School psychologists Beth Gallos and Jill Maller-Kesselman host a continuing series of get-togethers for parents of preschool children. The next Coffee and Conversation for Preschool Parents is scheduled for tomorrow, Feb. 24 from 1 - 3 p.m. The series delves into the joys and angst of raising toddlers and preschoolers, with issues such as handling play date conflicts, toddler relationships and age-appropriate discipline. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. E-mail mallerkesselmanj@wilton.k12.ct.us or call the library at 762-3950 to register. There also will be a session on Friday, March 31 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Fantasy literature exploredChildren in grades K - 3 have their own story group on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2 - 3 p.m. in which they can explore Folklore and Fantasy literature. New stories are read during each session by library assistants Barbara Jones or Lesley Keogh. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. The group meets again on Saturday, March 11 and 25. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Senior book group meetsThe Senior Center Book Discussion meets on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. with library director Kathy Leeds discussing The Known World by Edward P. Jones. The Senior Center Book Discussion meets every fourth Tuesday through May at the Comstock Community Center. To register for the discussion and lunch, call 834-6240.
Authors visit in MarchThe library has scheduled a series of Visiting Author talks in March covering a range of genres and topics beginning with local area author Peter Spiegelman on Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. Spiegelman will discuss his latest thriller, Death's Little Helpers, along with his first mystery, Black Maps, for which he won a Shamus award. He also will touch on his newest creation in the John March series which will be published next winter. The next in the series is Wilton resident Susan E. B. Schwartz on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. with her discussion of her book, Into the Unknown: The Remarkable Life of Hans Kraus. Her slide presentation explores the thrilling story of Kraus, a world-renown rock climber, who was a medical pioneer in the area of muscles and fitness. He spearheaded the President's Fitness Council which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Alan Nierenberg shifts the focus on Thursday March 23 at 7 p.m. when he talks about Winning the Interview Game from his book of the same name. He advises people how to put their best effort in to getting the all important first interview. G. G. Carbone talks about turning other people's stuff into real money based on her book, How to Make a Fortune with Other People's Junk on Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m. The author plumbs yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets, auctions and eBay for hidden treasures from which she can make handsome profits.
The Visiting Author programs will have books available for purchase and signing. All of the Visiting Author programs are free of charge. Advance registration is suggested. Call the library at 762-3950 or register online.
New online registration launching next week The library's Web site (www.wiltonlibrary.org) is getting a new look starting Monday, Feb. 27. The fresh, clean layout, will more easily allow patrons to register online for library events. "The new Web site is very intuitive," said Mary Anne Franco, head of technology. "With many more links to the online catalog and more links to authoritative information, the Web site is now functionally better." For example, when patrons log on next Monday, they will be able to click on "Events" in the blue bar on the home page and scroll to a particular program that is of interest to them. Then they can click on "Register Online" and be brought to the program description, date, time and the room location in the library. By clicking on "Sign-up," patrons can enter their own information into the registration log. It will be important for program attendees to include their e-mail addresses, because the new online registration program will generate reminder e-mail notices to patrons a few days before each program. "We are so excited about the new Web site," continued Mary Anne. "We have an information-intensive site that is now organized in a sleeker, more efficient fashion. I encourage people to take a 'test-drive,' check out the new Web site, find a program that really interests them and register for it online." For patrons who do not have access to the Internet, registrations for programs may continue to be made by calling the library at 762-3950. If patrons have any questions about the new Web site, they may e-mail Mary Anne at mamfranco@wiltonlibrary.org.