Events
Wilton Go Green Festival
Sunday, May 1 8:30-4 pm
This is the second annual community-wide event for Wilton that champions green living. The Earth Balloon at Wilton Library and live demonstration of the new Chevy Volt, Sound Cyclists bike rides, running at Woodcock Nature Center (www.woodcocknaturecenter.org) or the Wilton Family Y, Norwalk River Walk guided by Jim Lucey of Wilton High School and Dave Havens of St. Luke’s School, lectures, seminars, exhibitors, and speakers at various venues including Wilton Library. A fun and learning environment for everyone. All programs sponsored by the Wilton Go Green Festival. For full festival details visit http://wiltongogreen.org/.
Math Club for Kids
Sunday, May 1, 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, May 2, 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, May 3, 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, May 3, 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, May 4, 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, May 4, 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, May 4, 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.
Author Talk: Richard Horan-Seeds
Wednesday, May 4, 7-8:30 pm
In Seeds: One Man’s Serendipitous Journey to Find the Trees That Inspired Famous American Writers from Faulkner to Kerouac, Welty to Wharton, author Richard Horan takes readers on a once-in-a-lifetime quest to locate and collect seeds from trees belonging to the country’s most influential literary and historical figures. Richard Horan’s itinerary in Seeds includes visits to the homes of Jack Kerouac, Willa Cather, John Muir, Shirley Jackson, Robert Frost, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edith Wharton, Harper Lee, and many others, as well as emotional visits to Gettysburg and Mount Vernon. Richard Horan is the author of two novels, Life in the Rainbow and Goose Music. He graduated from Boston University and boxed professionally throughout New England and Canada. Horan is currently a composition instructor and writing center coordinator. He received a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from University of Pittsburgh in 1988. Registration strongly suggested. Books available for purchase and signing by the author, courtesy of Elm Street Books in New Canaan.
Passionate Perceptions:
Interconnecting Poetry and Painting
Judson Scruton
Thursday, March 31, 10:30-noon.
Postponed to May 5th
Over the course of four lecture/discussions, Judson Scruton will explore some the relationships between poets and painters as W.H. Auden and Pieter Breughel the Elder, X.J. Kennedy and Marcel Duchamp, Emily Dickinson and Thomas Cole, John Keats and Asher B. Durand, Thomas Grey and John Martin, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Holman Hunt, William Carlos Williams and Charles Demuth, Wallace Stevens and Pablo Picasso, Lord Byron and J.M.W. Turner, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Francisco Goya. An active in-class discussion of the poems and paintings will be encouraged. Copies of the poetry will be available at the Circulation Desk by February 24, 2011. No session March 24th . Donations welcomed. Registration essential.
Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting with Gregg Glaser
Thursday, May 5, 7-8:30 pm
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a tasting of tequilas and who better to conduct the tasting than Gregg Glaser, Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age magazine hosts a tasting of tequila. He’s informative, entertaining, and brings the best to our palates. So join us as we acquaint ourselves with five tequilas and appropriate nibbles to accompany them. Suggested donation of $10. Registration is required and limited.
Books for Babies
Saturday, May 7 , 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!
Drop-in Mother’s Day Crafts
Saturday, May 7, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a special Mother’s Day craft to take home. No registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Literary Littles
Monday, May 9, 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.
Wilton Schools Fine and Performing Arts
(FAPA) Exhibit Opening Reception
Monday, May 9, 6 pm-7:30 pm
Annual celebration of the Wilton Schools’ Fine and Performing Arts Exhibition at the Wilton Library featuring over 400 works from students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Student musical performances will also take place in the Brubeck Room. Refreshments served. The exhibit runs through May 30.
Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers
Tuesday, May 10, 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, May 10, 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, May 11, 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, May 11, 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, May 11, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on WLA Readers on the homepage. Advance registration suggested.
Ambler Farm Reads
Wednesday, May 11, 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.
Author Talk: Joan Dye Gussow – Growing, Older
Thursday, May 12, 7-9 pm
Author and lecturer Joan Gussow discusses her memoir Growing, Older: A Chronicle of Death, Life, and Vegetables. She has influenced thousands through her books, This Organic Life and The Feeding Web, her lectures, and the simple fact that she lives what she preaches. Q&A following the talk. Chef and restaurateur Michel Nischan, provides finger food for the reception following the talk. Sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation for Wilton Library’s Environmental Initiative. Books available for purchase and signing; purchases will benefit the library. Registration strongly suggested.
Getting Started with Constant Contact: Step by Step
Friday, May 13, 8-9:30 am
E-mail Marketing & Social Media Using Constant Contact presented by Wilton Library & Wilton Chamber of Commerce & SCORE Fairfield County. The third of the 3-part Business Smart Series is Getting Started with Constant Contact: Step by Step with Ellen DePasquale, Regional Development Director for Constant Contact. She is a software expert with more than 20 years experience consulting to small businesses on sales and marketing applications. She also is the author of It’s About Time: Time Management Tips from the Software Revitalist™. This is step by step demonstration program. Program features the speaker for approximately one hour, followed by Q&A. Steve’s Bagels of Wilton will donate scones, bagels and fruit for the series. Coffee and tea 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. Payment due with registration. Register below or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.
WINRs (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers) Circle
Saturday, May 14, 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 Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise. 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.
Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck
Marvin Stamm Quartet
Saturday, May 14, 7:30–9 pm
Jazz trumpeter Marvin Stamm performs jazz standards with pianist Mike Holober, bassist Bill Crow, and drummer Roger Post. Reception following the concert. Suggested donation: $10. Funded by William and Karen Tell Foundation with special thanks to Ed and Catherine Romer and Chris & Tish Brubeck. Advance registration strongly suggested. Pre-registrants should arrive by 7:20 to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 7:20 if space is available.
Literary Littles
Monday, May 16, 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, May 17, 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, May 17, 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.
Domestic Violence Task Force – In Love and In Danger
Tuesday, May 17, 7–9 pm
The use of technology has allowed dating violence to become an epidemic. Learn the facts about abuse methods that did not exist when parents were teenagers. Parents can’t protect their kids unless they are informed. Parents and teenagers are encouraged to attend. Wilton High School students speak as well as a dating violence victim tells her story. Registration recommended.
Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers
Wednesday, May 18, 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, May 18, 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, May 18, 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.
Author Talk: Howard Blum
The Floor of Heaven: A True Tale of the Last Frontier and the Yukon Gold Rush
Wednesday, May 18, 7-8:30 pm
Three larger than life historical characters and their daring adventures populate the pages of this fascinating story of the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. Working from historical documents such as memoirs, letters and scrapbooks, Howard Blum uses his rich storytelling experience to weave a tale that reads like fiction. Howard Blum, an award-winning former reporter for the New York Times and currently a contributing editor of Vanity Fair, is the author of several bestselling non-fiction books, including The Brigade, The Gold of Exodus, Gangland, and Wanted! The Brigade is being made into a major motion picture by Miramax Films. Join local author Howard Blum for this lively discussion of his latest work. Books available for purchase and signing. Registration recommended
Ben Van Vechten Seminar – Literary Melange
Thursday and Friday, May 19, 10:30-noon
Ben Van Vechten returns to the Wilton Library for a special 2-day seminar discussing literary pieces of his choosing. Copies of the selections will be available at the front desk before the seminar begins. Made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Registration required.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday May 19, 1:45-7 pm
To sign up, please call 1 800 GIVE LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or go to www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins will be accommodated. Please note: Positive ID required at time of donation.
Ben Van Vechten Seminar – Literary Melange
Thursday and Friday, May 20, 10:30-noon
Ben Van Vechten returns to the Wilton Library for a special 2-day seminar discussing literary pieces of his choosing. Copies of the selections will be available at the front desk before the seminar begins. Made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Registration required.
New Perspectives Film Series: Bigger Stronger Faster
Saturday, May 21, 7-9 pm
Documentary filmmaker Christopher Bell examines the anabolic steroid use of his two brothers in Bigger Stronger Faster and finds out the truth about succeeding in this lifestyle. Hosted by Megan Smith-Harris. Registration recommended.
Connecticut’s Own: Ronald Hawkins
Sunday, May 22, 4–5 pm
American pianist, Ronald Hawkins, will give a complete performance of The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I Preludes. Mr. Hawkins enjoys a flourishing solo concert career and has appeared on major concert stages around the world. CDs will be available for purchase and signing before and after the performance. Registration strongly suggested. Pre-registrants should arrive by 3:50 to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 3:50 if space is available.
Literary Littles
Monday, May 23, 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.
Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence
Exhibition/Reception: Justin Kim
Monday, May 23, 6-7:30 pm
May brings Justin Kim to the Weir Farm artist in residency program. Justin Kim works in two main modes. The first is life-sized paintings done in the studio; the second is landscapes and figures painted from observation. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1971, Mr. Kim received his BA from Yale in 1992 and his MFA from The American University in Washington, D.C. in 1995. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.
Good Reads, Great Kids
Monday, May 23, 6:15-7 pm
Kids in grades 1 and 2 are invited to join this new book club!! Children and their parents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss books as a group. For this session children are invited to bring a book that they have read recently to talk about in this group setting. In addition to personal selections, we will all discuss the book Horrible Harry and the Dungeon by Suzy Kline. Snacks will be provided and a craft will be made. Grades 1and 2. Parents and guardians must be present. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.
Day Trip to the Hill-Stead Museum and Gardens
Tuesday, May 24, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT is a National Historic Landmark and an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures. It is home to French Impressionist paintings, prints, photographs, antique furniture, a Sunken Garden designed by Beatrix Farrand and much more. Lunch is at the Grist Mill Restaurant on the Farmington River. Cost of trip, including lunch – $75. Bus leaves promptly at 9:30AM. Payment with registration must be complete by Thursday, May 19th, in order to finalize luncheon plans. Refunds provided only if your space is filled. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers
Tuesday, May 24, 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
May 24, 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: Fanny Kemble’s Civil Wars
Tuesday, May 24, 11-noon
Barbara Jones leads a discussion of Fanny Kemble’s Civil Wars by Catherine Clinton. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at (203) 834-6240.
Author Talk: Emma Donoghue-Room
Tuesday, May 24, 7-9 pm
Emma Donoghue, author of the enormously popular novel, Room, visits Wilton Library. Born in Dublin in 1969, Emma Donoghue is a writer of contemporary and historical fiction whose novels include the bestselling Slammerkin, The Sealed Letter, Landing, Life Mask, Hood, and Stirfry. Q&A following the talk. Books available for purchase and signing courtesy of Elm Street Books. Registration highly recommended.
Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers
Wednesday, May 25, 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, May 25, 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 FARMERS’ MARKET
Wednesdays now through September 14, 2-6 pm
The Wilton Farmers Market is at the Wilton Historical Society, Route 7 at 224 Danbury Road in Wilton, every Wednesday through September 28th, from 2-6 pm Supported by the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, the Wilton Historical Society, and the Wilton Library. Vendors include: Ambler Farm, Bistro du Soliel, Capt’n John’s Clambake, Crowley Cheese, Killam & Bassette Farmstead, Mamacat’s Q. Tea, Nod Hill Soaps, Ola Granola, Shultze’s Farm, Wave Hill Breads, and the Whistle Stop Bakery. Visit the market website at www.wiltonfarmersmarket.com for further information.
Mark Schenker: Literature and Life Symposium
Thursday, May 26, 7-8:30 pm
The “Literature and Life” program according to Schenker, “is an introduction to how to read literature that is between reading for pleasure and reading as a professional critic or educator.” Mark J. Schenker holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature and is associate dean of Yale College, as well as a lecturer. He will follow this introductory lecture with a three-part series, which he titles “Gods and Monsters,” in October. Registration and more detail will follow in September. Registration is recommended.
Drop-in Memorial Day Crafts
Saturday, May 28, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a Memorial Day craft to take home. No registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
