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Wilton Library Association Newsletter
December 2003
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Wilton Library Association Newsletter
December 2003
in this issue
-- Expansion News
-- Travel Goes Long Term
-- Gift from the Eleanor Nichols Estate
-- Drop-In Storytimes Begin
-- Holiday Happenings, part one
-- Holiday Happenings, part two
-- Big Kids Reading to Little Kids
-- Elissa Grodin to Speak with Parents and Children
-- Sixth Graders Visit the Library Greetings! Expansion News
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The Library originally went before Wilton's Planning and Zoning Commission Monday, October 27th to present its plan for the expansion. The hearing was continued to November 10th and again to December 8th to allow engineers time to modify the drainage design for the site. We are hoping that this December meeting will satisfy the commissioners, they will close the public hearing and the expansion plan will be approved - stay tuned for further developments!
After several weeks of research and interviews, the Future/Building Committee for the Library chose to recommend Turner Construction to the Board of Trustees to serve as Construction Manager for the expansion. Although all three of the firms chosen by the Committee to interview were well qualified, the unanimous consensus of the group was that Turner's bredth of talent and long relationship with the town made it the clear front runner. The Board of Trustees confirmed the choice of Turner for our project. On the fund raising front, we have had three wonderful expressions of community support recently - the Rotary Club of Wilton pledged $25,000 to the Building Fund, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gave us $500 toward the Brubeck Room in our new building, and the Wilton Playshop and Chamber of Commerce joined forces to put on "Murder by the Book," an original mystery staged at the Library on November 15th. Food and drink for the event was donated by Ancona's, the Village Market, Georgetown Saloon, Rancho Alegre, The Olive Market, the Wilton Villager, Tom-E-Toes, Luca, Dina!, Eric & Michael's Steakhouse, Marianne Wilson Catering, and Wilton Pizza and Pasta. More than 60 guests gathered to enjoy the evening and we raised more than $1,500 for the expansion. Special thanks go to Skip Ploss and Stephanie Barksdale for their help in putting together an outstanding event! more expansion Travel Goes Long Term
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We have recently changed the borrowing period on our travel collection from one week to three. These books are among the most popular in our collection, but a grant from the Rotary Club has allowed us to purchase more over the past couple of years to satisfy the demand. Now readers can take them along on trips around the globe and renew them if others haven't placed the titles on reserve. Remember that you can always ask a librarian to reserve materials that are about to be purchased, are new and being processed, or are out with other readers -- we'll give you a call as soon as they are available and hold them in your name at the front desk! Gift from the Eleanor Nichols Estate
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The Library was recently the beneficiary of a wonderful gift from the estate of Eleanor Nichols, a longtime Wilton resident. To date the bequest amounts to $37,500 (there will be an additional distribution soon to finalize the stipulations of the will), and we are so grateful to all who remember the Library in this way. If you would like to learn more about planned giving and its options, please call me (Kathy Leeds, 762-7196) for more information. Drop-In Storytimes Begin
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Story times have traditionally been run on a "drop-in" basis (no registration or administrative fee required) in December to accomodate hectic schedules that families have at this time of year. This year is no exception and the following times have been put on the calendar:
Mondays, December 8 & 15, 2-2:45 pm for ages 4 and 5
Tuesdays, December 9 & 16, 1:15- 2 pm for 3-year olds
Wednesdays, December 10 & 17, 10:15-10:45 am for 1-year olds
Wednesdays, December 10 & 17, 11:15-11:45 am for 2-year olds Starting in January, all our story times will happen this way! We hope to be able to satisfy more children and parents by encouraging them to stop by whenever they are able rather than signing up for a six to eight week schedule of sessions. Story times are wonderful opportunities for children to acquire a love for reading and appreciation of literature that will last their whole lives long. We will publish a list of age groups and times as soon as they are determined. storytimes schedule Holiday Happenings, part one
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The first weekend in December is packed with holiday happenings at the Library:
On Friday, December 5th (5:30-7:30 p.m.), the Library will take part in the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Walk and we'll welcome walkers with a cheerful fire (compliments of Gregory Sawmill!), music and wonderful food and drink - please stop by and warm up on your way from shop to shop! In addition, those who visit will be able to view the opening of "A Visual Journey by Ann Kromer," an art show featuring impressionistic landscapes that will remain at the Library throughout the month. On Saturday, December 6th (9 am-4 pm), our annual Children's Book Sale will take place with thousands of books in great condition at incredible prices for holiday giving. Don't forget that Santa will stop by the Library from 10:30 am-noon, so bring the kids and your camera for a great photo op with no long line! On Sunday, December 7th (5:30-7:30 pm, the Library invites all its Friends and supporters to the Annual Holiday Glogg party! Members of our Board of Trustees are the hosts, hostesses and chefs for this yearly "thank you" gathering and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Gifted pianist Al Galetley will once again volunteer his talents to play holiday music on a grand piano in the lobby, the traditional glogg bowl will be warm and welcoming next to the fireplace, and we will all enjoy this kickoff to the holiday season. Wilton Community Calendar Holiday Happenings, part two
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You will be able to get a head start on gift purchases as well - we'll have our "furnish the dream" giving table available for those who would like to help buy the furniture and equipment we will need for our expansion, and we'll have gift cards on hand in case you would like to make your gift to the Library in a friend's or family member's name! Books about Wilton and Wilton Library mugs will be available for purchase as well. On Wednesday, December 10th (4-5 pm) we'll have a craft and story program for children ages 3-7 entitled "Hanukkah Lights, Christmas Sights." A materials fee of $5 ($4 for Young Readers) and advance registration are required. Big Kids Reading to Little Kids
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This year National Honor Society members from Wilton High School will once again read stories and show little ones how to make simple seasonal crafts. Free refreshments and lots of fun will be be served up in the Community Room from 10 am to noon - both parents and children ages 3 and up are welcome. Registration is suggested but not required for this extremely popular program.
Elissa Grodin to Speak with Parents and Children
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Wilton's own Elissa Grodin has just published a new book "N is for Nutmeg" and she will discuss it at a gathering of parents and kids on Sunday, December 14th at 2 pm. A craft program for 4 through 9-year- olds will follow the talk. Elissa's book (part of an alphabet series featuring information about the 50 states) will be available for sale and signing. Advance registration is required, so give us a call!
Sixth Graders Visit the Library
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The Wilton Library will be a school bus destination on December 15, 16 and 17 when the entire Middlebrook 6th grade (in three installments by team) comes to visit us. We will be honing research skills and showing them what the Library has to offer for their homework needs. This year we will not close the library, but will ask patrons using the building from 11 am to 1 pm those days to be patient and understanding - and to listen in!
Contact Information
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email: library@wiltonlibrary.org
voice: 203-762-3950
web: http://www.wiltonlibrary.org
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