Jeff Harding, a 1994 graduate of Wilton High School returns to Wilton to perform this evening at the Summer Music & More Concert Series in the library's courtyard from 5 - 6:30. Jeff's acoustic-and-rhythm flavored songwriting has led some of his fans to make comparisons to current contemporaries such as the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. While Jeff definitely has his own distinctive musical identity, he notes that he is "honored by these comparisons." He recognizes that those artists exhibit the same type of creative and musical integrity that he strives to achieve in his own music. The Summer Music & More Concert Series is sponsored by the Village Market. The concert and refreshments are free. Michael Crystal, the founder of the Grand Crew Wine Club, is donating the wine for the series. Next Thursday, July 21 is the last of the season line-up with Bob Riccio and his rock 'n' roll band, Kix. For more information, call 762-3950.
Harry Potter at the libraryA summer doesn't seem to be complete without a release of a new Harry Potter novel. Children ages 8 - 13 can celebrate that release on Friday night from 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. during Harry Potter Returns-Wilton Library Publishing Party. The party festivities include entertainment, games, a raffle and refreshments while ardent fans await the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the stroke of midnight. Books will be available for purchase. Advance registration is required. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Summer reading program continuesThe summer Passport to Adventure journey is well underway with story times, craft programs and entertainment that celebrates the customs and cultures of children all over the world. This upcoming week's travels include Drop-In Story Times on July 19 at various times for children ages one through eight. There are two Adventurous Entertainment events scheduled for the week. On Wednesday, July 20 Across the Americas with Roger Tincknell takes place at 1 p.m. in the Children's Library. Roger Tincknell presents a multicultural folk music journey from Canada to South America with singing, dancing and a variety of instruments. Children will be able to sing along in Spanish and French. Won-Ldy Paye, a Liberian storyteller, will entertain children on Friday, July 22 at 2 p.m. as he tells African adventures of people and animals through stories passed down from his grandmother. There is no charge for the Adventurous Entertainment events. Advance registration is required. Children must be accompanied by adults. Today's Cultural Crafts program is Antarctic Antics from 3 - 4 p.m. for children ages 3 - 7. Next Thursday's is Native Americans at the same time for the same age group. Materials fees for the crafts programs are $5 per child per session or $4 for Young Readers per session. Call 762-3950 or register online for the Adventurous Entertainment or Cultural Crafts.
Accessible areas during JulyWith the expansion just opened this week, children have access to all the materials, programs and events which are part of the summer reading program, Passport to Adventure in the new Children's Library. Through the month of July, the Adult Services section of the library remains closed for extensive renovations. During this time, patrons will have access to DVDs, new books, book club books, large print books and the summer reading materials for children in grades 6 - 12. Items that will not be available due to the major renovations include audiobooks, music CDs, teen materials and adult fiction and non-fiction books and videos. Patrons also should note that Internet and other computer access will not be available during the month of July in Adult Services. The "original" library will be completely torn-up during this renovation phase with the installation of sprinklers, wiring, lighting, carpeting and ceiling work. As such, the majority of the collection will be sealed up in dust-free environments to protect them during this construction stage. Patrons will be able to place items on hold with the understanding that they will be called as late as August that the materials are available to be picked up. By doing this major overhaul in this way, the library enjoys a significant cost savings benefit as the construction timetable will be shortened by three months. The library is expected to open on Monday, August 1 with the major renovations of the old building complete. The Adult/Teen side of the expanded Library will reopen with remaining minor renovations that do not necessitate significant disruptions or further closings taking place throughout the fall. Work will continue on the northeast addition and the Brubeck Room until completion of the entire project in December. For more information, call 762-3950.