This weekend is another DVD bonanza with the library closed on Monday and Tuesday for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. DVDs taken out on Friday, Dec. 28 are due on Wednesday, Jan. 2, giving patrons five days of film-watching for the same $1 per DVD fee. There is no limit as to the number of DVDs a patron make take out on loan. For information: 762-3950.
Poetry man returnsBen Van Vechten leads another of his popular series with Once Upon a Poem starting Thursday, Jan. 3, from 10:30-noon. The five-part series is on consecutive Thursdays (Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31). The series explores various poets and their writing techniques. Poetry packets now are available at the front desk. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. To register: wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.
Reading to the dogsChildren in grades 2 and up are invited to spend some quality time reading to certified therapy dogs in the program, Tales to Tails, on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 2-3:15. The dogs are trained to be excellent companions, and by remaining quiet and still, provide an opportunity for reluctant readers to take their time when they read out loud. Children can bring books from home or choose from the library's collection. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required to pair the children with the dogs during assigned time slots. Call the library for details: Pat Bergin, 762-3950 ext. 265.
Portraits in art showAriane Beigneux, a Norwalk artist, opens her exhibition, "Mostly Children: Portraits in Oil," on Sunday, Jan. 6, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the library. Ms. Beigneux has been creating her works over the last six decades, including commissioned pieces for the children of Lowell Weicker, Jr., Andrew Rockefeller and former IBM chairman John Opel. She has received numerous awards for her portraiture work including the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. The exhibition runs through Wednesday, Jan. 30. For information: 762-3950.
Caring for othersMid-Fairfield Hospice continues its In the Midst of Winter Series with Caring for a Loved One Who is Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 4-5:30 p.m. Participants learn about risks, challenges, health-preserving strategies and resources for caregiving. Attendees can share their experiences and questions. This is the second part of the five-part series sponsored by Mid-Fairfield Hospice. Additional topics and dates are: Feb. 12 Healing Through Spirituality; March 11 Lifecare Management: Coordinating your Parent's Care; March 25 Techniques for Coping with Stress. There are no charges for any of the programs. Advance registration is suggested for each. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.
Wilton Library ReadersSusan Boyar leads the dynamic Wilton Library Readers monthly discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from noon - 1:30 with the discussion of The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen. With the first World War and the flu epidemic raging outside of a logging community in the state of Washington, the book provides discussion points that are as relevant as today's headlines. According to Booklist, "Mullen draws effective parallels with our current fear of contagious viruses, obsession with foreign operatives, and repression of political dissent." Books, audiobooks and downloadable audiobooks for MP3 players are available for loan. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch. The library provides beverages. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. To register: wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.
Reminder: The library is closed Monday, Dec. 31 and Tuesday, Jan. 1.