To some parents the preschool years are a time when little toddlers start to grow up and form friendships with other children; for other parents, it's a nightmarish time when daily reports come home about hitting, biting and tantrums. On Friday, Dec. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m., Beth Gallos and Jill Maller-Kesselman, Wilton Schools psychologists, discuss planning successful playdates for toddlers in Friendship and the Preschooler at the library. Parents will hear about developmentally appropriate expectations for play in preschoolers and problem-solving for preschool conflicts. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. Call 762-3950 or register online or contact Jill at mallerkesselmanj@wilton.k12.ct.us.
Holiday craft weekThe holiday season is here and children have a chance to make creative holiday decorations at the library during Twelve Days of Christmas/Hanukkah Crafts from Monday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 23. Children can drop in at any time during the week to create their masterpieces for moms, dads, grandparents, siblings or themselves using the materials supplied by the library. There is no charge for the craft program and registration is not required. For information: 762-3950.
Drop-in story timesChildren can have a respite from holiday shopping on Tuesday, Dec. 13 during Drop-In Story Times at the library. Ones are welcome from 10:30 - 11; twos from 11:30 to noon. Both Ones and Twos must be accompanied by adults. Threes gather from 1 - 1:30 and Fours and Fives meet from 2 - 2:45. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is not required.
Winter Story Times begin the week of January 23 through the week of March 6. Various times and dates are scheduled for children ages 0 - five years. There is no fee for the story times, however advance registration is required. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Operation Respect film series continuesOn Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. the next in the series of Operation Respect film discussions takes place with the animated video, "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins." The discussion of the award-winning film discussion will be lead by Andy Mais, director of the Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield. The film is designed to teach participants about the creativity inherent in a diverse group. Illustrating the importance of empowerment, effective communication and team building skills, its simple message is that it is in every organization's best interest to capture the talent, energy and commitment of all constituents. Some of the key learning points of the film are to build awareness of similarities and differences, enhance appreciation of differences, facilitate empowerment and overcome barriers to self-empowerment. The last film in this series is scheduled for January 17, 2006 with The Reverend Mary Grace Williams, Rector, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church discussing "The Essential Blue Eyed." There is no charge for the Operation Respect series which is sponsored by United Way of Norwalk & Wilton. Advance registration is suggested. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Wilton books for the holidaysDeciding what gifts to give to someone on the holiday list is oftentimes a difficult task. The library may have an easy and helpful solution with a selection of books about Wilton. Some of the titles may be the right pick for a neighbor who has moved away from Wilton or one who is just making Wilton their home. The list includes Bob Russell's Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places and Progress, Jeanne Corrigan's Wilton Library: The First 100 Years, Dr. Norman Boas's Nod Hill, David Herman Van Hoosear's Annals of Wilton and Wilton Historical Society's 18th Century Dwellings, Cannondale, My Town-Wilton Past and Present (a coloring book) and A Walker's Guide to Wilton. The books are available for purchase at the front desk.
Stock market guru needed for teensThe library will be offering a program to teens involving "real-life" stock market analysis with "not-so-real-life" money. The teens involved in the University of Connecticut-based program will spend an hour and one-half at the library for 10 weeks following the market and learning investment strategies as they play the game. The library is looking for a person who is familiar with the stock market to invest the time in making this program a success for the kids. Anyone interested in being a mentor for the kids and the program is asked to call Susan Lauricella at 762-3950 Ext. 243 or e-mail at susan_lauricella@wiltonlibrary.org.