September 2015
  
Highlights
From the Town Librarian   
September is another season for renewal in terms of getting more organized and making new plans.  It is a time to renew yourself and re-establish priorities - in short - to get on with the business of life. And the Library can help you do that in so many ways. We have many programs to help you gain current and critical information about medicare, financial planning, job searching, small business planning, and how to use social media tools as effectively as possible. There are also other ways to enhance your well-being. Participate in a book club, a writers workshop, or a sewing class and develop your interest in the arts and crafts of life. Why not plan to deepen your understanding of literature and explore the classics with Dr. Mark Schenker or explore critical moments in history with Mark Albertson? The Library staff is dedicated to providing the best learning environment so everyone can dream, discover, innovate and create at the Fairfield Public Library.  Please share your ideas as to how we can best do this for our community. You are welcome to email and share your thoughts at [email protected].
                                                       Karen

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Regular Sunday hours will resume on September 27, 2015.  Both locations will be open from 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Sundays.
AUTHOR TALKS!    
   
Janet Barrett
They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse
When the U.S. Marine Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon acquired a small Korean pony in 1952 to haul ammunition up the steep hills to the front lines, what they got was a real-life hero. Reckless, the courageous and indomitable warhorse saved many lives, raised spirits, and won the love and respect of all who knew her. By turns heart-warming, awe-inspiring, and downright funny, They Called Her Reckless tells of an incredible human-horse connection, and the power it unleashed.  Please register.
Thursday, September 17, 7: 00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library

Susan O'Dwyer Brinchman (via Skype from La Mesa, California)
Gustave Whitehead: First in Flight
According to Fairfield native Susan Brinchman's book, Gustave Whitehead built and flew the world's first powered airplane in Connecticut two years before the Wright brothers flew at Kitty Hawk. Join us when Brinchman visits via Skype to talk about Whitehead and this continuing controversy in aviation history.
Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Friends Annual Meeting
The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library are pleased to welcome Christy Colasurdo, co-author of The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook, and Analiese Paik, founder and editor of Fairfield Green Food Guide, as the guest speakers at their Annual Meeting of the general membership on Thursday, September 3, 2015. The meeting will take place at 7:00 pm in the Memorial Room at the Main Library and light refreshments will be served.
The Friends will conduct a brief business meeting preceding the author event on September 3th, including the election of the proposed slate of the 2015-2016 Board of Directors. Members and prospective members are invited to attend. To make reservations for the Friends Annual Meeting, please email Danielle Sharp at [email protected] or call 203-912-5963.
Getting Ready for College
This popular series returns with two related sessions.
Demystifying the Admissions Process
Part One: Test Preparation
This session will address the different standardized test (PSAT, SAT and ACT).  All of which are making changes in 2015-2016.  Please register.
Tuesday, September 8, 7:00-8:30 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library  
Movies About Art
Mark your calendar for September's documentary. The title of the film is " Enough to Live On: The Arts of the WPA". This is a brand-new film (the world premier was held at the New Britain Museum of Art in May) that isn't even in dvd production yet. We are so fortunate to be able to not only show you this film, but Terri Templeton, the Executive Producer, will introduce it and host a Q&A at the end! Please register .   
Wednesday, September 9, 10:20-11:50 am
Rotary Room, Main Library
Jennifer Butler Fall Fashion Show
Fairfield fashion designer Jennifer Butler will unveil her woodland-inspired fall collection while benefiting the Fairfield Public Library. Join us for a night of fashion, food and fun when the Library's Kershner Gallery and the Periodicals Room are turned into a fashion showroom.  Tickets for this popular event are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Checks can be made out to Jennifer Butler and dropped off at the Circulation Desk of the Main Library. You may also contact Jennifer at 203-256-5768 or [email protected].   Net proceeds from the Show are donated to the Library.
Thursday, September 17
7:30 pm   Refreshments & Hors d'oeuvres
8:30 pm   Runway Show
Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Main Library
Tax-Free in Retirement
Many Americans assume that their taxes in retirement will stay the same or be reduced. Unfortunately this may not be the case. If taxes increase in the future, will you outlive your money? Discover how you can safely build a tax-favored position in retirement using methods that have been around for 150 years.  Please register.
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library 

Children's Events

KidLit Club: A Picture Book Club for Adults
Thursdays, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 1 7, from 7:00pm-8:00pm 
Children's Program Room, Main Library
Not only are picture books usually a child's first introduction to words and stories, but also their first introduction to art. It is through picture book images that we really start to visualize stories and understand the world around us. This club offers adults the opportunity to learn and discuss what picture books have to offer both children and adults alike. Each meeting will showcase a new selection of titles, feature thematic discussion and author studies and delve into critical analysis.
All adults welcome!  Drop-in program.
 
Registration for all Fall Children's programming begins September 1 at 9:00 am! 
CLICK HERE f or more information and the current edition of the FPL CHILDREN'S NEWSLETTER
 CHILDREN'S OUTDOOR EVENT   
Story Time in the Park 
Monday, September 28
10:00 am
Owen Fish Park,
1401 Stratfield Road
Join Miss Judy at Owen Fish Park for music, stories and fun! For families with children ages 2 and up, with parent/caregiver. Weather permitting, no ticket required. Drop-in!
Effective Reading
This workshop will bring together the latest research and best practices to show everyone from elementary school students to senior citizens how to dramatically increase their reading speed by 50 to 200% while also improving their comprehension.  Please register for your choice of time. 
Tuesday, September 15, 6:30 pm OR
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am
Memorial Room, Main Library
Soundwaves Fall Concert 2015
In his short life, Franz Schubert wrote over a thousand works, works which flowed from his inexhaustible wealth of melody and imagination. In doing so, he transformed what music was, moving beyond the crisp and symmetrical style of Classicism into the vast expressive realms of Romanticism. Join the Lions Gate Trio as they discuss and perform Schubert, combining the Impromptu for solo piano with the magnificent Piano Trio in B flat. Please register. 
Sunday, September 27, 3:00 pm
Memorial Room, Main Library  

Deconstructing Watchman
Join us for a spirited discussion over the many facets of Harper Lee's new book, Go Set a Watchman. Fairfield University faculty Dr. Sally O'Driscoll and Professor Sonya Huber will debate whether the book is a draft of To Kill a Mockingbird, if the hype was created by the publisher deliberately, if the new book discredits the classic, if Harper Lee was coerced into publishing the Watchman manuscript and much more. Bring your questions. There will be books for sale from Fairfield University Bookstore.  Please register.
Monday, September 21, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Sharpen Your Study Habits
This workshop will focus on when and where to study, getting organized, the importance of strong study habits, testing yourself, and mnemonic devices. This session will be of value to all students.  Please register.
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-8:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library  

Have Fun Learning to Speak Spanish

Robert Foley has designed a method of teaching Spanish to those who thought they could never learn a second language, as well as for those who have some general knowledge. Learning a second language is not only useful for travel, it can also be fun. Please register. 

Saturdays, September 19 & 26, October 3,10,17,24 & 31, November 7 & 21

Beginner/Refresher, 10:30 -11:00 am

Intermediate, 11:00 am - noon

Rotary Room, Main Library

Getting Your Home Market Ready
Come meet Terri Mason, The Real Estate Coach. Terri will share step-by-step advice on how to prepare your home to sell in today's market. Learn what buyers are looking for, how best to present your home and where to find resources that can make the job easier and less stressful. She will also share up-to-date statistics on how the market is shaping up in Fairfield County. Don't miss this, particularly if you are planning on buying or selling this year!  Please register.
Monday, September 21, 6:00-7:30 pm
Platt Walsh Room, Fairfield Woods Branch Library
Vaccinations - Pros and Cons 
Join popular health presenter Dr. Veronica Waks when she discusses what has become the sometimes controversial issue of vaccination. She will talk about epidemiology - the science of
the incidence, distribution, and control of disease among people. Learn how the immune system works and its role in the prevention of diseases. Mandatory immunization will be discussed as well as what to do if you see the side effects of vaccination.   Please register. 
Thursday, September 24, 7:00 pm 
Rotary Room, Main Library
SEWING STUDIO AT FAIRFIELD WOODS
Sewing is making a comeback. If you'd like to learn or are already an accomplished sewer, the Sewing Studio has something for you. Connecting with like-minded individuals while pursuing your creative side is fun and rewarding.   
Sew Studio 101
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm
Platt Walsh Room, Fairfield Woods Branch Library
Have you wanted to try your hand at sewing but don't know the first thing about sewing machines, yardage, patterns or thread? Join these introductory classes. We promise you will awaken your creative side, laugh, and wonder why you waited so long to learn to sew. Once you've gotten your "Sewing Driver's License" (it usually takes two classes) you will be able to participate in other sewing programs. Initial supplies will be available. The last Wednesday of the month is reserved for review and catchup.  Registration for each class is essential.
 
Sew Easy Group, American Sewing Guild
Third Saturday of each month, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Platt Walsh Room, Fairfield Woods Branch Library
Join the sewing craze and learn all aspects of sewing. Bring a lunch, work on personal sewing projects and learn new sewing techniques. American Sewing Guild is a national organization.
 
Coming soon...
Sew Craft Saturdays
First Saturday of the Month, 1:00 - 3:00 pm beginning October 3.
NEW FOR TEENS!
Make-It Monday
Gather together with other young artists and artisans each Monday for a chance to make something! Crafts, gadgets and other special projects will be undertaken each week. Learn new skills and maybe discover a hidden talent!
Mondays when school is in session, 3:00-4:30 pm, begins September 28
Rotary Room, Main Library
  
Wednesday World 
Join us as we discuss what is going on in our community and our world. Learn more about the important issues of the day and discover the wide variety of perspectives that others hold about them in a fair and open setting for conversation. And snacks!
Wednesdays when school is in session, 3:00-4:30 pm, beginning September 30
Rotary Room, Main Library
 

What's Cooking?

Daniel Lopez of Taberna

Join us for the next program in the "What's Cooking?" series when local chefs visit to share their passion for food and the back stories behind their work.

We are joined by chef and owner Daniel Lopez of the new Taberna Restaurant which opened in the Brick Walk this summer, serving Nuevo Latino cuisine.  Register here. 

Monday, September 28, 7:00 pm

Rotary Room, Main Library

Pause for Poetry

Would you like to learn more about poems and poetry in a relaxed setting?  Maybe remember some classic poems you loved? Join us for an evening of poetry when we will read and share classic and modern poems.  Bring a favorite to share or just come and listen.  Register here.

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 pm

Jennings Room, Main Library

JOBS 2015
Convincing Cover Letters: Create Interest and Get Interviews
This program will identify cover letter content, give examples of effective letters, discuss the merits of a standard letter and provide materials to assist attendees in preparing cover letters. Time will be given to review individual letters submitted by workshop participants.  If you would like to have a letter privately critiqued, please bring a copy of the letter as well as the position you are seeking. Presented by Ann Wright.  Please register.  
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 pm
Memorial Room, Main Library

Mock Interviews (One-on-One)
Join the Department of Labor (DOL) counselors as they host a brand-new program this season. Sign up for one-on-one mock interviews with a DOL professional who will guide you through the ever-changing world of job interviews. Registration required.
Monday, September 21, 10:00 am
Rotary Room, Main Library

Fairfield Woods Library Book Clubs

Books and Banter

 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by Betty Smith

  

Thurs. Sept. 17, 1:00* pm

Fairfield Woods Library

* note new start time

  

Leader: Laurie Weiner

 

Purls of Wisdom
 Book Club
   
The Perfume Collector
  by Kathleen Tessaro
 
    Thurs. Sept. 17, Noon
   Fairfield Woods Library  
  
Enjoy great books and knit, too! Bring a lunch if you like.
        Fairfield Woods
           Book Club
 
The Dry Grass of August
by Anna Jean Mayhew
  
   Wed. Sept. 30, 2:00 pm
    Fairfield Woods Library
  
Leader: Claudia Silk
On September 17, at 1:00 pm, the Books and Banter book club will be reading a special selection in memory of Millie Gallo. Millie, a long time and beloved patron at Fairfield Woods, passed away last spring. Millie, an avid reader, whose most favorite place was the library also had a most favorite book,  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. In her memory and honor, the group will read and discuss Millie's treasured classic novel.

Main Library Book Clubs

 International Author Book Club

 

Disgraced: A Play

by Ayad Akhtar

  

Wed. Sept. 9, 7:00 pm

Jennings Room, Main

 

NAMI Book Group
(National Alliance on Mental Health)
   
Every Last One
by Anna Quindlen
 
 Thurs. Sept. 17, 7:00 pm
  Jennings Room, Main
    Senior Literary Society
 
The Boys in the Boat
by Daniel Brown
  
   Wed. Sept. 9, 11:00 am  
        Senior Center,
100 Mona Terr. Fairfield 
 

 

The Friends of the Library will hold the next big sale for the TWICE REaD Room. The Back to School Sale will run from Tuesday September 15 through Friday, September 25. The sale will be open during regular Library hours on the first floor of the Main Library. Besides 100s of children's, young adult and adult books there will be a selection of signed and vintage books for sale. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase some great books at great prices! Donations of books of all genres, as well as CDs and DVDs in good condition, are always welcome. Bring your donations to the receiving room near the Circulation Desk at the Main Library.

TECHNOLOGY TOPICS
Midday Tech: Goodreads
Discover the best social media site for book lovers. Share books you love on Goodreads, the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations! Find new and interesting books by browsing personalized recommendations, see what your friends are reading, write book reviews, and keep track of what you have read. Participate in the Reading Challenge! Keep a want-to-read list. Join us for all this and more - an hour with Goodreads. Please register.
Wednesday, September 16, Noon
Rotary Room, Main Library
 
Introduction to Excel 2010
Learn how to create spreadsheet documents and use Excel formulas to manipulate data. Formatting and editing basics will be covered. Prerequisite: basic mouse and keyboarding skills.  Registration required.
Saturday, September 19, 9:30 am
Harold B. Harris Computer Lab, Main Library
 
Visual Presentations with Prezi
An alternative to PowerPoint, Prezi is the presentation software that uses motion, zoom, and spatial relationships to bring your ideas to life and make you a great presenter. Learn the basics of Prezi to make your digital presentations pop.  Please register
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
 
downUNDER Teen Center
Looking for something to do afterschool? Visit us in the basement of the Woods Library for daily activities, homework help, games, computers and a place to hang out. Plus nice librarians who can help you with whatever you need.
Every Monday through Thursday, 3:00-4:45 pm, when school is in session
downUNDER Teen Center, Fairfield Woods Branch Library
Aging in Place
Since 2000, the major national agencies on aging have encouraged seniors to consider remaining in their homes rather than incur the emotional and financial cost of moving. Aging in Place (AiP) is the program developed to meet this growing need. Certified AiP specialists will describe the AiP program, its benefits and what you can do right now to implement strategies for your retirement years.  Register here.
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Presented by Architect Eugene Michael Hollander who specializes in residential architecture, elder housing and construction product consulting and Debra Spross, a physical therapist and orthopedic clinical specialist. with over 30 years of experience.
Gallery Reception
September 12, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Main Library
The next show in the Kershner Gallery will be On the Fringe, the fiber art of members of Connecticut Surface Design Association. It includes members who work in traditional styles and those whose work is cutting edge. Some weave, felt, quilt, dye, sculpt, embroider, knit, crotchet, make handmade paper and baskets. These artists use silk, wool, yarns, ribbons, beads, buttons, paints, dyes, teabags, objects found in nature, rusted items, flea market finds, recycled materials, Q-tips and much, much more!  The show runs from August 26 to October 10 during regular Library hours with a reception on Saturday, September 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The artists will talk at 5:30 pm.
 
CALL FOR ART
Artists over 18 are invited to submit recent works that explore an emotional response to a real or imaginary experience for a juried show, Fact or Fiction, October 17 to November 28.  For more information please click here for the prospectus.  
For more information about all of these programs and more please visit our website regularly!
  
Quick Links
ZINIO - MAGAZINES
Fairfield Public Library                 203 256-3160 
1080 Old Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
  
Fairfield Woods Branch Library     203 255-7308
1147 Fairfield Woods Road
Fairfield, CT  06825