Chance Browne and the Twinkies kick off the library's seventh annual Summer Music & More Concert Series this evening from 5-6:30. The funk rock band will be opening the outdoor courtyard concerts for the seventh consecutive year. The concerts are open to the public, free of charge and free refreshments are served. This also is the seventh year The Village Market is sponsoring the concerts. Michael Crystal, founder of the Grand Crew Wine Club, is donating the wine for the event. Additional concerts are on Thursday, July 19 with Cosmic Jibaros, a Latin rock/salsa band, and the rock fusion band, Mook, plays on July 26, comprised of Wilton High alumni Dan Kreiger, Chris Johnson, Rob Bruce and Paul Dano (of Little Miss Sunshine). For information: 762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org. The concerts will be performed in the Brubeck Room in the event of rain.
Harry PotterpaloozaThe library is joining in all the hoopla about Harry Potter with a seven-day lead up to the release of the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Starting Saturday, July 14, all sorts of wizarding fun and activities will take place throughout the week. From Potions Class on Saturday from 2-3 p.m., to puppet shows , chess and Trelawney fortune-telling on Monday; from crafts on Tuesday to A Day at Hogsmeade on Wednesday; from predictions discussions on Thursday to the Friday night Banquet at Hogwarts on July 20, the library has activities for everyone. For more information on everything that is Harry: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events.
Henna painting for teensTeens ages 13-18 learn about the origins and traditions associated with Mehndi (henna painting) on Tuesday, July 17 from 5-6:30 p.m. Library staff member Seema Saksena and her family (mother, daughter and aunt) talk about the ancient cosmetic and healing art. Kids attending the session will be able to choose a simple design to be painted on their hands or feet. There is no charge for the program. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online or call 762-3950.
Energy options for homeownersThe library and Wilton Magazine are co-sponsoring a new "green" construction initiative. On Wednesday, July 18, a roundtable discussion and reception, Build Green!, will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the library. A panel of experts explores the full range of sustainable energy options for both existing homes and new construction. Attendees at Build Green! will learn the costs and payback time of major installations like geothermal power and solar panels as well as simple steps like insulation modifications. The moderator will be Suzanne Knutson, a columnist for Wilton Bulletin, Wilton Magazine's Garden Editor and also author of the magazine's major article on green construction appearing in the July/August issue. Roundtable speakers will be prominent local architects and builders as well as industry experts. In addition to energy savings, the program will explore health issues, such as reduction in asthma, resulting from cleaner homes. A reception will follow. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. Register online or call 762-3950.
Summer reading listsSome parents may be just getting to clean out all the book bags that came home at the close of the school year. If so, they may have trouble reading the crumbled up summer reading lists that are stuffed in the bottom. The library makes that task a little easier this year by putting all of the area school lists on the library's Web site. So whether a child has forgotten his or her list at home, or the list never quite reached home, parents and caregivers can access the lists by visiting the library's Web site at www.wiltonlibrary.org and clicking on Summer Reading Lists in the left-hand column on the home page. The reading lists include entries from Miller/Driscoll, Middlebrook, Wilton High School, Our Lady of Fatima, Greens Farms, New Canaan Country Day School, St. Luke's and Staples High School. These lists can be accessed from home or in the library, so they are always available to students when they are making their reading selections. For information: 762-3950.