Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers Tuesday, January 25 through Tuesday, March 15 , 10:15-10:45 am
This program is a sharing time for 1 and 2 year olds and their caregivers. The emphasis is on books,
with some songs and puzzles. No registration. 8-week program.
Look, Listen and Learn Tuesday, January 25 through Tuesday, March 15, 11-11:30 am
For 3 and 4 years olds with parent/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. No registration; no fee. 8-week program.
Literary Littles Tuesdays, January 25 through Tuesday, March 15, 2:15–3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. Story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy with stories, short films, songs and crafts. No registration. 8-week program.
Postponed to Tuesday, February 8, 6:30-8 pm
Learn to create and format a basic spreadsheet in Excel 2007 in this free class. Basic computer skills, including mouse proficiency, are required. 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.
Wednesday, January 26 through Monday, May 11, 9:30-11:30 am
Twice-weekly intermediate and advanced level classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages will begin on Wednesday, January 26th and will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays until April 25th at Wilton Library by Westport Continuing Education. Testing and registration required.
Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers Wednesday, January 26 through Wednesday, March 16, 10:15-10:45 am
This program is a sharing time for 1 and 2 year olds and their caregivers. The emphasis is on books, with some songs and puzzles. No registration; no fee. 8-week program.
Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes Wednesday, January 26 through Wednesday, March 16 , 11-11:30 am
Join Wilton 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. 8-week program.
Aspects of the Short Story with Bill Ziegler Thursday, February 3, 10:30-noon
Bill Ziegler will again lead his popular five-part series of short stories on February 3, 10, 17, 24, and Tuesday, March 1. Participants read and discuss a variety of short stories that illustrate the characteristics of the genre and provide a basis for critical evaluation. The stories will be available at the circulation desk before the seminar begins. Advance registration is required.
Thursday, February 3, 12:30-2 pm
Learn to create and format a basic spreadsheet in Excel 2007 in this free class. Basic computer skills, including mouse proficiency, are required. 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.
Children’s Beginner Chess Thursday, February 3 through March 31 , 4-5 pm
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Department’s 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, basic strategy and tactics. Students to play games and put the lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 1-7. No session February 24. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.
Children’s Advanced Chess Thursday, February 3 through March 31 , 5-6 pm
Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join the Children’s Department’s Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, more experienced players will: review the basics, learn more advanced strategies and tactics, learn optimal opening and endgame play, gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Students to play games and put the lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 3-7. No session February 24. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.
Wilton Up Close Art Reception Friday, February 4, 6-7:30 pm
SNOW DATE Friday, February 11, 6-7:30 pm
February’s art exhibition at Wilton Library features photos and writings by a group of Wilton students participating in the Wilton Up Close project with photographer Daryl Haws. The reception is open to the public; the exhibition runs through Friday, February 25.
New Perspectives Film Series: Joan Rivers Saturday, February 5, 7:30-9:30 pm
The documentary, Joan Rivers –A Piece of Work, created to celebrate her 75th birthday in 2010, exposes the private dramas of this irreverent, legendary comedian and pop icon as she fights tooth and nail to remain the queen of comedy. Filmed as a cinema verité documentary, the film reveals a rare glimpse of the comedic process and the toxic mixture of self-doubt and anger that often fuels it. Join host documentary film maker, Megan Smith-Harris, for a lively Q&A with special guest Julia Harrison, an aspiring stand up comedienne, following the screening.
Math Club for Kids Sunday February 6, 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. Ages 10-13, children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. Club also meets February 20, March 6 & 20.
Literary Littles Mondays, January 24 through Monday, March 14 , 2:15-3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. Story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy with stories, short films, songs and crafts. No registration. No session on Monday, February 21.
Senior Center Book Discussion Tuesday, February 8, 11 am-noon
William Ziegler leads a discussion of The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham. Group meets 4th Tuesday of each month through May. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton. Visit Senior Center Book Discussion for more dates and titles.
Experience Robotic Surgery Like a SurgeonPresentation and Demonstration
Tuesday, February 8, 7-8:30 pm
Chief of Robotic Surgery Jonathan Bernie, M.D., Norwalk Hospital, takes participants through the ins-and-outs of robotic surgery with a presentation and demonstration of the da Vinci® Surgical System. Surgeons are now able to offer a minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal activities. Attendees will be able to learn about the new technology and try it out for themselves (under supervision). Brought to you by Norwalk Hospital and Wilton Library. Registration encouraged.
Wilton Library Readers Wednesday, February 9, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Freedom by Jonathan Franzen (postponed from January due to snowstorm). Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit WLA Readers . Advance registration suggested.
Lego Club Wednesday, February 9, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up learn about themes 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.
Two Angry Moms: Video and Panel DiscussionHow to Help Your Kids Eat Healthier
Wednesday, February 9, 7-9 pm
Wilton Library will be co-sponsoring the event with the Wilton Alliance for a Healthier Community. Program begins with a sampling of healthy natural foods provided by Joseph Ancona of Ancona’s Market, Ridgefield. “Two Angry Moms” video screening is then followed by a panel discussion to promote healthier eating and an outline of what initiatives are being taken in Wilton schools. Parents are encouraged to bring school-age children.
Author/Illustrator Tracy Sugarman:We Had Sneakers, They Had Guns:
The Kids Who Fought for Civil Rights in Mississippi
Thursday, February 10, 7-8:30 pm
To celebrate Black History Month, the Wilton Library is partnering with A Better Chance of Wilton to host an evening with author and illustrator, Tracy Sugarman. We Had Sneakers – They Had Guns is “a sympathetic journey into the past of the civil rights struggle in the Magnolia state [Mississippi] with blacks and whites with whom Sugarman worked in 1964 and 1965. It is a thoughtful contemplation and affirmative, often loving, memoir of a time and place he believes moved the whole nation forward in its search for racial justice.” At the age of 89, Tracy Sugarman, a Westport resident for 60 years, will share his experience and discuss excerpts from his book. This event is the kick–off celebration for ABC’s “I Dream A World” concert, a community event which will be held on Saturday, February 12 at the Clune Center. No charge. Q&A following talk. Book sales before and after the talk with author signing following the talk. Refreshments. Registration highly encouraged.
Read the Book / See the Film: The Razor’s Edge Friday, February 11, 10:30 am-1 pm
The Senior Center Book Discussion, moderated by Bill Ziegler, examined The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham this week. View the 1984 film version starring Bill Murray, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film will be shown in the Brubeck Room, with a discussion led by Bill Ziegler following the film. Open to all. Registration requested.
WINRs Circle Saturday, February 12 , 3-4 pm
Each month the WINRs (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers) Circle book club will discuss a new 2012 Nutmeg nominated book. In addition to discussion, children will have the opportunity to participate in activities, games, trivia, and pizza generously donated by Wilton Pizza. All of the nominees will be presented at this first meeting. Bring a friend, win a prize! Children in grades 4-6 with caregiver in the building. Registration required. Sponsored the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Valentine’s Day Crafts Sunday, February 13, 1-5 pm
Stop by Wilton Library’s Children’s library to make your very own Valentine’s Day craft to take home. All ages with a caregiver, no fee. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
150 YEARS LATER: Why the Civil War Mattered – Steven Hahn
Sunday February 13, 2-3:30 pm
Wilton Historical Society
Try to imagine what our country might have looked like if the Civil War could have been avoided. Suppose it had turned out differently, perhaps an armistice instead of a decisive victory. In his talk, Steven Hahn addresses the significance of the Civil War by talking about what might have been in order to discuss why the Civil War mattered. Steven Hahn speaks to the power of slaveholding interests on the eve of the war and just how unlikely it was for the war to end with an unconditional victory of the Union. He will also speak to the various alternatives to the slave emancipation that took place.
Steven Hahn received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is a specialist on history of nineteenth-century America, African-American history, the history of the American South, and the international history of slavery and emancipation. He is the author of The Roots of Southern Populism: Yeoman Farmers and the Transformation of the Georgia Upcountry, 1850-1890 (Oxford University Press, 1983), which received both the Allan Nevins Prize of the Society of American Historians and the Frederick Jackson Turner Award of the Organization of American Historians, as well as of articles that have appeared in Past and Present, the American Historical Review, and the Journal of Southern History.
In 2004, Hahn’s book, A Nation Under our Feet: Black Political Struggles in the Rural South from Slavery to the Great Migration (Harvard University Press), received the Pulitzer Prize in History, the Bancroft Prize in American History, and the Merle Curti Prize in Social History of the Organization of American Historians. In 2007, he delivered the Nathan I. Huggins Lectures at Harvard University which were subsequently published as The Political Worlds of Slavery and Freedom (Harvard University Press, 2009). Hahn has been on the faculties of the University of Delaware, the University of California, San Diego, and Northwestern University before coming to Penn. He has been appointed the Lawrence Stone Visiting Professor at Princeton University and the Pitt Professor at Cambridge University and is an elected Fellow of the Society of American Historians. Program sponsored by Ellen and Tom Mann
Hahn has been actively involved with projects that promote the teaching of history in the public schools and that make humanities education available to diverse members of the community.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE FOUR DATES IN THIS SERIES. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH SESSION YOU WISH TO ATTEND.
The remaining lectures are as follows – please note location of each lecture:
Tuesday, February 15, 10:30 am-12 pm
Do you feel you are missing the social networking wave? Do you want to know more about Facebook but are afraid to ask? Mary Anne Franco will take you on a tour of Facebook, including how to sign up for an account, sharing status, finding friends, posting photos and privacy settings. This is a demonstration style class and questions are encouraged.
It’s Not That I’m Bitter . . .Author Talk Luncheon with Gina Barreca
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 noon-2 pm
Gina Barreca, professor of English and feminist theory at the University of Connecticut, whose previous books have been translated into eight languages, is a world-renowned public speaker, author, columnist. She visits Wilton Library to talk about her latest book, It’s Not That I’m Bitter…or How I learned to Stop Worrying About Visible Panty Lines and Conquered the World. She blogs about teaching, television, magazines, sex, humor, money, publishing, ambition, books, marriage, envy (professional and personal), politics (professional and personal), aging, and politics. Join Gina for in the Brubeck Room for a luncheon catered by Sarah Bouissou Catering. Price of $75 includes food, wine, and a copy of It’s Not That I’m Bitter… for Gina to sign. Payment due when registering. We will limit admission to the first 80 people to purchase tickets, so make sure to reserve yours today online or at the Library’s Circulation Desk! Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Wilton Library, and ultimately the entire community. See website for details. Snow date: February 17.
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Aspects of the Short Story with Bill ZieglerThursday, February 17, 10:30-noon
Bill Ziegler will again lead his popular five-part series of short stories on January 27, and Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 with snow makeup date of March 3. Participants read and discuss a variety of short stories that illustrate the characteristics of the genre and provide a basis for critical evaluation. The stories will be available at the circulation desk before the seminar begins. Advance registration is required.
Have Your Cake and Read it Too! Child/Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, February 17, 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 Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine. Registration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
David Pogue: What’s New, What’s Coming, and How It Will Change Everything
Thursday, February 17, 7-8:30 pm
David Pogue is the personal-technology columnist for the New York Times. Each week, he contributes a print column, an online column, an online video and a popular daily blog, “Pogue’s Posts.” He’ll display, discuss, and even demonstrate the technological advances–in personal entertainment, cellular tech, Web 2.0, and more–that will have the most impact on society in the coming years. Sponsored by The Village Market. No charge. Registration highly recommended.
Sunday, February 20 through Saturday, February 26
The Children’s Library will be celebrating winter break beach style! Children of all ages are invited to join us for fun beach-themed activities this week.
Math Club for Kids Sunday February 20, 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. Ages 10-13, children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. Club also meets March 6 & 20.
Senior Center Book Discussion Tuesday, February 22 , 11-noon
David Ostergren will lead a discussion of A Reporter’s Life by Walter Cronkite. Group meets 4th Tuesday of each month through May. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Maritime Aquarium Presents: Squid Wednesday, February 23, 2-2:45 pm
Children ages 8-10 are invited to join the library for this ocean themed animal program. Squid have very unique behavioral and structural adaptations for survival, and they depend on living and non-living components of their environment. Students observe and ask about these adaptations and interactions as they learn dissection skills. They also compare and contrast squid with other mollusks, such as snails and clams. This program is hands-on! Ages 8-10 with caregiver in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Dibner Family Science Fund.
A House for Hermit Crab Wednesday, February 23, 3-3:45 pm
The Maritime Aquarium joins us for this story-based program for children ages 5-7. Children follow along month by month as they listen to this classic book about a year in the life of a young hermit crab. They use their senses and sharpen their observational and verbal skills as they share what they notice and ask questions. They handle some live animals from the story and look for similarities and differences in various crabs including invasive species. This program is hands-on! Ages 5-7 with a caregiver in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Dibner Family Science Fund.
Lego ClubWednesday, February 23, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up learn about themes 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.
Beach Week Crafts Thursday, February 24, 10 am-8 pm
Drop-in today for some beach themed crafts! Kids can make a craft to take home. A great way to celebrate winter vacation! All ages with a caregiver. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Aspects of the Short Story with Bill ZieglerThursday, February 24, 10:30-noon
Bill Ziegler will again lead his popular five-part series of short stories on January 27, and Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 with snow makeup date of March 3. Participants read and discuss a variety of short stories that illustrate the characteristics of the genre and provide a basis for critical evaluation. The stories will be available at the circulation desk before the seminar begins. Advance registration is required.
Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception: Beata Czop
Thursday, February 24 , 6-7:30 pm
February brings Beata Czop to the Weir Farm artist-in-residency program. In her Weir Farm experience, Ms. Czop expects to create an interior that reflects the spirit of the home. The inside would be transformed to amplify the symbolic significance of what a home is. According to the artist, whether it is painting, sculpture, music or performance, she fully immerses herself in her work so that she can be transformed by the process. Her paintings and drawings inspire large scale installations. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.
Beach Week Movies Friday, February 25 , 11 am and 2 pm
11-11:45 am-Bob the Builder: Let’s Build the Beach will be shown; 2-3:30 pm—Air Bud Spikes Back will be screened. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver, children under 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Saturday, February 26 , 2-3:30 pm
Stop by the library any time between 2-3:30 pm for some luau fun! Children and adults can enjoy finger foods, hula hoops, bean bag toss and a variety of other activities too. A great way to celebrate the end of vacation in style! All ages with caregivers. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
150 YEARS LATER: Confederate Reckoning – Power and Politics in the Civil War: Stephanie McCurry
Sunday February 27, 2-3:30 pm
Brubeck Room in the Wilton Library
In this third lecture of the America’s Civil War series, Professor Stephanie McCurry from the University of Pennsylvania will speak about the subject of her latest book, Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South - why southerners seceded from the Union, what kind of country they wanted to build, and about the political trial and failure of that experiment in proslavery nationalism.
Stephanie McCurry is a specialist in nineteenth-century American history, with a focus on the American South and the Civil War era, and the history of women and gender. She received her M.A. from the University of Rochester and her Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Binghamton. After nine years on the faculty of the University of California, San Diego, she moved to Northwestern University. She joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania History Department in 2003. In 2006-2007, she was a visiting professor of history at Princeton University.
Professor McCurry has many titles to her credit, in addition to the subject of this talk, such as Masters of Small Worlds: Yeoman Households and the Political Culture of the Antebellum South Carolina Low Country (Oxford University Press, 1995), which received numerous awards including the John Hope Franklin Prize of the American Studies Association and the Charles Sydnor Award of the Southern Historical Association.
This lecture in the series in sponsored by Drs. Ron & Betsy Kahan.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE FOUR DATES IN THIS SERIES. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH SESSION YOU WISH TO ATTEND.
The remaining lecture will be held on
Good Reads, Great Kids Monday, February 28, 6:15-7 pm
Children in grades 1 and 2 and their parents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss books as a group. For this session children are invited to bring a non-fiction book that they have read recently to talk about in this group setting. In addition to personal selections, we will all discuss the book The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg. Snacks will be provided and a craft will be made. Grades 1 and 2. Parents and guardians must be present. Registration required. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.
Using Behavioral Techniques at Home and in the Community
Monday, February 28, 7-9 pm
Parents of children with challenging behavior face daunting challenges on many levels, as they try to function as both caregivers and teachers. This presentation focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies specifically designed for parents of children with challenging behaviors, no matter what their diagnoses. Suzanne Letso, M.A., BCBA, and Judith Palazzo, M.S., BCBA, parent-professionals who have dealt with these challenges in their roles as caregivers and teachers, discuss and demonstrate user-friendly techniques to help participants deal with a variety of challenging situations. See Wilton Library website for speaker details. Co-sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton and Wilton Library.
