Wilton Library Announces October's Online and Virtual Events
Now through Oct. 31 Wilton Reads: Jazzy Art Contest for Teens, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Calling all teenage artists! Use your talents to design a mock book jacket or vinyl album cover depicting a jazz scene anywhere from the 1920's up to the present OR a famous jazz artist. For inspiration, check out Dave Brubeck Quartet's Time Out or Charlie Parker's Bird and Diz albums. Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photography by Roxane Orgill and Jazz Owls by Margarita Engle are also great books to help get your creative juices flowing. Entries will be judged by a panel. Winners will be announced the 2nd week of November and receive gift certificates to Jerry's Artarama. Submissions will be accepted at the Wilton Library's Lobby from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28th and Saturday, October 31st. Entry forms can be downloaded from our website and must accompany everyone's artwork. For students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. Please see library’s website at www.wiltonlibrary.org for details. Questions: call 203-762-6343. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 3 Wilton Reads – Tales of the Jazz Age Book Giveaway, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. To encourage readership and kick-off the Wilton Reads 2020 program, Wilton Library gave away paperback copies of Tales of the Jazz Age to members of the community free of charge courtesy of Fairfield County Bank in March. A limited number of copies are still available on a first-come first-served basis at the drive thru window while supplies last. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 Poetry with Judson Scruton: The Bridge - Hart Crane’s Journey Through and Over The Roaring 20s, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Judson Scruton presents a four-week online literature seminar using Hart Crane's epic masterwork, The Bridge, as a vehicle for examining the inter-relationships between Crane's poetry and the arts and culture of the 1920s. Among the reference points considered are T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero,” Joseph Stella’s mural of New York City, Wallace Stevens's “Sunday Morning,” photographs by Alfred Stieglitz and Walker Evans, trumpet riffs by Louis Armstrong and, in connection with our Wilton Reads 2020 theme, F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tales of the Jazz Age. Judson Scruton M.A. (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. Poetry packet will be emailed in advance to registrants. No charge for the program. This seminar is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Please see the registration link for more speaker and program details. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org.
Registration required in order to receive the Zoom link. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, Oct. 3 Virtual Book Club, 1 – 2 p.m.Are you looking to find new books to read? Are you looking to connect with other kids during this pandemic? If so, you’re in luck! Join Girl Scout Emily Johnson’s Virtual Book Club! During the first session, we will choose the book to read. This book club is open to all students entering grades 4-7. Contact aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Registration required in order to receive the Zoom link. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturdays, Oct. 3, 10 & 17 “Longest way round is the shortest way home”: A 4-part Lecture Series on James Joyce’s Ulysses, 3 – 4 p.m. Mark Schenker, of Yale College, continues his virtual lecture series on James Joyce’s Ulysses viewed through the lens of Homer’s epic. While James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922) differs significantly from Homer’s Odyssey (8th century BCE), they are intimately joined in the depiction of a homeward journey that is extended and delayed by incidents variously mundane and momentous. In each case, the final homecoming is informed by all that has transpired to bring the hero back to where he first set out. No charge for the program. This lecture is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance registration required. Register online in order to receive the Zoom session invitation link. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register, and for program and speaker details. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Mondays, Oct. 5, 19 & 26 Ready Readers Live!, 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. Children ages 4-6 are invited to join in some story time fun! We will read two stories and have some chat time. Registration is required and space is limited. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting shortly before the program. No sessions on Oct. 12. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Questions? Email aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27 Virtual Chess Club, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Kids in kindergarten through high school are invited to join this virtual chess class. Each week students will learn new strategies and then pair up using Chess.com to practice playing. Students must create a chess.com username prior to the start of class. Registration is required for each session, no fee. Questions? Call (203)762-6336 or email aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org. Matthew Shirvell is the instructor for this class. He has been teaching chess for over 5 years, from new learners to experienced tournament players. He is a USCF tournament director who has helped run events such as the 2020 Connecticut State Grade Championships with over 90 participants. Please visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for more information and to register. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting shortly before the program. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Navigating the College Application Process, 5 – 6:15 p.m. The college application process is not difficult; however, there are common missteps to avoid. Join college counselor, Priyanka Shingala, as she explains: the different types of college applications; the applications cycles: Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling Admissions, and Regular Admissions; the Dos & Don’ts of completing an application (honors/achievements, activities, recommendations & the “additional information” sections); and how to link Naviance to the Common App. Registration required in order to receive the Zoom link. For high school seniors, and their parents are welcome to join, too. Prior to the presentation, all students should create a Common App account so that they can make changes/notes as they go; and have their Naviance login info handy. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28 Zooming Toddler Story Time, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for an interactive Zoom story time geared especially for toddlers ages 1-3 years. Children and their caregivers will have fun listening to stories, singing songs, learning rhymes, and doing movement activities, all while building literacy skills. Registration is required for each date, and a Zoom link will be sent out the day before the program. For more details or if you have any questions, email Miss Amy at alilienharper@wiltonlibrary.org. Please visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 Cortney Davis Reads Her Poetry - I Hear Their Voices Singing, 5 – 6 p.m. This is a special poetry program as local poet and nurse, Cortney Davis, reads a selection of poems from her newest book, I Hear Their Voices Singing. Judson Scruton, a favorite poetry lecturer at Wilton Library, will moderate the program with commentary and Q&A. Signed copies of Cortney’s new book will be available for purchase in advance of the program with a portion of the sales proceeds going to the library. Please contact Michael Bellacosa for payment and pick-up details at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org. Online registration is required in order to receive the Zoom invitation link and the readings packet. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for speaker details and to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, Oct. 8 Police Officer Story Time Live!, 10 – 10:30 a.m. Children ages 4 and up are invited to join Wilton Police Officers for an interactive story time on Zoom. You must have an account with Zoom. Registration for this program is required. Registrants will receive an email link to the Zoom meeting prior to the program. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. For questions email aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, Oct. 14 Wilton Library Readers— Beloved, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Using Zoom, professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Beloved by Toni Morrison this month. Space limited and registration required. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants a few days before the meeting. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Questions? Please email kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, Oct. 14 Zentangle Art Workshop: Zooming with Amy, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Join Amy, Wilton Library's certified Zentangle instructor, for a fun and relaxing live online Zentangle art session. This meditative art form uses simple steps to teach practitioners how to create beautiful patterns. Suitable for anyone who doesn't believe they can draw, as well as experienced artists. For adults and teens, ages 13+. See the library’s registration link for suggestions of supplies needed. Registration is required and space is limited. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants prior to the session. Please email slauricella@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register and for program details. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, Oct. 15 Online Medicare Bootcamp, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ever wonder how to sign up for Medicare, when you are eligible, or what your options are? Please join us for an online community conversation that will provide information for those who will be signing up for Medicare in the near future. No charge. Online registration required in order to receive the Zoom invitation link. Questions: mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org. There will be a brief presentation by Nancy Lombard Long-Term Options Specialist and CHOICES counselor for the Southwest CT Agency on Aging. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register and for program details. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, Oct. 16 CT Poetry Society Workshop –Online Zoom Meeting, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join us online for the next CT Poetry Society workshop using Zoom. All that's required is the willingness to share some poetry that you have written by reading it aloud to the group. Poets should email a copy of their poems to Ray Rauth at rayrauth@optonline.net. He will distribute the poems to the group shortly before the session. To facilitate discussion, space is strictly limited to just 15 attendees. No charge but online registration is required. The Zoom invitation link will be emailed to registrants shortly before the event. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, Oct. 19 Stitch Time for Knitters & Crocheters on Zoom, 1 – 2 p.m. Zoom session for crafters of all skill levels. Show off your latest creation, seek advice, and chat about anything while working on your own projects. Registration is required. Once you are registered, we'll email you the Zoom link. Please feel free to email cbenjamin@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, Oct. 19 College Q&A with Matthew Greene, 7 – 7:45 p.m. Join educational consultant, Matthew Greene, for a live Q&A session. This is a discussion about testing, deferring admission and the latest updates on the college scene. Recommended for high school juniors and seniors and their parents. Registration is required and space is limited. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants. Questions? Please email slauricella@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 Are You Prepared? Social Security Strategies To Maximize Benefits & Your Retirement, 12 – 1 p.m. or 5 – 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn key concepts you need to know before applying for Social Security. Depending on your age, Social Security filing strategies may boost lifetime benefits and increase retirement income by tens of thousands. Presenter Michael Alimo is a registered investment advisor with 30+ years in the industry. Please visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to see speaker details and to register. Registration for either session is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, Oct. 22 More Zooming Child-Adult Zentangle Fun, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Calling all artists and doodlers. If you love to draw or doodle but think you aren’t a good artist, this is the program for you. Using a few simple steps and techniques, anyone can learn to create beautiful artwork in a relaxing atmosphere. So join us and share some time with your favorite grownup. Whether or not you joined the first class, come join the fun. For children entering grades 3 – 6 with a participating adult. Registration is required. Please register all attendees. Participants will be contacted to pick up supplies a few days before the program. The Zoom link will be distributed before the session. Register online. Please note: supplies and space are limited. We ask that patrons register only if you are sure you can attend. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Email alilienharper@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, Oct. 24 Draw Some Monsters!, 2 – 3 p.m. Just in time for Halloween, kids in Grades 3 to 5 can participate in drawing some Classic Monsters! Rick Stromoski who visited in the summer with his very successful Cartooning program, will be returning with this virtual session. Draw creatures like the Wolfman, Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster with Rick. Registration required. This is a Zoom program so the link for the program will be sent to registrants the morning of the program. Kids should have a large pile of paper and a drawing utensil. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Questions? Email lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 Firefighter Story Time Live, 10 – 10:30 a.m. Children ages 4 and up are invited to join Wilton Fire Fighters for an interactive story time on Zoom. You must have an account with Zoom. Registration for this program is required, and we will send you a link to the meeting via email. For questions email aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 The Cookbook Connection: A Virtual Recipe Swap, 5 – 6 p.m.This is an old-school recipe swap with a twist of virtual. Attendees can test out new recipes or dig up old favorites, then create something yummy to virtually “show and tell” with the group. Then everyone grabs a drink, and shares their family recipes or tells which cookbooks were used for the recipes. This session is all about soup. Registration is required and space is limited. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants prior to the day of session. Questions? Please email slauricella@wiltonlibrary.org. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, October 28 Wilton Reads - Book Discussion - Tales of the Jazz Age, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Wilton Library's Wilton Reads 2020 selection, Tales of the Jazz Age, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Feel free to munch your lunch as we travel back to the Jazz Age! Registration required in order to receive the Zoom link. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, October 31 Wilton Reads – F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Jazz Age with Mark Schenker, 3 – 4 p.m. Mark J. Schenker of Yale College will discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life and work in the 1920s—a period he both depicted in his fiction and came to represent in his personal life—through the lens of Tales of the Jazz Age (1922). The most popular of the four short story collections published in the author’s short lifetime (1896-1940), Tales of the Jazz Age reflects the eclecticism, exuberance and experimentation of the 1920s, also called the Roaring Twenties because of the high energy and even freneticism of the decade. Mark Schenker has been at Yale College since 1990 and is currently a senior associate dean of the College and Dean of Academic Affairs. A former lecturer in the English Department at Yale, he received his Ph.D. from Columbia University with a concentration in 19th-century and early 20th-century English literature. Mark is a favorite guest speaker at Wilton Library. Please see the registration link for more speaker and program details. Registration required in order to receive the Zoom link. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.