The events at Eldredge include “selected readings, a costumed stroll through our own version of Dublin, and reflections.” Eldredge Public Library Director Amy Andreasson said the event came together in response to patron requests.

 “Creating community is what we are all about, so if we can find a community of people who enjoy this book and this author and bring them together to have an afternoon of celebration, that’s what we’ll do,” she said. 

Published in 1922, Ulysses primarily follows Leopold Bloom throughout his day in Dublin, Ireland on June 16, 1904. The story, which has a structure akin to Homer’s “Odyssey,” features many interactions with characters symbolic of Ireland at that time and reflective of Joyce’s own experiences in his life to that point. Between visiting the newspaper offices of Dublin, various restaurants and pubs and the general underbelly of Dublin, Bloom’s travels in “Ulysses” serves as a way for Joyce to comment on the society of the time, while also being reflective of his own experiences through multiple characters.

Throughout its years of existence, Joyce’s book has not been without its detractors. In an article from 2009, Simon Stern explains that the story was banned in America until 1933 when Random House, the publisher, imported an edition of the text from Paris and used that to attempt to end the obscenity charge. In United States V. One Book Called Ulysses (1933), district court judge John M. Woolsey concluded that the book did not meet the requirements for such a ban at that time, allowing it to be published in the U.S. 

Bloomsday celebrations occur in libraries and museums throughout the world, but Dublin holds a week-long affair organized by the James Joyce Centre in collaboration with other organizations that feature celebrations and activities that include readings, exhibitions, tours, and lectures at which Joyce’s work is celebrated. Inspiration for the event at Eldredge comes from community members who’ve experienced such celebrations.

 “The patron who proposed the program has a lot of ties to Ireland,” said Andreasson. “He’s trying to recreate experiences he’s had there, as well as what people do in Ireland to celebrate the book.”

The event at the library will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 16 and on the library’s front lawn and the Forgeron Hall front meeting room. Costumes are encouraged for the event, such as Edwardian or 1904-themed clothing. It’s also suggested that event-goers bring a copy of the text to share their favorite passages. Andreasson mentioned the opportunity for community building when asked why people should attend.

 “They should go if they love James Joyce and the book ‘Ulysses’," said Andreasson. “It’s one of those classic books that, if you love it, you love it and you want to share it with others who feel the same way about it.”

For more information on activities at the Eldredge Public Library throughout the summer, check out the “Calendar of All Events” link at eldredgelibrary.org.