Fridays in November: Internet and Email Training
Friday, November 20 Between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Reference Desk
Drop in for one-on-one, personalized half-hour training sessions on basic internet searching and setting up an email account.
November 20, 2009
Friday, November 20 Between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Reference Desk
November 22, 2009
The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: Murder on the Ballarat Train
Sunday, November 222:00 pm
Seminar Room
Note: date change
Discussion of Murder on the Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood. 1920s' Australian lady detective Phryne Fisher travels to a popular resort by train. When some of the passengers are poisoned with chloroform, Phryne is left to piece together the clues.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
About the book.
Author's website.
November 27, 2009
Fridays in November: Internet and Email Training
Friday, November 27 Between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Reference Desk
Drop in for one-on-one, personalized half-hour training sessions on basic internet searching and setting up an email account.
December 1, 2009
Riverwalk Display: Winter Brushstrokes
December 1-February 15 Riverwalk Display
“Winter Brushstrokes,” an exhibit of watercolors capturing the beauty of the garden and nature in winter.
Jobseekers Special: Keep Your Spirits Up
Tuesday, December 1, 20099:30 am
McManus Room
Kristina Stevenson of the Connecticut Department of Labor will present this motivating session designed to develop coping strategies and stress busters during the job search. Get energized and stay positive on your journey to your next job. Advance registration requested. Call 203-291-4844 or email sschulman@westportlibrary.org.
Funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
Great Hall Art Exhibit: Paul Rabut
December 1, 2009 - January 31, 2010 The Great Hall
“After Hours” is an exhibit of abstract paintings by Paul Rabut (1914-1983). Rabut was renowned illustrator known for a style which combined great attention to detail with dramatic visual compositions. He also designed three US postage stamps.
Starting in the earliest days of his career he began to develop a personal, abstract style of painting, separate from and in marked contrast to his commercial work. Very quickly this "after hours" painting evolved into a distinct style and achieved a life of its own. This exhibit is the first time the entire span of the abstract painting of Paul Rabut has been shown. As always, a retrospective show reveals the evolution of the style of an artist and provides a window into the creative mind.
Opening reception: Friday, December 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.
Mad About Ad Men: Screening of the Film Art and Copy
Tuesday, December 1 7:00 pm
McManus Room
ART & COPY tells the story of the cultural visionaries who revolutionized advertising with well-remembered ads and slogans. From the introduction of Volkswagen in America to the triumph of Apple Computers, it explores the creative minds behind the most successful and influential advertising campaigns of the 20th century — people who've profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Executive producer, Mary Warlick, who is executive director of One Club Art & Copy (the nation’s foremost non-profit organization for the recognition and promotion of excellence in advertising), will introduce the film and take questions afterward. Film running time 90 minutes.
December 3, 2009
Community Conversation: State-Building in Afghanistan
Thursday, December 3, 2009 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Paul Fishstein is a Research Fellow working on State Building and Human Rights in Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the JFK School of Government at Harvard, prior Executive Director of the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, a Kabul-based, policy research institution, and has extensive experience in Afghanistan and Pakistan dating from 1977. He will address the many difficult issues affecting this complicated area of the world.
Community Conversations are sponsored by The Smilow Family.
December 4, 2009
Opening Reception for the Great Hall Art Exhibit of the Work of Paul Rabut
Friday, December 4, 2009 6:00 to 7:00 pm
The Great Hall
Opening reception for the exhibit “After Hours,” abstract paintings by Paul Rabut (1914-1983). Rabut was renowned illustrator known for a style which combined great attention to detail with dramatic visual compositions. He also designed three US postage stamps.
Starting in the earliest days of his career he began to develop a personal, abstract style of painting, separate from and in marked contrast to his commercial work. Very quickly this "after hours" painting evolved into a distinct style and achieved a life of its own. This exhibit is the first time the entire span of the abstract painting of Paul Rabut has been shown. As always, a retrospective show reveals the evolution of the style of an artist and provides a window into the creative mind. The exhibit will be on display for the months of December and January.
Light refreshments served.
Enter through the upper level Library entrance.
December 5, 2009
Friends Holiday Book Sale
Saturday, December 5 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Riverwalk Level
Holiday shopping was never easier than buying books at the Friends Holiday Book Sale! Donated books in pristine condition that are truly giftworthy—and all at reasonable prices.
You'll find craft, cooking, and children's books, as well as fiction, history, current events, gardening, biography, and more. DVDs and CDs. Also, gently-used holiday themed materials. More information.
Special this year: Whimsical wildlife poster from artist Betsey Fowler, wife of wildlife expert Jim Fowler.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
December 6, 2009
The Golden Age of Television with Sonny Fox
Sunday, December 6, 2009 2:00 pm
McManus Room
On-air personality, TV executive, and producer, Sonny Fox, revived the landmark television events of the early 1950s with a remastered collection of the great shows, The Golden Age of Television. Fox will discuss and show selected clips from these award-winning programs, some originally airing on "Playhouse 90" and "Studio One," now released as a Criterion Collection. Conceived by such up-and-comers as Rod Serling and John Frankenheimer and star the likes of Paul Newman, Mickey Rooney, Rod Steiger, Julie Harris, and Piper Laurie, they are accompanied by recollections from key cast and crew members.
DVDs will be available for purchase and signing.
Friends Holiday Book Sale
Sunday, December 61:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Riverwalk Level
Holiday shopping was never easier than buying books at the Friends Holiday Book Sale! Donated books in pristine condition that are truly giftworthy—and all at reasonable prices.
You'll find craft, cooking, and children's books, as well as fiction, history, current events, gardening, biography, and more. DVDs and CDs. Also, gently-used holiday themed materials. More information.
Special this year: Whimsical wildlife poster from artist Betsey Fowler, wife of wildlife expert Jim Fowler.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
December 7, 2009
Wii @the Library
Monday, December 7, 2009 4:00 to 5:30 pm
McManus Room
Middle school age and up
Join your friends for an afternoon of Wii on the big screen at the Library. Pick from a variety of games, including Mario Party 8, Wii Play, and Mario Kart.
Contact Jania Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Nancy Goldstone
Monday December 7 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Westport author Nancy Goldstone portrays the riveting history of a beautiful queen, a shocking murder, a papal trial—and a reign as triumphant as any in the Middle Ages in her new book, The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily. Publishers Weekly says, "On Goldstone's rich, beautifully woven tapestry, medieval Europe springs to vivid life. This is a fresh, eminently enjoyable history that gives women their due as movers and shakers in tumultuous times."
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
December 9, 2009
Best New Books from Sybil Steinberg
Wednesday, December 9 Noon
McManus Room
For books to settle down for a great read. Westporter Sybil Steinberg, contributing editor and former book review section editor for Publishers Weekly, will share her list of the best new books. Always fascinating to listen to! Bring your notebooks for this critic’s expert overview of newly published titles that are not to be missed.
TEAM Westport: RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope
Wednesday, December 9, 20097:00 pm
McManus Room
The seventh program in Team Westport's series on Race.
In RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope, filmmakers Larry Shore and Tami Gold use never-seen footage to explore the impact of Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s visit to South Africa in 1966 during the worst years of Apartheid. This penetrating documentary makes connections between the South African struggle and the American Civil Rights Movement in the US. Director Larry Shore will be present to introduce the film and answer questions. (2009, 56min.)
December 13, 2009
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Norwalk Symphony Quartet
Sunday, December 132:00 pm
McManus Room
The Norwalk Symphony Flute Quartet, with Jane Shelly, Assistant Principal Flute, Nina Crothers, Principal Second Violin, Suzanne Sahlin, Principal Viola, and Gunnar Sahlin, Principal Cello, will play works by Haydn, Mozart, Devienne, and Rossini, liberally sprinkled with seasonal favorites.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
December 14, 2009
Mad About Ad Men Continues with David Bushman of the Paley Center
Monday, December 14 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a look at some of the most important, entertaining, and influential ads from 1950 to 2007. From Bob & Ray pitching Piels beer to Apple's Orwellian "1984" to the Osbournes peddling Pepsi, it's a trip down memory lane via Madison Avenue introduced with historical and industry context by David Bushman, Curator for the Paley Center for Media.
Before joining the Paley Center in 1992, David Bushman was senior television editor of Daily Variety in Los Angeles and weekly Variety in New York. He also served as director of programming at TV Land from 1997 to 1998. He has taught and lectured on TV at numerous institutions, but on only one continent. He may be the only person in the world pining for an E-Z Streets reunion.
December 15, 2009
Jobseeker Resource Seminar
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:00 am
McManus Room
Learn about the excellent Library resources that will make you an informed jobseeker. Michael Shavell of the CT Department of Labor will talk about the services and training offered by the department.
Funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
MovieLine: Julie & Julia
Tuesday, December 15 6:45 pm
McManus Room
In Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams is Julie Powell in writer-director Nora Ephron’s adaptation of two bestselling memoirs: Powell’s Julie & Julia and My Life in France, by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme. Based on two true stories, Julie & Julia intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness, butter, anything is possible. (123 minutes)
December 16, 2009
Beatles Rock Band @the Library
Wednesday, December 16, 20097:30 to 9:00 pm
McManus Room
Try the hottest new video game that everybody’s talking about! Follow the Beatles through their career and get a chance to play drums, guitar, or vocals on 45 legendary songs, including “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Day Tripper,” “Taxman,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” All ages welcome.
Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.
December 20, 2009
The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: 4:50 from Paddington
Sunday, December 20 2:00 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of 4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie. When Elspeth McGillicuddy witnesses what appears to be a woman being strangled on a train and no one believes her she turns to her old friend Jane Marple to help solve the puzzle.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
Agatha Christie website.
January 4, 2010
Wii @the Library
Monday, January 4, 2010 4:00 to 5:30 pm
McManus Room
Middle school age and up
Join your friends for an afternoon of Wii on the big screen at the Library. Pick from a variety of games, including Mario Party 8, Wii Play, and Mario Kart.
Contact Jania Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.
January 5, 2010
Teen Program: Animé Night
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 6:30 pm
McManus Room
Join the Westport Library for a night of animé and meet others who share your passion. The movie will be picked by the audience, so come with ideas! No registration necessary. Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.
January 6, 2010
WestportREADS: Memory Loss
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Westporters Doug and Patti Brill know first hand about memory loss. They will share the ups and downs of coping with memory loss in this special evening surrounded by community.
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 7, 2010
OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: The Lives of Others
Thursday, January 7, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a warm drink, a brief introduction, and a film. This is the first of a five part series.
The Lives of Others is a brilliantly done story of an East German dramatist and his actress lover who get caught up in a Scasi net. It won the Oscar for best foreign film of 2006. Exciting and moving, with an ending you'll be talking about for years. (2007, 109 mins.)
January 9, 2010
FAMILY PROGRAM: City Winds Trio
Saturday, January 9, 2010 2:30 to 3:30 pm
McManus Room
The City Winds Trio will introduce children to music and instruments of the orchestra. Crispian Fordham on flute, Meredyth Coleman on oboe, and Yuki Higashi on bassoon will play Peter and the Wolf and other children’s classical favorites to teach about rhythm and melody. Children will also have the opportunity to try an instrument and do movement games.
Note: Free tickets available in the Children’s Library beginning at 9:00 am on the day of the performance-space is limited.
January 10, 2010
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Frank Vignola
Sunday, January 10, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Join guitarist Frank Vignola as he celebrates Django Reinhardt, a prominent European jazz musician.
Vignola is one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional guitar players walking the planet today. Monster player, composer, and improviser, Frank plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass, and works with everyone and their brother. He has a wide range of influences, such as Les Paul, Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa. He studied at the Cultural Arts Center of Long Island and worked extensively as a sideman in the 1980s, with artists such as Madonna, Leon Redbone, and Ringo Starr. In 1993, he signed with Concord Jazz and has released several albums under his own name since then. He has written 18 instructional guitar books.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
January 11, 2010
Study Time @the Library
Monday, January 11 through Tuesday, Jan 19, 2010Find extra space around the Library to study for midterm exams. The Library’s Café will be open longer hours during this time and, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on January 11, 12, 13, 14, and 19, there will be a free Milk and Cookie Break, courtesy of the Friends of the Library! Reservations for private study rooms can be made in person at the Circulation Desk, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.
WestportREADS: Translator Stephen Snyder
January 11, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Associate Professor of Dr. Stephen Snyder, Associate Professor of Japanese at Middlebury College, translated the book The Housekeeper and the Professor. He will talk about the book, the art of translation, and his experience in working with the author, Yoko Ogawa.
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 12, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, PhD
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Meeting of WYWL at 7:00 pm; Author talks at 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Women are extraordinarily hard on themselves. They scrutinize their flaws; they get preoccupied with ways they do not measure up, twisting themselves into knots to fix problems no one else can see. The Power of Women: Harness Your Unique Strengths at Home, at Work, and in Your Community, the latest book from award-winning and bestselling psychologist Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, shows women how to break this cycle—by discovering and utilizing their unique psychological strengths. Dr. Nolen-Hoeksema, the author of the bestselling Women Who Think Too Much and Eating, Drinking, Overthinking is a professor of psychology at Yale University where she has conducted award-winning research on women’s mental health for twenty-five years. She and her research have been profiled on the Today show and in The New York Times.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Books by the author in the Library catalog.
Co-sponsored by the Westport Young Woman’s League.
Pageturners: The Housekeeper and the Professor
Tuesday, January 12*, 2010 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. 180 pages. The Westport READS selection. This is a story about family, memory, and math…about what it means to live in the present, and about the curious equations that can create a family. Watch for the special events that will supplement the discussion.
*Note that this is the second Tuesday.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821 or email Sue Madeo at smadeo@westportlibrary.org.
New participants always welcome.
January 13, 2010
Jobseekers Resource Seminar
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 10:00 am
McManus Room
Learn about the excellent Library resources that will make you an informed jobseeker, and find out about the services offered by the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 14, 2010
The ABCs of Literacy
Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:00 am
McManus Room
Margie Gillis, Ed.D., former Language Therapist and Director of Mastering Reading Instruction at Haskins Laboratories, founded Literacy How, Inc., which promotes the science of teaching reading through comprehensive professional development, coaching, and classroom support. She will speak on the basic strategies used to develop literacy. Gillis is also cofounder and vice-president of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities and president of the Connecticut Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.
Items in the Library catalog on literacy.
Co-sponsored with Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.
OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: The Stranger
Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a warm drink, a brief introduction, and a film. This is the second in the series.
In The Stranger, a member of the War Crimes Commission chases an infamous Nazi to a small Connecticut town. Orson Welles stars and directs in this fast and suspenseful film, which also stars Loretta Young and Edward G. Robinson. It was nominated for an Oscar for its exciting script. (1946, 95 minutes)
January 17, 2010
The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: In the Bleak Midwinter
Sunday, January 17, 2010 2:00 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming. The police chief of a small Adirondack town and its new female Episcopal priest form an unusual investigative partnership when a newborn infant is left at the church door and its young mother is found murdered.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
January 20, 2010
WestportREADS: Harry Sakamaki
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Harry Sakamaki, President of the Japan Society in Greenwich, will give a brief history of Japanese baseball and talk about the differences and similarities to American baseball.
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 21, 2010
OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: Monsoon Wedding
Thursday, January 21, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a warm drink, a brief introduction, and a film. This is the third in the series.
Monsoon Wedding is a funny, romantic film from the director of Mississippi Masala (Mira Nair). An Indian family prepares a huge and complex wedding for one of its daughters and celebrates not only the wedding but universal human nature. It won the Golden Lion at Venice and was a Golden Globe nominee. (2001, 113 minutes)
WestportREADS: Neurologist Dr. Louise Resor
Thursday, January 21, 20107:30 pm
McManus Room
Dr. Louise Resor, Director of Neurology at Stamford Hospital, named one of the top neurologists in 2008 by Connecticut Magazine, will speak about the brain and memory.
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 28, 2010
OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: American Flyers
Thursday, January 28, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a warm drink, a brief introduction, and a film. This is the fourth in the series.
In American Flyers, a young Kevin Costner and Westporter and Staples graduate David Marshall Grant play brothers who enter "the toughest bike race in America." Poignant and beautifully shot, it was written by Steve Tesich, the author of Breaking Away. (1985, 114 minutes)
January 30, 2010
WestportREADS: Math, Memory & Making Connections
Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Around the Library
Spend a fun afternoon at the Library with activities for the entire family. Connect with others, as you use math and create memories.
WestportREADS is funded by Jerry A. Tishman.
January 31, 2010
WHEN COOL WAS HOT! Film Series
Sunday, January 31, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy winter Sundays with a hot cider, a short introduction, and a film to highlight the exhibit at the Westport Historical Society, "WESTPORT MODERN: WHEN COOL WAS HOT!," from January 24 to May 2 in the Betty and Ralph Sheffer Gallery.
William Powell and Carole Lombard star in My Man Godfrey. Set in the Great Depression, men down on their luck and Café Society mix it up in one of the top screwball comedies of all time. Nominated for six Academy awards. (1936, 95 minutes)
Library catalog.
Co-sponsored with the Westport Historical Society.
February 1, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Katharine Weber
Monday, February 1, 2010Noon
McManus Room
From the critically acclaimed author of The Music Lesson and Triangle, Katharine Weber, comes True Confections, the ingenious, witty, and affecting fictional story of Zip's Candies, a family-run candy factory trying to stay alive after 85 years in the business. "Alice (the narrator) is an immediately lovable narrator, and her narration eventually bears hints about its possible lack of credibility, giving readers even more of a reason to keep turning pages. This story of love, life and sweets is a genuine treat." — Publisher's Weekly.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Great Hall Art Exhibit: "Coastal Views—Marine Photography by Dan Murdoch"
February 1 to March 31, 2010 The Great Hall
Dan Murdoch has a life-long passion for all things nautical, from sailing, cruising, and racing to saltwater fishing and scuba diving . A Westport resident for over 27 years, he started taking pictures as the high school photographer and has never stopped. He provides commercial photography to businesses and publications throughout the country and, in his spare time, has created a personal collection of images that convey the special flavor of our unique and diversified waterfront.
Opening reception: Friday, February 5, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.
February 2, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Amy Bloom
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Author Amy Bloom returns to the Library to discuss her new book, a collection of short stories, Where the God of Love Hangs Out. Love, in its many forms and complexities, weaves through this collection by this New York Times bestselling author of Away. Bloom's new work of interconnected stories illuminates the mysteries of passion, family, and friendship.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
February 4, 2010
OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: Mad Hot Ballroom
Thursday, February 4, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy a warm drink, a brief introduction, and a film. This is the fifth and last in the series.
Mad Hot Ballroom is a much honored, award-winning documentary about a group of New York City kids who enter a city-wide ballroom dancing contest. The kids are terrific and lovable; you'll cheer them on in this delightful and musical look at what can be done with a little talent and a lot of passion. (2005, 105 minutes)
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Parnell Hall
Thursday, February 4, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Author Parnell Hall discusses his newest entertaining and fun-filled mystery The Puzzle Lady vs. the Sudoku Lady. It’s the battle of the century when Minami, the Sudoku Lady, shows up in Bakerhaven, Connecticut, to meet Cora Felton, the Puzzle Lady, whose sudoku books have just edged Minami’s off of the Japanese bestseller list. Before the rivals have a chance to square off, a killer strikes, and a sudoku puzzle is found at the scene of the murder. Now it’s a fight to the finish to see who can unmask the killer. As well as several satisfying crossword and sudoku puzzles, the Puzzle Lady’s latest adventure makes for a good read.
Nominated for the Edgar, Shamus, and Lefty awards, Parnell Hall is the author of several popular mystery series, including the Puzzle Lady crossword puzzle mysteries, the Stanley Hastings private eye novels, and the Steve Winslow courtroom dramas. An actor, screenwriter, and former private investigator, Parnell lives in New York City.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
February 5, 2010
Opening Reception for "Coastal Views—Marine Photography by Dan Murdoch"
Friday, February 5, 2010 6:00 to 7:00 pm
The Great Hall
Opening reception for the exhibit "Coastal Views—Marine Photography by Dan Murdoch." Dan has a life-long passion for all things nautical, from sailing, cruising, and racing to saltwater fishing and scuba diving . A Westport resident for over 27 years, he started taking pictures as the high school photographer and has never stopped. He provides commercial photography to businesses and publications throughout the country and, in his spare time, has created a personal collection of images that convey the special flavor of our unique and diversified waterfront.
Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.
February 6, 2010
Westport Library Eleventh Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest
Save the Date:Saturday, February 6, 2010
1:00 pm
McManus Room
2009 finalist Erhard Konerding, Will Shortz, finalist Alice Dutton, and grand prize winner, Joon Pahk.
YouTube video of the 2009 contest on the Library's YouTube website.
February 7, 2010
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Bennett Harris Acoustic Blues Trio
Sunday, February 7, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
The Bennett Harris Acoustic Blues Trio presents a lively and memorable show of Americana blues and early jazz music. The group includes vocals, guitar, harmonica, fiddle, and bass. In addition to original tunes, their spirited repertoire draws from the songbooks of Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Blind Blake...and ranges through Irving Berlin, Gershwin, Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen.
Bennett Harris is an expert traditional blues guitar fingerpicker, specializing in Piedmont ragtime and Mississippi Delta-sliding styles from the pre-World War II era. He plays slide on a 1930s vintage National steel Duolian and plays a neck-rack harmonica simultaneously. Kenny Kosek is one of the most recorded fiddlers in America today. His fluid, imaginative playing draws on an extensive stylistic vocabulary which allows him to move freely between numerous musical genres. Gary Brooks has occupied the bass chair with Bennett for many years. His steady, soulful, R&B influenced “groove” style anchors the trio’s sound. Gary also plays sax and keys, and over several decades has performed as a soloist and section player with many bands throughout the northeast.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
February 8, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Susan Abulhawa
Monday, February 8, 2010 Noon
McManus Room
Susan Abulhawa discusses her debut novel, Mornings in Jenin, which is richly told and full of humanity, forcing a fresh look at one of the defining political conflicts of our lifetime. LIbrary Journal says, "'Every now and then a literary work changes the way people think. Abulhawa, herself Palestinian, has crafted an intensely beautiful fictionalized history that should be read by both politicians and those interested in contemporary politics."
February 10, 2010
Author to Speak on Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Wednesday, February 10, 201010:00 am
McManus Room
Anne Ford will speak about her book A Special Mother: Getting through the Early Days of a Child's Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities and Related Disorder, co-authored with John-Richard Thompson, who will also be present. Ford is the author of the memoir Laughing Allegra about raising her severely learning disabled daughter, and On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. She served as Chairman of the National Center for Learning Disabilities from 1989 to 2001, and remains a committed advocate and frequent speaker on LD issues. The great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, she lives in New York City. Thompson is an award-winning playwright and novelist, who has collaborated with Anne Ford at NCLD and on her two previous books. He lives in New York City.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Items in the Library catalog on learning disabilities.
Co-sponsored with Smart Kids with LD.
February 11, 2010
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: What’s Happened to Wall Street, Part II?
Tuesday, February 11, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
As a continuation of the conversation begun last year, two veterans of the financial world will return to discuss the current state of Wall Street.
David Komansky (left), who serves on the Library’s Advisory Council, retired as Chairman of Merrill Lynch in April 2003 after spending 35 years at the firm. Marc Lasry (right), is CEO and co-founder of Avenue Capitol Group.
Community Conversations are sponsored by The Smilow Family.
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Rafael Yglesias
Thursday, February 11, 2010 Noon
McManus Room
In The Happy Marriage , Rafael Yglesias tells the story of Enrique Sabas and his wife Margaret, alternating between the romantic misadventures of the first weeks of their courtship and the final months of Margaret's life as she says good-bye to her family, friends, and children — and to Enrique. Spanning thirty years, the story is about what it means for two people to spend a lifetime together, capturing the maturing of feelings, the issues around sex, and the frustrations of parenthood — and what makes a happy marriage. "Maybe marriage is the oldest story in the world, but in Mr. Yglesias's tender, funny, rueful telling, the lifelong relationship is the story of life itself.”— Wall Street Journal, The Summer Book List.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
February 16, 2010
Pageturners: Beneath a Marble Sky
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. 324 pages. In 1632, the Emperor of Hindustan, Shah Jahan, consumed by grief over the death of his empress, Mumtaz Mahal, ordered the building of a grand mausoleum to symbolize the greatness of their love. Against scenes of unimaginable wealth and power, murderous sibling rivalries, and cruel despotism, Princess Jahanara tells the extraordinary story of how the Taj Mahal came to be, describing her own life as an agent in its creation and as a witness to the fateful events surrounding its completion.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821 or email Sue Madeo at smadeo@westportlibrary.org.
New participants always welcome.
February 21, 2010
The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: Gorky Park
Sunday, February 21, 2010 2:00 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith. Moscow detective Arkady Renko must battle the KGB, FBI, and the NYPD to solve the murders of three corpses found frozen in the snow at a Moscow amusement center.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
February 24, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Cathleen Schine
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Noon
McManus Room
In The Three Weissmanns of Westport, author Cathleen Schine presents a modern-day take on Sense and Sensibility when two sisters return home to live with their recently divorced mother in a small, run-down Westport, Connecticut, beach cottage. As the sisters mingle with the suburban aristocracy, love starts to blossom for both of them, and they find themselves struggling with the dueling demands of reason and romance.
Cathleen Schine is the author of the internationally best-selling novels The Love Letter (1995), which was made into a movie starring Kate Capshaw, and Rameau’s Niece (1993), which was also made into a movie (The Misadventures of Margaret), starring Parker Posey.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Books by Cathleen Schine in the Library catalog.
February 28, 2010
WHEN COOL WAS HOT! Film Series
Sunday, February 28, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy winter Sundays with a hot cider, a short introduction, and a film to highlight the exhibit at the Westport Historical Society, "WESTPORT MODERN: WHEN COOL WAS HOT!," from January 24 to May 2 in the Betty and Ralph Sheffer Gallery.
In The Fountainhead, starring Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, and Raymond Massey, Ayn Rand’s monumental best-selling book is turned into a bizarre screen triumph as an uncompromising visionary architect struggles to maintain his integrity despite pressures to conform. (1949, 114 minutes)
Library catalog.
Co-sponsored with the Westport Historical Society.
March 2, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Jerome Charyn
Tuesday March 2, 2010Noon
McManus Room
In his new novel, The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson, author Jerome Charyn removes Emily Dickinson's own mysterious mask, revealing the passions and heartbreak of America's greatest poet. Charyn was born in the Bronx in 1937 and has written 37 books, including three memoirs about his childhood in the Bronx, two of which were named New York Times Book Of the Year .
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Items on Emily Dickinson in the Library catalog.
March 7, 2010
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Bonefide Brass
Sunday, March 7, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Bonefide Brass will delight the audience with this classical performance (with a few surprises) by eight trombones. These trombonists are from Fairfield and Westchester counties and include of Glenn Babakian, Zachary Aaron Barkon, Christopher Espy, Paul Geidel, Nicole Hansboro, Jim Marbury, Frank Pedulla, and John Russo.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
March 8, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Irene Levine
Monday, March 8, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
New York University School of Medicine psychologist, professor, and award-winning freelance writer, Irene Levine, discusses her self-help guide for women recovering from a break-up with their best friend in Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup with Your Best Friend. "Whether your friendship sputtered because of physical distance or your best friend slept with your boyfriend, Levine deftly assures us that although the pain can be strong, the sorrow will pass."—Publisher's Weekly
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
March 13, 2010
Friends Winter Book Sale
Saturday, March 13, 20109:00 am to 5:00 pm
McManus Room
Hardcover and trade paperback fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, and fantasy. Also, nonfiction and fiction mass-market paperbacks, LP records, video cassettes, in addition to children's paperback and hardcover books. Nothing is priced above $2. This is a bargain sale. More information.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
March 14, 2010
Friends Winter Book Sale
Sunday, March 14, 20101:00 pm to 5:00 pm
McManus Room
Hardcover and trade paperback fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, and fantasy. Also, nonfiction and fiction mass-market paperbacks, LP records, video cassettes, in addition to children's paperback and hardcover books. Nothing is priced above $2. This is a bargain sale. More information.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
March 15, 2010
Friends Winter Book Sale
Monday, March 15, 20109:00 am to 8:00 pm
McManus Room
Everything 1/2 price!
Hardcover and trade paperback fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, and fantasy. Also, nonfiction and fiction mass-market paperbacks, LP records, video cassettes, in addition to children's paperback and hardcover books. Nothing is priced above $2. This is a bargain sale. More information.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
March 16, 2010
Pageturners: The White Tiger
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. 276 pages. This first novel by Indian writer Adiga depicts the awakening of a low-caste Indian man to the degradation of servitude. While the early tone of the book calls to mind the heartbreaking inequities of Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, a better comparison is to Frederick Douglass's narrative about how he broke out of slavery. The protagonist, Balram Halwai, is initially delighted at the opportunity to become the driver for a wealthy man. But Balram grows increasingly angry at the ways he is excluded from society and looked down upon by the rich, and he murders his employer. He reveals this murder from the start, so the mystery is not what he did but why he would kill such a kind man.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821 or email Sue Madeo at smadeo@westportlibrary.org.
New participants always welcome.
Friends Winter Book Sale
Tuesday, March 16, 20109:00 am to Noon
McManus Room
Everything free! Donation requested.
Hardcover and trade paperback fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, and fantasy. Also, nonfiction and fiction mass-market paperbacks, LP records, video cassettes, in addition to children's paperback and hardcover books. Nothing is priced above $2. This is a bargain sale. More information.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Want to volunteer at the sale? Email Suzy Hooper geosoo143@yahoo.com.
March 21, 2010
The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: Unnatural Causes
Sunday, March 21, 2010 2:00 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book Unnatural Causes by P. D. James. Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh’s much anticipated holiday at his aunt’s country cottage ends abruptly with the macabre discovery of the handless corpse of a crime-writer in this third title of the series.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
March 24, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Jeff Shesol
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Noon
McManus Room
Jeff Shesol, a former speechwriter to President Bill Clinton and the author of Mutual Contempt: Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy and the Feud That Defined a Decade, will discuss his new book Supreme Power: Franklin Roosevelt vs. the Supreme Court. “Once in a generation a groundbreaking book comes along to provide a major reinterpretation of a familiar historical event. Sheshol tells the story of FDR's court packing plan as it has never been told before. This is a stunning work of history.” — Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals.
March 28, 2010
WHEN COOL WAS HOT! Film Series
Sunday, March 28, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Enjoy winter Sundays with a hot cider, a short introduction, and a film to highlight the exhibit at the Westport Historical Society, "WESTPORT MODERN: WHEN COOL WAS HOT!," from January 24 to May 2 in the Betty and Ralph Sheffer Gallery.
Hitchcock’s stylish comedy/thriller North by Northwest is set in the luxuriously modern Frank-Lloyd-Wright era and stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. In one memorable scene after another, bewildered ad man Grant is chased cross country by spies who think he is a double agent and by police who think he is an assassin. (1959, 136 minutes)
Library catalog.
Co-sponsored with the Westport Historical Society.
April 11, 2010
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Sandra Murphy and Rita Lapcevic
Sunday, April 11, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Sandra Murphy and Rita Lapcevic have been a duo-piano team for 38 years. Sandra, organist and choir director of Greenfield Hill Church, is well known in the Fairfield County area as a duo-pianist, ensemblist, and teacher. She is a member of the Silvermine Duo-Pianists as well as being Director of the Silvermine School of Music. As a member of the Schubert Club of Fairfield County, she has performed extensively. Rita, who earned her Masters degree in music from Duquesne University, is an active musician in Fairfield County both as a duo-pianist and as a chamber ensemblist. A member of the Silvermine Duo-Pianists and the Schubert Club of Fairfield County, she combines teaching with her performing activities.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
April 17, 2010
Murder 203: Connecticut's Mystery Festival
Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2010
Westport and Easton Libraries
Connecticut now has its own major event for the mystery-minded! Murder 203 is a two day festival organized by the Easton and Westport Libraries for readers and writers. Attendees enjoy author talks, panel discussions, book signings, writing tips from the professionals, and a unique opportunity to mingle with authors and fellow crime fiction enthusiasts at the Cocktails and Crime reception on Saturday evening.
The event is $65 if you register before March 1st. After March 1st, registration is $75. Meet-the-Authors continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning is included in the registration fee as well as lunch on Saturday and admission to Cocktails and Crime.
For information and registration, visit murder203.com.
Questions? Phone Jane Murphy at 203-291-4836.
April 18, 2010
Murder 203: Connecticut's Mystery Festival
Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2010
Westport and Easton Libraries
Connecticut now has its own major event for the mystery-minded! Murder 203 is a two day festival organized by the Easton and Westport Libraries for readers and writers. Attendees enjoy author talks, panel discussions, book signings, writing tips from the professionals, and a unique opportunity to mingle with authors and fellow crime fiction enthusiasts at the Cocktails and Crime reception on Saturday evening.
The event is $65 if you register before March 1st. After March 1st, registration is $75. Meet-the-Authors continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning is included in the registration fee as well as lunch on Saturday and admission to Cocktails and Crime.
For information and registration, visit murder203.com.
Questions? Phone Jane Murphy at 203-291-4836.
April 20, 2010
Pageturners: The Bastard of Istanbul
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak. 360 pages. Beautifully imagined—it's as much family history as national history that drives this vital and entertaining novel. And it's the powerful and idiosyncratic characters that drive the family history. And, as you hear in your mind's ear, it's Shafak's vibrant language that drives the characters. Shafak was recently acquitted of the charge of "denigrating Turkishness" because of her frank look at Turkish-Armenian antipathy.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821 or email Sue Madeo at smadeo@westportlibrary.org. New participants always welcome.
April 21, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Diane Meier
Wednesday, April 21, 2010Noon
McManus Room
Author Diane Meier's debut novel, Season of Second Chances illustrates how coming-of-age can happen at any age. A world of possibilities opens up for Joy Harkness when she sets out on a journey that’s going to show her the importance of friendship, love, and what makes a house a home. Meier is the author of The New American Wedding and president of Meier, a New York City–based marketing firm. Her career spans from writing and design to public speaking. This is her first novel. Meier lives in New York City and Litchfield, Connecticut.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
April 26, 2010
Finding Stolen Art: A Detective Takes on the Nazis
Monday, April 26, 2010 7:30 pm
McManus Room
Meet our detective: Maria Altmann. In a real-life David vs. Goliath tale, one woman, almost 90 years old and more than 10,000 miles away, took on the Austrian government—and won. Jane Cleland, author of the award-winning Josie Prescott mystery series, will present the story behind this thriller and will also examine the fate of more than 100,000 pilfered objects yet to be found.
May 16, 2010
MUSIC @THE LIBRARY: Eddie Pleasant
Sunday, May 16, 2010 2:00 pm
McManus Room
Edward Pleasant distinguishes himself as an outstanding performing artist in opera and musical theater as well as in concert, recital and recording. He has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times for his “appealing stage presence.” He will present "Sincerely, Nat: The Life and Music of Nat "King" Cole," which tells the story of the entertainer's incredible career and why this man is truly "Unforgettable." The Edward Pleasant Trio will also perform with Isaac ben Ayala on piano (also the musical arranger), James Chirillo on electric guitar, and Paul Beaudry on string bass.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.
May 18, 2010
Pageturners: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room
Discussion of the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. 288 pages. As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, she is drawn into the world of this man and his friends, all members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a unique book club formed in a unique, spur-of-the-moment way—as an alibi to protect its members from arrest by the Germans. Crazy title for a book and a mouthful, but this little book will keep you reading and wanting to plan a trip to Guernsey.
For copies of the book, phone 291-4821 or email Sue Madeo at smadeo@westportlibrary.org. New participants always welcome.
May 23, 2010
FILM @THE LIBRARY: Encounter Point
Sunday, May 23, 20102:00 pm
McManus Room
The award-winning film Encounter Point moves beyond sensational and canned images to tell the story of an Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother, and a wounded Palestinian, who sacrifice their safety, public standing, and homes in order to press for a grassroots movement for nonviolence and peace. (2006, 85 minutes)
Co-sponsored with Interfaith Council.
September 22, 2010
AUTHORS @THE LIBRARY: Lisa Wexler
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 Noon
McManus Room
Connecticut radio talk show host and attorney Lisa Wexler discusses her book Secrets of a Jewish Mother, co-written with her mother Gloria Kamen and sister Jill Zarin, a star of The Real Housewives of New York City.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
November 2009
Search for an event
Special events
- Authors @ the Library
- Book Discussion Groups
- Book Sales
- Booked for the Evening
- Business
- Community Conversations
- Crossword Puzzle Contest
- Exhibits
- Family
- Film @ the Library
- Jobseekers
- Lectures
- Malloy Lecture in the Arts
- Music @ the Library
- Parents
- PlayClub
- Rabbit Hill Festival
- Reference Seminars
- Technology
- Teen
- WestportREADS
- WPL Podcasts
All Events
- September 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
Powered by
Movable Type 4.01
Movable Type 4.01
About The Library | Catalog
| Statewide
Catalog | Events | New
& Recommended | Great Web Sites
| Research | Kids
| Teens