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Greetings,
We thank all 1810 Norwalkers who filled out our survey to help reimagine the library for all of us! We also thank the many people who came to library focus groups to discuss how we can do it better. We've received such good ideas on how to improve accessibility, communications, collections, and programs as well as how to improve the physical plants. All of these suggestions will be incorporated into our 2019 Strategic Plan. 2019 will be a very good year!
Chris
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Art Displays
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Sledding on the Golf Course, Ice-Skating on frozen ponds, decorating for the Holidays! Lights strung around homes and trees! Shoveling piles of white stuff and building snowmen! Warm and cozy indoors, relaxing by a lit fire in the fireplace, a mug of hot chocolate in hand watching Holiday movies or reading a good book. Local Buildings covered with a sprinkling of snow!
Do you have photos of Norwalk in Winter that you would like to share? Scan them and email them to Cynde Bloom Lahey , clahey@norwakpl.org at the Norwalk Public Library and they will be displayed in the ArtSpace at the Main Library and on the Library website, www.norwalkpl.org. Identify the location, describe the memory and see what happens.
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January Programs & Events
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Contact Chris Bradley, Director of Norwalk Public Library, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15126, or
cbradley@norwalkpl.org
for more information about this event.
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Caffe' e Conversazione with members of
an Italian community salon dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture in an informal setting will meet on three Saturdays, January 5, 12, 19, & 26 at 10 am in the Carnegie Room of the Norwalk Public Library on Belden Avenue.
This is not a class for beginners! Participants must be able to carry on a conversation in Italian.
The first half hour will be devoted to an informal conversation on a timely topic, the second half-hour, we will read in Italian from In Oltre Parole, by Jhumpa Lahiri and in the last half hour, we will explore new vocabulary and ways to incorporate them into our conversations.
NB: Libro & Aperitivo Book selection, The Stonecutter's Aria by Carol Faenzi, is available at the Belden Avenue Library in the book club section.
Ann Bolognanni has arranged with the author to have her join our discussion via Skype at the Norwalk Library on January 24, 2018.
We will gather at 6:30 pm to enjoy our aperitivi from the region of the book and then connect with the author via the library's new smart board in the Carnegie Room.
RSVP to PatTinto1@gmail.com with your attendance and aperitivo that you will be bringing.
We must wind up the evening by 8:15 since the library closes at 8:30 pm.
For more info: ViniVittiDici@gmail.com or
Pat Tinto, PatTinto1@gmail.com.
President & Founder.
ViniVittiDici: Wines, Food & Conversation Italian Style
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American Job Center Career Coach
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Career Coach Schedule |
General Job Search Assistance
Monday,
January
7
10:00 -12:00 pm &
1:00-3:00 pm
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A New You for the New Year with Help From NPL & the Norwalk Health Department
Wednesdays, January 9 - February 13
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Main Library Auditorium
The Healthy Resolutions program will focus on a different healthy resolution and different skills each week. Each week is connected to the last and includes thought-provoking videos, group discussion and support, and the skills-building you need to kick start a healthier 2019. A light meal will be served at each session, so come hungry! Children are welcome to attend with an adult.
Week 1 (January 9): Goal Setting
Learn how to make realistic and actionable goals, no matter what your resolutions look like for 2019.
Week 2 (January 16):
Nutrition 101 with Carly Smolick, RD, CDN
If you resolve to eat a healthier diet in 2019, this workshop led by registered dietitian, Carly Smolick, will provide the latest information in nutrition research for general well-being and will give you tips for incorporating healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into you family's diet. Whether you're trying to lose weight, boost your energy, or just feel better, this session will help get you on the path to a balanced diet.
Week 3 (January 23):
Asking for Help, Reducing Stress, and Managing our Time
Learn how to reduce stress and stay positive, two keys to good health and success with any resolution. We'll also discuss time management strategies, strategies for seeking support, and the importance of mindfulness.
Week 4 (January 30):
Taking Charge of Your Healthcare & Understanding Your Risk
Being active doesn't require an expensive gym membership or an intense workout routine. Learn ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life and explore strategies and tools you can use to monitor your progress and track your success!
Week 5 (February 6):
Taking Charge of Your Healthcare & Understanding Your Risk
Any plan for a healthier, happier year should involve engaging and understanding the healthcare system. We'll talk about how to get the most from your visits at the doctor, what regular tests and screenings you might want to consider, and how to understand the results.
Week 6 (February 13): Maintaining Healthy Behaviors
Build skills to overcome possible barriers or setbacks and learn how to stay motivated for a long-term success. We'll wrap up by tying together skills from the previous three weeks, answering any outstanding questions about our health topics, and providing information about services offered in our community that can help you stay on track throughout the year.
To register for the Healthy Resolutions program, or for further information, please contact the Children's Library at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15131. Download Brochure
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Free VITA/IRS Tax Assistance Help
Tax Preparation & e-Filing
Main Library
Thursdays, January 31 - April 11
1:00 - 8:00 pm
South Norwalk Library
Saturdays, February 2 - April 13
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Norwalk Public Library System is pleased to announce the no-cost, full service VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program. This program provides free state and federal income tax preparation and e-filing, with special attention to seniors and low to moderate income households. Our aim is to make tax filing more convenient and available to Norwalk residents.
Appointments are NOT needed. If you are married, both spouses should be present. Click for the list of forms and personal/financial documents that are required to process your tax information, so please bring them with you:
For further information, or for a list of other Norwalk locations for free tax preparation and filing, please call NPL's Information Desk at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15109, or visit our website,
www.norwalkpl.org.
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AuthorSpeak
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Indispensable: How to Succeed At
Your First Job and Beyond Too
Meredith Whipple Callahan
Friday, January 18
12:00 - 1:30 pm
T
oo often, we fail to receive the coaching that we need to succeed in the workplace. Instead, we are left to figure it out for ourselves, learning by trial and error in a competitive and sometimes cutthroat world. In
Indispensable
, leadership development expert Meredith Whipple Callahan outlines how employees early in their careers can maximize their potential in the workplace.
Drawing from her own experiences and those of other high performers, Callahan offers sophisticated and pragmatic advice to help you to start strong in your career, increase productivity, and build professional development. With the tools in this book, you will learn how to raise issues in a direct and diplomatic way, contribute beyond your formal role, and communicate effectively by bringing context, purpose, and structure.
Altogether, Indispensable gives a comprehensive view into what allows employees to excel and become indispensable to their organizations. For employe
es in the first decade of their careers, it is nothing short of required reading.
Meredith Whipple Callahan is a thought leader and practitioner of leadership development. Meredith works at Bridgewater Associates, where she focuses on culture and management topics. Previously, Meredith worked at Bain & Company, where she co-created the firm's Inspirational Leadership program, building the training curriculum and development tools. She also brings over a decade of experience in strategy consulting to her work in leadership. She has worked around the world, developing leaders in dozens of countries. Meredith is also a certified executive coach and facilitator. She holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA in Religious Studies from Yale University. Meredith writes the self-development and leadership site The Intentional (www.theintentional.net). Meredith lives in Norwalk, CT with her family.
This program is free and open to the public and a
light lunch will be served.
For more information please contact
Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899 - 2780 ext. 15133, or
clahey@norwalkpl.org.
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Business Workshops
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A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by The Norwalk Public Library
Simple Steps For Starting Your Business
A six week program
Tuesday, January 8 -
Session 1 -
Register
6:00 - 8:00 pm (check in starts at 5:30)
Main Library Auditorium
Want to start a business but don't know where to begin? This workshop series, conducted by a team of professionals will give you the boost to get you on your way!
Tuesday January 8: Self-Assessment / Business Plan - Led by successful business start-up entrepreneurs, this presentation portrays the risk and reward of starting a business in today's competitive marketplace. The traits and character of successful entrepreneurs will be discussed for the purpose of assessing one's innate and acquired ability to start and manage a successful business. In addition, the session will focus on structuring a dynamic Business Plan, which is the heart of any successful business.
Session 1 - Register
Presenters for Session 1: Becca Nell, Budly Freund and Donald Putrimas
Tuesday January 15: Marketing Research & Strategy - The presentation focuses on the importance of market research and planning to start and build a competitive and successful business enterprise. Emphasis will be on sound market positioning of a small business's products or services within its target market that will enhance profitable sales and success.
Session 2 - Register
Tuesday January 22: Website and Social Media Marketing - How a start-up business is able to execute successful marketing efforts constitutes the core of a presentation. The successful use of online-based marketing tools, including website positioning and key social media platforms, will be extensively discussed.
Session 3 - Register
Tuesday January 29: Financial Reporting & Planning - This presentation reviews a business's key financial statements and then walks the participants through the development of a comprehensive Financial Plan that is required to develop a successful start-up business. The importance of understanding the key financial drivers of the business will be a center- piece of the discussion.
Tuesday February 5: Your Business Plan - This session will focus on using the specific concepts discussed in the first four sessions to help you create the first draft of the business plan for your business. This session will give you the opportunity to obtain initial feedback from the presenters and from other participants.
Tuesday February 12: Funding Sources / Conversations with Entrepreneurs - This session will focus on funding structures required for start-up businesses today, including a presentation from lending sources specializing in start-up and small businesses. The session will conclude with a discussion and Q&A session with several start-up business entrepreneurs.
For further information, please contact Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780, ext. 15133 or
clahey@norwalkpl.org
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Surviving e-Commerce - Small Business Defense
7:00 - 8:15 pm
Main Library Auditorium
Stamford consultant Richard Fabbri of Scarce Ideas, LLC, will discuss how small business can survive the ever growing popularity of e-commerce.
We've all witnessed the closing of thousands of stores like JCPenney, Toys R Us, Sears, The Limited, Macy's, Kmart and more. This vacated space hasn't been absorbed by dining spots and health clubs as was originally hoped, so it's time to start defending small business.
Fabbri will explain modern concepts to help reduce e-commerce losses and show how to find and keep new customers. While no two customers are the same, they do form unique groups of similar customers, which Artificial Intuition (AI) can reveal. These unique groups mean that small business owners can service customer uniqueness at a lower cost, unlike Facebook, Google, Amazon and Walmart who depend on detailed knowledge that often violates their privacy.
For more information contact:
ScarceIdeas@earthlink.net
The Norwalk Public Library is not responsible for the content of this program.
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Book Discussion
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Readers' Choice Book Group
The Great Alone
Kristin
Hannah
2:00 pm
Norwalk Senior Center
11 Allen Rd. Norwalk, Ct
Norwalk Library's Director of Library Information Services, Cynde Bloom Lahey, will lead a discussion on The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
Alaska, 1974. Ernt Allbright came home from the Vietnam War a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his wife and daughter north where they will live off the grid in America's last true frontier.
Cora will do anything for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. Thirteen-year-old Leni, caught in the riptide of her parents' passionate, stormy relationship, has little choice but to go along, daring to hope this new land promises her family a better future.
In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers' lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt's fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.
Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133, or
clahey@norwalkpl.org.
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Pachinko
Min Jin Lee
Thursday, January 31
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Carnegie Room
Bring your lunch and join Reference Librarian Susannah Violino for a lively discussion of
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
"There could only be a few winners, and a lot of losers. And yet we played on, because we had hope that we might be the lucky ones."
In the early 1900s, teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a crippled fisherman, falls for a wealthy stranger at the seashore near her home in Korea. He promises her the world, but when she discovers she is pregnant--and that her lover is married--she refuses to be bought. Instead, she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle, sickly minister passing through on his way to Japan. But her decision to abandon her home, and to reject her son's powerful father, sets off a dramatic saga that will echo down through the generations.
Richly told and profoundly moving,
Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty. From bustling street markets to the halls of Japan's finest universities to the pachinko parlors of the criminal underworld, Lee's complex and passionate characters--strong, stubborn women, devoted sisters and sons, fathers shaken by moral crisis--survive and thrive against the indifferent arc of history.
Books Sandwiched In meets the last Thursday of every month.
For further information, please contact Susannah Violino at (203) 899-2780 ext 15115, or
sviolino@norwalkpl.org
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Weekly Programs
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Zumba with Karen
Children & Parents - Mondays
5:00 - 5:45 pm
Adults & Teens - Mondays
6:00 - 7:00 pm
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Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Tuesdays
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Auditorium
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based fall prevention program that transforms traditional martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen aimed at improving postural stability, awareness and mindful control of body positioning in space, functional walking, movement symmetry and coordination, range of motion around the ankle and hip joints, and lower-extremity muscle strength
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Low Impact Aerobics with Linda
Tuesdays & Thursdays
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Teen Room
Linda Lombardo is known to local residents for her work as a Silver Sneakers instructor, Linda has been a Business Education teacher with the New Canaan, Norwalk, Fairfield, Greenwich and Stamford Public School Systems for over 20 years. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a health fitness instructor, personal trainer and nutrition counselor. Stop by on Tuesday or Thursday to welcome Linda and try out a new version of Low Impact Aerobics.
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QiGong by Bill Wrenn
Wednesdays
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Main Floor Reference Area
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For additional information, please contact Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext 15133 or clahey@norwalkpl.org
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Norwalk History Room
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Historical BreadCrumbs form the Norwalk History Room
By Ramona Garcia, MLS, PhD.
While working on compiling a list of resources of Norwalk industries I pulled out a folder from the clipping file with a likely title: "Raymond Brothers." Upon opening the folder to examine the contents I discovered something that had absolutely nothing to do with Norwalk industries but rather another topic altogether -- loyalists. I immediately put this folder aside for further examination as having the potential to contribute to the Norwalk History Room's ongoing project on loyalists. The enticing contents of this folder consisted of "Walter Bates, a Young Royalist, to Catherine Raymond of Norwalk, Winter of 1779" by Robert Smith,an article published in Connecticut Ancestry (November 2009).
The first lesson of historical research is that sometimes you find resources on one topic when you are actually researching another topic altogether. The second lesson is that historical research often resembles Hansel and Gretel in reverse. In other words, Hansel and Gretel scatter crumbs to find their way home, but the historical researcher has to follow the crumbs scattered by previous researchers. An obvious source for these crumbs are footnotes, but in the case of Mr. Smith's article there is a massive crumb in the form of the
"Editor's note" which being surrounded by a box cannot be missed. According to this note:
"The pamphlet account of Walter Bates's adventures deserves more attention by those interested in the history and genealogy of southwestern Connecticut. His list of the passengers on the ship to New Brunswick is just one of many points of interest. And this prompts a plan to focus on'Tories of Southwestern Connecticut' as a theme for the 2010-2011 publication year of Connecticut Ancestry."[1]
[1]
Robert Smith, "Walter Bates, a Young Royalist, to Catherine Raymond of Norwalk, Winter of 1779," Connecticut Ancestry Vol. 52, No. 2 (November 2009): see specifically "Editor's note" on page 58.
A trip to the issues in question on the Norwalk History Room shelves provide a veritable feast. So, come visit the Norwalk History Room to sample and explore "Loyalists of Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut: Lois B. Bayles' Individual Summaries" (February 2010); "Loyalists of Fairfield County: A Short List of Sources" (August 2010); and of course "Walter Bates, a Young Royalist, to Catherine Raymond of Norwalk, Winter of 1779" (November 2009) -- courtesy of the issues of Connecticut Ancestry housed in the Norwalk History Room.
Come to the
Norwalk History Room
to see what we have available on a chapter of American History that has a direct connection with our City.
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Norwalk History Room Online Database
Our first online records are
postcards of Norwalk scenes, most dating from the beginning of the 20th century. We will follow these with regular additions from our collection of thousands of documents and photographs. Search by keyword or use the advanced search feature.
The postcards can also be viewed randomly.
The Norwalk History Room and archive combines the library's former Local History Collection with the archival collections of the former Norwalk Museum. The lower level of the main library building at 1 Belden Avenue houses this large array of published and unpublished books and papers, photographs and maps, and more, covering over 300 years of Norwalk history.
The mission of the Norwalk Public Library History Room is to preserve the archival materials, including manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, and books, which illustrate the history of Norwalk, Connecticut. This History Room online database will further our goal of promoting knowledge and appreciation of the long history and rich cultural heritage of the Town of Norwalk.
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Burbio.com - Norwalk Calendars
We are excited to announce a great new service that will allow you to easily keep track of everything going on at the library and all over Norwalk. Introducing Burbio.com a free website and app that puts ALL Norwalk schools, library and many other community calendars and events in one place. With Burbio, you can select calendars to follow, create a personalized event feed, sync local events to your Google or iPhone calendars instantly and get notified when things change!
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NPL has partnered with
drivers-test.org to bring you the current CT DMV driver's practice tests for free! Included are car, motorcycle, CDL practice test, and the driver's manuals for each test. Also included are accessibility tools
that let users hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text, and mask portions of the screen for greater visibility on the practice tests.
This driver education program contains the following CT-specific information:
- 11 car practice tests
- 9 motorcycle practice tests
- 12 CDL (commercial driver's license) practice tests
- 3 online driver's manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL)
- A FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions
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The Social Security Administration offers their Video Service Delivery program at the Norwalk Public Library.
This service is available every Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in a small study room on the first floor of the Main Library.
People needing to speak with a Social Security employee will be able to do so. Video conferencing equipment has been set up so people can speak face to face with the Social Security employee. No appointment is necessary. This service was made available as a result of the closing of the Social Security office in Norwalk a few years ago.
For more information call the reference desk at 203-899-2780 ext. 15109
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Norwalk Public Library | 203.899.2780 | 1 Belden Ave. Norwalk , CT
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