At Home With Wilton Library

Let's face it, lately it can feel like we're living the same day, over and over again. We all get into ruts -- eating the same things, watching the same shows, doing the same exercise (or not), and even reading the same things. Today we're here to help mix-up your bookish go-tos by offering you some read-alike options. We're also exploring a painful reality that deserves attention. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we've put together books to educate and promote safety. We've also got Wilton Reads virtual programs as well as a peek at our Halloween scarecrow and something to binge on. So mix things up this week and explore Wilton Library virtually, at the Drive-Thru, or in-person by appointment.

Have you finished reading all the books by your favorite author or want to explore a similar writing style, genre or just try something new? Read-alikes are suggestions for readers who enjoy a particular genre, author or writing style and would like to have recommendations of similar books to read. Today we offer read-alike suggestions for lovers of Elin Hidebrand's light and addictive writing style; the captivating mystery and historical fiction of Lucy Foley; and the international intrigue of Daniel Silva's spy novels.

Saturday, October 31 @3pm via ZOOM REGISTER HERE

Mark J. Schenker of Yale College will discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life and work in the 1920s -- a period he both depicted in his fiction and came to represent in his personal life -- through the lens of our Wilton Reads 2020 selection, Tales of the Jazz Age.This short story collection reflects the eclecticism, exuberance and experimentation of the the Roaring Twenties. The volume’s 11 stories range from social satires to character studies, from historical vignettes to bold fantasies. REGISTER HERE to receive the invitation link to the Zoom session.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s a painful reality that deserves attention and gets better with education and compassion. It is our hope the following fiction and nonfiction books on Domestic Violence will help.

Thursday, November 5 @5pm via ZOOM REGISTER HERE

It is occasionally supposed that "jazz" and "classical music" are genres that bear little in common. And yet, jazz musicians have historically found inspiration in the classical world, and many traditional western art music composers were in turn deeply influenced by the sounds of jazz. During this online program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss the cross-pollination that occurred between these idioms in the early 20th century, casting a spotlight on composers ranging from Paul Whiteman to George Gershwin, Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, and Dave Brubeck's mentor Darius Milhaud. REGISTER HERE to receive the invitation link to the Zoom session.

Flutter into Town Center and say hello to our Very Hungry Butterfly scarecrow, lovingly created by children’s librarian Mrs. Keogh, and proudly displayed in front of Wilton’s American Legion Post. The sweet butterfly is a character from the beloved children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. “He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks. Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and... he was a beautiful butterfly!”

Attention cinephiles -- our newest DVD lending option, The Binge Box, has been created just for you. Each Binge Box contains three feature films based on a theme, including Batman, Best of the '80s, War Stories, Family Favorites, Chick Flicks, Lord of the Rings, Romantic Comedies, Felonious Fun, James Bond and The Wild West, among others. Fifteen themes in all, the boxes check out for one week for only $2 and are located on a spinning rack in front of the Circulation Desk (make your appointment to visit) or place a hold in the catalog and pick-up at the Drive-Thru.

The Wilton Library building is now reopened for in-person Express Services by appointment. You may browse and borrow new books, Quick Pick selections, book group books, large print books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs and puzzles. The Children’s Library, Teen Services and adult internet computers also will be available by appointment during these times.

Click here to see all the details about Express Services by appointment. Drive-Thru Service hours remain Mondays - Fridays from 10-6, and Saturdays from 10-5.