Leslie Garis, a former Wilton resident, returns to discuss her very personal memoir, House of Happy Endings, tonight at 7. From the Bobbsey Twins to Uncle Wiggley, her literary family dynamics span three generations, encompassing a dysfunctional family that is talented at its core. Books will be available for purchase and signing, provided by Wilton Open Book Shop. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is strongly recommended. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950. Pre-registrants should arrive by 6:50. Waitlisted and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 6:50.
Sweets and fats discussedHow Artificial Sweeteners and Trans Fats Can Make Us Sick and Overweight is the topic for the second part of the series by clinical nutritionist, Loryn Galardi, M.S. at 7 tonight. Ms. Galardi discusses the negative impact of these potentially hazardous chemicals in anyone’s diet. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.
Reading to SpotThe doggy tails will be quietly wagging as children read to certified guide dogs on Saturday, Feb. 2 in another installment of Tales to Tails, from 2–3:15 p.m. Students in grades 2 and up can bring books from home, or choose from the library’s collection, to read to these gentle pooches for 10–15 minutes. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call Pat Bergin at the library at 762-3950, ext. 265 for more information. Each child will be confirmed and assigned a specific time period during the hour and fifteen minute program.
Art exhibition opensBobbie Shavel and Manny Tamayo open their combined art show, “A Study in Contrasts,” on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. with a reception. The two Wilton artists, exhibiting vastly different techniques, styles, media and subject matter, will present more than forty works through Thursday, Feb. 28. The majority of the pieces will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. For information: 762-3950.
Scholarly series collaborationThe library and the Wilton Historical Society are pleased to announce a new four-part series entitled The United States Constitution—A Living Legacy. The first lecture in the series is Sunday, Feb. 3, from 2–4 p.m. at the library with Christopher Collier, former Connecticut State Historian and Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Connecticut. He will speak on Connecticut and the Constitution. Discussion topics include: why is Connecticut the Constitution State?, what role did Connecticut play in the Constitutional Convention?, and what were the issues that gave rise to a constitution in the first place? Additional dates in the series are: Feb. 28 Akhil Amar, Yale Law, The Founding, 7:30 p.m.; March 16 The Constitution as Amended in the Nineteenth Century--panel discussion at Wilton Historical Society with Jed Shugerman, Harvard Law and Owen Williams, Raoul Berger Fellow at Harvard Law, 2 p.m.; May 1 (previously scheduled for April 24) Sandy Levinson, University of Texas/Harvard/Yale Law Schools, Interpreting the Constitution, Wilton Historical Society, 7:30 p.m. A question and answer period will be part of all the lectures. Books will be available for purchase and signing where applicable. The lectures are free of charge. Advance registration is strongly recommended. The series is made possible by a grant from Devereaux A.Clifford and Family. To register for any or all of the sessions: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events/constitution.htm or call (203) 762-3950.
Music for kidsChildren ages 4 and up can listen and dance to music from around the world on Monday, Feb. 4, in Global Sounds with Chris Merwin, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. In this fun, educational, and interactive program led by musician Chris Merwin, kids will learn about the cultural and historical background of each instrument played—such as the Hawaiian drums, a Japanese bamboo flute, and a giant Tibetan trumpet. Chris has traveled and studied music from Tibet, China, Japan, Egypt, Hawaii, and all over the United States and brings his experiences to the program. The program is sponsored by the Coyle Family Fund. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.
Slave history discussedHistorian and scholar David Blight will discuss his new book--A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom, Including their Narratives of Emancipation on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 7–8:30 p.m. This book combines two newly discovered slave narratives in a volume that recovers the lives of their authors, John Washington (1838–1918), and Wallace Turnage (1846–1916), as well as provides an incisive history of the story of emancipation. From Publishers Weekly: “These powerful memoirs reveal poignant, heroic, painful and inspiring lives.” There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is recommended. Books are available for purchase and signing provided by Wilton Open Book Shop. To register: www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call 762-3950.