Now through Monday, August 28 Find Your Voice: Wilton Library Children’s Summer Reading Club 2023 Join our Children’s Summer Reading Club, open to all kids through rising grade 6. Like last year, there will be Read and Bead rewards. Children can sign up on the library’s website at wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack app and choose Wilton Library (CT) to register. Kids will keep track of the time spent reading and log the number of minutes in Beanstack. For every 100 minutes, kids will receive a brag tag and beads or a book. All reading counts: books, magazines, graphic novels, audiobooks – anything they want to read. Join the Children’s Library this summer and get reading! The program runs through Monday, August 28. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for more information. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Now through Monday, August 28 Find Your Voice: Wilton Library Teen Summer Reading Club 2023 Join our Teen Summer Reading Club, open to rising 6-12 graders. The goal? Complete the challenge of reading 600 minutes over the course of the summer, and you’ll win a Starbucks gift card! Sign up on the library’s website at wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack app and choose Wilton Library (CT) to register. Don’t forget to log your reading minutes online or in the app! More minutes read means more prizes. Every 60 minutes of reading earns you a badge and every 120 minutes earns you a prize from the Teen Prize Bin! The program runs through Monday, August 28. Teen Summer Reading Club is made possible by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for more information. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 1 through Saturday, August 5 I'm Melting! Scavenger Hunt, during library operating hours Escape the summer sizzle in the Children's Library with a cool scavenger hunt. Sweltering snowmen, drippy popsicles and yetis in swimwear are chilling in hidden places. Find them all and win a prize! Available all day at the Children's Desk. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesdays, August 1 & 8 and Thursdays, August 3 & 10 Rhythm and Rhyme 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! Feel free to stay after to socialize. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 1 through Thursday, August 3 Intro to Java for Grades 6-9, 3 to 5 p.m. Wilton High School rising junior Arnav Pandey will lead this six day course for students in rising grades 6-9 who are interested in learning the programming language Java. In this course, teens will learn the basics of Java Programming, including variables, operations, and loops. They will also have the opportunity to practice their skills by completing various exercises. By the end of the course, they will have a basic foundation in Java programming. Registration is required. When you register for the first day, you will be registered for all 6 days (July 25-27 and August 1-3) and attendance of all 6 days is highly recommended. Open to students in incoming grades 6-9 only. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops or Chromebooks. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 1 Voice in the Dark: Blindfold Challenges for Grades 4-7, 4 to 5 p.m. Trust, courage and communication are the keys for competitors entering grades 4-7. Enjoy fun blindfold challenges to explore your senses and develop listening skills.
Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain in library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesdays, August 2 & 9 Babbling Bouncing Babies, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Join us for this interactive program especially for babies up to 12 months. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes. Scarves and movement activities will be included and we will close out with a calming lullaby. Feel free to stay after to socialize. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesdays, August 2, 9, 16 & 23 New Yorker Shorts: Four Weeks of Short Stories From The New Yorker (Zoom), noon to 1:30 p.m. Back by popular demand for our 9th year! Using Zoom, professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar will discuss 4 short stories published in The New Yorker magazine over 4 consecutive weeks: August 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Story titles will be announced one week prior to the discussion. The current issue of The New Yorker is available in the Reading Room for in-library use, or download it through Libby on your computer or the Libby app on your mobile device. Links to the stories at The New Yorker's website will also be provided. Online registration. Registration is limited. Must have a Zoom account. We will email you an invitation link shortly before the event. You must register for each individual session. Please note that the Zoom link for each week's session will come by email from kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesdays, August 2 & 9 Gazebo Storytime at the Farmer’s Market, 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. Join us at the farmer's market for a fun family storytime 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 storytime will move into the Story Room in the Children's Library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, August 2 Spoon Man, 4 to 5 p.m. Grades K and up will enjoy the stirring performance of The "Spoon Man," Jim Cruise. Fans ate him up on TikTok and America's Got Talent - now it's your turn. It’s a spoonful of family fun! Registration required. Please register all attendees. 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.
Thursdays, August 3, 10 & 17 Team STEAM Presents Engineering Fun, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Kids entering grades 1-5 can join Wilton High School Students' Team STEAM as they teach young engineers the basics of the engineering design process in a fun, creative, and hands-on manner! Each session will tackle a different engineering-related problem and discuss what it takes to be an engineer. Registration required for each individual session. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. 3DuxDesign kits provided by the Amadeo Family. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, August 4 Theater Fun with Katie, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kids entering grades 4-7 will join theater pro Katie Carriero to explore unscripted theater in a fun, supportive atmosphere. We will also stage a scene inspired by the writings of Roald Dahl. First time actors are welcome! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 7 Balloon Pong, 4 to 5 p.m. Players entering grade 4-7 will craft their own paddles then plunge headlong into one-on-one or team competition. Serve, slam, save... POP! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 8 Poetry Discussion with Janet Krauss: The Poetry of Derek Walcott (Zoom), 10:30 a.m. to noon Please join us online as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of a selection of poems by Derek Walcott. Links to the poems will be emailed in advance of the program. Derek Walcott, a master of imagery, was born on St. Lucia, the Caribbean Island in 1930. It was said that his poetry reveals a “great luminosity sustained by a historical vision, the outcome of a multicultural commitment.” These words were pronounced when he won the Nobel Prize of Literature in 1992 for his epic poem, “Omeros” that recreates the Trojan War as a conflict between Caribbean fishermen. “Omeros” does more than that: it addresses Colonialism taking over Walcott’s people on St. Lucia. Much of this history exists in the poems we will discuss. Schooled in the English tradition on St. Lucia, he often wrote about his dual inheritance between his English and West Indian ancestry. Walcott taught at many universities in America, founded theaters wherever he traveled and one with his twin brother in Trinidad where he lived most of his life. He died in 2017 leaving behind a rich, original body of work and several plays. We will explore his “lavish inventiveness of language” and “emotional depth” as The New York Times so aptly phrased his gift. 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. 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. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 8 Snap Circuits for Younger Kids, 4 to 5 p.m. Kids entering grades 1-3 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. Caregivers must remain in library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 8 Zodiac Wall Art for Teens, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. What’s your zodiac sign? Come to the library to find out more about your sign and the constellation that corresponds to it. Then make your own 3D LED wall light of your zodiac sign! Registration is required. This program is for teens in rising grades 6-12 only. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, August 9 Riverside Reptiles, 4 to 5 p.m. Animal fans entering grades K and up can have a hands-on learning experience. Everyone will have a chance to touch or look eye to eye with many captivating creatures, while at the same time learning about their natural history. Supported by the Amadeo Family. Registration required. Please register each participant. 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.
Wednesday, August 9 Story-Sharing Circle, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Calling all storytellers and story-listeners! Join us for an informal evening celebrating the oral storytelling tradition. Bring a prepared story to tell or just come to listen. All are welcome, experienced storytellers and newbies alike. Registration suggested. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, August 10 Take the Stage: An Acting Workshop for Teens, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Students participating in this workshop will have the wonderful opportunity to try their hands at some theatre games, improvisations and acting exercises. Everyone will participate in this exciting exploration without feeling put on the spot. The workshop will begin with some fun and inviting warm-up games that gradually build their way to more challenging improvisations. Though disguised as play, these exercises work on a student’s concentration, creativity and critical thinking skills. Ingrid Schaeffer, workshop leader, is Chair of the Theatre Department at ACES Educational Center for the Arts. She also is the director of her own private Creative Dramatics program InterAct Summer Theatre for children ages 7-15 years. She is a member of Actor’s Equity, The American Alliance for Theatre in Education and The American Theatre Association. Registration is required. This program is for teens in rising grades 6-12 only. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, August 11 Cartoon Drawing with Emma, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Kids entering grades 3 - 6 are invited to join us in person for a cartoon drawing class with Emma Keating. She will show us how to draw some amazing animals, creatures, and characters. All you need is your imagination! Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, August 12 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 admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, August 12 Fairfield County Writers Group Write-In, 1 to 4 p.m. The Fairfield County Writers Group, founded in 2011, has been supporting and helping writers in the county with regular write-ins and accelerated events during the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) season. The group is a non-profit and has no membership fees or dues. The community is made up of a variety of writers at different stages of their writing adventure. The Group has monthly write-ins and will have group meetings at the Wilton Library on the second Saturday of each month. Please visit fairfieldcountywriters.org/event-calendar to see the full FCWG Calendar for the latest schedule. These sessions are designed to help motivate you to write more and be able to discuss writing issues with other writers. No registration is required. FCWG has a Facebook Group as well for discussion, celebration, and commiseration. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 14 Henna for Teens, 4 to 5 p.m. Learn about the ancient art of Henna. Wilton Library's Garima Agarwal will talk about its history and symbolism, then let you try out a henna design. For students entering grades 6-12. Space limited and registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 14 Fort Night, 4 to 8 p.m. Because you asked for it... it's family Fort Night at the Children's Library! Join us at 4:00 pm to help build a big cardboard fort in the middle of the room. Then grab supplies and make yourself a cozy fort anywhere you like until closing time. Bring your own flashlight! No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 15 Adult Craft Night: Decoupage Sea Shells, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join us for one last summer craft before summer ends. Turn a sea shell into decorative trinket dish. We'll provide all the supplies and show you how it's done, just bring your creativity! Registration is required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, August 16 The Floor is Lava, 4 to 5 p.m. This week we turn up the heat for entering 4th-7th graders as our craft room floor turns into a seething cauldron of geothermic fury. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Friday, August 18 Theater Fun with Katie, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Kids entering grades 4-7 will join theater pro Katie Carriero to explore unscripted theater in a fun, supportive atmosphere. We will also stage a scene inspired by the writings of Roald Dahl. First time actors are welcome! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Saturday, August 19 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. Registration required. Register at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 21 Make Your Own Squishies!, 4 to 5 p.m. For entering 4th-7th graders only. Craft a cute friend 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. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Tuesday, August 22 Firefighter Storytime, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Children ages 2 and up are invited to join Wilton Firefighters for an interactive, in-person storytime. Firefighters will read stories and children will have the opportunity to ask questions. We will also see the fire truck! 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.
Tuesday, August 22 Beach Ball Bash, 4 to 5 p.m. Rising 4th-7th graders can enjoy a beach day at the library! How many ways can you have fun with a beach ball? Dodge them, dunk them, smack & plunk them. Keep them in the air, join us if you dare! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. Caregivers must remain on library property. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, August 23 Hack That Painting, 4 to 5 p.m. Kids entering grades 4-7 can let their imaginations run wild as they add unique twists to a pre-painted canvas. You don't need to be an artist, just bring creativity and clothes you don't mind getting paint on! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space permits. Caregivers must remain in the library building. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950
Thursday, August 24 STEM with SingulTech: Make a Rubber Band Powered Car, 2 to 3 p.m. Members of the Wilton Library Robotics team will provide guidance on how to use the engineering design process to design and build a rubber band powered car. See how far your car can travel! This program is for students in rising grades 5-8. Caregivers for students under the age of 12 must remain on library property. Registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Thursday, August 24 Treating Concussion in the Youth Athlete (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. Please join us online via Zoom for an informative presentation on concussion risk and treatment. A concussion can happen in an instant even with a helmet on, and the impact can last a lifetime if not properly diagnosed and managed effectively. A concussion injury usually occurs from a blow to the head or body which causes the brain to move back and forth in the skull. Recognizing and treating the symptoms can help prevent long-term health problems and more injuries. Learn how to recognize symptoms and hear the latest evidence-based medicine to help maximize recovery and get patients back to their daily activities without causing further injury. Our speaker, Dr. Ben Greene, MD is board certified in both primary care sports medicine and pediatrics. Dr. Greene specializes in the non-operative management of musculoskeletal injuries in adults and children. No charge for program. Co-sponsored by ONS (Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists). Registration required in order to received the Zoom invitation link. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 28 Petite Concerts for Little Ones, 11 a.m. to noon Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to join us for a short classical and nursery song concert with sing-alongs and dances. We will finish with a chance for the little ones to get up close and personal with some instruments. All are welcome! No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Monday, August 28 Zentangle Art Workshop, 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 and up. All supplies provided. Space is limited; registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
Wednesday, August 30 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! No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.
