At Home With Wilton Library

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving is a truly unique American holiday that is often portrayed by festive gatherings of family and friends. However, this year is a very challenging one for all of us as we encounter and deal with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Yet, amidst these difficulties, there are advantages and benefits for which our library team is thankful.

Challenges can become catalysts for innovation. Indeed, the unexpected closure of our library building in mid-March challenged us to find new ways to stay connected with each other. We were so gratified when you willingly adopted our new communication techniques to utilize our resources, engage our services, and to attend our virtual programs. In June, we were also delighted to welcome you back at our drive-thru window, and in October, we added our express walk-in service. At each stage of our reopening, it was wonderful to see you in person, albeit behind masks.

We also greatly appreciated the numerous messages and thank you notes you sent us over the past several months. Each one was exceedingly welcomed and encouraging to the library team. So, on behalf of everyone here at WLA, please accept our thanks for your kind support.

I am sure you all join me in also extending our appreciation to our First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice, and the members of the Town’s health and emergency teams who continue to work so hard to keep our community safe. Many thanks also to the doctors, nurses, frontline health workers, and other essential service staff for their selfless dedication to saving and sustaining lives during this pandemic.

The great Roman statesman and scholar, Cicero, wrote:

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.”

This year, more than ever, it is with a thankful heart that we wish you and your families a healthy, safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Elaine Tai-Lauria

Executive Director

Moving forward often means combining the past together with the present. This year's Thanksgiving may mean a new celebration for many, combining old traditions at a table that may look different from years past. Whatever your Thanksgiving looks like, we wish you a happy one and are thankful that you are part of our library community. Today we offer you fiction that brings together the past and present as well as the top books of 2020 as ranked by Publishers Weekly. We've also got a virtual poetry performance, book group, the launch of our Friends Appeal, and more. We are thankful to be here for you -- virtually, in-person, and at the Drive Thru.

In these historical fiction novels, people and events from a previous era are intertwined with the present day lives of the characters, in a blend of fact and fiction. There's something intriguing about picking up a read that will take you from one character's perspective to another, from one century to another, even from one world to another. Enjoy this selection that brings together the past and the present.

In this unusual year, we realize that some people aren't able to give, and some people can give more. Whatever you can give, it is truly appreciated and needed. For the second year, Wilton Library is participating in Giving Tuesday (on December 1st). Our Annual Friends Appeal is also is full swing. ​Wilton Library is not a municipal library. We critically rely on donations to fund all programs, services and collection items. Thank you for your support.  

Saturday, December 5 @7pm via ZOOM   REGISTER HERE

Join us for a virtual Poetry in Motion performance. For 11 years, Wilton Library organized this poetry and arts-based event. It enabled teens to use poetry to express their views, concerns, hopes and dreams before a live audience. Many of those students are now in college, pursuing careers, or working on doctoral degrees. They have agreed to reunite for one evening and perform their latest poems....this time about their experiences during 2020 and hopes for the future. Sponsored by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. For teens and adults. REGISTER HERE in order to receive the invitation link to the Zoom session and the event playbill.

Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2020

Publisher's Weekly is the 'go-to' for international news and reviews for the book publishing and bookselling industries. Who better to ask for book recommendations? Check out this list of the Publishers Weekly 10 Best Books of 2020. This powerful mix of books speak to the times and many are timeless.

Click to see more Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2020

Wilton Library Readers: Floating Bridge by Alice Munro

Wednesday, December 9 @12pm via ZOOM REGISTER HERE

Online via Zoom, professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Floating Bridge, by Alice Munro, a short story featured in Munro's book, Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage. Floating Bridge was originally published in the July 31, 2000 issue of The New Yorker and can be found online here or a printed copy of the story may be obtained at our Drive Thru. REGISTER HERE in order to receive the invitation link to the Zoom session.

Monday, November 30 @1-2pm via ZOOM REGISTER HERE

Zoom session for crafters of all skill levels. Show off your latest creation, seek advice, and chat about anything while working on your own projects. Please feel free to email cbenjamin@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. REGISTER HERE in order to receive the invitation link to the Zoom session.