Wilton Library Association Newsletter
August 2006
in this issue -- Billy Goat Wanted!
Hello! We have a host of activities and programs for kids and teens this month and there will be no excuse for boredom during the dog days of summer... just come on down! From parties, movies, crafts, and story times to the Wildman and Bat Lady, each week will be packed with things for kids of all ages to do. And adults... you may want to rest up, as we have an exciting September in the offing, including the announcement of this year's Wilton Reads! and the annual Ladies' Soiree (mark your calendars for September 10th). Enjoy the month - and make us a big part of your family's August plans! Sincerely, Kathy Leeds, Library Director |
We would like to purchase a Billy Goat outdoor vacuum – a gasoline powered grounds machine that is designed to pick up leaves, cigarette butts, cans, paper, bottles and other types of man-made and organic debris. Both powerful and tough, the Billy Goat features strong suction in a simple-to-operate, reliable design. Though we certainly can use the vacuum now, we are particularly anxious to purchase it before the fall, when leaves from our oak, shadblow and sweet gum trees start to fill the courtyard spaces. As you might imagine, keeping the oudoor areas tidy and welcoming presents a special challenge to those who work hard to maintain the building and grounds – the right equipment will certainly make the job more manageable. If you would like to purchase or help us purchase the Billy Goat, please give me a call immediately at 762-7196, extension 215. The total price is $1,200 for a 5.0 horsepower self-propelled Briggs & Stratton engine and an accessory hose kit (particularly important for getting leaves out of beds and wells where leaf blowing or raking is not possible). Any and all contributions to our “Billy Goat fund" will be most appreciated – and tax-deductible! |
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Are you looking for things to do with the kids this summer, but not sure what your schedule may allow? Then join us as you are able for story times and crafts flexibly scheduled expressly for your convenience in August. These programs are free of charge.
And of course, the Children's Library is always a great place to visit - cool and inviting and conveniently on the way to and from your other summer activities! |
On Wednesday, August 9th, from 2-3 pm, naturalist and author Wildman Steve Bill will lead a walking tour of nearby Schenck's Island (across from Stop & Shop in Wilton Center). Hikers will learn to recognize, harvest ecologically and enjoy organic herbs, greens, berries and mushrooms that flourish right in their own back yards! Advance registration is required for this popular program, but there is no charge thanks to a grant from the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation. Stop by, call 762-3950 or register online to guarantee a spot... and then meet the Wildman in the Schenck's Island parking lot. Parents must accompany their children and everyone should wear long pants and closed shoes for the trek. Bring along gloves and plastic grocery bags to collect your treasures. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at the Library, so call to check if the skies are threatening. On Wednesday, August 16th, from 2-3 pm, famous Gerri Griswold, known everywhere as The Bat Lady, will visit the Children's Library with her bats in hat houses. Gerri is a trained wildlife rehabilitator and she will tell kids about the importance of bats in ecology of the area while introducing them up close and personal. Advance registration is suggested - in person, by phone (762-3950) or online. |
There is no charge for these sleepytime sessions, but we ask that you register in person, by phone (762- 3950), or online... for the 17th and/or the 24th. It's a great way to wind down from busy summer days! |
Don't forget that we have discount coupons for viewing the newest pirate movie at the Wilton Crown Cinema - you can make your purchase at the Circulation Desk for a reduced-price coupon (to be exchanged for a ticket at the theater) that will benefit both movie goers and the Library! |
Until August 24th, students in grades 7-12 can discuss a newly-read fiction or non-fiction book with a library teen staff member any time Monday through Thursday. Raffle tickets will be based on pages read and weekly raffle ticket drawings will take place each Thursday at 6:30 pm in the Teen area for gift certificates to local merchants for ice cream, pizza, and coffee or other beverages. A final drawing on Thursday, August 4th, at 6:30 pm will feature a backpack filled with coupons and gifts. Kids can receive extra raffle tickets for providing brief written reviews of the books they've read. Free Library DVD/VHS rental coupons will be given to all who participate in the program - stop by for more details or to enter. Thanks to our local merchants and the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund for making the Read 'Em and Reap program possible! |
Reel Fridays for Kids & Teen Movie Tuesdays
Popcorn, lemonade, and movies are free. No registration is necessary - just come and enjoy! Please remember that children under 5 years of age must bring along an adult. And teens can enjoy free popcorn and movies on two Tuesdays during the month (again, thanks to the Louis Dreyfus Corporation): All movies will be shown on the large projection screen system - join us! |
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On Wednesday, August 23rd, and Thursday, August 24th, from 4-7 pm, the American Red Cross will run another of their very popular 2-part babysitting classes. Intended for students ages 11-15, the course provides training for all sorts of situations kids encounter in what is often their first paying job. Unfortunately, this session is filled, but stay tuned - we will have more throughout the fall. |
Your children can join the Young Readers Club for $25 per child or $75 per family. Inquire in the Children's Library for more information or to register. There is no better gift you can give your children than a love of their Library! |
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Please join us on Wednesday, August 16th from 3:15-4:30 pm for a gala celebration of Read, Recycle & Renew. We'll have balloons, games, and refreshments and each child will be able to take home his or her own reading Earth! What a way to wrap up our Earth-awareness summer of reading and fun. It's sure to be a wonderful time, thanks to the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation. Please register in advance in person, by phone (762-3950), or online. |
We are introducing a brand new service on August 1st and invite you to try it! Sign up for Library ELF and get email or text message alerts for your due, overdue or reserve materials ready for pickup! It's a simple process and, although we will continue to send notices via the mail for materials not returned, you will help us to cut down on "snail mail" clutter and postage by electing to have email notification. I have just signed up myself and look forward to finding out instantly when my reserves or holds are ready for me at the Circulation Desk or the Drive-Up Window on Godfrey Place. |
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email: kathy_leeds@wiltonlibrary.org |
The newly renovated and expanded Library has some new maintenance needs and we hope there is a generous individual out there who will help us keep the beautiful courtyards and walkways neat and clean.
Admirers of soprano Leontyne Price will be pleased to learn that two unusual CDs of her work have been added to the Library’s Knott Collection. The 
As part of the Read, Recycle & Renew summer reading program for kids, we have lined up two terrific educational and entertaining events in August:
On Thursdays, August 17th and 24th, from 6-6:30 pm, children ages 3-5 are invited to come to the Library in their jammies and with their favorite blankets to listen to wonderful stories that will pave the way for bedtime.
From Monday, August 21st, through Friday, August 25th, the Children's Library will transform itself into a pirates' den. Kids can come in to check out our new pirate books, pick up an eyepatch and make a pirate hat.
On two Fridays in August, we'll have double features for kids, thanks to the Louis Dreyfus Corporation:
In addition to the drop-in crafts mentioned above, the Children's Library will sponsor a special session on Thursday, August 10th, from 2-3 pm for kids ages 3-7 who'll be able to make things from items that would otherwise be thrown away. Creativity counts and advance registration in person, by phone (762-3950) or 
On Wednesday, August 16th, from 4-5 pm, students going into grades 7-12 can make a change in their lives. This will be a great kickoff to the school year as they learn painlessly how to become organized, developing systems that work for home and school, creating effective checklists and taking tips not only from Library staffer and science teacher Whitney Walker, but also from other teens. There is no charge for the program, but please register in person, by phone (762-3950), or 
Drop in during the week of August 28th to learn about Wilton Library Young Readers and how your children can benefit from a lifelong love of reading. With a donation, new Young Readers receive a Hippo book bag. All Young Readers receive reduced fees on programs, early access to new books, a 7-day loan period on children's DVDs, and more.
Cleaning out the toy chest? The Children's Library is looking for donations of Legos and Duplos for future programs. Please check your closets and drop off your donations at the Children's Desk during Library hours. We will be most grateful, as will the kids who get to use them! 
Did you know that each month the Library features on our website items newly added to our collection? Links to new books, DVDs, audiobooks, and websites are include on the "New" page of our site and you can instantly reserve materials for pickup or access weblinks that are updated each month. Try it out - just click 
We are so fortuante to ring out the month of terrific programs for kids with a program presented on Tuesday, August 29th from 11-11:45 am by Robert Markowitz. Also known as "Robert the Guitar Guy," this wonderful children's performer will incorporate music, rhythm, movement, humor, role-playing and props to make the morning fun for both children and adults. Please register in advance in person, by phone (762-3950), or