For anyone who has ever witnessed the start of the library's annual book sale, images of an Indy 500 race or the 24-hour LeMans come to mind. When the sale opens at 8 a.m. this Saturday, buyers who have paid $15 for early admission will tear across the double-door entrance to the library and scatter right and left at break-neck speed to get to their favorite sections to search out volumes of quality books at great prices. One can almost hear the "Gentlemen, start your engines" mantra as the mad dash begins. The sale continues from 10 - 5 with no admission fee and a slightly more civilized pace. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Wilton, shoppers will be able to purchase donuts and coffee in the morning and hot dogs, chips and soda throughout the rest of Saturday. The proceeds for the food also benefit the library. The annual book sale boasts more than 30,000 books, audiobooks, videos and DVDs sectioned of into 40 plus categories. The sale is open on Sunday from noon to 5; Monday from 9 - 4 with items marked ½ price and Tuesday from 9 - 2 in the courtyard with items free (donations will be accepted).
A silent auction of rare books will take place during the Saturday hours of 8 - 5 and the Sunday hours from noon to 4. A list of the silent auction books is on the library's Web site at www.wiltonlibrary.org under Annual Book Sale. For more information call 762-3950. Proceeds from the book sale and food sale benefit the library.
Seminar for business ownersBusiness owners have a special business growth seminar co-sponsored by the library and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 20 from 9 - noon. Taking Your Business to the Next Step will be presented by Catherine Cassidy of Applied Alloy and Angela Briante of Spirit Marketing Services. The seminar can help business owners identify key aspects of their businesses which can be developed to create successes. The cost for the program is $49.95 for Chamber members (including other area chambers) or $69.95 for non-Chamber members. Advance registration is required. Call the Chamber office at 762-0567, the Library at 762-3950 or register online.
Poignant memories recalledMemories from the past 50 years will be shared during Memoir as Witness, a special program presented by the library and Norwalk Community College on Wednesday, April 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Gail Hall Howard, Helen and Jules Wallerstein and Ilse Zimmerman will read from their memoirs recalling a range of experiences from Nazi Germany to living in the Bronx during wartime to dealing with race relations in 1960s Chicago. The four speakers' collective memories embrace many of the values discussed in the library's Operation Respect series. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Enter the houndsOn Saturday, April 23 from 2 - 3 p.m. the Read to Rover program will take place at the library for children in grades 1 - 5. Kids will have the opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs in a quiet environment for 20 minutes per child. The well-behaved dogs provide a nurturing environment for the children which allow them to concentrate on their reading skills. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. Call 762-3950 ext. 217 to register.
Other cultures discussedThe first of the International Book Group discussions took place at the end of March after a series of postponements due to the weather. The group thoroughly enjoyed the discussion and the Polish desserts. This month's meeting is Thursday, April 28 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. with the reading of Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima. Guest speaker Miwako Ogasawara will lead the group in the discussion of her native Japan. Refreshments including a Japanese dessert will be served. Books are available for loan at the front desk. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. Call 762-3950 or register online.