Special Book Discussion with Bill Ziegler:

Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Thursday, March 1, 10:30 am-noon
Bill Ziegler will lead a discussion of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Copies of the book will be available in the Book Club book area for advance reading. The following week, on March 8th, the film of the same name will be shown in the Brubeck Room from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with a brief Q&A following the film. Registration highly recommended.

Children’s Beginner Chess

Registration Closed
Thursday, January 19 through Thursday, March 15, 4-5 pm
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts, a US Chess Federation certified tournament director and scholastic chess instructor. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game, basic checkmate themes and patterns, and basic strategy and tactics. Time will be provided for students to play games and put the classroom lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 1-7. Please note- chess will not meet on Thursday, February 23 due to winter vacation. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.

Poetry in Motion Performance Workshop

Thursday, March 1, 4-8:30 pm
Regie Gibson, a professional poet and national poetry slam winner works with selected students on performance poetry skills in preparation for Poetry in Motion. Students will be advised of which day they are to attend.

Children’s Advanced Chess

Thursday, January 19 through Thursday, March 15, 5-6 pm
Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts, a US Chess Federation certified tournament director and scholastic chess instructor. In this program, more advanced students will review the basics, learn more advanced strategy and tactics, learn optimal opening and endgame play, and gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Time will be provided for students to play games and put the classroom lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 3-7. Please note- chess will not meet on Thursday, February 23 due to winter vacation. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.

First Saturday Books for Babies

Saturday, March 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.

American Girl Tea Party

Saturday, March 3, 2:30-3:30 pm
Children in grades 1 and up are invited to this American Girl Tea Party fundraiser. Bring your American Girl doll and enjoy snacks, ‘tea’, games, stories, and a craft. There will also be a raffle and a take-home gift! Advance registration is required in person and payment is due upon registration. Grades 1 and up only please. The cost is $20 per child. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Library. Caregivers must remain in the building. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Math Club for Kids

Saturday, March 3, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program.  Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program.  The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition.  Registration required for the club.  Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club.  This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.

WLA/WHS-The American Civil War Series, Part II:

A Connecticut Focus-David Koch at the Wilton Historical Society
Sunday, March 4, 4-5:30 pm
In this third lecture of the annual collaboration between the Wilton Library and the Wilton Historical Society, this year focusing on the American Civil War, Part II, David Koch will discuss the role of Connecticut’s African-American soldiers in the Civil War. Connecticut, known as “the land of steady habits,” saw profound change occur as a result of the war in almost every aspect of its politics, economy, and society. Many of these changes were brought on unwilling-one of these was the decision to raise two regiments of African-American soldiers. This talk will center on the 29th and 30th Connecticut regiments, which saw valuable service in the war. However, on a larger level, these and other volunteer units ushered in an era of sweeping change in the state’s treatment of its African-American citizens. The experience of these men, who served in the war with little more to anticipate from its ending than the chance to create future opportunities for others, is an inspiring story of courage and sacrifice. Dave Koch is an Assistant Professor of History at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Though a wide-ranging historian, Koch’s specialty areas are the Civil War and Native American History. He has worked for national historical and natural sites, promoting the nation’s physical and historical heritage. He has also lectured for organizations across the country and in Europe on such topics as Civil War Battles, Politics in the Civil War, Medicine in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s life and political activities, and Slavery and the American Experience, as well as specialized presentations on the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the Battle of Gettysburg, and Connecticut in the Civil War. The remaining lectures are as follows-please note location of each lecture: March 18 at the Wilton Library-The Artist in the Civil War-Don Troiani. Reception following the talk. Series sponsored by Wilton Bank. Program sponsored by Bill and Kathleen Brennan. The moderator is Max Gabrielson. Registration essential.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Wednesday, February 1 through Wednesday, April 25, 9:30-11:30 am
Twice-weekly classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages begin Monday, January 30 and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays until April 25th at the Wilton Library given by Westport Continuing Education. Testing and registration required (Placement testing at Wilton Library, Wednesday, January 18, from 9:30-11:30 am).

Area Author Affair:

Jeff Yates-Fly Fishing Fairfield County: Secrets of Suburban Streams
Monday, March 5, 6-7:30 pm
Please join Jeff Yates, Wiltonian and former editor of the Wilton Bulletin, as he tells us about his newly published, 200-page Fly Fishing Fairfield County: Secrets of Suburban Streams. This guide to local fly-fishing is filled with photos, easy to read maps indicating local roads and parking spots, and thorough descriptions of every trout stream in the region. Jeff currently serves as President of the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited, an all-volunteer group which conserves, protects and restores the coldwater rivers and streams in lower Fairfield County. Light refreshments are served at Area Author Affairs held to celebrate our local authors. Books available for purchase and signing. Registration recommended.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes

Tuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 10:15-10:45 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. 10-week program.

Look, Listen and Learn

Tuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 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. 10-week program.

Literary Littles

Tuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 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. 10-week program.

Someone Must Wash the Dishes:

An Anti-Suffrage Satire
Tuesday, March 6, 7-8:30 pm
Many women fought against getting the vote in the early 1900s, but none with more charm, prettier clothes-and less logic-than the fictional speaker in this satiric monologue written by pro-suffragist Marie Jenney Howe, back in 1912. Reviewers have called this production ”wicked” in its wit, and have labeled Michèle LaRue’s performance ”side-splitting.” An Illinois native, now based in New York, LaRue is a professional actress who tours nationally with a repertoire of shows by turn-of-the-previous-century American writers. Marie Jenney Howe wrote Someone Must Wash the Dishes in 1912. Titled An Anti-Suffrage Monologue, it was published in 1913, by the National American Woman Suffrage Association (precursor of the League of Women Voters). This production was directed by Warren Kliewer for New Jersey’s The East Lynne Company-which he founded to revive American plays and literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sponsored by the Wilton League of Women Voters and Wilton Library. Registration highly suggested.

Becoming An Independent Consultant

Wednesday, March 7, 10-noon.
In this workshop you will learn how to determine your success potential as a consultant; define and market the services you could offer; create winning proposals; learn how to manage and keep clients. Presenter Austin K. Pryor was President of The ForeSight Consultants, an independent part of the ForeSight Network of Sweden. He was previously Ernst & Young’s Director of Innovation and Intrapreneurship Management Consulting Services. He has been a SCORE counselor for 15 years. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library, Fairfield County SCORE, and Wilton Chamber of Commerce. Registration starts at 9:30 AM. Cost: $10.00 per person payable at the door by cash or check.

Books for Babies

Wednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, March 21, 10:15 am-10:45 am
We will sing and play and enjoy gentle stories geared for babies under 12 months old. This is an excellent forum to meet other new parents in the area. Bring dad too! 10-week program. No registration. Caregivers must be present.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, March 21, 11-11:30 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. 10-week program.

Wonderful Ones and Twos with Caregivers

Wednesday, March 7 through Wednesday, March 21, 11-11:30 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.

Poetry in Motion Rehearsals

Wednesday, March 7, 4-7 pm
Thursday, March 8, 4-7 pm
Wednesday, March 14, 4-7 pm
Wednesday, March 21, 4-7 pm
Thursday, March 22, 4-7 pm
Snow date: March 15, 4-7 pm
For students in grades 6-12, rehearsal for final performances on March 23 and 24 in the Brubeck Room.

Lego® Club for Littles

Wednesday, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades K-2 will learn about the theme through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. 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 3:45pm the day of the program. This program runs for 4 sessions- March 7, 14, 21, 28. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Special Film Showing with Bill Ziegler: Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Thursday, March 8, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
The film version of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin will be shown from with a short Q&A discussion led by Bill Ziegler following the film. This session follows a discussion of the book led by Bill Ziegler on March 1. Viewers are invited to bring a brown bag lunch to eat during or after the film, and the library will provide coffee, tea, water and chips. Please note that copies of the book will be available in the Book Club book area for advance reading. Registration recommended.

Children’s Garden Club

Friday, March 9, 16, 23 & 30, 4-5 pm
Children in grades K and up are invited to join this weekly Garden Club. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall we will plan, plant, tend, and eat fruits and vegetables in our raised-bed garden. During the month of March we will meet to plan our garden and prepare for springtime planting. This is a fun activity for the whole family! Please contact the head of the Children’s Library, Andrea Falkner, for more information and to sign up for the program: afalkner@wiltonlibrary.org or (203)762-3950 x225.

Wilton Playshop’s 75th Anniversary Exhibition Reception

Friday, March 9, 6-7:30 pm
The Wilton Playshop celebrates its 75th anniversary with an exhibition at Wilton Library. Original posters, props, scripts and costumes are just some of the items on display commemorating this community institution. Exhibit runs through Saturday, March 31. Reception open to the public.

AARP Driver Safety Class

Saturday, March 10, 10 am-3 pm
The AARP Driver Safety Program is designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. This single session, four hour course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with ageing and provides practical techniques on how to adjust to these changes, along with learning to operate vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. There are no written or driving tests-classroom only. The class consists of both a morning and afternoon session -both sessions must be attended. There will be a one hour lunch/errand break from 12:00PM-1:00PM. Registration required. Program cost: $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members. Bring check or cash only to the morning session.

International Women’s Day Tea

Saudi Arabian Women: Beyond The Veil
Saturday, March 10, 2-4 pm
Please join us for a tea and talk in celebration of International Women’s Day. This day is commemorated by the United Nations and observed by women’s groups around the world. Guest speaker Dr. Maisah Sobaihi, with the Saudi Arabian Mission to the United Nations, will speak on “Saudi Arabian Women: Beyond The Veil.” Dr. Sobaihi holds a doctorate in English Literature from King’s College, the University of London and a Bachelor’s degree from King Abdul-Aziz University in Saudi Arabia. Her lifelong goal remains to encourage and inspire young Saudi women to achieve their full potential. Tea and appropriate delicacies will be served. Registration required. Suggested donation $5.

Math Club for Kids

Saturday, March 10, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program.  Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program.  The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition.  Registration required for the club.  Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club.  This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.

Fur, Fins, and Feathers

Saturday, March 10, 3-4 pm
In this new monthly literature program, children in grades 4 through 6 will discover animal friends and foes in both classic and contemporary fiction. Our first selection is An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo, author of the bestselling War Horse. Participants will read and discuss a different book each month and engage in games and activities related to their reading. Snacks will be provided. Registration is suggested. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

New Perspectives Film Series: Sync or Swim with Director Cheryl Furjanic

Saturday, March 10, 7:30-9:30 pm
Dive into the world of elite synchronized swimming as dedicated young women compete for spots on the U.S. Synchronized Swimming team and train relentlessly in pursuit of an Olympic medal. SYNC OR SWIM profiles hard-working athletes on a moving journey to fulfill their Olympic dreams. Juxtaposing scenes that are intense and emotional, uplifting and mesmerizing, humorous and heart breaking, SYNC OR SWIM offers a candid, intimate look at this misunderstood sport that is so much more than sequins and smiles. Welcome Director Cheryl Furjanic as she joins documentary filmmaker Megan Smith-Harris for a discussion following the film. Suggested donation of $5. Refreshments served. The New Perspectives Documentary series is programmed and moderated by Ms. Smith-Harris. Registration highly recommended.

What do those Strange Tools Do?

Sunday, March 11, CLASS CANCELED
In Photoshop Elements, there are LOTS of tools on the sidebar. Most of us only use a few familiar ones. What about the Cookie Cutter Tool, the Smart Brush Tool, the Straighten Tool and the Selection Brush Tool? Michael Franco will show you how to use them to your best advantage. This class will be given twice; please register for one session. This is a hands-on class and registration is limited to ten students for each session. To ensure the best learning experience for all, students must arrive no later than ten minutes after the start of class. Students arriving after that time will not be admitted. Basic computer skills, including mouse agility, are required.

Wilton Candlelight Concert: Concertante Ensemble

Sunday, March 11, 4-5:30 pm
The New York Times has praised this string sextet for its ”cohesive and polished sound,” its ”beautifully focused… and magical” playing, and its technical ”deftness.” The Concertante closes the Candlelight season with sextets of Brahms, Elgar, and Schoenberg. All performances are on Sunday afternoons at the Wilton Congregational Church located at 70 Ridgefield Road, Wilton. A portion of the proceeds benefits Wilton Library. For ticket information call 203- 762-3401 or www.wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.

Reel Mondays: MISS REPRESENTATION

Monday March 12, 7-9 pm
MISS REPRESENTATION is the third offering in a new series of quarterly, thought-provoking documentaries brought to you on Monday evenings by the League of Women Voters and Wilton Library. When MISS REPRESENTATION premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, audiences were riveted, and Oprah Winfrey acquired its broadcast rights. Writer/Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom interwove stories from teenage girls with provocative interviews from the likes of Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Dr. Jackson Katz, Dr. Jean Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem to give us an inside look at the media and its message. As the most persuasive and pervasive force of communication in our culture, media is educating yet another generation that a woman’s primary value lay in her youth, beauty and sexuality—and not in her capacity as a leader, making it difficult for women to obtain leadership positions and for girls to reach their full potential. The film accumulates startling facts and statistics that leave audiences shaken, armed with a new perspective, and asking the question, “What can we do?” Jennifer Siebel Newsom graduated with honors from both Stanford University and Stanford Business School. She worked overseas with Conservation International, a global environmental organization, where her primary focus was providing micro-enterprise opportunities to women. Jennifer founded Girls Club Entertainment to develop and produce independent films that empower women. Discussion following the film led by Kathleen Reeves, a graduate of Wilton High School and Yale University, who recently completed a Master’s degree in Humanities and Social Thought at NYU. Kathleen writes about women’s issues for the website RH Reality Check and about books for the web magazine Bookslut. She lives in Brooklyn. Refreshments served. Co-sponsored by the Wilton League of Women Voters and Wilton Library. Registration recommended.

Click here to view the trailer.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the remaining film in the series:

• DIVE! on July 16, 2012

Bubbleology!

Tuesday, March 13, 3-3:45 pm
Children in grades 3-5 will be introduced to the science of bubbles in this hands-on science program hosted by the Connecticut Science Center. Children will explore which brand of three popular dish detergents will produce the largest bubble dome. Children will use math to measure and calculate averages. Space is limited-registration required. Caregivers must remain in the building. Sponsored by the Dibner Family Science Fund.

Bubbleology!

Tuesday, March 13, 4-4:45 pm
Children in grades K-2 are invited to this hands-on science program hosted by the Connecticut Science Center. This workshop investigates different types of bubbles: no- pop bubbles, helium bubbles and the effects of dry ice on bubbles. Space is limited – registration required,

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group

Tuesday, March 13, 6-8 pm
The Breast Cancer Survival Center, a Fairfield county non-profit, has been holding support groups, retreats and candle lightings for post-treatment survivors for the past 12 years. Please call Nina Marino, LCSW, Clinical Director of The BCSC, at 203-857-7304 with any questions. To learn more about the BCSC visit www.breastcancersurvival.org.Co-sponsored by the Breast Cancer Survival Center and Wilton Library. Registration highly encouraged.

Wilton Clergy Association Lecture Series

Islam: An Overview-PART I
Tuesday, March 13, 7-8:30 pm
Wilton Library offers a three-part series about Islam, with three distinguished speakers providing an overview of the faith and practice of Islam. Lecture dates are March 13, 20 and 27. The first speaker, Dr. Hossein Kamaly, a faculty member in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at Barnard College, holds a Ph.D. in History from Columbia University, where he was a Robert Hofstader Fellow, and also holds a Masters from N.Y.U. in Mathematics, Statistics & Operations Research. He is currently working on a book to be entitled The Colors of Allah, an examination of ideas about God in Islam. Professor Kamaly will be introduced by Dr. Hossein Sadeghi. The two remaining speakers in this series are: March 20 – Imam Dawood Yasin and March 27 – Dr. Miroslav Volf. Co-sponsored by the Wilton Clergy Association and the Wilton Library. Refreshments served. Registration highly recommended.

The two remaining speakers in this series are:

• March 20 – Imam Dawood Yasin
• March 27 – Dr. Miroslav Volf.

Wilton Library Readers

Wednesday March 14, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Great House by Nicole Krauss. Group meets second Wednesday of each month from September through May (no meeting in December). Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Readers page. Advance registration suggested.

Mythology Club for Kids

Wednesday, March 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. The book for the month of March is Archer’s Quest by Linda Sue Park. Caregivers must remain in the building for children under 12. Registration required. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.

The Guitar Guy

Friday, March 16, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 2-6 with caregivers are invited to a fun performance by Robert the Guitar Guy. Robert uses music, props, movement, and dance to entertain children and their grown-ups. Sure to be great fun for the family! Registration recommended. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Drop-in St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

Saturday, March 17, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages are invited to stop by the Library to make a St. Patrick’s Day craft to take home. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

WLA/WHS-The American Civil War Series, Part II:

A Connecticut Focus-Don Troiani at Wilton Library
Sunday, March 18, 4-5:30 pm
This last program in the American Civil War Series, Part II features artist Don Troiani, who vividly captures on canvas the many battle scenes of the Civil War, along with paintings of arms, uniforms-everything that can be documented pictorially and in well-researched detail. He will talk about his art along with the role that the artist played in the Civil War. Reception following the talk. No charge, but donations are always welcomed. Series sponsored by Wilton Bank. Program sponsored by Robert and Anne Cuddy. The moderator is Steve Hudspeth. Books available for purchase and signing. Registration essential.

Parenting Book Series: Dr. Susan Bauerfeld

Tuesday, March 20, 10:30 am-noon
Dr. Susan Bauerfeld, a licensed clinical psychologist and mother of three boys, reviews several parenting books over the course of the year. The books will represent a smattering of what is out there. Sessions will consist of an overview, practical suggestions for applying the principles of each book, and a Q & A session based on the book. The series takes place on the third Tuesdays of alternating months, with the last session on 5/15. The book for March is The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Co-sponsored by Wilton Youth Council, Parent Connection, Wilton Library and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. Registration strongly encouraged.

Tuesday Book Buzz

Tuesday, March 20, 11-noon
There will be a Book Buzz conversation moderated by one of Wilton Library’s reference librarians on the third Tuesday of every month. Participants are encouraged to come and chat about one of their most recent favorite reads or just listen to what others recommend. Additional dates for the series: April 17, May 15, and June 19. Registration suggested but not required.

Wilton Clergy Association Lecture Series

Islam: An Overview-PART II
Tuesday, March 20, 7-8:30 pm
Imam Dawood Yasin, now at Dartmouth and formerly at Yale, has participated in interfaith services here in Wilton, and thus is known locally by Christian and Jewish, as well as Muslim congregants. In the second session of a three part series, Imam Yasin will speak about Islam generally, with a special focus on examining the concept of jihad and the sanctity of life as formulated in the Qur’an and other Islamic texts. Imam Yasin will be introduced by Rabbi Leah Cohen. The remaining talk in this three-part series is March 27 with Dr. Miroslav Volf. Co-sponsored by the Wilton Clergy Association and the Wilton Library. Refreshments served. Registration highly recommended.

The two remaining speakers in this series are:

• March 27 – Dr. Miroslav Volf.

Art-To-Go: Frick Collection – Renoir and Meissen Porcelain

Wednesday, March 21, 9 am–4 pm
This bus trip sponsored by Wilton Library and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is to the Frick Collection where Renoir, Impressionism, and the Full-Length Format is on view. Nine masterpieces from around the world are in this exhibit, exploring Renoir’s full-length format works from the mid-1870s to mid-1880s. Also, on view in the Portico Gallery, is an exhibition called White Gold: Highlights from the Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain featuring approximately seventy objects. Cost of trip, including lunch at The Asia Society’s Garden Cafe – $82. Bus leaves promptly at 9:30 am Payment with registration must be complete by Monday, March 19th, in order to finalize luncheon plans. Refunds provided only if your space is filled. Call Wilton Library to register.

Shakespeare Workshop with the Westport Country Playhouse

Thursday, March 22, 4-4:45 pm
Join Westport Country Playhouse staff members for a fun exploration of Shakespearean plots and characters, geared for ages 9 and up. Produced in conjunction with Westport Playhouse’s April 1, 2012 performance of Nearly Lear by Susanna Hamnett, this workshop will use language exercises, miming and theater games to introduce children to the wonders of Shakespeare. Children will get up on their feet and respond to Shakespeare physically and vocally, learning that Shakespeare is for everyone. Registration required, free of charge. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. Call for details (203)762-3950 x217

Hands Only CPR-2 Steps to Save a Life

Thursday, March 22, 7-8:30 pm
All are welcome(*) to this free one-hour class sponsored by the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Wilton Library. (*) 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 one’s knees. Registration begins at 7 pm; class begins promptly at 7:30. Registration required.

Poetry in Motion- Tell Us What You Know!

Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24, 7:30-8:30 pm
Poetry in Motion- Tell Us What You Know! is a two-performance, poetry and arts event created by teens in grades 6 through 12, giving kids a chance to freely express their thoughts through poetry. Receptions follow each evening’s performance. Books will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 and on sale at the Circulation Desk beginning March 1. Sponsored by the Patricia and John Curran Teen Fund, Giving Tree donations and supportive friends and families. Snow date: Sunday, March 25, 2-3 pm

Tales to Tails

Saturday, March 24, 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.

Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception: Anna Broell Bresnick

Monday, March 26, 6-7:30 pm
March brings Anna Broell Bresnick to the Weir Farm artist in residency program. Anna Broell Bresnick has exhibited her work in numerous museums and galleries throughout the United States as well as Berlin, Rome and Vienna. Locally, her works have been shown at the Stamford Museum, the Bruce Museum, as well as The Mills Gallery at the Boston Center for the Arts. She studied in Vienna, Austria, and received her MFA from San Jose State University. Broell Bresnick has taught at Stanford University, University of New Haven, University of Bridgeport and the Educational Center for the Arts, where she served as Visual Arts Department Chair for 25 years. 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, March 26, 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 personal selections, we will all discuss the book Frindle by Andrew Clements. Parents and guardians must be present. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund. Registration required.

Senior Center Book Discussion: The Tortilla

Tuesday, March 20, 11 am-noon.
Kathy Leeds will lead a discussion of The Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle. Group meets 4th Tuesday of each month through May. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.

Wilton Clergy Association Lecture Series

Islam: An Overview-PART III
Tuesday, March 27, 7-8:30 pm
Dr. Miroslav Volf, one of the world’s preeminent scholars writing on interfaith dialogue, will be the last speaker in this 3-part series. A major force in interfaith dialogue around the globe for the past two decades, he holds the Henry B. Wright Chair at Yale Divinity School and is the founding Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. His latest book, published just last year, is entitled Allah: A Christian Response and focuses on the fact that Christians, Muslims, and Jews all worship the same God. Co-sponsored by the Wilton Clergy Association and the Wilton Library. Professor Volf will be introduced by the Rev. Mary Grace Williams. Refreshments served. Registration highly recommended.

Author Talk: Jane Green-Another Piece of My Heart

Wednesday, March 28, 7-8:30 pm
Wilton Library welcomes Jane Green, the New York Times bestselling author of Jemima J, and The Beach House, with her most emotional and powerful novel yet: Another Piece Of My Heart, a story that explores the complications of a woman marrying into a ready-made family, and the true meaning of motherhood. Another Piece Of My Heart is a novel that illuminates the nuances and truths about relationships and is Jane Green at her absolute best. Jane is the author of twelve bestselling novels, dealing with real women, real life, and all the things in-between, with her trademark wisdom, wit and warmth. She contributes to various publications, both online and print, including Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, and assorted Anthologies. Visit her at www.JaneGreen.com. Books available for purchase and signing-sales benefit Wilton Library. Registration recommended.