Wilton Library In-Person and Virtual Happenings for May 2023

Monday, May 1 through Sunday, May 7 Baby Bird Scavenger Hunt, during library operating hours. Egg-citement awaits kids in grades K-6 in the Children's Library. Baby birds have hatched in hidden nests and the tweeting is driving us stork raven mad! Help us quack the case by catching the hatchlings before they cry fowl! Available all day at the Children's desk. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Mondays, May 1, 8, 15 & 22 Great Decisions: A New Global Affairs Discussion Series, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please join us for Great Decisions, a new discussion series at Wilton Library focused on current world affairs. Created by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), the Great Decisions discussion series has been run annually by a wide variety of libraries and educational institutions across the country for nearly 60 years - 2023 is Wilton Library’s inaugural year with the program! The series will highlight eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans in 2023, including such topics as: Energy Geopolitics, China and the U.S., Economic Warfare, Global Famine, and Climate Migration, among others. Each attendee will receive a briefing book (professionally published by the FPA) which includes pre-session readings (about ten pages per week) providing background information, current data, and policy options for each issue. It serves as the focal point for our discussions. This 8-session course will run weekly (skipping the week of Memorial Day) and will be moderated by Judson Scruton.  Each session will kick off with a 20-minute Great Decisions video on the topic of the week followed by a moderated discussion. To facilitate an active and engaged discussion, attendance is limited to 20 people, who will be registered for all eight sessions in the series. Those registrants may pick up their briefing books a week before the series starts. Because of the attendance limitation and the distribution of our limited set of briefing books, attendees are expected, if at all possible, to attend all eight sessions. To mark your calendars, here are the dates: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 6/5, 6/12, 6/21 (note: this is a Wednesday], and 6/26. We hope to see you at this new and fascinating series! Judson Scruton M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry) has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesdays, May 2, 9 & 16 Mother Goose on the Loose, 10:15 to 11 a.m. Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun storytime with music, puppets, picture books, and nursery rhymes. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, May 3, 10 & 17 Wonderful Ones and Twos, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Active one and two year olds and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime especially geared for them! The program includes books, songs, rhymes, movement activities, and instruments or scarves, all geared towards building literacy skills. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, May 3, 10 & 17 Bouncing Babies, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Join us for this interactive program especially for babies up to 12 months. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes. Scarves and movement activities will be included and we will close out with a calming lullaby. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24 Big Kids Story Adventure, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Children ages 4 and up are invited to a storytime adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs, and crafts. Caregivers must remain on library property. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, May 3 & 10 Mark Schenker - “We Too Are Here”: 100 Years of Great American Novels by Women (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. Mark Schenker will take a reset in his ongoing lecture series on major American novels of the 20th century, which reached the late 1950s last fall. For this spring and summer, he will present two connected four-part series on eight American novels, all by critically acclaimed woman novelists. These series will be offered via Zoom with a bonus: the fourth and eighth sessions will be in-person in the Brubeck Room [as well as on Zoom] with a short reception after the lecture to chat with Mark and each other. The titles span a full century and bring in considerations of race and ethnicity (African-American, Jewish-American, Native-American), and of immigration (from China, Central Europe, Mexico). And the settings of these stories represent a striking array of American cities, states, and regions: San Francisco and Chicago; Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Michigan; Tennessee and Florida. Taken together, these works of fiction invite us to think critically about the limitations of the idea of The Great American Novel and to embrace the broadest meaning of the word pluribus (“many”) in the traditional American motto: E pluribus unum. Attendees are not expected to read or reread all or even any of the novels, but a familiarity with them will of course make the lectures more meaningful. Here are the novels for each week: Spring series: April 12 - My Antonia, Willa Cather; April 19 - Wise Blood, Flannery O’Connor; May 3 - The Woman Warrior, Maxine Hong Kingston; May 10 - Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison. June series: June 8 - Housekeeping,  Marilynne Robinson; June 15 - The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros; June 22 - The Shawl, Cynthia Ozick; June 29 - The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich. These lectures are made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance registration required. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Although Mark often makes cross-references, the lectures mostly stand alone. However, as a convenience, you will automatically be registered for all eight sessions. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, May 4, 11 & 18 Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Two and three year olds and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime geared especially for them!  Participants will hear stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, do movement activities, and have the opportunity to use scarves and instruments, while building literacy and social skills. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 4 Teen Thursday: Star Wars Origami, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen Room on Thursdays for a fun activity for Grades 6-12. This week's project: May the 4^th be with you! Make your favorite Star Wars character out of origami. All supplies provided, plus snacks! No registration necessary - just drop in. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 4 Budget Game, 6 to 7 p.m. Join State Representative Keith Denning, Representative Lucy Dathan and Senator Ceci Maher for our Citizen’s Budget Game at Wilton Library! This is where YOU will be able to play the role of a Connecticut lawmaker and decide where money should be spent and budgeted. You will be split into groups of 5-6 people and handed a tally chart along with 18 cards of historically funded programs.  Discuss among your groups about which programs YOU want to fund and which programs you would discontinue. Tally up the numbers at the end.  Did you balance your budget? See how difficult it is to make decisions like a state lawmaker. This event is appropriate for adults and older teens in high school with an interest in how government works. Registration required.  Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. For questions, please email maliha.ahsan@cga.ct.gov or asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 4 WLA/SCORE: Simple Steps Cohort Meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Get your questions about starting a new business answered by real entrepreneurs in your community who are running or are in the process of starting a business. Who Should Attend? Anyone who is either planning to start a business or is looking to grow your existing business or even if you are looking to sell /exit a currently running business. These meetings are designed to encourage networking amongst the entrepreneurs and enable learning in a safe yet practical way. Facilitated by SCORE Mentors with expertise in all aspects of starting a business in Fairfield County, we will address questions about all stages of starting a business. Please see event listing at www.wiltonlibrary.org for registration link. Contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org with questions. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, May 6 Free Comic Book Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Children's Library will be giving out free comic books, supplied once again by long time generous donors Cave Comics in Newtown, CT. Kids can stop by and pick up some popular age appropriate comics. No registration required. While supplies last. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Sunday, May 7 Hot & Cool Jazz: Chris Brubeck's Triple Play, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Please join us on Sunday afternoon May 7 at 4pm for our next Hot & Cool Jazz concert featuring Triple Play, a trio of three outstanding and versatile musicians: Peter Madcat Ruth (on harmonica, guitar, jaw harp, percussion & vocals), Joel Brown (folk and classical acoustic guitar and vocals), and Chris Brubeck (electric bass, bass trombone, piano & vocals). Collectively they bring a rare level of joy, virtuosity, and American spirit to the folk, blues, jazz and classical music they perform. Triple Play’s musical roots go way back (50+ years!) in each member’s history. Chris and Madcat have toured and recorded together in different settings since 1969, first as young rock musicians in the group “New Heavenly Blue” (with albums on RCA and Atlantic Records), “Sky King”(on Columbia), and then as jazz musicians touring the world with Dave Brubeck. Paul deBarros, writer for The Seattle Times and Downbeat, commented after seeing a performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival: “Triple Play is what jazz always was and always should be about: good-time rhythm, unbridled joy and the sweet release but bittersweet aftertaste of the blues."

Hot & Cool Jazz is brought to you by the generosity of the Estate of James (Tom) and Alice Brown. Wait-list spots only. Pre-registrants should arrive by 3:50 pm to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted after 3:50 pm if space is available. There will be a reception following the concert with CDs available for sale and signing. For more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, May 8 Make Your Own Squishies!, 4 to 5 p.m. For grades 4-7 only. Craft a cute friend from memory foam. Help yourself to precut shapes or make them from scratch. Wear clothes to paint in. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 9 Wilton Reads: Author Talk: Julia Glass – Vigil Harbor, 7 to 8:30 p.m. The culmination of Wilton Reads 2023 is our author talk event with Julia Glass, author of Vigil Harbor. Vigil Harbor reveals Julia Glass in all her virtuosity, braiding multiple voices and dazzling strands of plot into a story where mortal longings and fears intersect with immortal mysteries of the deep as well as of the heart.  When two unexpected visitors arrive in an insular coastal village, they threaten the equilibrium of a community already confronting climate instability, political violence, and domestic upheavals. Julia Glass is the author of six previous books of fiction, including the best-selling Three Junes, winner of the National Book Award, and I See You Everywhere, winner of Binghamton University’s John Gardner Fiction Book Award. Julia will be interviewed by Wiltonian Joanna Ecke who graduated from Smith College and has a master's degree and PhD from Duke University.  She taught public high school English for many years and has led several literary discussion groups at Wilton Library. Julia will be presented with the Grodin Family Fine Writers award. Elm Street Books will be selling copies and Julia will be signing books after the presentation.  A portion of the proceeds goes to Wilton Library. The media sponsor of Wilton Reads 2023 is GOOD Morning Wilton. Registration required. To register and for more information, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org, call the library’s reference librarians at 203-762-6350 or email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, May 10 Wilton Library Readers: Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout, noon to 1:30 p.m. Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout this month. Lucy by the Sea follows up Oh  William! which was published in 2021.  While it is not necessary to have read Oh William!, it is encouraged. Wilton Library Readers meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Feel free to bring your lunch and a beverage. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Library Readers page at www.wiltonlibrary.org/wilton-library.readers. Advance registration suggested. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 11 Teen Thursday: Cricut Greeting Cards for Mother’s Day, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen Room on Thursdays for a fun activity for Grades 6-12. This week's project: make a card for Mother’s Day or any special occasion using cardstock pre-cut with the library’s Cricut. All supplies provided, plus snacks! No registration necessary - just drop in. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, May 11 & 25 Snap Circuits for Kids, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Kids in grades 3-5 can join us to put together creations that will whistle, flash and fly. Learning principles of electronics and engineering is a snap! Beginners welcome. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 11 iPhone Photography: Use Your iPhone Camera to its Full Potential, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take better photos and get the best results from your iPhone camera by knowing the basics plus hidden settings and features. Improve your photography by knowing how to use and control your iPhone camera. For all skill levels. More suitable for iPhone models X (10) and later. Deborah Tual operates a portrait photography studio in Stamford with her husband and has spent 25+ years photographing families and business professionals in Fairfield County. Registration required. Attendance limited to 25. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, May 13 AARP Safe Driving Course, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please join us for this in-person session of the AARP Driver Safety Program, which is the nation's first and largest classroom driver safety course designed especially for drivers age 50 and older, although all ages are welcome. This single session course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging and provides practical techniques on how to adjust to these changes along with learning to operate vehicles more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. There are no written or driving tests. In-person classroom only. NY residents: please contact your insurance carrier to confirm they will accept a Connecticut State class certificate. Program cost: $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members. Bring check (preferred) or cash only to the session. Also bring lunch if desired; there will be a 30 minute break. Registration required. Limited to 20 participants. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, May 13 (Not) Just for Kids: Woodwinds - You Can Be an Opera Star, 3 to 4 p.m. Children ages 4 and up and their families are invited to this presentation by Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. Join our Woodwind Quintet (Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon and Horn) as we delve into our season finale, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and find out the answers to questions you didn't even know you had! Registration required.  Please register all attendees. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, May 15 Hack That Painting, 4 to 5 p.m. 4th-7th graders can add their own unique twists to a pre-painted canvas. You don't need to be an artist, just bring imagination, silliness, and clothes you don't mind getting paint on! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space permits. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 16 Teen Library Council, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Wilton Teen Library Council (TLC) is a monthly group for youth in grades 6-12 who are interested in becoming more involved with the library. All Wilton teens are welcome. Benefits include: helping librarians choose teen materials, brainstorming ideas for teen programs, gaining experience working in a leadership role, and helping the community through service projects. Each meeting will consist of a small group activity and discussion of upcoming events. We will meet the second Tuesday of each month and ask that you attend all meetings. Registration is optional, but we recommend submitting a TLC application before your first meeting. Please contact Teen Services at (203) 762-6342 with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 16 Teen Poetry Slam, 6 to 7 p.m. Help us celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by celebrating self-expression! Bring a poem, song, or story to share or just sit and listen. Refreshments will be provided.  Registration is recommended but not required. This program is for teens in grades 8-12, but audience members of all ages welcome. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 16 The 60's: The Rolling Stones Story (Zoom), 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please join Vinnie Bruno for the story of rock's original "bad boys" as we journey with them thru their formative years as a cover band devoted to American blues, through their notorious drug busts, songwriting, management conflicts while earning the reputation as the greatest rock n roll band with classics from "Satisfaction" to "Brown Sugar". The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock n Roll Fall of Fame in 1989. Vinnie Bruno is a 60s Rock Historian and recently retired as Director of First Year Programs at LaGuardia Community College (City University of New York). Registration required. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, May 17 Orchestrating Change, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wilton Youth Council and Wilton Library invite you to the screening of the documentary film Orchestrating Change. Orchestrating Change features beautiful music while being informative, uplifting, sometimes humorous and most importantly, empowering. The film tells the inspiring story of the only orchestra - Me2/ - created by and for people living with mental illness and those who support them. Ronald Braunstein was on the trajectory to becoming one of the world’s leading conductors until he made his diagnosis of bipolar disorder public and was shunned by the classical music community. He decided to create an orchestra for people like him with the mission of erasing mental health stigma one concert at a time. The film follows Braunstein and several of the musicians for two years — capturing their setbacks and their accomplishments. The musicians’ stories are told entirely in their own words, augmented with striking animation. The film culminates in a joyous concert at a major venue. It is a triumph for Braunstein, who thought he might never conduct again, the musicians, and the audience, whose perspective on mental illness is forever changed. Seen across the United States on public television stations, the film is the 2021 winner of the Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media. The American Library Association & Media Round Table voted it “One of the Top Twelve 2022 Notable Films for Adults.” Registration required. To register and see details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 18 Teen Thursday: Lo-Fi Study Time, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen Room on Thursdays for a fun activity for Grades 6-12. This week, do your homework or just relax in the Teen Room, where we will be playing relaxing lo-fi music and sharing mindfulness resources. No registration necessary - just drop in. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 18 The Very Hungry Code-a-pillar, 4:30 to 5 p.m. Problem solvers age 4-Kindergarten can help Code-a-pillar find a path to some tasty leaves. Can you put Code-a-pillar's segments in the right order? Participants will learn coding basics as they practice collaboration and critical thinking. Caregiver must accompany. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, May 19 Books and a Blanket: A Children's Reading Series, 10 to 11 a.m. The Wilton Land Conservation Trust, Wilton Library, and Wilton Go Green have come together to offer a unique and immersive book reading experience for toddlers and preschoolers. Together, we've created an opportunity for families to venture outside, explore nature, listen to stories, and make an upcycled craft.  Please visit www.wiltonlandtrust.org and click on “Events & Programs” to register and see more details. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, May 20 Tales to Tails, 11 a.m. to noon. Children who can read independently are invited to read to a ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog. The use of trained therapy dogs in reading programs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and actually look forward to reading. As they improve their literacy skills, they're not just learning how to read, they're learning to love to read!  Registration required.  Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, May 20 CT Poetry Society Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Please join us for the next CT Poetry Society workshop at the library. All that is required is the willingness to share some poetry that you have written by reading it aloud to the group. Poets should email a copy of their poems to Ray Rauth at rayrauth@optonline.net. He will distribute the poems to the group shortly before the session. To facilitate discussion, space is strictly limited to just 15 attendees. Registration required. Register at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, May 22 Keep It Up! Balloon Challenge, 4 to 5 p.m. Kids in grades 4-7, you know the rules: keep the balloon off the floor. Think you're ready? We have some twists you won't see coming! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 23 Senior Center Book Discussion: Decision in Philadelphia: The Constitutional Convention of 1787, 11 a.m. to noon. Please join us as Michael Bellacosa leads a discussion of Christopher and James Lincoln Collier's Decision in Philadelphia: The Constitutional Convention of 1787. In Philadelphia on Friday May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention met and began the deliberations that would lead to the drafting, signing, and eventual ratification the Constitution of the United States. The Collier brothers – Christopher, a history professor and former CT State Historian and James, a non-fiction and children’s author – co-wrote this engaging and thorough treatment of those 88 days. Their book is sprinkled throughout with mini-biographies of many of the delegates with a substantial treatment of Connecticut’s own Roger Sherman, the prime mover of the so-called “Connecticut Compromise” (also called the “Great” or “Sherman” Compromise). This broke an early major logjam between the interests of the large versus the small states and resulted in the different methods of representation in our House and Senate. Library Journal called it “the best popular history of the Constitutional Convention available.” This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.

Tuesdays, May 23 & 30 Reshaping Reality: Middle Schoolers in the Mirror, 3:30 to 5 p.m. The Reshaping Reality Club at Wilton High School, in collaboration with Eating Disorder Coach Oriana Laflamme, is excited to announce "Middle Schoolers in the Mirror" a program aimed at educating middle school students about the challenges surrounding body image, eating disorders, and other related issues. Through interactive activities, discussions, videos, and body image exercises, we aim to break down the misconceptions and stigma surrounding these harmful behaviors. Middle school is a critical time when students begin to face increased social pressure around their appearance. This can result in self-esteem problems, eating disorders, and other damaging health behaviors. During these sessions, students will gain insight into the issues they may encounter, learn how they can support their friends and themselves, and receive guidance from high school students who have faced similar experiences. With Oriana's expertise and the collective knowledge of the Reshaping Reality Club, we hope to provide a safe and supportive space for middle school students to learn, grow, and develop healthy relationships with their bodies and selves. Join us as we work to reshape reality and promote a more inclusive and body-positive community. This is a 2-part program. Sessions will be held on 5/23 and 5/30. Registration is required and open for students in Grades 6-8. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, May 23 Paint it Up!, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come join us for a fun and relaxing evening. We'll supply the canvas, paints, brushes, and a collection of masterpieces to copy and inspire you. No art experience required. Just a desire to pick up a brush, have fun and let your inner self out! For adults, ages 18+. Space limited. Registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, May 24 Beating Osteoporosis with Targeted Nutrition and Exercise, noon to 1:30 p.m. Please join us for an educational osteoporosis presentation by RVNAhealth, presented by RVNAhealth Outpatient Practice Manager Dr. Kate Campbell and RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian Monica Marcello. Dr. Campbell will discuss the key types of exercises to optimize bone health and Monica Marcello will highlight how food, nutrition, and appropriate supplementation can help to prevent and improve osteoporosis. In addition, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist Andrea deLange will demonstrate a "Strength and Beyond" series of exercises to target osteoporosis treatment and prevention. You will leave with bone-friendly recipes and a list of calcium-rich foods, along with a list of exercises that you can do on your own to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Registration required.  Please see event listing at www.wiltonlibrary.org for registration link. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, May 24 The College Application Timeline: Summer Edition with Priyanka Shingala (Zoom), 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. When should you begin touring colleges? How many AP exams should you take? How do you start researching schools? What about SATs and ACTs? These are just a few of the questions high school students have as they start to think about college. Join college counselor Priyanka Shingala of Let’s Talk College to get advice on important items and a summer timeline for high schoolers planning their college applications. This program is designed for high school students and their parents. Space is limited, so please register. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than the morning of the program. This program will not be recorded. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, May 25 Teen Thursday: Friendship Bracelets, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen Room on Thursdays for a fun activity for Grades 6-12. This week's project: make friendship bracelets for your BFFs! All supplies provided, plus snacks! No registration necessary - just drop in. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, May 31 Navigating the Youth Sports Landscape, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please join Wilton Youth Council and a panel of experts to learn more about navigating the youth sports landscape. Many parents have questions about the role of sports in childhood and how to raise healthy athletes: What is right for my child? Recreational sports? Elite teams and clubs? Should I let my child “quit” a sport that we’ve invested in? Should they specialize? What about college? Sal Giaimo, veteran teacher at Miller-Driscoll and director of the “Be a Good Sport” summer program will moderate a thoughtful discussion with Dr. Will Mayer PsyD, Sports Psychologist, Liz Archibald, MPH, RDN, Clinical Nutritionist/Nutritional Therapist, Bobby Rushton, WPS Athletic Director and others. Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with Wilton Library. This event is intended for parents of kids PK-12. Registration is required. Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information or to submit a question in advance, please email info@wiltonyouth.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.