Wilton Library Association Newsletter
March 2006
in this issue
-- Story Times for Kids
-- Note: Chess and the Stock Market Game are Filled
-- Crafts for Kids in March
-- Digital Photography with Mary Anne and Michael Franco
-- Babysitters in Training
-- Programs for Readers...
-- ... and Writers
-- The Classics and Ann Martin Return
-- Wilton Arts Council Focus '06 Photography Show
-- Dr. Michael Crystal Talks about Communication
-- Journey of the Blankets
-- Women: Are You Weight-Loss Resistant?
-- Beer Tasting at the Library
-- Coffee and Conversation for Preschool Parents
-- Book Sale Alert! April 1-4 Is Coming!
-- Visiting Authors This Month - Four Fabulous Programs
-- Reel Wednesday at the Library
-- For Sale... for the Library
-- Young Readers: All About Books
-- Candlelight Concert - March 5th
Dear Readers,
In January, the official process by which our Town officials determine the Town's budget began in earnest. The Library actually had started planning for FY2007 several years ago - as it designed with the Board of Selectmen the Public Private Partnership Agreement that paved the way for our Library's expansion. Included as part of that agreement was a plan for the increased annual expenses that would come with a larger building and the expanded programs and services our citizenry had requested. Those expenses (including the addition of only six positions for a facility more than twice the size) were presented in a phased-in plan that would spread the expense delta due to expansion over five years. Approved and signed by both the Board of Selectmen and the Library Board of Trustees, this agreement was part of the bonding issue overwhelmingly supported in May 2003.
Now we are in the midst of new deliberation about the appropriate level of support our Town's FY2007 budget should show its Library. The Library Board of Trustees has presented a budget to the current Board of Selectmen that is significantly impacted by the anticipated utilities and benefits cost increases we share with all Town departments. In addition, our new spaces - as predicted - will cost more. Additional staffing, technology and maintenance costs will continue to be phased in as laid out in the Public Private Partnership Agreement. Finally, our Board has unanimously proposed an increase over three years both in the hours our Library is open and in the wages our staff members are paid (accounting for an additional $62,400 in FY2007). Recent studies have shown that we are seriously out of step with surrounding communities and the local competition, jeopardizing our ability to continue to serve Wilton as well as it deserves. Now that we have built this wonderful new facility, we want to use it to its fullest potential.
Many do not realize that the Library's annual budget is funded only in part by a grant from the Town. Although roughly 75% of our annual spending comes from that grant, almost 25% (nearly $500,000) is raised privately. No other town service receives such support and we owe a great debt of thanks to the foundations, organizations, businesses, and individuals who supplement the annual municipal grant. With appropriate levels of Town and private funding, our award-winning Library will be able to maximize the return for our community on the significant and very important investment it made in supporting its expansion and renovation.
Please feel free to call, write, or email me if you have questions about the Library budget proposal. And I know our elected officials will welcome your comments and suggestions as they consider the Board of Selectmen's budget (of which our grant is a line item) or the Town budget as a whole. Should you need contact information for our elected representatives, just call the Library's reference desk at 762-3950, extension 211 or find their email addresses on our website.
It is a difficult job to weigh those services most important to our community and balance needs with our ability to pay. I contend, as you might imagine, that our Library efficiently and effectively fulfills needs that transform our community in vital ways - the increase we seek is small relative to the good it will achieve and the lives it will touch.
Sincerely and with hope for the future,
Kathy Leeds, Director
Story Times for Kids
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From Wednesday, March 1st through Thursday, March 9th, children are welcome to attend our story times as follows:
On Saturday, March 4th, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, we'll have Wilton High School's National Honor Society members on hand to read stories to kids in grades K-3. Snacks and activities will accompany the tales - don't miss this wonderfully popular event! Registration is not required, just suggested. On Saturdays March 11th and 25th, from 2-3 pm, kids in grades K-3 can enjoy folklore and fantasy literature read by our terrific Children's Library staff. Advance registration is suggested in person at the Children's Library desk, by phone (762-3950) or online. Finally, the really amazing Read to Rover program will return on Saturday, March 18th from 2-3 pm in the Children's Library. Students in grades 1-5 will have fun reading to a certified therapy dog for 20 minutes. Kids can bring a book from home or choose one from the Library shelves. Reading skills and smiles are sure to result! Advance registration is required as space and dogs are limited. Call or stop by to register. |
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Chess and the Stock Market Game are Filled
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Response to our Chess Club and the Stock Market Game for Teens has been overwhelming and both sessions are filled for March and April. Additional Chess Club dates are being planned, so stay tuned for more information! |
Crafts for Kids in March
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Children's Library staffer Lesley Keogh has put together a couple of wonderful "drop-in" craft sessions for March: On Monday, March 13th and Tuesday, March 14th, kids of all ages can create their own springtime craft from supplies on hand in the Craft Room. You don't have to wait for the temperatures to rise or the ground to thaw to celebrate the coming of spring! On Thursday, March 16th and Friday, March 17th, kids can make their own St. Patrick's Day decoration. Again, materials will be provided and in both cases, there is no charge for the program - or any need to register. Just stop by and have fun! |
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Digital Photography with Mary Anne and Michael Franco
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Our extremely well-received and attended series on digital photography continues on Saturday, March 4th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Gurus Mary Anne and Michael Franco will show you how to scan and restore your old and precious photographs - don't let them crumble, fade and crack. Your skills can recreate priceless memories for friends and family. Advance registration is suggested in person, by phone (762-3950) or online. |
Babysitters in Training
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The Library is proud to present once again, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, a two-part babysitting training course on Tuesday, March 7th and Wednesday, March 8th, from 4-7 pm. An instructor from the Red Cross will teach skills that are vital for this important and responsible job - kids 11-15 years of age are welcome. Students should bring a snack to tide them over until dinner. The cost for the two-day program is $50 per student and space is limited. Please stop by and provide payment at the time of registration - and sign up soon, as this is traditionally a very popular program. |
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Programs for Readers
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Wilton Library Readers will convene with leader Susan Boyar on Wednesday, March 8th from noon to 1 pm to discuss Saturday, by Ian McEwan. According to the New York Times Book Review, Saturday magnifies a pivotal moment in history and a day in a man's life as secure foundations crack and uncertainty rushes in. While critics cited different overriding themes, Saturday explores ideas of fate and purpose, life's fragility, revelation, and terror at all levels of society. McEwan, an enduring talent in Britain combines literary seriousness with a momentum more commonly associated with genre fiction. The result is an intricate, captivating novel defined by a serene tension that erupts into a dark reality despite its hero's optimism. No registration is necessary - bring lunch if you like! On Tuesday, March 28th, at 11 am at the Senior Center (Comstock Community Center on School Road), all are welcome to discuss David McCullough's 1776. David Ostergren, Wilton Library Reference Librarian and former history teacher, will lead the lively discussion. Amazon says, Esteemed historian David McCullough covers the military side of the momentous year of 1776 with characteristic insight and a gripping narrative, adding new scholarship and a fresh perspective to the beginning of the American Revolution. Join us - just call the Senior Center at 834-6240 to register. This month, our International Book Group will feature guest speaker Jung Soo Kim talking about Native Speaker, by Chang-rae Lee. All are welcome to enjoy international dessert and literature on Thursday, March 30th, from 7-8:30 pm. Advance registration is suggested in person, by phone (762-3950) or online. |
. . . and Writers
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| We will hold our very first fiction writers' workshop on Wednesday, March 22nd, from 10 am to 1 pm. Susan Breen from the Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City, will instruct the group in a variety of topics, including plot or story structure, character development and point of view. She'll also answer questions about the business of writing - and how to be successful. No previous writing experience is necessary to enroll, but advance registration is required. Please call 762-3950, register online, or stop by to put your name on the list. |  |
The Classics and Ann Martin Return
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Popular seminar leader Ann Martin will conduct a 6-part series on Homer's The Iliad starting Monday, March 20th, from 10:30 am-noon. Additional sessions will be held at the same time on Mondays March 27th and April 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. There is no charge for the program, but copies of the book are available for borrowing or purchase (inquire at the Circulation Desk). Please register in advance in person, by phone (762-3950), or online. If you haven't attended an Ann Martin seminar before, you are in for a treat! |
Wilton Arts Council Focus '06 Photography Show
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| We look forward each year to a celebration of the photographic work of our neighbors organized and mounted by the Wilton Arts Council. The exhibit, Focus '06, will be mounted until April 14th on the walls of the Library and we hope you will stop by at any point to browse examples of prodigious talent and creativity. A reception for artists and attendees alike will take place Friday evening, March 10th, from 6-7:30 pm - please join us to meet the photographers and congratulate them on their efforts! |  |
Dr. Michael Crystal Talks about Communication
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The Library and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce are proud to present Michael Crystal, Ph.D. as he speaks about becoming a more effective communicator on Friday, March 24th, from 9-11 am. Those who have heard Michael know how helpful and inspiring his presentations are - come learn from an expert how to hone your own communication skills. Advance registration is required - please call the Library (762-3950) or the Chamber (762-0567) to sign up. There is a charge of $25 for the program, with a reduced fee of $15 for Chamber members or Friends of the Library. |
Journey of the Blankets
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| On Sunday, March 26th, at 2 pm, Barbara Schade will tell her touching story of delivering more than 90 blankets made by Wilton children to the surviving children of Hurricane Katrina. Barbara is a local educator, and her talk will prove that the cloud of this New Orleans tragedy had a bit of a silver lining for children in both communities. Advance registration is suggested for those of all ages in person, by phone (762-3950), or online. |  |
Women: Are You Weight-Loss Resistant?
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At 7 pm on Tuesday, March 28th, the first of a 4-part women's wellness series will feature licensed nutritionist Connie Marcy. Connie will speak to her audience about nutrition and the documented phenomenon of being weight-loss resistant. Join us and learn how to cope, for health and happiness. Advance registration is suggested in person, by phone (762-3950), or online. We'll keep you posted on upcoming speakers and topics in the series. |
Beer Tasting at the Library
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| Gregg Glaser, a Wilton resident, has written and spoken about beer, wine, spirits and food since 1994. Gregg is Editor for Yankee Brew News, News Editor for All About Beer Magazine, Columnist and Contributing Editor for Beverage Media and Modern Brewery Age and Columnist for the Stamford Business Outlook. Gregg has appeared as a Special Correspondent for The Exchange, a daily TV talk show produced by Cablevision of Connecticut, Side Dish, a syndicated weekly radio show that covers food and drink and The Swasey Show on FNX Radio (Boston, MA). We're delighted to have him in a return visit at the Wilton Library on Wednesday, March 29th, at 7 pm. Gregg will lead us in a humorous, entertaining and enlightening slide presentation on the history of beer as we taste a variety of brews and learn about their origins. There is no charge for the program, but participants must be 21 years of age. Advance registration is required in person, by phone (762- 3950) or online. |  |
Coffee and Conversation for Preschool Parents
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On Friday, March 31st, from 1-3 pm, Beth Gallos and Jill Mailer-Kesselman (Wilton Public Schools psychologists) will share coffee and conversation with preschool parents. Come and talk with the experts and other parents of young children about the issues and concerns you share. Advance registration is required in person, by phone (762- 3950), or online. |
Book Sale Alert! April 1-4 Is Coming!
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This year marks a very special debut for our annual spring book sale. For the first time, the sale will take place in our new basement - a wonderful open space that we have dubbed THE BOOK CELLAR. Save the dates and times and stop by to pour over almost 50,000 volumes in our Gallery and downstairs... and view the amazing BOOK CELLAR mural that more than 100 volunteers (including our friends in the Wilton Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club of Wilton!) painted under the direction of artist Ed MacEwen. Saturday, April 1st ~ 10 am to 5 pm This is one of the largest and best sales in New England - don't miss it! Proceeds help fund Library operations. |
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Visiting Authors This Month--Four Fabulous Programs
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On Sunday, March 3rd, at 2 pm, Author Peter Spiegelman will talk about his crime novel, Death's Little Helpers. Publishers Weekly gave the book a coveted starred review, saying, Shamus Award-winner Spiegelman's intricate, intelligent second thriller to feature all-too-human New York PI John March (after 2003's Black Maps) explores skulduggery in the world of high finance. On Thursday, March 9th, at 7 pm, Susan E.B. Schwartz will talk about her book, Into the Unknown: The Remarkable Life of Hans Kraus. Quoting from Amazon.com: A book of adventure and hope, vividly portraying one man's successful quest for meaning. A life covering the grand panorama of the 20th century, filled with tragedy and triumph, intense passion, verve, and a whole lot of guts, glory and wit. Hans Kraus was a legendary rock climber, known for hair-raising ascents on two continents. Few realized he was the same man considered one of the great unsung medical pioneers of the 20th century, making headline news throughout the second half of the 1950's, guest of honor at Eisenhower's White House, cover story of major magazines throughout America, including Sports Illustrated. His pioneering work in muscles and fitness uncovered a shocking truth about American children. And his work curing back pain brought him into the Kennedy White House and inner circle of Camelot. Here now is the life of Hans Kraus, including the never before told story of Kennedy's back, based on new documentation, including Kennedy's own White House back records and first time interviews with two Kennedy White House doctors. On Thursday, March 23rd at 7 pm, author Alan Nierenberg will discuss Winning the Interview Game. Demystifying the dreaded interview process, his book takes new and experienced job-seekers step by step from interview preparation to the first day on the job. Chock full of real-life examples, the book shows readers how to thoroughly prepare for every interview, establish and maintain rapport with interviewers, prove that they ideally suit the position requirements, take advantage of the pressure on recruiters and human resources departments to fill jobs, recognize and disarm negative body language exhibited by interviewers, deal with difficult questions and tense situations to salvage a less-than-perfect interview before it ends. Join us and help land the perfect job offer! On Sunday, March 26th, at 2 pm, G.G. Carbone will speak about her book, How to Make a Fortune with Other People's Junk. Praised as "a lively crash course in how to exit the garage sale with treasure in hand. As fun as it is informative" by author Wally Lamb, the book promises to reveal the buying and selling secrets of professional antique dealers, collectors, auctioneers, and appraisers, so that you can quickly spot bargain items with a hefty resale value, cash in on hot trends and overlooked specialty markets, and bid wisely at auctions and buy smart at antique shows. Advance registration is suggested for all four fabulous programs and books will be available for purchase and signing in each case. Our visiting author program is offered free of charge - stop by, call, or register online to reserve your place! |
Reel Wednesday at the Library
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| Kids! Come to the movies at the Library during your vacation - for free! On Wednesday, March 15th, we'll show Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit at 10:30 am and then Zathura at 2 pm on our large screen projection system. Kids 5 and under - please bring an adult. There is no need for registration - just stop in. |  |
For Sale . . . for the Library
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Thanks to the generosity of college planning experts, Howard and Matthew Greene, we are able to offer a 1 to 1-1/2 hour family consultation with either Matthew or Howard for guidance and advice on placement at the high school, college or graduate school level. Greenes' Guides has advised hundreds of students for many years and their books are among the most popular on the subject of sucessful placement. Featured on PBS, Howard and Matthew are eminently suited to getting your planning process on track. If you would like to purchase the 1 to 1/2 hour session, please email me immediately. Your entire payment of $750 will benefit the Library! |
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Young Readers: All About Books
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On Thursday, March 23rd, at 5 pm, Wilton Library Young Readers are invited to attend this new program to learn all about new books coming out every few months. Library assistant Lesley Keogh will introduce the new series that's going to run four times a year as she chats about the newest titles. Free pizza will be served and advance registration is required by phone (762-3950 x217) or in person. Young Readers are children up to age 13 who support the Library with a donation of $25 per year. New members receive a Wilton Library "hippo bag" and 7-day loan time on children's DVDs! To become a Young Reader, call the Library at 762-3950. |
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Candlelight Concert--March 5th
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Twenty-four year-old American pianist, Jonathan Biss has already proven himself an accomplished and exceptional musician with a flourishing international reputation. Noted for his intriguing programs, artistic maturity and versatility, Mr. Biss commands a diverse repertoire ranging from Mozart and Beethoven through the Romantics to Janacek and Schoenberg. At 4 pm on Sunday, March 5th, Mr. Biss will play a recital at the Wilton Congregational Church. His program includes two Beethoven Sonatas--the D major Op. 10, No. 3, and the E major, Opus 109; Schumann's Fantasy, Opus 17; and Schoenberg's Six Little Pieces, Opus 19, as well as a new work by American composer Lewis Spratlan. The concert will take place at the Wilton Congregational Church, Route 33 just north of Wilton Center. Tickets will be available at the door one-half hour prior to the performance for $25 (Seniors pay $20, Students pay $10) For more information, or to pre-reserve a ticket, phone (203) 762-3401 or (203) 762-5019. Please note that seating is not assigned. Candlelight Concerts benefit the Wilton Library |
Contact Information
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email: library@wiltonlibrary.org
voice: 203-762-3950
web: http://www.wiltonlibrary.org