ESL Classes

Mondays and Wednesdays, September 20 through December 22, 9:30–11:30 am
No session Monday, October 11.
Twice-weekly classes in English as a Second Language will be presented on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9/20 – 12/22 at the Wilton Library by Westport Continuing Education, for both Wilton residents and those in surrounding communities. The class is for students at the intermediate to advanced level. Class size is limited and will be determined by Placement Testing. This test to enter the class will be conducted on September 13 from 10 – noon at the library. No registration is necessary to take the test – just walk in.
Note: Placement testing will also be held on Monday, September 13 and Thursday, September 16 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Westport Continuing Education, Staples High School, 70 North Ave, Westport.

Wilton Library’s Holiday Book Sale

Wednesday, December 1 through Thursday, December 23
The library’s holiday book sale in the gallery is a seasonal delight. Bargains can be found – most of the items are new or like-new condition, making a terrific opportunity for holiday gift-giving. Items include books, unopened CDs and DVDs, children’s books. As items are sold, new ones appear daily, thanks to the hard-working book sale volunteers, who always seem to have an un-ending supply of tantalizing offerings. All sales support the library. Open during regular library hours through December 23.

Lego® Club

Wednesday December 1, 4–5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to join this bi-weekly club. Each session will be based on a new theme such as castles, vehicles, towers and more. Children will learn about the theme through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required, no fee. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

North and South: Book Discussion with Bill Ziegler

Friday December 3, 10:30 am-noon
Bill Ziegler will lead a discussion of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. Copies of the book will be available in the Book Club book area for advance reading. The following two weeks, the approximately 3 hour film of the same name will be shown in the Brubeck Room from 10:30AM to 12:30PM, with a brief Q&A following the film. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; the library will provide coffee, tea, water and chips. Registration highly recommended.

Wilton Holiday Walk

Friday, December 3, 5-7 pm
Wilton Library takes part in the annual Wilton Holiday Walk and provides refreshments, a warm, inviting fire in the fireplace and shelter from a cold, winter night. A little something for everyone.

Children’s Author Gail Carson Levine

Saturday, December 4, 2-3 pm
Children of all ages are invited to meet Newbery Honor winning author Gail Carson Levine. Ms. Levine will be talking about her latest picture book, Betsy Red Hoodie, and will also be available for autographs afterward. Book sales will be provided by Elm Street Books of New Canaan and benefit both the library and Elm Street Books. Don’t forget your cameras! Registration required. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Candlelight Concert at the Wilton Congregational Church:

The Waverly Consort
Sunday, December 5 , 4-6 pm
In the timeless spirit and pageantry of the medieval church dramas and mystery plays, eight singers and five instrumentalists recount the events of Christmas. An uplifting and moving celebration of ritual drama and song. All performances are on Sunday afternoons at the Wilton Congregational Church located at 70 Ridgefield Road, Wilton. A portion of the proceeds benefits Wilton Library. For ticket information call 203-762-3401 or visit www.wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.

Wilton Library’s Annual Friends Holiday Party

Sunday, December 5 , 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Wilton Library Association trustees host this annual holiday get-together. The public is welcome.

The Message is the Medium

New Ways to Connect with Customers:
Optimizing Search Engines
Judi Virgulak and Jessica Trichilo
Tuesday, December 7, 8-930 am
A series of programs to acquaint and update community businesses with the latest technology to promote their business is being offered through joint sponsorship by the the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the Wilton Library. Each program will feature a speaker for approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A.

In this final program of the series, JumarMarketing, LLC founder and president, Judi Virgulak and senior manager, Jessica Trichilo will present a workshop geared toward business owners with solid information on how to boost your marketing and build your business. Online marketing strategies, including Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing and Social Media Marketing will be highlighted.

Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries will be provided. To promote networking and discussion among participants, refreshments will continue to be available until 10:00AM. The fee for the programs is $10 separately, or $50 for the package of seven.

Drop-in Story Times for 1s and 2s

Tuesday, December 7, 10:15-10:45 am
This program is a sharing time for toddlers and their caregivers. The finger plays, songs, books and activities are selected to introduce children to the library and to story times. No program charge. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Drop-in Story Times for 3s and 4s

Tuesday, December 7,  11-11:30 am
For 3 and 4 years olds with a caregiver. By interacting with stories, singing songs and acting out finger plays and rhymes, children in this program gain pre-reading skills and learn how to participate in a group setting.

iPad? Kindle? Nook? Oh my!

Tuesday, December 7, 11 am–12:30 pm
Wilton Library’s Executive Director, Kathy Leeds, and Head of Network Services, Mary Anne Franco, discuss and demonstrate the iPad, Kindle, and Nook. Learn about the pros and cons of the various devices, along with costs. Just in time for holiday purchases. Advance registration strongly suggested.

Drop-in Story Times for 4s-6s

Tuesday, December 7, 2:15-3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. This is a story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy. Children will hear stories, watch short films, sing songs, and do a craft. No registration.

The Divvies Bakery Cookbook: Author Lori Sandler

Tuesday, December 7, 7-8:30 pm
Meet Lori Sandler, the Mom behind Divvies, who is treating the world to her kid-tested secrets, recipes and tips for making sweets without milk, eggs, and nuts (some are gluten-free, too!), just simply delicious; and making eating her treats a shared, fun experience with her new cookbook, The Divvies Bakery Cookbook: No Nuts. No Eggs. No Dairy. Just Delicious! Samples available. No charge. Books available for purchase and signing from Elm Street Books. Book sales benefit both Elm Street Books and Wilton Library. Registration suggested.

Drop-in Story Times for 2s and 3s

Wednesday, December 8, 11-11:30 am
Join the library for 2 and 3 year old story time. Children and their caregivers will sing songs, listen to stories, and enjoy playtime together while building literacy and social skills. No registration.

Day Trip to the New York Botanical Garden: Holiday Train Show

Thursday, December 9 , 9:30 am-4:30 pm
New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a winter tradition not to be missed. Wrapped in the glow of twinkling lights, model trains and trolleys enliven the exhibition zipping over bridges and along winding tracks through replicas of 140 New York landmarks. Lunch is on your own. Cost of trip – $55. Bus leaves promptly at 9:30AM and will return to the library by approximately 4:30PM. Payment with registration must be complete by Friday, December 3rd. Refunds provided only if your space is filled. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. To register, please call 203-762-3950 or stop by the Circulation Desk at Wilton Library.

Board of Finance Community Forum

Thursday, December 9, 10:30 am–noon
As the Town Budget season begins, the Board of Finance invites constituents to an informational meeting where members of the Board will present an overview of how the Town’s Mill Rate is developed and the Board of Finance’s preliminary Three Year Forecast of Mill Rates. The Board will welcome questions and comments. Please attend one of the December information sessions at the Library and help shape the Town’s priorities.
Additional date: Thursday, December 16 at 7:30 pm

North and South: Film Showing and Discussion with Bill Ziegler

Friday December 10, 10:30-1 pm
This week, the first half of the BBC film version of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South will be shown from 10:30AM-12:30PM with a short Q&A discussion led by Bill Ziegler following the film. This session follows a discussion of the book led by Bill Ziegler on December 2nd. Viewers are invited to bring a brown bag lunch to eat during or after the film; the library will provide coffee, tea, water and chips. Please note that copies of the book will be available in the Book Club book area for advance reading. Registration highly recommended.

Art Exhibition Reception for Artisan House

A Retrospective: Four Decades of Artistry
Friday, December 10, 6-7:30 pm
This unique exhibition will trace the development of the C. Jeré line-beginning with representational sculptures from the 1970s to 2010s contemporary designs. The exhibits features sculpture made with various metals including steel, brass, copper, bronze and aluminum. Sculptures will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Exhibit runs through December 30. Reception open to the public.

Fancy Nancy Author Jane O’Connor Visits

Saturday, December 11, 11-11:45 am
Children and parents are invited to a special presentation with popular children’s author Jane O’Connor. Ms. O’Connor will share her latest book, Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique, as well as answer questions from the audience and sign books. Make sure you bring your cameras! Copies of Jane O’Connor’s books will be provided by Elm Street Books of New Canaan and will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation. Book sales benefit both the library and Elm Street Books of New Canaan. Registration required as space is limited. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver. This event is co-sponsored by Wilton Library and Elm Street Books.

WINRs Circle (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers)

Saturday, December 11, 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. December’s book is First Light by Rebecca Stead. Children in grades 4-6 with caregiver in the building. Registration required; no fee. Sponsored by a generous grant from HSBC Bank.

Math Club for Kids

Sunday December 12, 3-4 pm
Come join an exciting, interactive math club hosted by Wilton High School student, Kevin Murphy. Kids can explore the fascinating side of math that is not taught in school, featuring interesting math and logic puzzles, challenging trick questions, and cool mathematical ideas. This program runs Nov. 14, 28 and Dec. 12 at 3:00 pm. Ages 10-13, children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration.

Area Author Affair: Cathryn J. Prince

A Professor, a President and a Meteor
Monday, December 13, 6-7 pm
Based on a wealth of original source documents and interviews with current experts in history, astronomy, and geology, journalist Cathryn J. Prince tells the remarkable story of Benjamin Silliman, arguably America’s first bonafide scientist who discovered a meteor in 1807 and seemly changed the world perspective of American science. Cathryn J. Prince (Weston, CT) is the author of Burn the Town and Sack the Banks: Confederates Attack Vermont! and Shot from the Sky: American POWs in Switzerland. She is an adjunct professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University, a reporter for Wilton Patch, and a freelance reporter for the Christian Science Monitor and Weston Magazine. Books available for purchase and signing to benefit Wilton Library. Refreshments served. Registration recommended.

A Scandinavian Christmas with Santa Claus

Monday, December 13, 6-7:30 pm
Join the library for a traditional Scandinavian Christmas. Children and parents can enjoy snacks, games, and stories. Marika LeFevre will share stories from her homeland of Finland. After the Scandinavian festivities, Santa Claus will make an appearance! Don’t forget to bring your cameras! Registration recommended for the first hour. Santa Claus will be joining us around 7 pm.

Drop-in Story Times for 1s and 2s

Tuesday, December 14, 10:15-10:45 am
This program is a sharing time for toddlers and their caregivers. The finger plays, songs, books and activities are selected to introduce children to the library and to story times. No program charge. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Drop-in Story Times for 3s and 4s

Tuesday, December 14, 11-11:30 am
For 3 and 4 years olds with a caregiver. By interacting with stories, singing songs and acting out finger plays and rhymes, children in this program gain pre-reading skills and learn how to participate in a group setting.

Drop-in Story Times for 4s-6s

Tuesday, December 14, 2:15-3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. This is a story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy. Children will hear stories, watch short films, sing songs, and do a craft. No registration.

Coping With Grief during the Holidays

Tuesday, December 14, 4-5:30 pm
The holidays can be an especially challenging time for those who have lost a loved one. Learn coping strategies for being with the holidays in a new way that supports you. Facilitated by Rev. Karen S. Judd, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). Presented by Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. Registration suggested.

Holiday Craft for Teens

Tuesday, December 14, 4-5:30 pm
Join artist Katie Stevenson and learn to make beaded ornaments, snowflakes, stars, wreaths and candy canes, while listening to holiday tunes. For teens in grades 7-12. Registration required. Limited space. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

New Perspectives Film Series:

TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS
Tuesday, December 14, 7-9 pm
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is the first time that the Kiwi entertainment double act, Jools and Lynda Topp’s extraordinary personal story has been told. The film offers a revealing look into the lives of the world’s only comedic, country singing, dancing, and yodeling lesbian twin sisters. Celebrating their half century this year, the Topp twins have attained a unique status within New Zealand culture, and their fans range from hard core political activists, to sheep farmers and “Ladies who Lunch.” Their ability to relate to all kinds of people, and their natural gift for humor, has helped them cross from the fringes to the mainstream. Registration recommended. Megan Smith-Harris will host the Q&A following the film.

Drop-in Story Times for 2s and 3s

Wednesday, December 15, 11-11:30 am
Join the library for 2 and 3 year old story time. Children and their caregivers will sing songs, listen to stories, and enjoy playtime together while building literacy and social skills. No registration.

A Visit to Ambler Farm

Wednesday, December 15, 2:15-3 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 make sure to bring your library card! During the month of September the focus will be on fruit. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. This program runs for four months through December. Call for details (203)762-3950 x217. Please register children individually.

Lego® Club

Wednesday December 15, 4–5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to join this bi-weekly club. Each session will be based on a new theme such as castles, vehicles, towers and more. Children will learn about the theme through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required, no fee. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Have Your Cake and Read It, Too!

Child/Adult Book Discussion
Thursday December 16 , 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 selection is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Registration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Behavioral Finance:

The Science of Fear and Greed: Introduction to Behavioral Finance
Thursday December 16, 7-8:30 pm
Why do investors get it wrong? How do your emotions affect your investments? How emotionally are you tied to your money? Mimi O’Leary, Vice President for ING Funds, will answer these questions and explore the theme of Behavioral Finance in this last in a seminar series organized by Steve Sherman, Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Westport, CT office. Refreshments served. Sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, ING, and Wilton Library. Registration encouraged.

Board of Finance Community Forum

Thursday, December 16, 7:30–9 pm
As the Town Budget season begins, the Board of Finance invites constituents to an informational meeting where members of the Board will present an overview of how the Town’s Mill Rate is developed and the Board of Finance’s preliminary Three Year Forecast of Mill Rates. The Board will welcome questions and comments. Please attend one of the December information sessions at the Library and help shape the Town’s priorities.

North and South: Film Showing and Discussion with Bill Ziegler

Friday December 17, 10:30-1 pm
This week, the second half of the film version of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South will be shown from 10:30AM-12:30PM with a short Q&A discussion led by Bill Ziegler following the film. This session follows a discussion of the book led by Bill Ziegler on December 2nd and the viewing of the first half of the film version on December 9th. Viewers are invited to bring a brown bag lunch to eat during or after the film; the library will provide coffee, tea, water and chips. Please note that copies of the book will be available in the Book Club book area for advance reading. No charge. Registration highly recommended.

“Sip & Support” Wine Tasting Fundraiser

for Wilton Library at Ancona’s Wines in Wilton
Saturday, December 18, 2-7 pm
In a continuing effort to give back to the community, Ancona’s Wines & Liquors is providing a wine tasting for Wilton Library in which 100% of all profits of the sales of the selected wines offered for the tastings will be donated to the library. Just in time for holiday gift buying and dining. Ancona’s is located in the Stop & Shop shopping center at 5 River Road in Wilton.

Tea with the Princesses

Saturday, December 18 , 3-4 pm
Children ages 4-7 are invited to tea with the Disney princesses. Children will enjoy making their very own fairy wands and visiting with Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora and more. Tasty treats such as small sandwiches, cupcakes, fruit and a chocolate fountain, will be provided as well as goody bags and a raffle. Ages 4-7. $15 per child. Registration is required in-person and payment is due upon registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

SPED*NET at the Library: A Yearlong Series Hosted by Michael Weiss, Ph.D.

Developing a ‘Behavior Support Plan’
Monday December 20, 10 am-12:30 pm
(Snow Date Wednesday, December 22, 2010)
Dr. Weiss will discuss the formal construction of behavioral strategies that can be useful in supporting a behaviorally challenged child, along with proactive strategies that influence behavior. Participants will leave with tailored lists of information relevant to using behavioral techniques with their child, such as ‘interest inventories,’ reinforcement strategies and forms of time-out strategies that may be influential with your child. Many of these strategies will flow from the development of a ‘Functional Developmental Analysis (FDA)’ discussed in the October 25th session. Coffee and tea served. All programs are 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Registration highly recommended. To register, please call Wilton Library at 203-762-3950 or SPED*NET Wilton at 203-563-9994 or e-mail rsvp@spednetwilton.org. Note: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Co-sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton, www.spednetwilton.org.

Drop-in Story Times for 1s and 2s

Tuesday, December 21, 10:15-10:45 am
This program is a sharing time for toddlers and their caregivers. The finger plays, songs, books and activities are selected to introduce children to the library and to story times. No program charge. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Drop-in Story Times for 3s and 4s

Tuesday, December 21, 11-11:30 am
For 3 and 4 years olds with a caregiver. By interacting with stories, singing songs and acting out finger plays and rhymes, children in this program gain pre-reading skills and learn how to participate in a group setting.

Drop-in Story Times for 4s-6s

Tuesday, December 21, 2:15-3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. This is a story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy. Children will hear stories, watch short films, sing songs, and do a craft. No registration.

Drop-in Story Times for 2s and 3s

Wednesday, December 22 , 11-11:30 am
Join the library for 2 and 3 year old story time. Children and their caregivers will sing songs, listen to stories, and enjoy playtime together while building literacy and social skills. No registration.