Join a pity party at your campus and get ready for the biggest of all pity parties with author Chelsea Harvey Garner on March 31!

Avery Point Library
Tuesday, March 24, 12:15-1:15pm
Shred (yes, actually shred) what you feel bad about with some snacks and a chance to win a copy of the book

Hartford Library 
Wednesday, March 25, 11am-1pm
A pity party of epic proportions in the big city with their own version of Shred the Dread

Stamford Library
Wednesday, March 25, 12:15-1:15pm
Library Lounge
Give yourself permission to stop doing something by creating your own "Not Going To Do List" zine and grab some good vibes from our 'encouragement jar'

Waterbury Library
Wednesday, March 25, 12-3pm
Stop by for an afternoon of drop-in crafting and snacks based on the book

Homer Babbidge Library
Thursday, March 26, 12-2pm
Room 1101, Level 1
Roam around Homer B for a little exercise and some fun including wellness reads, mindfulness activities, peer support, student lifesavers, party food, pizza, and prizes!

The main event for the 2026 UConn Reads program

Be The Cringe You Wish To See
with Chelsea Harvey Garner, author of
A Pity Party is Still a Party: A Feel-Good Guide to Feeling Bad

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 4:30-6:00pm (virtual only)

This event is available only to the UConn community via WebEx
Join the event!

In this intimate, accessible talk for readers and the public, we’ll dig into our collective struggle with shame and self-doubt, illustrating how these cycles keep us isolated in our darkest hour. We’ll draw from personal anecdotes and mental health research to outline the power of embracing embarrassment and how, by leaning into the cringe, we can not only turn pain into purpose but find true belonging with ourselves and our people. Featuring audience Q&A segment.  

Don't go it alone - join a Watch Party!

Avery Point Library
Conference Room in the Dean of Students' Office, Storrs
Puerto Rican and Latin American Culture Center, Storrs (tentative) 

This virtual event will include live captions via WebEx. If you require additional accommodations such as ASL interpreting, professional CART captioning, or another access support, please email Sara Harrington at sara.harrington@uconn.edu by March 10, 2026.