Beyond Words-an Evening to Benefit Wilton Library

Friday, April 1, 7-11 pm
Wilton Library will hold its annual spring benefit, Beyond Words, where guests will enjoy a full and festive evening in transformed library spaces. The event will feature gourmet food prepared by four of the area’s best restaurants- Barcelona, Bon Appétit Café, Luca Ristorante Italiano and Schoolhouse at Cannondale, a live auction, a silent auction with a fun twist, dancing and more. The Wilton Bank is the event’s epic sponsor. Tickets range from $150 – $500 which may be purchased online, by phone (203-762-3950 ext. 216) or at the circulation desk. Proceeds benefit the library which in turn benefits the community.

Books for Babies

Saturday, April 2 , 9:30-10 am
Bring your wonderful baby to a new infant friendly program at the Wilton Library! Books for Babies will be held every first Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 10:00 am before the library opens for the public. We will sing and play and enjoy gentle stories geared for babies under 1 year old. Registration suggested. Bring Dad too!

All-Day Encampment at Wilton Historical Society

Saturday, April 2 , 10 am-4 pm
In keeping with the Civil War Series of lectures sponsored by the Wilton Historical Society and the Wilton Library, the 14th Connecticut Regiment will hold an all-day encampment on the grounds of the Wilton Historical Society (224 Danbury Road, Wilton) from 10 am–4 pm In addition to the encampment, a midday talk on the Civil War by Wilton High School senior, Bryan Caswell, is scheduled.
The agenda for the day:

• 11:00 a.m.–Military drills and firing demonstration;
• 12:00 p.m.—Soldier lunch and camp life of the soldier;
• 1:00 p.m.—Lecture – Bryan Caswell;
• 2:00 p.m.—Military drills and firing demonstration.

Sponsored by 14th Connecticut Regiment, Wilton Historical Society (www.wiltonhistorical.org) and Wilton Library. No registration necessary. For information, please call 203-762-7257.

Aspects of Poetry: Discussion and Readings by Bill Ziegler

Sunday, April 3 , 3-4:30 pm
Bill Ziegler will discuss the elements of the genre. Having in mind Robert Frost’s observation that free verse is like playing tennis without a net, he will emphasize the significance of form. To illustrate his talking points, he will read relevant poems that he and others have written. April is National Poetry Month. To observe the beginning of that event and learn more about form, come to this lively and informative session. Registration required.

Math Club for Kids

Sunday, April 3, 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. Please note that the grade levels have changed to grades 6-8; children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Class

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.

Literary Littles

Monday, April 4, 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.

2 Steps to Save a Life

Hands Only CPR
Monday, April 4, 7:30–8:30 pm
The Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps presents this free one-hour class at the library. Attendees must be Wilton residents or working for a Wilton business, minimum of 18 years old and “able-bodied” to perform chest compressions while on one’s knees. Sponsored by the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Wilton Library. To register, visit The Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Tuesday, April 5, 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, April 5, 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.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, April 6, 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.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes

Wednesday, April 6, 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.

Lego for Littles

Wednesday, April 6, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 learn about themes through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego® masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Joanna Ecke Spring Poetry Series

Thursday, April 7, 10:30-noon
Dr. Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part Spring Poetry Series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Thursday, April 7, 11-11:30 am
Join us for teddy-bearific stories, songs and crafts. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear (or other stuffed animal). Juice and cookies will be served. Ages 3-5 years with parent/caregiver. Registration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Energy Challenge Workshop on Home Energy Audits

Thursday, April 7, 7-8:30 pm
The Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge is a community energy savings program made possible by a $4.17 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, funded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Wilton Go Green is a proud partner of Neighbor to Neighbor. Their goal is to get 10 percent of Wilton residences to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent over the next three years – about 500 households! This is the first of two Energy Challenge Workshops about Home Energy Audits, sponsored by Wilton Go Green (www.wiltongogreen.org) and Wilton Library. For more information on the energy challenge, visit www.ctenergychallenge.com. A follow-up Energy Challenge Workshop for homeowners who have completed an audit will be held at the library on Thursday, April 14 at 7 pm Registration encouraged.

What is All the Commotion About Municipal Bonds?

John Dillon – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Thursday, April 7, 7-8:30 pm
Municipal bonds, the one investment in someone’s portfolio deemed to be safe, with good stable income, is now in question. One of the financial community’s best and brightest, John Dillon, Executive Director, Chief Municipal Bond Strategist, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney focuses on tactical and strategic recommendations for municipal fixed income securities in this talk on municipal bonds. He will also discuss the many reasons why the bond market has become increasingly more challenging recently, and what you need to know whether you are a new investor to the market or an experienced investor in this changing market. The talk is part of an ongoing financial seminar series organized by Steve Sherman, VP/Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Westport, CT. Refreshments served. Sponsored by Steve Sherman, VP/Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Westport, CT and Wilton Library. Registration encouraged.

Lights Out at the Library

Wilton Library Sleepover Mystery
Friday, April 8, 7 pm through Saturday, April 9, 9 am
Girls in grades 2-4 are invited to join us for our annual library sleepover. The theme this year, The Wilton Library Sleepover Mystery, is based on the timelessly popular Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The girls will create art from fingerprints, make jewelry, crack codes, listen to spooky stories and play games including a “missing mystery” game. Drop off is at 7 pm on April 8 and all girls must be picked up from the library by 9 am on April 9. Parent volunteers needed. Evening snack and breakfast will be provided. Register in person, payment due upon registration. The program cost is $55 and all proceeds benefit the Children’s Library.

Wilton Library’s Annual Gigantic Book Sale Fundraiser

Saturday, April 9 through Tuesday, April 12.
Saturday, April 9: 7-9 am Early Buyers with $15 admission fee, 9 am-5 pm free to public, Sunday, April 10: noon-5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, silent auction; Monday, April 11: 10 am-5 pm books ½ price; Tuesday, April 12: 10 am-2 pm $5 per bag. Features more than 70,000 items sorted in more than 50 categories-mysteries, gardening, travel, and science fiction; gently used, new, collectible, rare books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape and CDs. On Saturday, the Rotary Club of Wilton will sell hot dogs and sodas at lunch. Proceeds benefit the library.

WINRs (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers) Circle

Saturday, April 9 , 3-4 pm
Calling all children in grades 4-6! Each month the WINRs 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. This month’s Nutmeg book is Stolen Children by Peg Kehret. Bring a friend, win a prize! Children in grades 4-6 with caregiver in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Literary Littles

Monday, April 11, 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.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Tuesday, April 12, 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, April 12, 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.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, April 13, 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.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes

Wednesday, April 13, 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.

Wilton Library Readers

Wednesday, April 13, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Reasons For and Advantages of Breathing: Stories by Lydia Peelle. Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. Advance registration suggested.

Ambler Farm Reads

Wednesday, April 13, 2:15-3 pm
Children ages 4-6 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! 3-month program. April 13—sheep; May 11—goats; June 8—chickens. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. This program runs through June.

Joanna Ecke Spring Poetry Series

Thursday, April 14, 10:30-noon
Dr. Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part Spring Poetry Series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Have Your Cake and Read it Too!

Child/Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, April 14 , 6:30-7:30 pm
Join our Kid’s 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 us for discussion. This month’s selected book is The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman. Registration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Energy Challenge Follow-Up Workshop on Home Energy Audits

CANCELLED!

Thursday, April 14, 7-8:30 pm
The Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge is a community energy savings program made possible by a $4.17 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, funded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Wilton Go Green is a proud partner of Neighbor to Neighbor. Their goal is to get 10 percent of Wilton residences to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent over the next three years – about 500 households! Tonight is the second of two Energy Challenge Workshops for homeowners who have completed a Home Energy Audit. It is sponsored by Wilton Go Green (www.wiltongogreen.org) and Wilton Library. For more information on the energy challenge, visit www.ctenergychallenge.com. Registration encouraged.

Wilton Arts Council Focus ’11

Photography Exhibition Reception
Friday, April 15, 6-7:30 pm
Reception for the artists exhibiting in the Wilton Arts Council Focus ’11 Juried Photography Exhibition, an annual exhibition featuring artists using a variety of photography media. Exhibition runs from April 5 through April 29. A portion of the proceeds benefits the library. Reception open to the public.

Social Media Marketing

Friday, April 15, 8-9:30 am
E-mail Marketing & Social Media Using Constant Contact presented by Wilton Library & Wilton Chamber of Commerce & SCORE Fairfield County. The first of the 3-part Business Smart Series is Social Media Marketing with Corissa St. Laurent, a relationship marketing expert. Social media serves as a relatively inexpensive platform for organizations to inform and implement marketing campaigns. Additional programs: Friday, April 29-The Power of Email Marketing; Friday, May 13-Getting Started with Constant Contact: Step by Step. Each program will feature a speaker for approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A. 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 each program is $10 payable at the door. To register, please call 203-762-3950, Ext. 213, or visit www.wiltonlibrary.org/events. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton.

Stitch-In-Public-Day at Wilton Library

Saturday, April 16, 10 am-4 pm
Members of the Fairfield County Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America will be stitching in public all day in the Gallery of the Wilton Library. They will have many hand-embroidered items on display. Display of books on embroidery can be checked out.

New Perspectives Film Series:

Exit Through the Gift Shop
Saturday, April 16 , 7:30-9:30 pm
The inside story of Street Art, Exit Through the Gift Shop is a brutal and revealing account of what happens when fame, money and vandalism collide. The film follows an eccentric shop-keeper turned amateur film-maker as he attempts to capture many of the world’s most infamous vandals on camera, only to have a British stencil artist named Banksy turn the camcorder back on its owner with wildly unexpected results. Exit Through the Gift Shop is a fascinating study of low-level criminality, comradeship and incompetence. Nominated ‘Best Documentary’ ACADEMY AWARDS® 2011 and Winner ‘Best Documentary’ New York Film Critics Online Award 2010. Moderator is local documentary filmmaker, Megan Smith-Harris. No charge, but donations are always welcomed. Registration recommended.

Math Club for Kids

Canceled
Sunday, April 17, 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. Please note that the grade levels have changed to grades 6-8; children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration.

Literary Littles

Monday, April 18, 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.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Tuesday, April 19, 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, April 19, 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.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, April 20, 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.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes

Wednesday, April 20, 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.

Lego for Littles

Wednesday, April 20, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 learn about themes through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego® masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Joanna Ecke Spring Poetry Series

Thursday, April 21, 10:30-noon
Dr. Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part Spring Poetry Series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Drop-in Spring Crafts

Saturday, April 23, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages are invited to stop by the Children’s Library and create a crafty masterpiece to take home. Celebrate the season by making a spring-time craft! All ages with caregiver present. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Literary Littles

Monday, April 25, 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.

Good Reads, Great Kids

Monday, April 25, 6:15-7 pm
Children in grades 1 and 2 and their parents will 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 non-fiction book From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons. Snacks will be provided and an earthy activity will be available. Parents and guardians must be present. Registration required. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Tuesday, April 26, 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, April 26, 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.

Senior Center Book Discussion

The Comedians
Tuesday, April 26, 11-noon
Miwako Ogasawara will lead a discussion of The Comedians by Graham Greene. 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 Group for more dates and titles.

Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception:

Shiao-Ping Wang
Tuesday, April 26 , 6-7:30 pm
April brings Shiao-Ping Wang to the Weir Farm artist-in-residency program. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.

College Talk with the Greenes

Tuesday, April 26, 7-8:30 pm
Howard and Matthew Greene, nationally-recognized educational consultants, survey today’s college admissions landscape and share their expert insights strategies and tips with parents and students facing the college application process – what every family should know. Advance registration strongly recommended.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, April 27, 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.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes

Wednesday, April 27, 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.

Joanna Ecke Spring Poetry Series

Thursday, April 28, 10:30-noon
Dr. Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part Spring Poetry Series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Environmental Author Talk:

EAARTH by Bill McKibben
Thursday, April 28, 7–9 pm
Bill McKibben is an American environmentalist and writer who frequently writes about global warming and alternative energy and advocates for more localized economies. In 2010 the Boston Globe called him ‘probably the nation’s leading environmentalist.’ He visits Wilton Library to share his most recent thoughts from his book, Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet, giving some optimism and hope to a planet that has been ravaged. Registration strongly recommended. Book available for purchase and signing during a reception following the talk; purchases will benefit the library. Sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation for Wilton Library’s Environmental Initiative.

The Royal Wedding

Friday, April 29 , 12-2 pm
Please join us in a toast to Prince William and soon to be Princess, Kate Middleton, during their wedding on April 29th. We will be viewing their wedding festivities and ceremony in Wilton Library’s Brubeck Room and enjoying a delicious wedding cake being prepared and donated by The Cake Boutique in Wilton, accompanied with champagne! The ceremony takes place at Westminster Abbey at 11 am (London time), so we will tape it and show it at noon. So, drop in and raise a glass to the newlyweds! Registration suggested.

The Power of E-mail Marketing

Friday, April 29, 8-9:30 am
E-mail Marketing & Social Media Using Constant Contact presented by Wilton Library & Wilton Chamber of Commerce & SCORE Fairfield County. The second of the 3-part Business Smart Series is The Power of Email Marketing with April Heavens-Woodcock, specialist in client retention programs. She brings an extensive knowledge of what email marketing and social media can do to increase exposure and sales. Last program: Friday, May 13-Getting Started with Constant Contact: Step by Step. Each program features a speaker for approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A. Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries are provided. To promote networking and discussion among participants, refreshments will continue to be available until 10:00AM. The fee for each program is $10 payable at the door. To register, please call 203-762-3950, Ext. 213, or visit www.wiltonlibrary.org/events. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton.

Girl Scouts Read!

Saturday April 30, 2-4 pm
Children are invited to stop by any time between 2-4pm and hear their favorite stories read by Girl Scouts from troop 50144. The girl scouts are holding a book drive to benefit three organizations: Wilton Library, Malta House, and Girl Scout Camp Aspetuck. Any new or gently used book donations are greatly appreciated! This program will be great fun for a good cause. Join us and share the love of reading! Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 50144.