Not sure what to read next?  Try some of these librarian favorites!  Each Children’s librarian has selected a few of her favorite old and new books for you to enjoy.

Children of all ages are invited to join our summer reading program!  This program will stimulate kids’ imaginations with wonderful stories and fun activities as they learn about farming and nature.  Drop-in story times, drop-in crafts, Wednesday Wanderings with visits to local farms, and Thrilling Thursdays with live entertainment are just some of the events scheduled for June 23-August 19.

Summer Reading Program June 23-August 19

Children of all ages are invited to participate in our Summer Reading Program.  Kids can come to the library all summer long and keep track of their reading in our Library reading logs. Children can help the library raise money for Heifer International by reading!   Each picture book, early reader, book less than 100 pages, and every 100 pages of a longer book count as 25 cents toward a collaborative donation.  Our goal for the summer is to raise $1,250 and give the gift of a Milk Menagerie to a community in need.  Help us raise money with your reading.  We know we can achieve our goal!!

What is Heifer International?

Heifer International is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty and caring for the Earth.  Heifer provides livestock, trees, seeds and training in environmentally sound agriculture to families in more than 50 countries including the United States.  Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than 12 million families in more than 125 countries move toward greater self-reliance through the gifts of livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture.  Donations provide communities with a vast array of animals and plants as well as training in agriculture.  Donations can be made of ducks, chickens, goats, llamas, water buffalo, heifers, sheep, pigs, bees, plants, and more.

Drop-in Summer Crafts, Mondays July 11-August 15

Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a craft to take home. No program fee, no registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Wonderful Ones and Twos: Tuesdays, July 5-August 9, 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 toy time. No registration, no program charge. This program runs for six weeks.

Look, Listen, and Learn: Tuesdays, July 5-August 9, 11-11:30 am

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. No registration, no fee.

Literary Littles: Tuesdays, July 5-August 9, 2:15-3 pm

For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. 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.  No registration, no program charge. This program repeats for six weeks.

Wednesday Wanderings

Millstone Farm: Wednesday, July 13, 10-11 am

Children ages 5-10 are invited to join us at Millstone Farm for a tour as part of our summer reading program.  Millstone Farm is a working farm located here in Wilton.  The farm practices sustainable agriculture and focuses on providing local farm goods to Wilton and nearby towns; in short, from farm to table.  In addition to produce, the farm also has a variety of animals as well as bees.  This program will be both educational and fun!  Don’t forget your cameras!  Caregivers must be present.  Registration required, no fee.  Register now.

Ambler Farm: Wednesday, July 27, 2-3 pm

Join the library at Ambler Farm for one of this summer’s Wednesday Wanderings!  Kevin Meehan will give our group a tour of the farm and a hayride.  We will have a chance to see the gardens, bees, rabbits, sheep, chickens, and goats and learn about the wonderful workings of our local farm.  Don’t forget your cameras!  Ages 4-10, caregivers must present.  Registration required, no fee. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and Ambler Farm. Register now.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center: Wednesday, August 10, 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Join the library at Stamford Museum and Nature Center for one of this summer’s Wednesday Wanderings!  Our group will take a tour of Heckscher Farm and learn about all the farm animals.  Stamford Museum and Nature Center also has a fantastic playground and hiking trails for families to use after our tour.  Don’t forget your cameras!  Ages 4-10, caregivers must be present.  Registration required, no fee. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.  Register now.

Thrilling Thursdays

One World, Many Songs with Chris Merwin: Thursday, July 7, 2-3 pm

Children of all ages are invited to join us for a fun concert with popular children’s musician Chris Merwin.  Chris will share songs from around the world in an interactive format that is sure to be fun for all.  Come down and dance, sing, laugh, and play!  Registration required, no fee.  Sponsored by an anonymous donor.  Register now.

Square Dance Lessons: Thursday, July 14, 2-3 pm

Come to a square dance class at Wilton Library!  Adults and children ages 5 and up are invited to join the Children’s Library for a fun, hands-on square dance class.  Veteran caller Edwin Potter will lead participants through an hour long instruction on the popular activity of square dancing.  This is sure to be a unique and enjoyable experience for all.  Don’t forget your cameras!  Registration required, no fee.  Sponsored by Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.  Register now.

Green Meadows Farm: Thursday, July 21, 1:30-2:30 pm

Children ages 3 and up are invited to this hands-on animal presentation.  Jason Reilly from Green Meadows Farm will share facts about many different animals including frogs, bugs, snakes, chickens, bunnies, and more.  Children will also have an opportunity to pet most of the animals!  Parents or guardians must be present.  Don’t forget your cameras!  Registration required, no fee.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.  Register now.

Spring Valley Puppets Presents Jack and the Beanstalk: Thursday, July 28, 1:30-2:30 pm

Children ages 5 and up are invited to join the library for this puppet show of the classic children’s tale Jack and the Beanstalk!  Can beans make wishes come true? They can and do in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ a puppet production of Michael Graham’s SPRING VALLEY PUPPET THEATER. This popular classic features beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets, colorful scenic design and an original script in which Jack is truly a hero.

This production was awarded the 1994 ‘Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from UNIMA-USA, the American Center of the Unìon International de la Marionette. Michael Graham, Director of the SPRING VALLEY PUPPET THEATER has been performing since 1966 throughout New England primarily for schools and libraries. He designs and makes his puppets, writes scripts, creates the scenery and does a number of the voices. He has performed at regional and national festivals of the Puppeteers of America, inc.. He graduated from Western Connecticut State College, and studied with renowned puppeteer Albrecht Roser from Stuttgart, Germany at the University of Connecticut.

Registration required, no fee.  Parents and caregivers must be present.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.  Register now.

Farmer Minor and Daisy the Pig: Thursday, August 4, 2-3 pm

Come on down and pig out on reading!!  Farmer Minor and his famous, reading pig Daisy will return to share some fascinating, silly tales.  Daisy the pig is one of the smartest pigs you will ever meet (and she’s cute too!)  A select few from the audience might even get a kiss from Daisy!  Don’t forget your cameras.  Registration required, no fee.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.  Register now.

The Buzz on Bees: Thursday, August 11, 2-3 pm

Master bee keeper Leslie Huston will join us for this hands-on presentation about bees.  Ms. Huston will share her knowledge of bees with a lively, interactive program in which children will have the opportunity to get a close look at her observation hive and bee keeper’s equipment.  Kids are sure to have a great time!  Children ages 4-10 with caregivers.  Registration required, no fee.  Sponsored by the Fink Family Fund for Wilton Library’s Environmental Initiative.  Register now.

Summer Reading Celebration with Heifer International: Thursday, August 18, 2-3 pm

All children who participated in our summer reading program are invited to join us for this end-of-summer celebration.  Heifer International will be joining us to talk about how your reading will help others around the world.  Children will receive a reading certificate, have the chance to enter a raffle, and eat some tasty snacks.  Sponsored by the Fink Family Fund for Wilton Library’s Environmental Initiative.  Register now.

Fun Friday Flicks

Children and caregivers are invited to cool down with a movie this summer.  Snacks will be served.  No registration, no fee.  Caregivers must be present for children under 8 years of age and in the building for children under 12 years old.  Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

July 8, 10:30-11:30 am – Sid the Science Kid: Going, Going Green
July 8, 2-3:30 pm – Tangled (PG)

July 15, 10:30-11:30 am – Thomas and Friends Birthday Express
July 15, 2-3:30 pm – Yogi Bear (PG)

July 22, 10:30-11:30 am – Madeline and Her Friends
July 22, 2-3:30 pm – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules (PG)

July 29, 10:30-11:30 am – Roary the Racing Car
July 29, 2-3:30 pm – Gnomeo and Juliet (G)

August 5, 10:30-11:30 am – Bunny Play Date
August 5, 2-3:30 pm – Rango (PG)

August 12, 10:30-11:30 am – Yo Gabba Gabba Circus
August 12, 2-3:30 pm – Mars Needs Moms (PG)