Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Registration is required for each session. Zoom link will be sent by the morning of the program.
Note: Due to safety concerns, this program has been moved to zoom for the time being. We hope to return to in-person soon.
Starting to think about college entrance exams, but not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT … or if you even need to take one at all? Join us to learn about the purpose and the differences between the two.
Topics covered:
Please note this program has been rescheduled as a virtual Zoom program. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than the morning of the program. This program will not be recorded.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our zoom story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Registration is required for each session. Zoom link will be sent by the morning of the program.
Note: Due to safety concerns, this program has been moved to zoom for the time being. We hope to return to in-person soon.
Please join us online for this informative seminar. Alzheimer's is one of the costliest diseases; a lifetime cost of care can be more than $350,000. This disease robs families of their relationships and their wealth - two things we work so hard to preserve. At this special presentation, we'll discuss:
Registration required. Please register online or contact 203-762-6334. Contact Andrea Sato (asato@wiltonlibrary.org) with questions.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Join Amy, Wilton Library's certified Zentangle teacher (CZT), as she guides us through a fun and relaxing Zentangle session. This meditative art form uses simple steps to teach practitioners how to create beautiful patterns. Suitable for anyone who doesn't believe they can draw, as well as experienced artists! For adults and teens, ages 13+.
Supplies needed: * White tile (3.5" square), OR Strathmore artist tiles (they come 6 x 6 or 4 x 4 inch squares) * Micron 01 Black Pen OR Micron PN Black Pen, * Mini Graphite Pencil, * Tortillon. -- OR -- * Use what you have from home -- Heavyweight paper cut into a 4x4" square, a fine point black pen (not ballpoint), a soft pencil and smudging tool (or a rolled up pointed cone of soft paper or your fingers).
Please join us as Michael Hess leads a discussion of Christian Davenport's The Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos.
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Registration is required for each session. Zoom link will be sent by the morning of the program.
Note: Due to safety concerns, this program has been moved to zoom for the time being. We hope to return to in-person soon.
Please join us via Zoom for an interactive and informative experience on the importance of play in children's development and how parents can play more intentionally with their children.
Through play, children learn how to engage and interact successfully in the world around them. Play is, in fact, a critical vehicle through which children achieve healthy developmental milestones. In theory, playing with our children sounds like it should be easy: there are no rules; there is no script. But, in reality, the art of play can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when the children have not yet developed foundational people-, play- or group skills.
See registration link for more details.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our zoom story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Registration is required for each session. Zoom link will be sent by the morning of the program.
Note: Due to safety concerns, this program has been moved to zoom for the time being. We hope to return to in-person soon.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Please join us in person in the Brubeck Room for a 4-week literature seminar led by Judson Scruton, who will take us through selected works by the poet Jorie Graham. She has been called by the Poetry Foundation one of the most celebrated poets of the American post-war generation. According to poet-critic Calvin Bedient, she is “never less than in dialogue with everything. She is the world champion at shot-putting the great questions. It hardly matters what the title is: the subject itself is always ‘the outermost question being asked me by the World today.'"
Advance registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. There is no charge for this program. By registering for the first session you will automatically be registered for all four sessions. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Please email Andrea Sato with any questions at asato@wiltonlibrary.org.
Judson Scruton M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. In his career as an educator Judson has also directed publications, communications, public relations, and development at a variety of educational institutions in the U.S. and U.K. including the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure in the Brubeck Room! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. While it is our hope to to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our in-person story time in the Brubeck Room. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Please join us in person in the Brubeck Room for a 4-week literature seminar led by Judson Scruton, who will take us through selected works by the poet Jorie Graham. She has been called by the Poetry Foundation one of the most celebrated poets of the American post-war generation. According to poet-critic Calvin Bedient, she is “never less than in dialogue with everything. She is the world champion at shot-putting the great questions. It hardly matters what the title is: the subject itself is always ‘the outermost question being asked me by the World today.'"
Advance registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. There is no charge for this program. By registering for the first session you will automatically be registered for all four sessions. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Please email Andrea Sato with any questions at asato@wiltonlibrary.org.
Judson Scruton M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. In his career as an educator Judson has also directed publications, communications, public relations, and development at a variety of educational institutions in the U.S. and U.K. including the Newberry Library in Chicago.
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Visit the Wilton Library on Take Your Child to the Library Day and see the amazing acrobatics of Li Liu! She will blend artistic cycling, acrobatics and balancing for a fun-filled program. She tells stories and incorporates Chinese folklore into her act. This program is generously sponsored by Mitch Ancona of Ancona's Wines & Liquors in Wilton and Ridgefield. Registration required. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Make a heartfelt and homemade Valentine for the special people in your life with this grab-and-go craft kit for teens in grades 6-12. Each kit will include enough material to make 3 valentines using cardstock and pre-cut Cricut shapes. You are welcome to use craft supplies available in the Teen Room (markers, glue, scissors) or take the kit for use at home.
Registration not required. These kits will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Teen Room at the library, for students in grades 6-12 only.
Make a heartfelt and homemade Valentine for the special people in your life with this grab-and-go craft kit for teens in grades 6-12. Each kit will include enough material to make 3 valentines using cardstock and pre-cut Cricut shapes. You are welcome to use craft supplies available in the Teen Room (markers, glue, scissors) or take the kit for use at home.
Registration not required. These kits will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Teen Room at the library, for students in grades 6-12 only.
The Wilton Teen Library Council (TLC) is a monthly group for youth in grades 6-12 who are interested in becoming more involved with the library. All Wilton teens are welcome. Benefits include: helping librarians choose teen materials, brainstorming ideas for teen programs, gaining experience working in a leadership role, and helping the community through service projects.
Each meeting will consist of a small group activity and discussion of upcoming events. We will meet the second Tuesday of each month and ask that you attend all meetings. We recommend submitting a TLC application before your first meeting. Please contact Teen Services at (203) 762-6342 with any questions.
Please register so we can send you the Zoom link before the meeting.
Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure in the Brubeck Room! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Join us in the Brubeck Room for an in-person session with school psychologist David P Sylvestro. Although auto manufacturers in Detroit have made “Planned Obsolescence” a dirty word, it’s okay to think of obsolescence as an important component of parenting. After all, as parents we want to do a good enough job guiding, shaping and preparing our kids so that they don’t actually NEED us anymore! Keeping our kids’ eventual independence in mind allows us to provide reasonable parameters for them, help them set goals, and titrate the responsibilities they can assume. A key part of this process is strengthening our own positive communication skills– how we encourage and reinforce our kids’ development in these essential areas.
School psychologist David P. Sylvestro, MA, CSP, will discuss ways parents can promote responsibility and independence through positive interactions with their kids who have LD, ADHD and Executive Function challenges. Dave served as school psychologist at Eagle Hill Schools for over 40 years and currently is serving in that position at The Southport School. He facilitates individual- and group-counseling sessions, parent support groups and Dads-Only groups, provides training and staff development to professionals, and presents at LD conferences worldwide.
See registration link for more details.
Make a heartfelt and homemade Valentine for the special people in your life with this grab-and-go craft kit for teens in grades 6-12. Each kit will include enough material to make 3 valentines using cardstock and pre-cut Cricut shapes. You are welcome to use craft supplies available in the Teen Room (markers, glue, scissors) or take the kit for use at home.
Registration not required. These kits will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Teen Room at the library, for students in grades 6-12 only.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our in-person story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Using Zoom, professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Matrix, by Lauren Groff this month. Space is limited and registration required. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants before the meeting. Please note that the Zoom link will be sent to you from kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org.
Wilton Library Readers group meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Feel free to munch your lunch while we discuss the book!
Questions? Please email Karen Zeibak at kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org
Make a heartfelt and homemade Valentine for the special people in your life with this grab-and-go craft kit for teens in grades 6-12. Each kit will include enough material to make 3 valentines using cardstock and pre-cut Cricut shapes. You are welcome to use craft supplies available in the Teen Room (markers, glue, scissors) or take the kit for use at home.
Registration not required. These kits will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Teen Room at the library, for students in grades 6-12 only.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Please join us in person in the Brubeck Room for a 4-week literature seminar led by Judson Scruton, who will take us through selected works by the poet Jorie Graham. She has been called by the Poetry Foundation one of the most celebrated poets of the American post-war generation. According to poet-critic Calvin Bedient, she is “never less than in dialogue with everything. She is the world champion at shot-putting the great questions. It hardly matters what the title is: the subject itself is always ‘the outermost question being asked me by the World today.'"
Advance registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. There is no charge for this program. By registering for the first session you will automatically be registered for all four sessions. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Please email Andrea Sato with any questions at asato@wiltonlibrary.org.
Judson Scruton M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. In his career as an educator Judson has also directed publications, communications, public relations, and development at a variety of educational institutions in the U.S. and U.K. including the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Make a heartfelt and homemade Valentine for the special people in your life with this grab-and-go craft kit for teens in grades 6-12. Each kit will include enough material to make 3 valentines using cardstock and pre-cut Cricut shapes. You are welcome to use craft supplies available in the Teen Room (markers, glue, scissors) or take the kit for use at home.
Registration not required. These kits will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Teen Room at the library, for students in grades 6-12 only.
On Valentine's Day, kids in Grades K thru 2 can join us to make Valentine's Day crafts. Create unfolding Valentines, classic hearts with doilies and more! Masks MUST be worn at all times. Registration required.While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, prepare craft kits, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program. A separate email will be sent out to let participants know when they can pick up craft supply kits, if we need to move the program to Zoom.
Please join us online as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of a selection of poems by Mark Doty. A readings packet will be emailed in advance of the program.
No charge for the program. Advance registration required. Register online in order to receive the Zoom session invitation link and readings packet. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions.
See registration link for more details.
Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure in the Brubeck Room! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
"Cut the Cord" is an entertaining Zoom presentation meant to help cable-TV customers break the expensive and often frustrating cable service cycle and gain lower costs, greater control and a vastly expanded selection of entertainment and communication choices. Attendees will learn how to get out of a cable service agreement, find and negotiate the best internet/broadband access deal, and get started with streaming services for a vast range of entertainment options... many of which are free!
The presentation covers the details of streaming equipment (some of which attendees may already own) and how to explore the ever-expanding list of channels and services that streaming—as well as the "forgotten" free resource of broadcast TV—can bring to your living room. Support issues such as quality home WiFi and low-cost home phone service are covered as well. You don't need advanced technical expertise... just the right information! If you're tired of endless rate increases and shell games with service and programming terms, cut your expense and take control... come learn how to Cut the Cord!
See registration link for more details.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our in-person story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Please join us for this Zoom session on photography and self-discovery: capturing your personal stories with your smart phone or camera. Are you ready to explore your creativity? Laurie Klein has been a photographer and educator for over 40 decades. As a wedding photographer for more than 25 years, she and her camera are the story tellers that create memories and legacies. In Laurie's words, “Photograph is a verb. It is an action, plain and simple. My art is meant to inspire and uplift. I want people to be moved, intrigued and provoked to wonder. I seek to help others gain inner perspective. My greatest wish is for my art to work metaphorically as a mirror in which one sees oneself."
Join Laurie Klein for an evening of discovery. Your photographs are speaking to you-- can you hear them?
Laurie Klein is recognized worldwide for her images of the Female Form in the Landscape and infrared photography. Her work embodies a soft, passionate style that most often depicts the human experience in nature. She has been teaching for more than 40 years, and her work has appeared in hundreds of publications and numerous gallery exhibitions. She is author of several photography books and was recently interviewed for Adobe Blog: Creativity as self-care: How photography can boost your wellness practices
Registration required. Please register online or call 203-762-6334. Contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org for information.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Please join us in person in the Brubeck Room for a 4-week literature seminar led by Judson Scruton, who will take us through selected works by the poet Jorie Graham. She has been called by the Poetry Foundation one of the most celebrated poets of the American post-war generation. According to poet-critic Calvin Bedient, she is “never less than in dialogue with everything. She is the world champion at shot-putting the great questions. It hardly matters what the title is: the subject itself is always ‘the outermost question being asked me by the World today.'"
Advance registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. There is no charge for this program. By registering for the first session you will automatically be registered for all four sessions. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Please email Andrea Sato with any questions at asato@wiltonlibrary.org.
Judson Scruton M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. In his career as an educator Judson has also directed publications, communications, public relations, and development at a variety of educational institutions in the U.S. and U.K. including the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Make your own mouse pad using cork tiles, mod podge, and a little creativity. This craft is suitable for teens in grades 6-12, and all supplies will be provided. Pick up your supplies at the teen department, then meet with us on Zoom on Thursday, February 17 at 4pm to learn how to make it!
Supplies are limited, and registration required. All participants will receive information on how to pick up your craft bag at the teen department in the week before the meeting. The Zoom link will be sent the day before the program.
Please join us for the next CT Poetry Society workshop live and in-person! All that is required is the willingness to share some poetry that you have written by reading it aloud to the group. Poets should email a copy of their poems to Ray Rauth at rayrauth@optonline.net. He will distribute the poems to the group shortly before the session. To facilitate discussion, space is strictly limited to just 15 attendees.
No charge but online registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. The library's Covid protocols will be followed. Please see the homepage for details.
Please join us as Carol Kaelin leads a discussion of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to our in-person story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. Masks MUST be worn at all times by adults and children. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins welcome if space allows. While it is our hope to offer this program in person, should circumstances require it we will switch to Zoom, and send all registrants an email with the link the day before the program.
Calling all kids in grades 2 and up. Would you like to learn to draw a platypussycat, a bengalbunny, a koalabird, and more impossible silly animals? Join us on Zoom for a fun, interactive cartooning program with Rick Stromoski. Have plenty of paper, pencils, and coloring supplies on hand for this unusual drawing experience. Registration required. Zoom link will be sent by the morning of the program.
This Zoom workshop invites you to write your own legacy letter. A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit your blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends and other loved ones. This introductory workshop includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help you examine your life history, explore your values and capture important insights. It offers advice, encouragement and a model structure to help you draft and complete your own legacy letter. Because this is an interactive workshop, attendance is limited to 20 attendees.
In a long and varied career, Jay Sherwin has practiced law, given away money for five charitable foundations, worked as a philanthropy consultant and served as a hospital chaplain. Drawing on all those experiences, Jay created the Life Reflections Project to educate people about legacy letters and ethical wills; he now teaches classes and workshops on legacy writing and helps people craft their own legacy documents.
Registration required. Please sign up online or call 203-762-6334. Attendance is limited but waitlist is available once the session is full. Contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org with questions.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Learn how to make your own homemade lip gloss. It's fun and easy. We'll provide the supplies, and then we'll all meet on Zoom to see how it's done.
This craft is for teens in grades 6-12. Supplies are limited, and registration required. All participants will receive information on how to pick up your craft bag at the teen department in the week before the meeting. The Zoom link will be sent the day before the program.
Mark Schenker of Yale College returns via Zoom in a continuation of his 2021 lectures on classic novels. Having discussed the Victorian novel last spring and the modern British novel this past fall, he turns now to American fiction in the first decades of the 20th century. With reference to masterworks by five acclaimed American authors, he will consider the changing nature of the novel as an art form, the rise of modernism, the influence of the First World War, and the ways in which American fiction of the period resembles and differs from English novels of the same era.
See registration link for more details.
Please join us on Zoom as Wilton Library and the Wilton League of Women Voters present a Legislative Dialogue to give our elected state legislators an opportunity to present their priorities for the 2022 Connecticut Assembly session, and for constituents to provide them feedback and ask them questions about issues facing our town and state. Senator Will Haskell (District 26), Representative Stephanie Thomas (District 143), and Representative Tom O'Dea (District 125) have been invited.
Registration required in order to receive the Zoom invitation link. Please register online or call 203-762-6334. Email the League at wiltonlwv@gmail.com with any questions you would like the legislators to address. Constituents will also be able to submit questions during the virtual event.
Join Amy, Wilton Library's certified Zentangle teacher (CZT), as she guides us through a fun and relaxing Zentangle session. This meditative art form uses simple steps to teach practitioners how to create beautiful patterns. Suitable for anyone who doesn't believe they can draw, as well as experienced artists! For adults and teens, ages 13+.
Supplies needed: * White tile (3.5" square), OR Strathmore artist tiles (they come 6 x 6 or 4 x 4 inch squares) * Micron 01 Black Pen OR Micron PN Black Pen, * Mini Graphite Pencil, * Tortillon. -- OR -- * Use what you have from home -- Heavyweight paper cut into a 4x4" square, a fine point black pen (not ballpoint), a soft pencil and smudging tool (or a rolled up pointed cone of soft paper or your fingers).
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun virtual story time with music, puppets, picture books and nursery rhymes. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting the morning of the program. For more details email Mrs. Keogh at lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org.
Please join us as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of Ron Rash's's The Cove.
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Please join us as Miwako Ogasawara leads a discussion of Edith Wharton's Old New York: Four Novellas.
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Edith Wharton followed up her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Age of Innocence with Old New York: a set of four novellas set in that novel’s same time and place. Indeed, some of the characters from the earlier novel overlap in these stories. Each novella corresponds to a decade with the set spanning the 1840s through the 1870s. In contrast to the full-blown novel, these are more like character studies in which the characters and their relationships to each other and to society at large are brought under the scrutiny of Wharton’s acute social-critical sense. One of the novellas, “The Old Maid,” was adapted as a 1939 film starring Betty Davis. Gore Vidal has said that “there are only three or four American novelists who can be thought of as ‘major’ -- and Edith Wharton is one.”
Please join us as Michael Bellacosa leads a discussion of John Lukacs's Five Days in London, May 1940.
This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
The five days in 1940 from May 24 through May 28 in London were among the most consequential in world history. Just two weeks after Winston Churchill became Prime Minister, and with the British Army bottled up backs against the English Channel at Dunkirk, the fate of Western Civilization hung in the balance. Historian John Lukacs takes us through a fascinating, behind-the-scenes account of the struggle inside Britain’s War Cabinet between Winston Churchill and Lord Halifax: Churchill advocating standing alone against Hitler even unto death; and Halifax arguing for a negotiated settlement with the Nazi dictator. Even though we know the outcome, the book reads like a tense political thriller. The Boston Globe said that it “is a relatively compact book, but it has the power and sweep of Shakespeare's chronicle plays….One of Lukacs' impressive strengths is a gripping narrative drive. He is lucid and splendidly readable, and furthermore, commands a host of dramatic characters.”
