Spring has sprung on library walls
The April art exhibition, “Dialogues-Impromptu Conversation in Color” by Carlos Hernández Chávez, brings a welcome splash of vibrant colors when it opens Friday, April 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Hartford-area artist has combined powerful social and political elements with a potent esthetic sense. His art spans four decades and, both physically and metaphorically, it crosses borders, continents and oceans. More than 30 pieces will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The reception is open to the public. The exhibition runs through Monday, April 27.
The ABCs of spelling bees
The New Perspectives Film Series shines a light on Olympic-proportion spelling bees in Spellbound on Saturday, April 11, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. In the documentary, eight young contenders travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the high-stakes world of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The film highlights their elations and travails as they struggle with advancing toward the championship. The film was nominated for Best Documentary Oscar in 2003. A donation of $5 per person is suggested. Refreshments will be served. The New Perspectives Documentary series is programmed and moderated by filmmaker, Megan Smith-Harris. A Q&A will follow the film. Registration is recommended.
Candlelight concert this weekend
The Wilton Candlelight Concert on Sunday, April 12, features Opus One, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Wilton Congregational Church. The musicians include pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, violinist Ida Kavafian, violist Steven Tenenbom, and cellist Peter Wiley performing piano quartets by Mozart, Brahms, and Rogerson. A portion of the proceeds benefits Wilton Library. For ticket information, call 203-762-3401 or visit wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.
Fun for kids during National Library Week
The library has several programs for kids lined up during National Library Week, April 13-18 beginning with Vacation Movies. On Monday, April 13, Big Hero 6, rated PG, will be shown from 10:15 to noon; on Friday, April 17, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb will be shown from 2 to 3:30. There is no charge and no registration. Caregivers must stay with children under 8, and remain in the building for children 8 through 12 years.
Also on Monday, April 13, Dash and Dot will be at the library for kids to meet. These two new robots can talk, move, change color and more using programming apps on an iPad. In this introduction, kids can meet Dash and Dot, see what they can do, and help write a program. This is a show-and-tell format; interactivity will depend on the number of attendees. The program is for kids in grades K and up. There is no registration and no fee. The program is supported by the Amadeo Family. Dash and Dot are products of Wonder Workshop, Inc.
Vacation week may be the time for kids in grades 3 through 6 to check out Cryptozoology Club on Tuesday, April 14, from 4 to 5. In this month’s session, kids will discover the Chupacabra and Jersey Devil. With snacks and stories, there is plenty of fun for everyone. Registration is required.
On Friday, April 17, from 11:30 to 12:15, pre-K kids can enjoy 1st Poetry Program; also on Friday the first session of the season’s Children’s Garden Club will convene from 4 to 4:45, and on Saturday, April 18, from 2 to 4, kids can stop by to “Join the Shelebration!” to hear some of Shel Silverstein’s zany and silly poems.
Details on Minecraft Club, Story Times, Chemistry of Cooking and Candy, and these programs listed above can be found under Children’s Events on the library’s website.
Guest speaker for breast cancer survivors
The monthly Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group for post-treatment cancer survivors takes place on Tuesday, April 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a guest speaker. Laura Yarish, physical therapist, certified lymphedema therapist and massage therapist, will be speaking on Preventing, Identifying and Treating Lymphedema, Frozen Shoulder, and Pain and Swelling after Surgery and Radiation. The program is open to the public. There is no charge for the program which is co-sponsored by the Breast Cancer Survival Center and Wilton Library. Please call Nina Marino at 203-857-7304 with any questions. Registration is highly encouraged and may be done through the library’s website. To learn more about the Breast Cancer Survival Center, visit breastcancersurvival.org.
Best-selling author visits
New York Times best-selling author Erik Larson comes to Wilton Library on Tuesday, April 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss his latest book, Dead Wake — The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. With his remarkable new work of nonfiction, Dead Wake, Mr. Larson ushers readers aboard the Lusitania as it begins its tragic and final crossing. It is a timely trip, as 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the disaster. This will be Mr. Larson’s only Connecticut appearance. Ticket reservations are $30 plus service fee and include the new hardcover book (which can be picked up in advance at the library) plus two seats to the event. To reserve books and seats now, visit the library’s website.
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.