Library Lines: Oct. 20

Discover. Dabble. Do-It-Yourself


The library’s second annual Innovation Day gets people making, creating and trying new things on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 2. The maker festival is for everyone who wants to learn, explore, experience something new and have fun. Participants to the free event will be able to try their hands at soldering, knitting, learning how to make wine and enjoying a fun session learning the ins and outs of tasting wine. Basic home plumbing repairs will be demonstrated, along with tying flies, making a terrarium, watching a portrait painter, etching a glass votive holder, coloring and so much more.  For the techies in the crowd, people can test out a 3-D Doodler, virtual reality glasses, snap circuits, Makey Makey, attend a 3-D Design workshop, light up an apron with conductive thread and LEDs, or even dismantle old devices. Makers will even be able to grab snacks at the food trucks serving tacos and ice cream. The day is free with certain activities having nominal fees to offset costs. The day is made possible with the help of sponsors Bruce Bennett Nissan, Catamount Wealth Management and Ring’s End.

Puppies are here


The therapy dogs from ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) will be sitting quietly in the Children’s Library during Innovation Day on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 to noon, for the Tales to Tails program. Reading aloud to the gentle pups helps build the children’s confidence in reading. Children must be independent readers. Registration is required.

Weir Farm art exhibition


Sarah Ward is the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence direct from Dublin who will be exhibiting at the library on Monday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ward’s practice revolves around the notion of virtual space. She plans to explore the relationship between art and space to consider how places are occupied, which at times can be transitory. Through documentation by means of photography, painting, drawing and collage, she aims to stimulate a series of work that illustrates her direct response to the natural surroundings of Weir Farm. The exhibition is co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. There is no charge. Registration is suggested.

Great novel explored


The Senior Center Book Discussion group gets together on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 11 to noon for an examination of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens led by Sandy Soson. The quintessential Victorian novel published in 1861 tells the coming-of-age story of the rural orphan Pip as he makes his way up through the ranks of London society. Along the way, readers meet some of the most memorable characters in English literature such as Joe the blacksmith, Mr. Pumblechook, Abel Magwitch the convict, Estella and Miss Havisham. This group gathers on the fourth Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Wilton Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. The discussions are held at Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road.

Explore another world


The virtual world is one that just has to be experienced and the library is providing that opportunity with Exploring Virtual Reality with Google Cardboard on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. In this beginner workshop, attendees will receive their own VR cardboard headset for their own smartphones and learn how to explore various apps. Participants must have an Android 4.1 or higher or an iOS 8.0 or higher. Larger phones with four- to six-inch screen sizes can be supported. The program is for teens entering grades 8 and up and adults. Registration is required. There is a cost of $15 for the headset payable upon arrival. Due to limited space and the high interest in virtual reality, attendance will be confirmed no later than Oct. 24.  

First-time author visits

Fiona Davis introduces the audience to her debut novel, The Dollhouse, on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Her engaging novel pays tribute to New York City, past and present, and the women who have come to the Big Apple in search of a new beginning and a life to call their own. Using the Barbizon Hotel for Women as a backdrop, home to many well-known personalities from 1927 to 1981, including Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly and so many more, Davis creates a suspenseful tale of two women — one from the 1950s and one from present day — whose lives become intertwined around a decades-old scandal. Davis is a journalist and former actress on and off Broadway. See the registration link for more details. A Q&A and book signing will follow the talk. There is no charge. Registration is highly recommended. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Elm Street Books, New Canaan.


To register for programs, visit wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call the Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334 for adult programs, the Children’s Library at 203-762-6336 and Teen Services at 203-762-6342.