Books and more galore
Wilton Library’s annual Gigantic Book Sale Fundraiser begins this Saturday, April 25, and runs through Tuesday, April 28. The library will be teeming with bargain hunters who will find quality books, DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, rare and collectible books, in more than 50 categories including gardening, art books, golf, mysteries and histories, and so much more. The sale begins bright and early Saturday morning from 7 to 9 for hard-core early buyers with a $15 admission fee; the sale opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission for everyone, which continues through Tuesday. Sunday hours are noon to 5; the silent auction takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday also features the Rotary Club of Wilton selling hot dogs and sodas with proceeds benefiting the library. Monday items are half-priced from 10 to 5 and on Tuesday, from 10 to 2, smart shoppers can haul away bags full of books for $5 per bag. For information, visit the website or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.
Pups at the library
During the hubbub of the book sale, children who are independent readers can take advantage of the library’s Tales to Tails program on Saturday, April 25, from 11 to noon. Children will be able to read to trained therapy dogs from ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue). These gentle dogs sit quietly while children read aloud to them, thereby giving the kids time to practice their reading skills. Registration is required; there is no fee.
Follow the money
Children in grades 3 and 4 have an opportunity to learn about managing their money in a program geared to them. Money Management for 3rd and 4th Graders takes place on two consecutive Mondays, April 27 and May 4, from 4 to 5 p.m. The children will learn about saving their birthday money and allowances and explore savings and checking accounts with the help of a representative from People’s United Bank. Registration is required. When children are registered for the first session, they will automatically be registered for the second.
Senior center book discussion
This season’s final session of the Senior Center Book Discussion Group is Tuesday, April 28, from 11 to noon, with the discussion of Effi Briest by Theodor Fontane. The talk will be led by Miwako Ogasawara. Theodor Fontane based the story on a scandal he had heard of from a friend in 1888 or 1889 and Effie Briest, as a literary character, has been compared to Emma Bovary and Anna Karenina. But more than a story of adultery, it captures a world on the eve of its dissolution. Thomas Mann is reported to have said in 1919 that Effie Briest belonged among the six most significant novels ever written. Call the senior center to register at 203-834-6240.
Prom primping
Spring has sprung and with it proms and weddings are in the air. The Boutonniere and Corsage Making Workshop on Wednesday, April 29, from 12:30 to 2:30 will help people learn how to make their own creations. Sue Wall from the Wilton Garden Club will give hands-on instruction and send each participant home with both a corsage and boutonniere. Class size is limited. Registration is required for this program sponsored by the Wilton Garden Club and the library.
Tantalizing auction items benefit library
The library’s spring benefit, Beyond Words-Derby Style, is right around the corner on May 1, from 7 to 11 p.m., and some very enticing auction items have recently been announced. Guests can walk away with a ritzy vacation at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne; be close up and personal in grandstand seats at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; and they can enjoy a grown-up private party at the Stamford Cigar Lounge with New York Knicks great John Starks. They also can opt for a relaxing stay at a private Nantucket home or attend a number of sport events or New York shows that can be scooped up by eager bidders. The silent and live auctions coupled with southern-inspired cuisine from AMG Catering, a bourbon tasting lounge, lively auctioneer Ira Joe Fisher and of course, the honorary chairs, Tish and Chris Brubeck, the evening promises to be one to remember. For tickets, visit the library’s website or call 203-762-3950, ext. 239. Please note: the library will be closing at 2 p.m. on May 1 in preparation for the event.
Free movies and TV through digital service
The library is pleased to announce some new hoopla about Hoopla Digital Service. In addition to more than 225,000 music albums available for mobile and online access, with this expanded service the library now is able to offer more than 6,000 movies and TV episodes for adults, teens and children. The titles can be streamed on computers, or downloaded using the Hoopla app on mobile devices. Wilton residents can download the free Hoopla Digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to begin. To find out more about the offering, visit the library’s website and click on Digital Library, then scroll down to Hoopla (Music, Movies, TV Shows). Please note that a Wilton Library card is required to access this service.
The library will be closing at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 1 in preparation for the Beyond Words benefit. To register for programs, visit wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213 for adult programs, ext. 217 for children’s activities and ext. 243 for teen events.