Wilton Library in December: Holiday Book Sale, Candlelight Music, Winter Crafts and More!

Wilton Library December 2022 Programs and Events - In-Person & Virtual Activities

Thursday, December 1 through Wednesday, December 28 Wilton Library’s Holiday Book Sale

* The sale starts on Dec 1 at noon

Wilton Library's annual Holiday Book Sale in the gallery is a seasonal delight with bargains galore featuring a large array of pristine books in all categories, including children’s and teen’s, art, history, cookbooks, classics, biographies, inspiration, and much more. This year’s sale also includes a huge collection of small gift books in about 20 different categories, perfect for stocking stuffers, plus puzzles, journals, and other gift items. Shoppers will also find a large collection of Christmas CDs at $1 each or $5 per gift bag, shrink-wrapped CDs and DVDs plus other audio-visual items great for gift giving. Inventory is replenished frequently, so bargain hunters are encouraged to shop early and often. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale kicks off at noon on Thursday, December 1 and continues during regular library hours through Wednesday, December 28. The library will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26. ½ price off everything after Dec. 25. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, December 1 Poetry Discussions with Judson Scruton 

Over the River and Through the Wood...A Poetic Thanksgiving Journey, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please join us in-person for a 4-week literature seminar led by Judson Scruton, who will take us on a poetic journey to and through Thanksgiving. Note: we'll be meeting on four Thursdays: 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, and 12/1.

“Over the River and Through the Wood[s],” a 1844 children’s poem by Lydia Maria Child, has become an archetypal reference point for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will wend our way to and through Thanksgiving by exploring poems about rivers and woods by poets such as Wordsworth, Dickinson, Eliot, Stevens, Frost, Hughes, and, yes, Child, as a way of experiencing the trials and exaltations of Thanksgiving. Come join us on what should be a remarkable trek. 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. Advance registration is required. Register online or call 203-762-6334.  There is no charge for this program. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. 

Please email Andrea Sato with any questions at asato@wiltonlibrary.org. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, December 1 Teen Thursday: Hand Knitting, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Drop by the Teen department for a fun activity, every other Thursday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's activity: learn to knit using only your hands and make a cozy ear warmer for winter. No registration necessary. Just drop in (while supplies last)! This activity is for students in Grades 6-12 only. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15 Snap Circuits for Kids, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Kids in grades 3-5 can join us to put together creations that will whistle, flash and fly. Learning principles of electronics and engineering is a snap! Beginners welcome. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, December 1 Meet the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Conductor, 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Please join us in the Brubeck Room for a special presentation by Yuga Cohler, Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, who will be discussing the upcoming RSO concert, MAGIC, which will take place at the David F. Clune Auditorium at Wilton High School on Saturday, December 3. He will talk about the repertoire for this concert--why he picked the music and history of the pieces; composer history; naming of the concert and why; and how the soloist fits within the music he selected. Whether or not you plan to attend the concert itself, this will be an interesting and educational discussion by one of our area's youngest music directors. Yuga Cohler was hired as RSO Music Director in January 2018 after a 2-year conductor search. He is now 33 years old. Yuga is the youngest graduate to date of the Juilliard School of Orchestral Conducting, studying under Alan Gilbert, then music director of the New York Philharmonic. Tickets for the Dec. 3 MAGIC Concert at the Clune Center can be purchased by visiting www.ridgefieldsymphony.org and clicking “Buy Tickets.” Registration required. Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  Contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org for more information. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, December 2 Make a Holiday Gift Mug, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Get a quick overview on the Cricut die cutter and how you can use it to make gifts—for yourself or others! Each participant will learn how to prepare a simple design on the Cricut Design Space software, then affix it permanently on a mug using adhesive vinyl. This class is great for beginners. All supplies provided. This is a small workshop class limited to 3 students. Registration is required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, December 2 Holiday Cards with Emma, 4 to 5 p.m.

Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to join in a holiday letter making drive for the healthcare workers at Norwalk Hospital. Emma Keating will lead a drawing session that will lead to creating handmade thank you cards that will be personally delivered to hospital staff this giving season. A letter donation box will be placed at the library for anyone to donate to throughout the month of December. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, December 2 Holiday Stroll, 5:30 to 7 p.m. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
 
Wilton Library staff will welcome visitors during this year’s Holiday Stroll. Outside our front entrance, we will be handing out special gift bags with sweet treats, while supplies last. We invite all visitors to shop for gifts and stocking stuffers at our wonderful Holiday Book Sale in the gallery. All proceeds benefit the library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Sunday, December 4 Wilton Candlelight Music at the Wilton Congregational Church: Manhattan Chamber Players, 4 to 6 p.m.

Wilton Candlelight Music presents a concert on Sunday, December 4, 2022, featuring the Manhattan Chamber Players. Manhattan Chamber Players is a chamber music collective of New York-based musicians who share the common aim of performing the greatest works in the chamber repertoire at the highest level. Strings Magazine praised their “intensely wrought and burnished performance.” Their program will include works by Brahms, Beethoven, and Bartók. The December 4 concert will take place at 4pm at the Wilton Congregational Church, just north of Wilton Center on Route 33.  Tickets may be purchased on the website www.wiltoncandlelightmusic.org or at the door: adults $30, seniors $25, students free. Wilton Candlelight Music benefits the Wilton Library Association and happily accepts individual and corporate tax-deductible contributions. Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Road (Route 33), Wilton, CT. www.wiltoncongregational.org: 203-762-5591.

Mondays, December 5 & 12 Make Your Own Holiday Squishies!, 4 to 5 p.m.

For grades 4-7 only. Craft an ornament from memory foam. Help yourself to precut shapes or make them from scratch. Wear clothes to paint in. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesdays, December 6 & 20; Wednesdays, December 14 & 28; Thursdays, December 15 & 29 December Family Storytime, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join us for this family storytime!  Participants will hear stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, do movement activities, and use scarves and instruments, while building literacy and social skills. Fun for the whole family! No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, December 6 Poetry Discussion with Janet Krauss: The Poetry of Dylan Thomas (Zoom), 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Please join us online as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of a selection of poems by Dylan Thomas. A readings packet will be emailed in advance of the program. No charge for the program. 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. Someone called Dylan Thomas, “the Celtic bard with the magical rant.” He was born in Swansea, Wales in 1914 and began writing poetry as a child consumed by his love of words. Recognized in early teens as a gifted poet, Thomas glided into the 20th-century movement of Romanticism showering the Western world with his verse, words filled with multiple meanings, sounds and rhythms - sheer lyricism involving emotions and images of nature. We shall see his gift at play in the poems we will discuss. 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. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, December 6 Winter Craft Night: Book Folding, 6 to 7 p.m.

Learn an upcycled decorative book folding craft and take some time to relax and create before the busy holiday season! This workshop is for adults, 18 and up. All supplies provided. Registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, December 6 Talking Transportation with Jim Cameron (Zoom), 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Join Jim Cameron, long-time commuter advocate and newspaper commentator, for a lively presentation and Q&A on Connecticut’s transportation future. Will riders ever return to commuter rail? Who will pay to keep the trains running when Federal money is gone? Where will money be found to repair our highways? How will new residential/workplace trends affect CT’s economy? Cameron explores the options in an engaging, thought-provoking workshop with plenty of time to hear your ideas and answer your questions. Cameron has been called “the transportation guru”, having spent over 25 years working and reporting on the issue. A former NBC News anchor, Jim Cameron is recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award. A Connecticut resident for over 30 years, he served 19 years on the Metro-North Commuter Council, later founding the Commuter Action Group. He also authors a weekly newspaper column, “Talking Transportation” which runs in the CT Mirror and other online news sites. Cameron is also author of his first book “Off The Record: Confessions of a Media Consultant." Registration required. Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, December 7 Decoding Behavior: What Our Children Are Telling Us & How to Help, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Are you confused about your child or teen's behavior, what it may mean, and how to best support them? Please join us for a discussion led by Cognitive Psychologist Alicia Farrell, PhD designed to provide practical guidance and tools you can apply to improve relationships and help kids learn to navigate their world in emotionally healthy ways. Topics will include: A parent's role in building and maintaining a quality relationship with their child; How to support problem solving and emotional regulation; Navigating struggles as opportunities vs threats; Recognizing the difference between stress and anxiety; The effect of valuing performance over character how that breaks down social/emotional wellness and what you can do about it; Practical tools to improve communication, connection, and conflict resolution. We are raising our children in complicated times. Please don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to better support your children with confidence and conviction. Dr. Alicia Farrell is an accomplished cognitive psychologist, former university professor, national keynote speaker and founder of Clearview Consulting. She is an expert at translating cutting-edge scientific research to expose fallacies and falsehoods on both sides in a way that stimulates, entertains and possibly irks you, but which hopefully leaves you – whether as an investor, shareholder, employee, constituent, or politician – with a clearer idea of how to interpret current events. Mike Boswood – the ‘long’ of it. Former CEO of Truven Health Analytics, Thomson Reuters Healthcare & Science, Joint MD of Elsevier Science. Joe Magnano – the ‘short’ of it. Former Global Head Legal M&A, Finance and Investments at Zurich Insurance Group. Registration required. Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, December 9 Make a Holiday Dessert, 4 to 5 p.m. Children in grades 3 and up can join Food Explorers for a deliciously sweet holiday cooking program! We will be making cozy Hot Chocolate Mousse Cups, learning how to use an electric mixer, make the crust and decorate to make a beautiful and delicious dessert. This recipe is nut free but will contain dairy. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, December 10 AARP Driver Safety Program, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please join us for this in-person session of the AARP Driver Safety Program, which is the nation's first and largest classroom driver safety course designed especially for drivers age 50 and older, although all ages are welcome. This single session course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging and provides practical techniques on how to adjust to these changes along with learning to operate vehicles more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. There are no written or driving tests. In-person classroom only. NY residents: please contact your insurance carrier to confirm they will accept a Connecticut State class certificate. Program cost: $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members. Bring check (preferred) or cash only to the session. Also bring lunch if desired; there will be a 30 minute break. Registration required. Limited to 20 participants.  Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, December 10 Tales to Tails, 11 a.m. to noon.

Children who can read independently are invited to read to a ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog. 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! Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, December 12 Zentangle Art Workshop: Zooming with Amy (Zoom), 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Join Amy, Wilton Library's certified Zentangle teacher (CZT), as she guides us through a fun and relaxing Zentangle 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. Zoom link will be sent no later than the morning of the program. To register and see short video tutorials, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, December 13 Police Officer Storytime, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Children ages 2 and up are invited to join Wilton Police Officers for an interactive, in-person storytime. One of our local officers will read stories and answer questions. Kids will see the police car too! Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, December 13 Teen Library Council, 4:30 to 5:30 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.

Tuesday, December 13 Author Talk: Tyler Kepner - The Grandest Stage: A History of the World Series, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wiltonian Tyler Kepner is back to talk baseball once again. The New York Times bestselling author's latest, The Grandest Stage: A History of the World Series, is a vivid portrait of baseball at its finest and most intense, filled with humor, lore, analysis, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from 117 years of the Fall Classic. The World Series is the most enduring showcase in American team sports. It’s the place where legends are made, where celebration and devastation can hinge on a fly ball off a foul pole or a grounder beneath a first baseman’s glove. In seven scintillating chapters, Kepner delivers an indelible portrait of baseball’s signature event. He digs deep for essential tales dating back to the beginning in 1903, adding insights from Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Jim Palmer, Dennis Eckersley and many others who have thrived – and failed – when it mattered most. The Grandest Stage is the ultimate history of the World Series, the perfect gift for all the fans who feel their hearts pounding in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game Seven. Tyler Kepner is the author of the K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches. He has covered every World Series game of the last two decades for The New York Times. He and his family live in Wilton. elmstreetbooks.com will be selling copies after the talk.  A portion of the proceeds goes to Wilton Library. The media sponsor of our author talks is GOOD Morning Wilton. Registration required. For more information visit www.wiltonlibrary.org, call the library’s reference librarians at 203-762-6350 or email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, December 14 Wilton Library Readers: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan this month. Group meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Feel free to bring your lunch and a beverage. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Library Readers page at www.wiltonlibrary.org/wilton-library-readers. Advance registration suggested. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, December 15 Teen Thursday: Tabletop Games, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Drop by the Teen department for a fun activity, every other Thursday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's activity: test out some of our new games. No registration necessary. Just drop in! This activity is for students in Grades 6-12 only. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, December 17 CT Poetry Society Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m.

Please join us for the next CT Poetry Society workshop 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. No charge but online 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.

Sunday, December 18 Make a Holiday Gift Mug, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Get a quick overview on the Cricut die cutter and how you can use it to make gifts—for yourself or others! Each participant will learn how to prepare a simple design on the Cricut Design Space software, then affix it permanently on a mug using adhesive vinyl. This class is great for beginners. All supplies provided. This is a small workshop class limited to 3 students. Registration is required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, December 28 Winter Crafts, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Children in Kindergarten and up are invited to join us at Wilton Library to make fun Winter Crafts. We will make Snowy Owl puppets, icicles, and snowmen. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, December 29 Intro to Improv, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Kids in grades 4-8 will enjoy a supportive, non-judgmental introduction to on-the-spot acting.  Unscripted theater builds creativity, openness, relaxation, and confidence. And it’s fun! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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