Since I started, just over a year ago, I have been cleaning things out. Getting rid of things that are not necessary like outdated books and other clutter. Plus, I’ve been discovering a lot as well. Did you know that we had a large cupboard full of games and puzzles in the back of the library? Most folks didn’t.
When we made the decision to update our computers to laptops, it left us with quite a bit of open space in the middle of the library. We purchased some game and puzzle shelves so that we could bring all the ones hidden away in the cupboard out into the light and public eye. We have quite a few and all of them can be checked out and used at your home for family game night or a gathering of friends.
But when we started bringing these games and puzzles out into the world from their cozy cupboard, we decided to create the board game club. Board game club is for folks of all ages. We’ll adjust the game to each meeting’s attendees. We encourage you to stop into the Wilton Public Library and play some games with us. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm. New players are always welcome and if there is something specific you want to try, let us know and we’ll try to get it for the next meeting.
Libraries are traditionally quiet spaces but today they are so much more!
I know that we all think we know our library. It offers books and movies and a quiet place to sit, read, reflect, and meet. Sometimes your library has events going on and sometimes not, but most of us hold the image in our heads of librarians walking around saying “shh” to everyone and shelving books. But we are so much more.
First of all, studies show that places with an active and attractive library are more likely to have active and attractive businesses in that town too. But that all starts with the library and it being the center of the town. Having an active library in your town attracts more people and then more businesses follow. Libraries transform areas from boring spaces no one wants to enter into vibrant places everyone wants to hang out, including the backbone of the economy, the small business. And if you’re looking to start a small business, come to your library. We have resources for that too.
Libraries build communities by helping them get on their feet and then stay on their feet. Here in Wilton, we have used the space in the hall across from the food pantry to place all kind of donated items and then just let folks know they are there. If you need them, please pick them up. We don’t ask questions. Just simply take what you need.
Libraries are multicultural. This year we launched and held our first ever art and culture fest. It’s meant to celebrate the wonderful diversity in and around Wilton, but also in and around the world. On the daily we have books in English and Spanish in the library ready to be checked out and enjoyed. And most of our promotional materials are available in both languages as well. We strive to be a place where language isn’t a barrier to access and use.
Libraries are for everyone. I could go on and on, but blogs are supposed to be short and not a dissertation. So I’ll wrap this up with libraries are for everyone. Need a computer? Go to your library. Need a copy made? Go to your library. Need a sheet laminated to look more professional? Go to your library. Need an audiobook? Go to your library. Need vetted and accurate online sources? Go to your library (or visit your library’s website). Need a player, CD or DVD? Go to your library. Need binoculars? Go to your library. Need to talk through an idea? Go to your library. Need a place to cool down or warm up? Go to your library. Need a place to just hang out and do nothing? Go to your library.
Seriously, whatever you want to do, we have the resources at the library, and it doesn’t just help the library that you’re here, it helps your entire community. And this isn’t just true in Wilton, its true everywhere. Librarians can help you find whatever you need.
Drawing of a building with a sign that is a book saying library.
Do you know the best ways to help your local library out? This advice is great for every library, not just Wilton Public Library. And do us a favor, spread the word.
Get a library card and use it. Seriously. This is the number one way we get funded is for people to get and use a library card. And it is whatever is most convenient for you, online or in person. Just use the services your library has. Wilton has books, movies, audiobooks, local history, puzzles, games, and a lot more for you to check out and borrow. This action doesn’t cost anything as getting a card and borrowing items is free.
Come in. Come to a program. We have lots and I know most libraries are open to suggestions on programs to offer. So just come in and join us for something fun and educational. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone that you had fun. Or if hanging out with other people isn’t your thing, come in to read the paper, borrow a computer, or make copies, or just hang out. If you need a space to meet, we have a meeting table you can reserve and use too. There are a lot of options for things to do at the library. This option doesn’t cost anything as walking in our doors is free.
Vote! I know there are a lot of issues out there to vote on, but make sure you’re voting for a candidate who supports libraries and our jobs. Be sure to let those who are already in office and those running for office that supporting libraries is an issue you care about, so be sure to send them a letter. This does cost a stamp, but that letter can do a lot for your local library and the mission we have to keep you entertained and informed.
Volunteering is another great way to help out your library. There are a lot of tasks that need to be done and volunteering an hour or two a month or week can go a long way to helping your library help you and your community. Just let your library know you would like to help out and ask what they need. I know your help would be appreciated. This is another free way to help your local library become a place you can be proud to have in your community.
Shop book sales and other fundraisers. These usually do not cost a lot to shop at, can be a source of interesting and fun gifts for friends and family or even just some fun stuff for you too. Either way this is a win-win kind of shopping. Your dollars make an impact on more than just one person, they help support a community.
Last, donate. If you have the funds, make a donation to your library. You can specify how you want those funds to be used if you like. But mostly we use the funds to purchase additional materials or to put on an additional program.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk…OK it’s not a Ted Talk but I am passionate about libraries especially the little one we have here in Wilton.
This year the theme for our summer reading program is All Together Now. I am so glad this wasn’t my first summer reading program as trying to break down the theme into blocks for younger readers to understand was challenging. The direction we have decided to take is based on kindness, community, and giving. This summer’s story times will include as many different community leaders as possible to come in and read to the kids, talk to them about what they do and how it gives back to the community, and allow time for the kids to ask questions. Plus, we will have an activity related to the guest reader.
Also, this summer, we will continue to have 2 story times on Wednesdays. Preschool at 10:30 and elementary at 11:30. We will also have a book club for junior high and high school students that will meet once a month, but the date is yet to be determined. The book club has the possibility of continuing into the school year depending on if the students would like it or not.
On top of that, we have Tracy Chipman returning with the fabulous storytelling that she does. She will be here in June. Just watch our calendar for that date. And I have a few other surprises in the mix as well for both adult and children. Summer is our busiest time here at the library and we appreciate all of you who come in, show support, and do so much to help the library thrive.
Another great activity that we did last year is a movie and music in the park. We will close out summer at the end of August with music followed by a movie, still to be determined, in the park next to the library with popcorn, soda, and just getting together to celebrate the end of summer and summer reading. The kids work hard during the summer too.
Sign up for summer reading will start Friday June 2, 2023 both in person and online. LInks will be posted closer to the middle of May. Summer reading officially starts Monday June 5, 2023. So let’s get ready to rock this summer and enjoy every moment of the sunny and warm weather.
Wilton Public Library is pleased to announce the planning stages of the Wilton Art and Culture Festival. We will be hosting the event on June 10, 2023, starting at 10:00 am. We are now reserving spots for performers such as dancers, musicians, and storytellers. Plus, all painters, sculptors, craftspeople and other artisans.
Performers will appear on the stage in the community center gym, and we can use the gazebo as well, if needed. All artisans wanting to show their art will be in the park. Please bring all you need to show your craft: tables, chairs, tents, etc. Wilton Public Library is requesting a donation to participate in this event and all proceeds will be used for the library’s materials, programs, and activities. We suggest a $25 donation and an item with a retail value of $15 or more to place in baskets for a silent auction.
Please keep an eye out here for updates and announcement of activities happening at the art and culture festival. We are looking forward to seeing you all here on June 10th!
Here are directions to make luminaries of your own at home. They are quick and easy crafts and can be done with a variety of ages.
What you need:
A glass container with a wide opening.
tissue paper and/or paper napkins (I chose some with fun Valetine’s Day Patterns)
Regular white glue or Mod Pog (either will work)
Scissors
A paint brush for the glue
Candle or electronic candle
How to do it
Decide what you want to put on your luminary. We cut shapes out of plain tissue paper and some of the shapes out of patterned paper napkins. Just be sure to split your napkins so you’re only using one layer.
Using the paint brush, brush glue onto the container where you want the things you’ve cut out.
Carefully place tissue paper or napkin in place and gently smooth out with your thumb or finger.
Continue until you have all the shapes, patterns or pictures you want on your container.
Lightly spread glue over the top.
Allow to dry
Place candle or electronic candle inside your completed luminary and watch how the light shines through your work.
Enjoy the new ambiance.
As we made them, the design will wash off with a little soap and water. Feel free to do this again and again for each holiday. Or if you want to keep your luminary, take it outside and spray paint with some polyurethane clear coat on top and allow to completely dry before using. Now your design will last year after year.
We have a few take and make kits for these in the library. Please stop in to pick one up. When you’re done, take some pictures and share on our Facebook page what you have done.
