Wilton Library June 2022 In-Person and Virtual Activities
Thursdays, June 2, 9, 23 & 30 Four Masterpieces of Modern American Fiction Between the World Wars (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. Mark Schenker of Yale College returns in a continuation of his 2021-2022 lectures on classic novels. This series will be offered via Zoom but with a bonus: the final session will be in-person in the Brubeck Room (as well as on Zoom) with a short reception after the lecture to chat with Mark and each other at the series conclusion.
Mark will lecture on four celebrated novels, books that illustrate how the American novel expanded to include the experience of urban immigrants and rural African-Americans; the devastating effects of the Great Depression and its testing of the promise of the American Dream; and in general a more inclusive consideration of just how varied are the people in “We, the People.”
Attendees are not expected to read or reread all or even any of the novels, but a familiarity with them will of course make the lectures more meaningful. Here are the novels for each week: June 2 - Henry Roth - Call It Sleep, June 9 - Zora Neale Hurston - Their Eyes Were Watching God, June 23 - John Steinbeck - The Grapes of Wrath, June 30 - Carson McCullers - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. No charge for the program. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance registration required.
Register online or call 203-762-6334. You will automatically be registered for all four sessions in the series. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, June 3 Teen Drop-In Friday, 3 to 5:45 p.m. Drop into the Teen Room for Drop-In Friday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's craft: origami finger puppets. No registration necessary. Just drop in! Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Fridays, June 3, 10 & 24 Children's Garden Club, 4 to 5 p.m. Do you love being outside and getting your hands dirty? Garden Club might be the place for you! Children in grades Kindergarten and up and a participating adult are invited to join our Children's Library staff in planting and maintaining the Library's Children's Garden. Children will learn about gardening, hear stories, and get hands-on experience planting, weeding, watering and otherwise maintaining the garden throughout the spring, summer, and into the fall. Registration required. Garden Club will be cancelled on inclement weather days. Masks recommended for any time spent inside. Registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24 Big Kids Story Time (In-Person), 4:15 to 5 p.m. Children ages 4-5 are invited to a story time adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs, and some activities. Registration is required for each session. Walk-ins welcome if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. Weather permitting, the program may be moved outdoors to the Reference Courtyard. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, June 3 Silvermine Community Artists in Residence Exhibition & Reception, 6 to 7:30 p.m. 15 area artists will be exhibiting at Wilton Library’s June art exhibition. The artists are all from Silvermine Community Artists in Residence, a group that has gathered to exhibit again after a ten year hiatus. The artists are: Susan Bottini, Edwina Casey, Colleen Hains, Megan Ferrell, Jeanne McDonagh, Alan McLean, Moira Ratchford, Anna Roberts, Ken Robins, Leo Santangelo, Maya Santangelo, Norm Siegel, Jennifer Sinski, Katy Sullivan, and Derek Uhlman. The works represent a wide variety of styles, media, and subject matter choices. Reception free and open to the public. Exhibition runs through June 29. A majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Sunday, June 5 Connecticut’s Own Returns With Music for Spring with Oboe and Piano, 4 to 5 p.m. Please join us for the return of our Connecticut's Own chamber music series to Wilton Library's Brubeck Room. Wilton residents Ralph Kirmser (oboe) and Kyong Hee Cho (piano) will perform a selection of duets including works by Nielsen, Beethoven, Poulenc, Chopin and Saint-Saens. Ralph Kirmser has been oboist for the Madera Winds Quintet for five years. Prior to that, he was oboist for the Prevailing Winds of Connecticut and Morningside Wind Quintet of New York City. Dr. Kirmser is a cardiologist and practices in Norwalk. He is a resident of Wilton and has lived there with his wife Sally and their three children for over 40 years. Kyong Hee Cho began her piano career in Korea at the age of four. She attended the Manhattan School of Music as a merit scholar where she earned a BA and MA degree in piano performance. Kyong Hee has performed numerous solo concerts to benefit international medical and disaster relief. She teaches piano at her studio in Wilton. No charge. Registration strongly suggested. Pre-registrants should arrive no later than 3:50 to be guaranteed seating; waitlisted and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 3:50 if space is available. Register online or call 203-762-6334. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 7 Poetry Discussion with Janet Krauss: The Poetry of John Keats (Zoom), 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please join us online as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of a selection of poems by John Keats. A readings packet will be emailed in advance of the program. In 1820, the year before he died, John Keats intimated that he felt he was living a “posthumous existence.” He knew he would soon die of tuberculosis, the pandemic of his time. Keats is one of the greatest English lyric poets to continuously delight and inspire us with “poetry that sought its wonders in the desires and sufferings of the human heart,” as a critic expressed. Keats left a treasure trove of 54 poems; he died at the untimely age of 25. Janet Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, “Borrowed Scenery,” Yuganta Press, and “Through the Trees of Autumn,” Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University. Please see the library’s registration link for more details. Advance registration required. Register online in order to receive the Zoom session invitation link and readings packet. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 7 Police Officer Story Time, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Children ages 2 and up are invited to join Wilton Police Officers for an interactive, in-person story time! One of our local officers will read stories and answer questions. Kids will see the police car too! Registration required. Weather permitting, the program may be moved outdoors to the Reference Courtyard. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 7 Bitcoin and Other Market Trends, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please join us in the Brubeck Room for an interesting evening to explore cryptocurrency and other related market trends. Have you been scratching your head about Bitcoin? What is it? How does it work? Tim Baker will look at how various investments have performed (and why) and how the investment landscape is changing in ways you may not realize. Bring your own questions too! Tim Baker, CFA, is the Founder & CEO of Metric Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor dedicated to helping clients lower costs and improve results through factor investing. He is a CFA charter holder and has experience in the financial industry dating back to 1996. Registration required. Please register online or call 203-762-6334. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, June 8 Wilton Library Readers: Zorrie: a novel by Laird Hunt (Zoom), noon to 1:30 p.m. Using Zoom, professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Zorrie: a novel by Laird Hunt this month. Participants are also highly encouraged to read Gustav Flaubert's story, "A Simple Heart" (also known as "A Simple Soul") to accompany Zorrie. "A Simple Soul" can be accessed free of charge here. Space is limited and registration required. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants before the meeting. Please note that the Zoom link will be sent to you from kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library Readers group meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Feel free to enjoy your lunch while we discuss the book! To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, June 8 The Mediterranean Lifestyle: Unlock 9 Keys to Health and Happiness, 4 to 6 p.m. Learn the Secrets to Health, Longevity and Quality of Life.
Stay at Home in Wilton and Wilton Library will host a special talk on the Mediterranean Lifestyle with RVNAhealth registered dietitian and nutrition educator Monica Marcello, MS, RD, and Ryan Ventura, RVNAhealth Staying Well Account Manager. Learn why living to 100 is common in some areas of the world. Monica Marcello, MS, RD is RVNAhealth’s registered dietitian and nutrition educator who promotes holistic health, longevity, and quality of life. Ryan Ventura is on staff with RVNAhealth in Ridgefield CT. Prior to working in healthcare, Ryan served 13 years as a Pastor. Registration is required. Please register online or call 203-762-6334. For more information contact Stay at Home in Wilton Executive Coordinator Janet Johnson at 203-762-2600. No charge. Q & A. Reception to follow. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, June 8 Author Talk: Shelby Van Pelt - Remarkably Bright Creatures (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. For fans of A Man Called Ove, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. Remarkably Bright Creatures is on the May LibraryReads list of top ten books published this month that library staff across the country love; it is the 'Read with Jenna' May pick; and it is a New York Times bestseller. Please see the library’s registration link for more details. Registration required. Must have a Zoom account. An email link will be provided to all registrants a few days before the event. Go to elmstreetbooks.com to order your copy of Remarkably Bright Creatures. A portion of the proceeds go to Wilton Library. The media sponsor of our author talks is GOOD Morning Wilton. For more information visit www.wiltonlibrary.org, call the library’s reference librarians at 203-762-6350 or email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 14 Teen Library Council (TLC) Meeting, 4 to 5:15 p.m. The Wilton Teen Library Council (TLC) is a monthly group for youth in grades 6-12 who are interested in becoming more involved with the library. All Wilton teens are welcome. Benefits include: helping librarians choose teen materials, brainstorming ideas for teen programs, gaining experience working in a leadership role, and helping the community through service projects. Each meeting will consist of a small group activity and discussion of upcoming events. We will meet the second Tuesday of each month and ask that you attend all meetings. Registration is optional, but we recommend submitting a TLC application before your first meeting. Please contact Teen Services at (203) 762-6342 with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, June 17 Books and a Blanket: A Children's Reading Series, 10 to 11 a.m. The Wilton Land Conservation Trust, Wilton Library, and Wilton Go Green have come together to offer a unique and immersive book reading experience for toddlers and preschoolers. This is a special opportunity for families to venture outside, explore nature, listen to stories, and make an upcycled craft. As partners, we're elevating young minds within beautiful landscapes Please visit www.wiltonlandtrust.org and click on “Events & Programs” to register and see more details. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, June 17 Teen Drop-In Friday, 2 to 5:45 p.m. Drop into the Teen Room for Drop-In Friday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's activity: tour the Innovation Station! Make a button and see our 3D printer in action. No registration necessary. Just drop in! Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, June 18 CT Poetry Society Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Please join us for the next CT Poetry Society workshop in-person at the library. All that is 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. Registration is required. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 21 Summer Reading Club Kickoff: Oceans of Stories with Glenn Harper, 3 to 4 p.m. Join us to kick off our Summer Reading Club with local storyteller Glenn Harper. Prepare to be transported as he tells stories about the sea and opens us up to Oceans of Possibilities. For kids entering grades Kindergarten and up. Registration required. Please register all attendees. Masks recommended for all participants. Sign up for Summer Reading Club while you are at the library! To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 21 Teen Tie Dye, 3 to 5 p.m. Kick-off the summer with tie-dye at the library! Make a tie-dye bandana or bring your own t-shirt to dye. While you're here, learn how to take part in our summer reading challenge for teens. Supplies are limited and registration is recommended. This program is for rising 6-12 graders. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 21 The Bear Reality, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please join us in the Brubeck Room for this interesting talk on bears in Connecticut. Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) and a bear enthusiast, will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Accumulated data supports the black bear is seldom aggressive toward humans. Appropriate for all ages.
Wednesday, June 22 Gazebo Story Time at the Farmer's Market, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Join us once a month at the farmer's market for a fun family story time inside the gazebo. Children ages 2 and up and their caregivers will enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs. Fun for the whole family! No registration required. In case of inclement weather, the story time will move into the Story Room in the Children's Library. When in the library, masks are recommended for all participants over 2. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, June 23 Make Your Own Squishies!, 4 to 5 p.m. Craft a cute memory foam friend. Help yourself to precut shapes or make them from scratch. Wear clothes to paint in. For kids entering grades 4-6. Registration required. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, June 25 Tales to Tails, 11 a.m. to noon. ROAR's (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog Program will be bringing a therapy dog to be read to by children. The use of trained therapy dogs in reading programs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and actually look forward to reading. As they improve their literacy skills, they're not just learning how to read, they're learning to love to read! Children must read independently to participate in this program. Registration required. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 1 Girl's Code Camp for Grades 5-8, 10 a.m. to noon. Join our Girl's Code Camp: a five-day class designed to help girls learn and practice coding skills in a supportive environment. Starting on Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 1, join us every morning for a two hour code class. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops or Chromebooks. This class will be led by Patrice Gans of Random Hacks of Kindness, Jr. Patrice founded Random Hacks of Kindness, Jr. in 2014 after she attended a Random Hacks of Kindness event and realized the opportunity it presented to fill the void in teaching coding and computer science in the younger grades. She brings expertise in both STEM education and community engagement. Registration is required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, June 28 Narwhals, Whales and Ocean Tales, 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Children ages 4-5 are invited to a summer story time adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs and some activities. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain on library property. Weather permitting, the program may be moved outdoors to the Reference Courtyard. Masks recommended for all participants. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, June 29 Sharkish Story Time, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Children ages 2 and up and their caregivers are invited to our in-person story time. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and rhymes. No registration is required. Weather permitting, the program may be moved outdoors to the Reference Courtyard. Masks recommended for all participants. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, June 29 Lionheart Puppets, 4 to 5 p.m. Drawing from a rich history of classic stories and fairy tales, the Lionheart Puppet Company is dedicated to the production of quality puppet shows for audiences of all ages. They will be performing the classic show "The Reluctant Dragon". For kids entering grades K and up. Registration required. Please register all attendees. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, June 30 Guppy Gathering, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Bring your little fishie to Guppy Gathering, a special Summer Story Time for children 6 months to 2 years old. We will have stories, rhymes and songs. No registration required. Masks recommended for patrons over 2 years old. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, June 30 Make Your Own Slime!, 4 to 5 p.m. Science has never been so much fun. Concoct your own non-Newtonian fluid with our safe recipes. Wear expendable clothes. For kids entering grades 4-6. Supported by the Amadeo Family. Registration required. Masks recommended for all participants. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.