Wilton Library kicks off Wilton Reads May 18th

Reading compelling stories that bring people to unfamiliar places is the impetus behind Wilton Library’s community-wide reading program, Wilton Reads, and this year’s program is no exception.  The selection is Circling the Sun by Paula McLain, a historical novel based on the life of Beryl Markham – a female pilot and horse-trainer in 1920s Kenya. The story is about a fiercely independent and enigmatic woman who followed her own head and heart. From her early childhood to her east-west transatlantic flight, Markham’s struggles in early 20th century Kenya are just as relevant to today’s contemporary issues. Paula McLain is The New York Timesand international bestselling author of The Paris Wife.

This is the library’s eleventh season of Wilton Reads which kicks off on May 18 with a book giveaway and encompasses book discussions, movies, children’s activities, a travel seminar, and culminates with a visit from the author on June 1. McLain will be honored with a Grodin Family Fine Writers Award for outstanding writing when she visits the library.

Ann Patchett, The New York Times bestselling author who has twice embraced Wilton Library audiences, remarked about McLain, “Paula McLain is considered the new star of historical fiction, and for good reason. Fans of The Paris Wife will be captivated by Circling the Sun, which . . . is both beautifully written and utterly engrossing.”

Elaine Tai-Lauria, executive director of Wilton Library remarked, “We are thrilled to be bringing Wilton Reads to the community once again. It is an opportunity for us to come together to discuss fine literature and it gives us a chance to look at the world in other ways.  This is such a well-crafted story and the exotic locale adds another layer of richness to the experience that we think people will enjoy.”

Karen Danvers, program manager for the library noted, “We were excited when we heard Paula McLain was available for us. It always brings an added dimension to have the author here discussing the book, its characters, and the issues so that our community can have a personal connection with the material.”

To encourage readership and to kick off the Wilton Reads 2016 program, 100 paperback copies of Circling the Sun will be distributed to members of the community free of charge courtesy of Fairfield County Bank, on a first-come, first-served basis, on Wednesday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. while supplies last. For a little bit of flavor, free Kenyan coffee will be provided by Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee, a new Wilton Center establishment. Many of the activities over the two-week Wilton Reads period are made possible due to the partnerships with Fairfield County Bank and Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee.

The library has found another way to involve the community by having people bring in their personal photographs of Kenya beginning May 1 through May 13.  The owners of the photographs will digitally scan them so the photos can be projected during Wilton Reads events in a slide show in the gallery.  Interested parties can use their photos, negatives, and slides. Participants will be trained on the digital scanner in the Thomas T. Adams, Esq. Innovation Station. Participants will receive a thumb drive of their newly digitized photos. For information, deadline details and registration, email innovation@wiltonlibrary.org.    

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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