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.

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.