Author talk
International best-selling author Jennifer Robson comes to the library on Monday, Feb. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., to discuss her second novel, After the War is Over. This novel is a follow-up to her much-praised debut work, Somewhere in France. The story continues with Charlotte and Lilly and is a tale of class, love and freedom in which a young woman must find her place in a world forever changed. Ms. Robson's appeal comes about with her exceptional writing and serious knowledge of the time period, creating a very real landscape of post-WWI Britain while also weaving in unforgettable characters and a riveting love story. In addition to being a USA Today and Toronto Globe & Mail best-selling author for Somewhere in France, Ms. Robson holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from University of Oxford's Saint Antony's College, where she was a Commonwealth Scholar and an SSHRC Doctoral Fellow. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children. A Q&A will follow the talk. Books will be available for purchase and signing. There is no charge. Registration is highly recommended.
Court is in session
The Honorable Anthony J. DePanfilis presents “The Probate Court and You” on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In this informative session, Judge DePanfilis discusses what probate court does for individuals, families and the community. He will be covering the following topics: Decedents' Estates- including the probating of wills, the administration of the estate, taxes, and distribution of the estate as well as litigation that may ensue; Trusts-inter vivos and testamentary trusts, special needs trusts; Conservatorships-one of the ways the court assists many of the elderly in the community — the court's version of a power of attorney; Commitments-including the commitment of the mentally ill, issues of capacity, and civil liberties; Children's matters-adoption, temporary custody, paternity, emergency temporary custody, and related issues; involving children; Guardianship of the Intellectually Disabled-guardianship of adult children with intellectual disabilities. A Q&A period will follow the talk. There is no charge. Registration is recommended.
Science made fun
Getting a jump start on how science things work is what kids in first and second grades can look forward to in the “The Way Things Work” series beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. The series dates are Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25. The series is based on David Macaulay's famous book by the same name, with each of the four sessions centering on different concepts. The program is designed to introduce young children to STEM topics and allow them to explore in a hands-on and grades-free setting. Each session will include a short episode from “The Way Things Work” TV series along with activities. The session topics are: properties of water on Feb. 4, properties of static electricity on Feb. 11, gears on Feb. 18 and pressure on Feb. 25. The program is supported by the Amadeo Family Fund. Registration is required.
Anxiety-reduced college admissions
Howard and Matthew Greene, nationally-recognized independent educational consultants and authors of the Greenes' Guides to Education Planning book series, present “Making It Into a Top College: 10 Steps to Gaining Admission to Selective Colleges and Universities” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. Their talk is geared to students and parents and helps ease them into the college admissions process. The Greenes will discuss the key aspects of creating a college admissions plan, and what every family should know about trends in college admissions today. Ample time will be provided for questions. Registration is highly suggested.
Poetry time
Judson Scruton returns to the library for a Winter Poetry session, beginning Thursday, Feb. 5, from 10:30 to noon. The four-part series on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 explores “The Rape of the Lock,” the mock-heroic narrative poem by Alexander Pope. Mr. Scruton, M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry), has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. In his career as an educator, Mr. Scruton has also directed publications, communications, public relations and development at a variety of educational institutions in the U.S. and UK, including the Newberry Library in Chicago. He is currently an adjunct professor of English at Fairfield University. Poetry packets are now available at the circulation desk. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required.
Wilton's opera star
Betty Jones was a mother of two, engaged with the Wilton Congregational Church choir when a neighbor heard her sing. The neighbor quickly arranged for an audition with Sarah Caldwell, the artistic director and conductor of the Boston Opera Company. As a result of this audition, on March 12, 1971, Betty Jones made her professional opera debut with the Boston Opera Company at the age of 41, singing two small roles in Louise. She and her husband Doug come to the library on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., to discuss her newly released book, The Music in My Life, and all that transpired in her life as an international opera singer. Ms. Jones' late-in-life career has enabled her to perform with the Boston Opera Company, New York City Opera, San Francisco, Chicago Lyric, Seattle, Chautauqua, Washington, as well as with companies in Italy, Germany and England. She has sung many of the principal soprano roles including Aida, Tosca, Turandot, Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), Leonore (Fidelio), Amelia (Un Ballo in Maschera), Senta (Der Fliegende Hollander), Odabella (Attila), Eva (Die Meistersinger), Abigaille (Nabucco), plus various roles in the complete Wagner Ring Cycle. Books will be available for purchase and signing. There is no charge. Registration is highly recommended.
To register for programs, visit www.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.