School is back in session for high school students and the prospect of SATs, ACTs, college admission forms, essays, exams, quizzes and papers loom in front of them. The library offers a break from that pressure and offers teens a chance to express themselves creatively through poetry. Now through Friday, October 6, teens in grades 7-12 are invited to submit original poetry for Poetry in Motion: An Exploration of Diversity. This library-based initiative is being made possible with funding from Fairfield County Community Foundation, Connecticut Humanities Council and the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. The Poetry in Motion program explores issues of diversity and tolerance through the themed poetry created by the students. A two-performance poetry and arts event celebrates the program in March, 2007. During the journey, teens will submit their poetry by Friday, October 6 to teenpoetry@wiltonlibrary.org. Poems will be selected by a student board for collaboration with music, dance or art which will be displayed/performed in March. A booklet with the poetry submissions also will be produced through the project. For more information, call teen librarian Susan Lauricella at 762-3950 ext. 243.
Busy weekend at libraryMany wonderful events are taking place at the library this weekend for young and old and everyone in between. The artist's opening reception is on Friday, September 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. for Norwalk artist John Harris. Oil paintings of water are the specialty of Mr. Harris, who captures all the properties of rivers, lakes and oceans on his expansive canvases. According to Harris, "The paintings are realistic and at the same time abstract. Up close the brush strokes become evident but as you step back the imagery comes together as a whole." Harris, an avid kayaker for more than 20 years, shows his understanding of the tranquilities and turbulences of one of nature's strongest forces. The art exhibition runs through Friday, September 29 during library hours which are Mondays and Fridays 10-6, Tuesdays through Thursdays 10-7, Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 1-5. For more information: 762-3950.
Grandparents are feted on Sunday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m. with a Grandparents Day Brunch. Grandparents and their grandchildren are invited to take place in the simple brunch, and be entertained with stories, performances and a craft. There is no charge with the program. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Call 762-3950 or register online.
The library's seventh annual ladies' soirée fund-raiser takes place this Sunday, September 10 from 6-8 p.m. Silly, Serious and Sensational Services on a Sunday at Six features a silent auction of wonderful services from spa treatments to landscaping to home design consultations. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served during the get-together of friends and new acquaintances all to benefit the library. Guest bartenders for the event are Maureen and David Canary and Michael and Peter Rubino. Mr. Rubino also is donating a hand-drawn cartoon character mural for a child's bedroom. The fund-raiser fee is $50 per person with advance reservations being taken at 762-3950 ext. 270 with Visa and Mastercard. Attendees may also pay at the door.
Tidying up office and homeJill McKean, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, gives a talk on the Seven Steps to Productivity in the Office and the Home on Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m. Practical organizing tips and techniques for reducing procrastination are discussed with tips for one's professional life as well as personal. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Donated books and time neededThe library's book sales are an important part of the fund-raising activity that goes on year-round. Patrons are reminded that gently-used items (books, DVDs and audio-visual items) can always be placed in the gray bin on the Godfrey Place side of the library. Additionally, with the success of the Hazardous Material Day pick up last year, the library plans to collect books that are dropped off at that site in the fall. More details for that will follow in the coming weeks. Lastly, if patrons have large quantities of books to be gathered, such as when cleaning up an attic before the sale of a house or estate, arrangements can be made for those items to be picked up as well. Patrons may call Jan MacEwen at 203-227-8502 or Jan Galletly at 203-377-1831.
Volunteers are always needed, whether for an hour a week during the year, or for each of the book sale events. To volunteer, please call Jan MacEwen at 203-227-8502.
Reminder: The library will be open on Sundays from 1-5 starting September 10.