Wilton Library’s Medieval Summer Knights Read Summer Reading Program

Now through Wednesday, Aug. 22.
Children of all ages are invited to register for the summer reading program, Medieval Summer Knights Read. During our summer program kids and families can enjoy crafts, story times, large group programs, and small group programs as well as movies. For our Knights Read Challenge, kids are encouraged to read 40 picture/early reader books or 4,000 pages over the summer and keep a reading log of their age appropriate books. Those who complete the quest will be knighted by the Royal Court at the festival at the end of the summer. Knights will receive a T-shirt. Registration required in-person. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund, Subway of Wilton, The Toy Chest, and Golf Quest.

Teen Summer Reading Program

Monday, June 25 through Saturday, August 11.
Teens entering grades 6 through 12 can sign up for the summer reading program. Each week, kids can come in, record their books they have read and enter their names into a weekly raffle. Kids can fill in more information to get a 2nd raffle ticket. Kids participating in 4 of the 7 weeks are eligible for the grand prize. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

Wonderful Wednesdays–Atka the Wolf>

Wednesday, August 1, 3-4 pm
Children ages 5 and up are invited to this presentation by the Wolf Conservation Center.  Kids will have the opportunity to see Atka up close and learn about the important role wolves play in the environment.  This program is for children ages 5 and up. Caregivers must be present and seated with the children at all times during this program.  Registration required.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Wonderful Me for Teens,

Wednesday, Aug. 1, 3 – 5 p.m.
How do you see yourself? Or what you like to be? An all-star athlete? Astronaut? Super hero? Trace your image onto paper and then create a life-size version of yourself using material, markers, ribbons, buttons and other adornments. Makes a fun wall-hanging. For teens entering grades 6-12. Registration required. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

A Crooked Stick: the Longbow in Story and Legend

Thursday, Aug. 2, 4 – 4:45 p.m.
Children entering grades 4-6 are invited to this engaging program about the English Longbow.  Join us for a display of medieval archery kit and a talk about how archery played a part in the life of the people of the time.  Kids will also have the opportunity to watch a live archery shooting demonstration. Questions and answers to follow.

Please note: This program will take place at the Wilton Y.  Registration required.  Caregivers must remain in the building.

Medieval Movies

Friday, Aug. 3, 10:15 – noon.
The Black Cauldron (PG) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Friday Flick

Friday, Aug. 3, 2 – 3:45 p.m.
Big Miracle (PG) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Author Talk: Cheryl Strayed – Tiny Beautiful Things

Friday, Aug. 3, 7 – 8:30 pm.
Sugar—the once-anonymous online columnist at The Rumpus, now revealed as Cheryl Strayed, author of the bestselling memoir Wild—is the person thousands turn to for advice. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar brings the best of Dear Sugar in one place and includes never-before-published columns. Rich with humor, insight, compassion—and absolute honesty—this book is a balm for everything life throws our way. Join Cheryl Strayed for a discussion of her just published (July 2012) book Tiny Beautiful Things. Cheryl is the author the critically acclaimed novel Torch, and most recently the New York Times Bestseller, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Her stories and essays have been published in The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, Vogue, Allure, Self, The Missouri Review, The Sun, The Best American Essays, and elsewhere. Raised in Minnesota, Strayed now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, the filmmaker Brian Lindstrom, and their two children.  Q&A follows the talk. Books available for purchase and signing courtesy of Elm Street Books, New Canaan. Registration highly recommended.

First Saturday Books for Babies

Saturday, Aug. 4, 9:30 – 10 a.m.
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.

Drop-in Summer Crafts

Monday, Aug. 6 & 13 , 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a Medieval-themed craft to take home. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Books for Babies

Tuesday, July 10 through Aug. 14 , 10:15 am-10:45 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.  This is an excellent forum to meet other new parents in the area.  Bring dad too! Caregivers must be present.

Wonderful Ones and Twos

Tuesday, July 10 through Aug. 14, 11 – 11:30 am.
This program is a sharing time for toddlers and their caregivers. The finger plays, songs, books and activities are selected to introduce children to the library and to story times. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. This program runs for six weeks, July 10 – August 14.

Literary Littles

Tuesday, July 10 through Aug. 14, 2:15 – 3 pm.
For independent listeners ages 5-8 years-old. This is a story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy. Children will hear stories, watch short films, sing songs, and do a craft. This program runs for six weeks, July 10 – August 14.

Look, Listen and Learn

Tuesday, July 10 through Aug. 14 , 3:15 – 3:45 pm.
For 3 and 4 years-olds with a 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. This program runs for six weeks, July 10 – August 14.

The Guitar Guy

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Children ages 2-6 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. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Registration recommended. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Wilton Library Readers

Wednesday, Aug. 8, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson this month. Group meets second Wednesday of each month (no meeting in December). Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for dates and titles. Advance registration suggested.

Wonderful Wednesdays—Alex the Jester

Wednesday, August 8, 3-4 pm
Enter the world of the Wise Fool, and take an inspiring journey to Medieval times. Alex the Jester prefers action to words, from mind bending sight gags to amazing stunts. When he finally clears his throat to speak, his audience is captivated. Rolling off his tongue is a funny sounding gibberish tongue called Grammelot. Adults and children alike are invited to join us for this hour of hilarious antics with Alex the Jester. This is sure to be a fun time for all! Registration required.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young readers Fund.

Sharpie Tie Dye for Teens

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 3 – 5 p.m.
Join us for this tie dye workshop using Sharpie markers! The effect is similar to that of regular tie dye, but with MORE color choices! Participants need to bring their own white or light colored t-shirt (100% cotton is best). For teens entering grades 6-12. Registration required. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

Embossed Metal Tins for Teens

Thursday, Aug. 9, 3 – 5 p.m.
You’ll be amazed at what you can create with a mint tin! Teens will use aluminum tape to emboss the lid, then decorate the sides with buttons, fabric, and paper. Use it to hold small items or coins, or give as a gift! For teens entering grades 6-12. Registration required. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

Book Buzz Jr.—Grades 1 – 2

Thursday, Aug. 9, 3 – 4 p.m.
Children entering grades 1-2 are invited to join in this summer book club. Kids should bring a book or two that they have read to discuss with others. The format of this program is informal, but a few activities will be included. Snacks will also be provided. The librarians will also talk about some of their favorite summer reads. Caregivers must remain in the building.

Book Buzz Jr.—Grades 3 – 5

Thursday, Aug. 9, 4 – 5 p.m.
Children entering grades 3 – 5 are invited to join in this summer book club. Kids should bring a book or two that they have read to discuss with others. The format of this program is informal, but a few activities will be included. Snacks will also be provided. The librarians will also talk about some of their favorite summer reads. Caregivers must remain in the building.

Medieval Movies

Friday, Aug. 10, 10:15 – noon.
The Last Unicorn (G) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Friday Flick

Friday, Aug. 10, 2 – 3:45 p.m.
Mirror Mirror (PG) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Medieval Summer Knights Read Coloring Contest

Friday, Aug. 10 & Saturday, Aug. 11
Children of all ages are invited to enter the summer reading program coloring contest. Stop by the library Friday or Saturday to pick up a black and white picture of Wilton Library’s summer reading program logo to take home to decorate and color. All submissions will be judged by the artist of the logo and a Children’s staff member. The top two winners will be awarded the prize of a First Impressions Art Studio Kit for Kids at the library’s Medieval Faire on August 22! Submissions must be completed at home and turned in by library closing (8 p.m.) on Monday, August 13. Children may use any medium to color the logo. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Falconry and the Medieval World

Tuesday, Aug. 14, 3 – 4 p.m.
Children ages 5 and up are invited to join us for a fascinating falconry program. Wingmasters will bring along several live birds-of-prey and talk about the biology of birds, hunting, and their use in the Middle Ages. Among our winged guests will be a Peregrine Falcon, a hawk, and a Golden Eagle. This is a unique opportunity to see these birds up close. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund. Please note: This program is for children ages 5 and up only. All younger siblings must remain with a caregiver outside of the program. Part of the Wonderful Wednesdays programs, but on a Tuesday!

End of Teen Summer Program

Thursday, Aug. 16, 3 – 5 p.m.
Come celebrate the end of the teen summer reading program. Make your own ice cream sundaes. Play video games. Winner of the grand prize announced! For teens entering grades 6-12. Registration suggested. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund.

Medieval Movies

Friday, Aug. 17, 10:15 – noon.
The Sword in the Stone (G) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Friday Flick

Friday, Aug. 17, 2 – 3:45 p.m.
Journey 2: Mysterious Island (PG) will be shown. Snacks will be provided. All ages with caregivers.

Tuesday Book Buzz

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 11 – noon.
There will be a Book Buzz conversation moderated by one of Wilton Library’s reference librarians. Participants are encouraged to come and chat about one of their most recent favorite reads or just listen to what others recommend. Registration suggested but not required. Additional dates: Aug. 21, Sept. 18., Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.

Medieval Summer Knights Faire

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6 – 8 p.m.
Adults and children of all ages are invited to join us in a celebration to complete our summer reading program! Families can enjoy medieval food, games, raffles, and entertainment such as jugglers, face painters, jesters, including presentations by Wilton Fencing Academy and Wilton Dance Studio. The evening also includes a Knighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. for all children who have completed the Knight’s Challenge. Don’t forget your cameras! $5 per person, children under 5 free. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund with refreshments donated by Stop & Shop and Wave Hill Breads Bakery & Café.

Please note: the library will be closing at 5 p.m. to prepare for the event.

Tales to Tails

Saturday, August 25, 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: Susan Haire and Stephen Dydo

Monday, Aug. 27, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
August brings artist Susan Haire and composer Stephen Dydo to the Weir Farm artist in residency program. Their work, “Reflection” is a collaborative installation which was shown in a festival at Peterborough Cathedral in the UK this spring; this fall, it will be a part of an arts festival at WCSU in Danbury, CT. This festival is a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s visit to WCSU. The installation itself consists of integrated music and art works, created in tandem, using methods the two artists have developed over the last 5 years. Haire and Dydo will be working at Weir Farm to put their finishing touches on the project. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.