Wilton Library’s Holiday Book Sale

Thursday, 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.

Aspects of the Short Story with Bill Ziegler

Thursday, December 1, 10:30-noon
Bill Ziegler continues his popular series of short stories.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 are available at the circulation desk. Advance registration is required.

Reader’s Theater

Thursday, December 1, 4-5 pm
Reader’s Theater is a fun and easy introduction to the stage for second and third graders. Each week they will listen to a folk tale and then use basic acting exercises, short scripts, and simple props to bring the story to life for themselves and others. Registration is required for each session. Enrollment is limited. Caregivers must remain in the building.

Wilton Holiday Walk

Friday, December 2, 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.

First Saturday Books for Babies

Saturday, December 3, 9:30-10 am
Bring your wonderful baby to this infant friendly program at the Wilton Library! We will sing and play and enjoy gentle stories geared for babies under 12 months old on the first Saturday of each month before the library opens. This is an excellent forum to meet other new parents in the area. Bring dad too! Registration suggested.

“For the Love of Art Exhibition” Opening Reception

Sunday, December 4, 11:30 am-1 pm
Althea Ericsson presents an exhibition of more than 20 area artists bringing together diverse styles, subject matters and media. Reception open to the public. Exhibit runs through Thursday, December 29. A portion of the proceeds benefits the library.

Wilton Library’s Annual Friends Holiday Party

Sunday, December 4, 5:30-7:30 pm
Wilton Library Association trustees host this annual holiday get-together. The public is welcome. Please RSVP by December 3 to 203-762-3950, ext. 270 or register below.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Monday, October 3 through Wednesday, December 7, 9:30-11:30 am
Twice-weekly classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages continues on Mondays and Wednesdays until December 21 at the Wilton Library by Westport Continuing Education. Testing and registration required.

Wilton Up Close 2011 Teen Photography Project—Editing Workshop

Tuesday, December 6 or Wednesday, December 7, 5-7 pm
Wilton Up Close 2011 is a Wilton Library project for students in grades 8-12 with renowned photographer Daryl Hawk. The project will conclude with an exhibit in the main gallery of the Library in February 2012. Next dates: 1/10/12 or 1/11/12-Attend one of these photo framing sessions, 5-7 pm Registration filled.

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Tuesday, December 6, 6-7:30 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. No charge. Registration suggested.

Connecting with Your Kids: Learning the Language of Teens

Tuesday, December 6, 7-8:30 pm
Teens make healthier decisions, cope better with peer pressure and have higher self-esteem when parents talk to them about sensitive subjects like sex and drugs. The quantity and quality of the communication between teens and parents affects teen decision-making. Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, provides practical strategies and ways to talk with teens in their own language. Dr. Barbara Greenberg is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of teens and their families. She is currently a professional consultant on teen issues at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT and also maintains a private practice in Fairfield County, CT. Barbara is the co-author of Teenage as A Second Language – A Parent’s Guide to Becoming Bilingual. Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. Parent Connection is a member organization of Wilton Youth Council. Visit http://www.wiltonyouth.org/ or call 203-834-6241 for more information. This program is co-sponsored by Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Library and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. Donations always welcome. Registration recommended.

Lego Club for Littles

Wednesday, December 7, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 and up are invited to join this weekly Lego® 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. A great time for all! There are 20 spots available for this program on a first come first serve basis. Tickets will be passed out at the Children’s reference desk starting at 3:45 pm the day of the program each week. This program runs for 3 sessions in December; no session 12/21. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

An Evening with Eleanor Clift

The View from Washington
Wednesday, December 7, 7-8:30 pm
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and the Wilton Library invite you to attend a very special event featuring this renowned Newsweek editor, political analyst for Fox News and panelist on The McLaughlin Group. With an introduction by noted journalist and author, Diane Smith, Eleanor Clift will discuss “The View from Washington” and her poignant new book, Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death and Politics about the loss of her husband, together with an examination of how we deal with death in America. No charge. Books available for purchase and signing. Co-sponsored by Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County and Wilton Library. Registration strongly suggested.

Aspects of the Short Story with Bill Ziegler

Thursday, December 8, 10:30-noon
Bill Ziegler continues his popular series of short stories.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 are available at the circulation desk. Advance registration is required.

Mosaic Christmas Trees for Teens

Thursday, December 8, 4-5:30 pm
Join artist Katie Stevenson to learn the art of using mosaics and create a unique Christmas tree for the holidays. For teens in grades 7-12. Limited registration. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

Reader’s Theater

Thursday, December 8, 4-5 pm
Reader’s Theater is a fun and easy introduction to the stage for second and third graders. Each week they will listen to a folk tale and then use basic acting exercises, short scripts, and simple props to bring the story to life for themselves and others. Registration is required for each session. Enrollment is limited. Caregivers must remain in the building.

Author Talk:

Nothing Daunted-Dorothy Wickenden
Thursday, December 8, 7-8:30 pm
New Yorker executive editor Dorothy Wickenden comes to Wilton Library to discuss her book, Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West. The tale is from her grandmother’s accounts of her experience as a school teacher in the Colorado Rockies almost 100 years ago. Wickenden chronicles the extraordinary lives the women led, which spanned most of the 20th century. It shows how two women were swept up in some of the strongest currents of the country’s history: the mining of silver, gold, and coal; the building of the railroad over the Continental Divide, which they took three years later; the entry of immigrants, African-Americans, and women into the workforce; and the extravagant hopes for improving the lives and schools of rural Americans. Author Dorothy Wickenden has been the executive editor of The New Yorker since January 1996. She is on the faculty of The Writers’ Institute at CUNY’s Graduate Center, where she teaches a course on narrative nonfiction. Books available for purchase and signing. Registration encouraged.

WINRs (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers) Circle

Saturday, December 10, 3-4 pm
For grades 4-6. Each month the WINRs Circle book club discusses 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 The Golly Whopper Games by Jody Feldman. 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.

Celebrate a Celtic Christmas

Monday, December 12, 6:30 -7:30 pm
Come celebrate a Celtic Christmas at the Wilton Library. There will be music, food, crafts and stories from Ireland, Scotland, Britain and Wales. Learn about Celtic traditions. Open to children of all ages. Registration required. Space limited.

Hands Only CPR Classes

2 Steps To Save a Life
Tuesday, December 13, 7:30-8:30 pm
Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps presents Hands Only CPR. All are welcome(*) to these free one-hour classes at Wilton Library’s Brubeck Room. (*) Must be a Wilton resident or working for a Wilton business. a minimum of 18 years old and ‘able-bodied’ to perform chest compressions while on your knees. Registration required. Sponsored by the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Wilton Library.

Lego Club for Littles

Wednesday, December 14, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 and up are invited to join this weekly Lego® 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. A great time for all! There are 20 spots available for this program on a first come first serve basis. Tickets will be passed out at the Children’s reference desk starting at 3:45 pm the day of the program each week. This program runs for 3 sessions in December; no session 12/21. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Mythology Club for Kids

Wednesday, December 14, 6:30-7:30 pm
Each month children in grades 3-5 will read a book on a mythological theme and discuss it. Snacks will be provided and an activity or craft will be made. Please note Mythology Club has moved to Wednesdays. The book for the month of December is Bearwalker by Joseph Bruchac. Caregivers must remain in the building for children under 12. Registration required. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.

Reader’s Theater

Thursday, December 15, 4-5 pm
Reader’s Theater is a fun and easy introduction to the stage for second and third graders. Each week they will listen to a folk tale and then use basic acting exercises, short scripts, and simple props to bring the story to life for themselves and others. Registration is required for each session. Enrollment is limited. Caregivers must remain in the building.

Drop-in Holiday Crafts

Saturday, December 17, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make holiday-themed craft to take home. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Tales to Tails

Saturday, December 17, 11-noon
ROAR’s (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog Program will be bringing therapy dogs to the library for children to read to them. The use of trained therapy dogs in reading programs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and actually look forward to reading. Children must read independently to participate in this program. Registration is required.

Holiday Story Time

Saturday, December 17, 2:15-3 pm
Children ages 4-7 are invited to join us for a fun, holiday-themed story time. Children will hear Hanukkah and Christmas stories and enjoy an activity. No registration. Caregivers must remain in the building. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

New Perspectives Film Series: Nursery University

Saturday, December 17, 7:30-9:30 pm
Chronicling the incredibly competitive process of nursery school admissions, Nursery University is horrifyingly like what parents will experience for their children in a dozen short years. The drill of finding space for toddlers in preschool classrooms that have limited availability and therefore pricey admissions fees is daunting, nerve-wracking and breakdown-producing. Suggested donation of $5. Refreshments served. The New Perspectives Documentary series is programmed and moderated by filmmaker, Megan Smith-Harris. A Q&A will follow the film. Registration highly recommended.

A Visit with Santa

Sunday, December 18, 1-5 pm
Children of all ages are invited to visit with Santa Claus at our holiday book sale. Santa will be visiting from 1-3 and 3:30-5 pm. All ages, no registration. Children must be accompanied by adults.

Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception:

Jude Valentine
Monday, December 19, 6-7:30 pm
December brings Jude Valentine to the Weir Farm artist in residency program. Jude is a painter, a textile artist, and arts administrator, and educator. A long-time resident of Maine, Jude Valentine completed her BFA at the Maine College of Art and received an MFA in visual art from Vermont College. Her textile designs are inspired by the natural forms and colors found in nature. 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, December 19, 6:15-7 pm
Children in grades 2 and 3 and their parents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss books as a group. In addition to shared stories, we will all discuss the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Please note grade change to Grades 2 and 3. Parents and guardians must be present. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund. Registration required.

Chanuka at Bubbe’s

Wednesday, December 21, 4-5 pm
Children ages 3 and up are invited to stop by the Children’s Library to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Chanuka at Bubbe’s is a family movie celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah. Bubbe and her puppet friends are preparing for the holiday feast through stories and song. After the movie children can sing songs with Batya Diamond and make their very own dreidel to take home. At the end of the program the candles on the Library menorah will be lit by the Bennett family. No registration. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver and remain in the building for children under age 12.

Lego Club for Littles

Wednesday, December 28, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 and up are invited to join this weekly Lego® 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. A great time for all! There are 20 spots available for this program on a first come first serve basis. Tickets will be passed out at the Children’s reference desk starting at 3:45 pm the day of the program each week. This program runs for 3 sessions in December; no session 12/21. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.