Music Time Tuesday, June 1 , 4–4:45 pm
Children ages 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to explore music in this hands-on four week program by learning songs, rhymes, and playing games. In addition to songs and games, children will be able to use various percussion instruments and listen to musical stories. With caregivers in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Children’s Beginner Chess Thursday, June 3, 4–5 pm
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game; basic checkmate themes and patterns and basic strategy and tactics. Practice games are part of the classroom lessons. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings (05/06/10 – 06/10/10), for children in grades 1-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of sign-up.
Children’s Advanced ChessThursday, June 3, 5-6 pm
Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, the more advanced students will: review the basics; learn more advanced strategy and tactics; learn optimal opening and endgame play and gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Practice games are part of the classroom lessons. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings (05/06/10-06/10/10), for children in grades 3-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of sign-up.
Beardsley Gallery Exhibition Opening-Traditions Friday, June 4, 6-7:30 pm
Beardsley Gallery presents “Traditions,” featuring paintings and sculptures by more than fifteen artists that are created primarily in the style and tradition of the old masters. Landscapes, still lifes and portraits by living masters and established artists as well as emerging artists will be showcased. Landscapes artists include: Burt Silverman, Curt Hanson, Dennis Sheehan, Glenn Harrington, Dmitri Danish and William Thomson; Still lifes category: Robert Palevitz, Kirill Doron, Grace Devito, Jean Walworth, Sandra Wakeen, Kelly Birkenruth; more contemporary collection: Ronald Ray Rogers, Sam Emler, Rich Denisiewicz and muralist Tim Huhn. Two works by renowned Chinese painter Tang Wei Min also will be on display. Exhibition runs through Monday, June 28. Proceeds benefit the library.
Green Meadows Farm Saturday, June 5, 2-3 pm
Children will have the opportunity to learn about frogs, bugs and animals of many different shapes, colors and sizes when Green Meadows Farm returns to Wilton Library. Three of our special guests are Stickers the tree frog, Toothpaste the tortoise and Tickles the hedgehog. Everyone will have the chance to meet and pet some of the lovable creatures including bugs, reptiles, hedgehogs, bunnies, and baby animals. Children ages 3 and up with caregiver. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Digital Photography: Working With Text in Photoshop Sunday, June 6, 2-3:30 pm
Creating annotated photos or greeting cards doesn’t mean block text anymore. Michael Franco will show you how to shadow, texturize, spin, bevel, float your text additions using Photoshop Elements. Hands-on class limited to ten students–advance registration required. To ensure the best learning experience for all, students are asked to arrive on time; no one will be permitted to enter classroom 10 minutes after start of the class. When the class is full, additional registrants will be added to a wait list. If any original registrants drop out, people from the wait list will be moved up to take the vacated spot.
Polish Story Times Monday, June 7, 4:30–5:15 pm
Polish story times continue with activities that include stories, games, songs, and more. Polish native Stasia Konarzewska shares her love of Polish culture and language with children of all backgrounds. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Registration required; no fee.
Area Author Affair: Peter Rubino Sculpting the Figure in Clay
Monday, June 7 , 6-7:30 pm
Artist and Wilton resident Peter Rubino’s new book is a comprehensive instructional guide to sculpting the human figure in clay, meant to simulate the classroom experience. The work includes a foreword written by jazz icon Dave Brubeck. Meet the artist as author and sculptor at the Area Author Affair, where Rubino will talk briefly and show a short DVD as well as present a clay demonstration. Refreshments served. The reception includes book sales and signings. Registration recommended.
Music Time Tuesday, June 8, 4–4:45 pm
Children ages 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to explore music in this hands-on four week program by learning songs, rhymes, and playing games. In addition to songs and games, children will be able to use various percussion instruments and listen to musical stories. With caregivers in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Wilton Reads:That Old Cape Magic with Susan Boyar
Tuesday June 8, 7-8:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar will lead an evening discussion of Richard Russo’s book That Old Cape Magic, a novel of deep introspection and every family feeling imaginable, with a middle-aged man confronting his parents and their failed marriage, his own troubled one, his daughter’s new life and, finally, what it was he thought he wanted and what in fact he has. The storytelling is flawless throughout, moments of great comedy and even hilarity alternating with others of rueful understanding and heart-stopping sadness, and its ending is at once surprising, uplifting and unlike anything this Pulitzer Prize winner has ever written. We are most grateful to our sponsors The Wilton Bank and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County for their generous contributions to underwrite our distribution of 100 free books, publicity, and fees associated with the Wilton Reads! Program.
American Girl: Happy Birthday, Kirsten! Wednesday, June 9, 4–4:45 pm
American Girl Kirsten Larson celebrates her birthday on June 8, 1854. Girls in grades 1-4 are invited to bring their own dolls to Wilton Library to celebrate Kirsten’s birthday. Kirsten is a pioneer girl of strength and spirit who settles on the American frontier. Participants will hear selections from Happy Birthday, Kirsten!, learn about Kirsten’s life as a pioneer in Minnesota, play a game, and partake in a craft and snack. Caregiver must remain in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Weir Farm Adair Burlingham Memorial Lecture The Holley House-American Impressionists and Their Friends
Wednesday, June 9 , 7-8:30 pm
Marybeth Gioffre Nisco, Director of Education at the Greenwich Historical Society, will present a talk on life in the Holley House located in Cos Cob, CT. Learn more about the American Impressionist artists such as John Henry Twachtman, Childe Hassam, J. Alden Weir, Theodore Robinson, Elmer MacRae and Ernest Lawson, their work and their inspiration as well as the everyday workings of running a boarding house for artists in Cos Cob, Edward and Josephine Holley, proprietors. A discussion based on photographs, letters and diaries from the archival collection will bring to life the bohemian atmosphere that abounded at the Holley House, located at 39 Strickland Road, now a National Historic Landmark. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by the Wilton Library. Reception follows. Registration recommended.
Wilton Reads: That Old Cape Magic with Joanna Ecke
Thursday June 10, 10:30 am-noon
Joanna Ecke returns to the Wilton Library to lead a daytime discussion of Richard Russo’s book That Old Cape Magic, a novel of deep introspection and every family feeling imaginable, with a middle-aged man confronting his parents and their failed marriage, his own troubled one, his daughter’s new life and, finally, what it was he thought he wanted and what in fact he has. The storytelling is flawless throughout, moments of great comedy and even hilarity alternating with others of rueful understanding and heart-stopping sadness, and its ending is at once surprising, uplifting and unlike anything this Pulitzer Prize winner has ever written. Dr. Ecke, a graduate of Smith College with a doctorate in literature from Duke University, is a retired Wilton High School English teacher and ‘occasional’ columnist for The Wilton Bulletin. We are most grateful to our sponsors The Wilton Bank and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County for their generous contributions to underwrite our distribution of 100 free books, publicity, and fees associated with the Wilton Reads! Program.
Children’s Beginner Chess Thursday, June 10, 4–5 pm
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game; basic checkmate themes and patterns and basic strategy and tactics. Practice games are part of the classroom lessons. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings (05/06/10 – 06/10/10), for children in grades 1-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of sign-up.
Go for the Stars Thursday, June 10, 4-5 pm
Liftoff to learning with this hands-on multimedia presentation. Meet Robo the friendly robot, who talks, moves, and interacts with the audience. Learn about robotics in space, living in space and so much more. Presented by Gary Pozzato, aerospace educator who has worked closely with NASA personnel on several educational projects, was a certified flight instructor and has helped with the manufacture of equipment for the NASA Space Suit, Space Shuttle Orbiter, and the International Space Station. Ages 5-105. Children under the age of 12 must have a caregiver present. Registration required.
Children’s Advanced ChessThursday, June 10, 5-6 pm
Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, the more advanced students will: review the basics; learn more advanced strategy and tactics; learn optimal opening and endgame play and gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Practice games are part of the classroom lessons. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings (05/06/10-06/10/10), for children in grades 3-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of sign-up.
WINRS Circle (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers) Saturday, June 12 , 3-4 pm
Each month the WINRS Circle book club discusses a new 2011 Nutmeg-nominated book. In addition to discussion, children can enjoy activities, games, trivia, and pizza generously donated by Wilton Pizza. June’s book is Swindle by Gordon Korman. Bring a friend, win a prize! Children in grades 4-6 with caregiver in the building. Registration required.
Board of Trustees Annual MeetingFriends of the Library 115th Annual Meeting
Sunday June 13, 4-5:30 pm
Wilton Library Association’s Friends of the Library 115th Annual Meeting. A brief business meeting will include the election of our new trustees and officers, a celebration of those who are retiring from our Board of Trustees, and the presentation of awards for Wilton Library’s outstanding volunteer and staff person of the year. Following the General Meeting and Election of Officers, Bill Hosley, advocate for Connecticut and New England history and art, will speak on ‘More than Books: Libraries, Community and Historic Preservation’, tracing almost 200 years in American library practice with a special focus on New England and its many municipal, historic and specialty research libraries. Bill’s background is in history, art history, economics and American culture, with degrees from Middlebury College (BA, Economics), the Winterthur Program (University of Delaware) and University of Colorado (Museum Management) that complement 30+ years of experience in historic preservation, exhibition and program development, institutional advancement and planning and marketing.
Reception following the meeting and talk. Open to the public. Registration encouraged.
Board of Trustees Annual MeetingLIBRARY CLOSING AT 4 PM
Friends of the Library 115th Annual Meeting
Sunday June 13, 4-5:30 pm
Wilton Library Association’s Friends of the Library 115th Annual Meeting. A brief business meeting will include the election of our new trustees and officers, a celebration of those who are retiring from our Board of Trustees, and the presentation of awards for Wilton Library’s outstanding volunteer and staff person of the year. Following the General Meeting and Election of Officers, Bill Hosley, advocate for Connecticut and New England history and art, will speak on ‘More than Books: Libraries, Community and Historic Preservation’, tracing almost 200 years in American library practice with a special focus on New England and its many municipal, historic and specialty research libraries. Bill’s background is in history, art history, economics and American culture, with degrees from Middlebury College (BA, Economics), the Winterthur Program (University of Delaware) and University of Colorado (Museum Management) that complement 30+ years of experience in historic preservation, exhibition and program development, institutional advancement and planning and marketing.
Reception following the meeting and talk. Open to the public. Registration encouraged.
Polish Story Times Monday, June 14, 4:30–5:15 pm
Polish story times continue with activities that include stories, games, songs, and more. Polish native Stasia Konarzewska shares her love of Polish culture and language with children of all backgrounds. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Registration required; no fee.
Third Tuesday Songwriters’ Circle Tuesday, June 15, 11 am–12:30 pm
Monthly get-together for songwriters “in the round,” followed by time for a brown bag lunch. Participants are encouraged to share work or work-in-progress, listen and meet writing partners. Registration preferred.
Music Time Tuesday, June 29, 4–4:45 pm
Children ages 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to explore music in this hands-on four week program by learning songs, rhymes, and playing games. In addition to songs and games, children will be able to use various percussion instruments and listen to musical stories. With caregivers in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Resume Writing Workshop-Meredith Horton
Tuesday, June 15, 7-8:30 pm
This workshop has been constructed with all the different faces of the job hunter in mind: from the college student entering the job market or seeking an internship, those changing careers, the formerly employed re-entering the job market, and more. Meredith Horton, owner of The Golden Ticket: Professional Resume Writers hosts this workshop. Participants should bring their resumes or construct a list of job experiences and achievements. No charge. Registration recommended. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and Wilton Chamber of Commerce.
Danbury Branch Rail Improvements EIS Public Information Meeting
Tuesday, June 15 , 7-9 pm
Hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, this meeting is being held as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process sponsored by the U.S. DOT’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The meeting is a ‘Pre-Draft Environmental Impact Statement’ information session to offer the public a chance to review and provide input on the potential improvements to the Danbury Branch commuter rail line that are presented in the EIS, and to review the potential environmental impacts that could result from these proposed improvements. The public will have an opportunity to meet with Connecticut DOT representatives, ask questions, and provide input into the preferred alternatives. It will be an interactive session and will include presentations and a video on the proposed project. Registration suggested.
Friday, July 16, 10:30-11:30 am; 2-4 pm
Kids can enjoy Friday movies through Aug. 20. 10:30 am — My Friend Rabbit; 2 pm — Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief (PG). Snacks will be served. All ages with a caregiver. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
A Visit to Ambler Farm Wednesday, June 16 , 2-2:45 pm
Children ages 4-5 are invited to join Wilton Library in a visit to Ambler Farm. Caregivers and children will meet at Ambler Farm to enjoy theme based stories as well as a nature walk. Children may check books out at the farm, so caregivers should bring their library cards. The focus will be on bees. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
New Perspectives Film Series: In the Shadow of the Moon
Thursday, June 17, 7–8:30 pm
Winner of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival’s World Cinema Audience Award for Documentaries, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON encapsulates the era between 1968 and 1972 when America went to the moon. All the pride and passion of that time is captured in the archival material from the original NASA film footage and interviews with surviving astronauts. The film is directed by David Sington, a self-taught documentary film director who produced and directed 22 documentary films on a very wide range of subjects while working for the BBC. Bill Harris, an Emmy-award winning documentary film producer and broadcast television executive and Wilton resident, will host the Q&A following the film. Bill has a built a 30+ year career with every major network, including A&E television networks and the History channel. Donations are always welcomed. Registration recommended.
Drop-in Father’s Day Crafts Friday, June 18, 10 am–6 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a craft to take home. No program fee, no registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Circus Stars! Saturday June 19, 2-3 pm
Join the Children’s Library in this fun, interactive program offered by the Barnum Museum. Children will have the opportunity to learn all about the circus including circus history and what Connecticut’s own P.T. Barnum had to say about why circuses are so special. Children will also have a chance to learn about types of clowns and become a clown themselves! Don’t forget your cameras! Ages 4 and up. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers’ Fund.
Readin’, Ridin’ & Ropin’ Go West at Wilton Library 2010 Summer Reading Program
Monday June 21
Children up to age 12 can register for the summer reading program, “Readin’, Ridin’ & Ropin’— Go West at Wilton Library.” Program activities begin June 24 through Aug. 20 with crafts, story times, movies, musical entertainment and much more. Children can register for the program and have fun coloring their Readin’, Ridin’ & Ropin’ posters.
Red Cross Babysitting Training (Part 1)CLASS FILLED; CALL TO BE PLACED ON WAIT LIST.
Tuesday June 22, 3-6 pm
2-day workshop conducted by the Red Cross for students ages 11-15. Upon completion of the course, all students will receive a babysitting certification. Cost = $65.00 due before class. To register, call Susan L. @762-3950 x.243. (Registration can not be done on-line.) Once placed on the list, the patron must send a $65.00 check made out to the Wilton Library to Susan in order to hold the spot. Maximum of 12 per class. Students should bring drinks &/or snacks to the class.
Music Time Tuesday, June 22, 4–4:45 pm
Children ages 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to explore music in this hands-on four week program by learning songs, rhymes, and playing games. In addition to songs and games, children will be able to use various percussion instruments and listen to musical stories. With caregivers in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Teen Summer Reading Program Wednesday, June 23 through August 18, 10 am–8 pm
Teens who finish at least one book each week can come to the Teen Room to add the title to their passport and be entered to win that week’s prize. At the end of the summer, receive one entry for each week a teen finishes a book (maximum of 8 entries) for the grand prize — a Flip MinoHD video camera gift card. For students entering grades 7-12. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. Swing by the Teen Room to pick up your passport.
Red Cross Babysitting Training (Part 2)CLASS FILLED; CALL TO BE PLACED ON WAIT LIST.
Wednesday June 23, 3-6 pm
2-day workshop conducted by the Red Cross for students ages 11-15. Upon completion of the course, all students will receive a babysitting certification. Cost = $65.00 due before class. To register, call Susan L. @762-3950 x.243. (Registration can not be done on-line.) Once placed on the list, the patron must send a $65.00 check made out to the Wilton Library to Susan in order to hold the spot. Maximum of 12 per class. Students should bring drinks &/or snacks to the class.
Wilton High School Film Festival Wednesday, June 23, 7–8 pm
For the seventh consecutive year, Wilton High School Video Production students have assembled the best of their video projects to be viewed by the public. Teacher Ken Boehm will be screening and giving out awards for video programs from the fall and spring of this school year. This year’s screenings will focus on the Wilton Go Green Festival held on May 2 that the students taped and edited for a documentary of the day. Advance registration is suggested. Co-sponsored by Wilton High School and Wilton Library.
Rootin’, Tootin’, Readin’ Roundup Thursday, June 24, 1:30–4:30 pm
Lasso your friends and come on down to the Children’s Library’s annual summer reading kick-off event! Children can sign-up for the Readin’, Ridin’ & Ropin’— Go West at Wilton Library 2010 summer reading program as well as enjoy crafts, games, activities, and food. Open to children of all ages. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Have Your Cake and Read It, Too! Child/Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, June 24 , 6:30-7:30 pm
Join Wilton Library’s Kids’ Book Club for children in grades 3 and up; dessert will be served and adults will be included. Children and their adults will read the book selection and then join the discussion. This month’s selection is The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare. No program fee, registration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Kiwanis Kids’ Korner Saturday, June 26, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 4 – 7 are invited to this story time program offered by the Wilton Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis member Gail Lavielle will share stories, songs and activities with the children. Caregivers must remain in the building. No registration. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wilton.
Wilton Reads: That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo
Sunday June 27, 4-6 pm
We encourage all community members to join us this spring as we come together to read, discuss and reflect upon That Old Cape Magic, an always touching and often hilarious work of fiction by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo, culminating in today’s appearance at the Wilton Library to discuss this work. It’s been called “a novel of deep introspection and every family feeling imaginable,” threaded through with “moments of great comedy and even hilarity alternating with others of rueful understanding and heart-stopping sadness.”
Bob Minzesheimer, USA Today reviewer, said of the author, “Russo has a gift for creating flawed characters you care about, despite or because of their flaws.” Those who have read his previous works will remember the complex yet resonating personalities that came to life on the pages of works such as Mohawk, Nobody’s Fool, Straight Man, Empire Falls (2002 Pulitzer Prize), and Bridge of Sighs. His publisher notes, “Russo’s vision of America would be bleak, except for the wit and optimism he infuses into his stories. Even when his characters are less than lovable, they are funny, rueful, and unfailingly human.”
Q&A following talk. The Wilton Bank has underwritten our distribution of 100 free books, publicity and fees association with the Wilton Reads! program. Books will also be available for purchase and signing following the talk. Reservations strongly recommended.
We are most grateful to our sponsors The Wilton Bank and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County for their generous contributions to underwrite our distribution of 100 free books, publicity, and fees associated with the Wilton Reads! Program.
Drop-in Summer Crafts Monday, June 28 , 10 am-8 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours on Mondays through August 16 (Library closed Monday, July 5) and make a craft to take home. Crafts follow theme of Readin’, Ridin’, Ropin’— Go West at Wilton Library. No registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Drop-in Crafts for Teens Tuesday, June 29, 1–5 pm
Teens will use natural products to decorate a pot and then add a plant. Sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation. for teens throughout the summer. Check Wilton Library’s website for details and dates.
Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception Paul Balmer
Tuesday, June 29, , 6-7:30 pm
Paul Balmer was born in South Africa, and lived in Australia before art took him to Europe and the US and specifically New York City. The colors, shape, and primitiveness of his New York cityscapes reflect the influence of his roots in South Africa and Australia. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.
American Tail: Fievel Goes West Wednesday, June 30, 3–4:30 pm
Join the library for this fun movie that goes along with our summer theme – Readin’, Ridin’ & Ropin’— Go West! Snacks will be served. All ages, children under the age of 8 must have caregivers present; children under 12 must have caregivers in the building. No registration, no fee. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Veggie Tees for Teens Wednesday, June 30, 4–6 pm
Use vegetables as stamps to transform a plain white t-shirt. For teens entering grades 7-12 and recent HS graduates. Limited space. Registration required. All materials supplied. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.
