Children can make Christmas crafts on Tuesday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 20, from 10-8 in the Drop-in Christmas Crafts program. Samples of the finished crafts are available for kids to follow with or without caregiver supervision depending upon their ages. Kwanzaa crafts will be set-up on Friday, Dec. 28. All the crafts include materials supplied by the library. There are no charges for the programs, nor is registration required.
Vacation movie-dayFree movies will be shown in the morning and the afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 27 during Reel Thursday. Little kids are treated to Angelina Ballerina: The Silver Locket at 10:30 a.m.; older kids can see Shrek the Third at 2. Children under 8 must be accompanied by adults; children 8 and under must have caregivers remain in the building during the movie. The movies are free and there is no registration. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. The movies are sponsored by Louis Dreyfus Corporation.
Gallery gatheringsDuring the busy holiday season, the library's gallery becomes a place to rest and reflect. The comfy gallery chairs become a perfect spot to view the Silvermine Guild Arts Center exhibition, "Terraform," a unique look at landscape art presented by four artists-Ann Conrad, Eve Stockton, Gerald Saladyga, and Liana Moonie. A 'virtual book store' has been established in the gallery for the holiday season that features donated books in pristine condition, many items retaining their original shrink wrap. From cookbooks to art books and everything in-between, savvy shoppers can find wonderful "finds" to fill out their holiday lists. The Giving Tree is another option in the gallery that allows patrons to honor or memorialize someone with a gift to the library. From Poetry in Motion programs to art books, children's books and assorted DVDs, patrons will easily find items that fit into their price range. Patrons receive a receipt for their records and a card acknowledging the gift that can be given to the honored person or family. For information: 762-3950.
In-home servicesAs winter approaches and more people become homebound due to illnesses or injuries, whether long-term or temporary, the library's At Your Service: At Home program is the perfect remedy for keeping up with books and magazines. Whether it's books or magazines to read or for listening, the library can mail them to homebound patrons without necessitating a trip to the library. Homebound patrons can choose favorite authors, titles, and formats that they would like delivered on a regular basis. Special mailing pouches are provided, postage paid and worry-free. Those who are unable to get to the Library should call 762-3950 x238 and speak with our Head of Circulation, Karen Tatarka, to arrange to have the Library "come to them."
Library conveniencesAs the cold weather blusters in, patrons may not be aware that there are two ways for them to return materials to the library without leaving their cars. The library's blue drop box is located in the driveway between the bank and the library approaching from Old Ridgefield Road. This 24/7 feature allows patrons to drop off materials whenever they are in town, regardless of the time of day or night. The library's drive-thru window also is a drop-off point for materials during library hours, and a convenient way to pick up items that have been placed on hold. Patrons may phone in advance, or request materials online through the catalog (www.wiltonlibrary.org). When they are called, the materials can be retrieved at the drive-thru window-no need to unload a stroller, or walk in from the cold. For more information: 762-3950.
Coming in JanuaryThe holidays are fast approaching and everyday things have a tendency to get pushed aside, so the library is reminding people to register for the January programs that take place in the first few days of the new year. Ben Van Vechten's poetry series, Once Upon on Poem, begins on Thursday, Jan. 3, from 10:30-noon, for five consecutive Thursdays. The seminar explores various poets and their writing techniques. Poetry packets are available at the front desk. Advance registration is required. The very popular Tales to Tails reading program is on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 2-3:15 for students in grades 2 and up. Kids can bring a book from home, or use one from the library collection, to spend 15 minutes reading to a gentle, certified therapy dog. Advance registration is required as space is limited. To register: call Pat Bergin at 762-3950 ext. 265. The public is invited to the January artist's opening reception for Ariane Beigneux and her show, "Portraits," Sunday, Jan. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The show runs through Wednesday, Jan. 30. A portion of the proceeds benefits the library. Mid-Fairfield Hospice continues its In the Midst of Winter Series: Caring for a Loved One Who is Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 4-5:30 p.m. There is no charge and registration is suggested. Patrons may want to pick up a copy of The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen to join the Wilton Library Readers on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Susan Boyar leads the group discussions for all Wilton Library Readers meetings. There is no charge for the program. Registration is suggested. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch for this informal exchange. To register for any of the programs (with the exception of Tales to Tails and the art reception): wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.