May 12, 2008

SpokenWord: Mark Twain's Humor

davidsloane1.jpgMonday, May 12
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Dr. David E. E. Sloane, professor of English at the University of New Haven, and past president of the American Humor Studies Association and the Mark Twain Circle, will play his banjo and explore the comedy of Mark Twain, exposing the American vision lying beneath the surface.

SpokenWord is sponsored by Jerry A. Tishman.

May 13, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Stewart Reifler

The-Compensation-Committee-.jpgTuesday, May 13
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Westporter Stewart Reifler, an executive compensation attorney in New York City and co-author of the Compensation Committee Handbook will talk about the controversial subject of CEO pay and provide insight into what really goes on (both past and present) in the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies and the backrooms of private-equity firms.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Synopses and reviews.

Jobseekers Resource Seminar

jobseekers.jpgTuesday, May 13
10:00 am
McManus Room

Michael Shavel, Certified Professional Resume Writer with the CT Department of Labor will review resumes of participants. Information? 291-4844 or email sschulman@westportlibrary.org

May 14, 2008

SpokenWord: The Impact of Mark Twain in Connecticut

Daniel-Cruson---Phyllis-Gro.jpgWednesday, May 14
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Daniel Cruson, teacher and President of the Archaeology Society of Connecticut, will give an illustrated presentation on the two periods of Twain’s life showing the effect that Connecticut had on him as a writer, and the impact that he had on the communities in which he lived, including his unique architectural contributions.

SpokenWord is sponsored by Jerry A. Tishman.
Photo credit Phyllis Groner.

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Nicholas Mancini

hairdressers_revenge_cover.jpgWednesday, May 14
Noon
McManus Room

With a mix of sex, violence, and humor, longtime Westport resident and
hairdresser Nicholas Mancini takes a look behind the scenes of this little-explored industry in his novel, A Hairdresser’s Revenge.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Author's website.
Book Review.

May 15, 2008

Gaming and Gadgets

nintendo_ds_lite.jpgThursday, May 15
7:30 pm
Seminar Room

Learn from Library Technology staff about the newest educational gadgets and video games designed with adults in mind, including: the Kindle, Nintendo DS games "Brain Age" and "Flash Focus", and online games "Scrabulous", "Free Rice" and "Only Sudoku."

May 16, 2008

Riverwalk Display: Altered Books

ALTERED-BOOK-Sachiyo-Yoshid.jpg May 16-July 24
Riverwalk Display

"Altered Books: Recycling Magic" showcases the artfully recycled printed page from pieces in the collection of the Portland Public Library in Portland, Maine.

(at left, Billy Goat the Counselor by Sachiyo Yoshida)

May 17, 2008

Teen Art Show

Wooden_Easel2.jpgSaturday, May 17
Noon to 3:00 pm
McManus Room

An afternoon of musical performances, art displays and poetry recitations with the Staples High School Art Club. There will also be an open-mike for those who become inspired! Refreshments will be served.

May 18, 2008

The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: Sacred Cows

sacredcows.jpgSunday, May 18
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Author Karen E. Olsen will be on-hand for the discussion of her book, Sacred Cows, the story about the murder of a Yale student and how the investigation by a New Haven reporter leads to her secret life. For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.

Book Review.

May 19, 2008

SpokenWord: beTwixt, beTween & beTWAIN

betwixt-web.jpgMonday, May 19
7:00 pm
McManus Room

A one-act musical revue of Mark Twain’s stories and wit written by Danny Ashkenasi. The revue features musical adaptations of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," "A Genuine Mexican Plug," "Cannibalism in the Cars," "Life on the Mississippi," "Innocents Abroad," and many others.

SpokenWord is sponsored by Jerry A. Tishman.

May 20, 2008

Pageturners: The Rug Merchant

rug-merchant.jpgTuesday, May 20
10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room

Discuss The Rug Merchant, by Meg Mullins, a debut novel about a lonely Iranian immigrant who discovers an unlikely romance with an American college student.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821.
New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

May 21, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Frances Kiernan

MrsAstor-cover-41K.jpgWednesday, May 21
Noon
McManus Room

In this biography, The Last Mrs. Astor: A New York Story, which is based on firsthand knowledge and interviews with Brooke Astor's friends and the heads of New York's great cultural institutions, author Frances Kiernan gives us back the woman so loved and admired, whose hands-on approach would inspire future philanthropists.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Book review.

May 22, 2008

Small Business Opportunities
with State, Local and Federal Governments

government_icon_-_symbo_01.jpgThursday, May 22
5:30 pm refreshments and registration, 6:00 pm panel discussion
McManus Room

A panel of experts will present an overview of how working with governments could expand your small business strategies for profitability. Panelists include Merrie London from CT Small Business Innovation Research, Hugh Curley, CT Small Business Administration, Meg Yetishevsky, CT Department Administrative Services, and Fairfield County and Greater Bridgeport SCORE Chapters.

Co-sponsored with the Fairfield County and Greater Bridgeport Chapters of SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business. Reservations requested: phone Sylvia Schulmann at 203-291-4844 or
e-mail sschulman@westportlibrary.org

May 29, 2008

Parent/Teen Movie

JunoFINAL.jpgThursday, May 29
6:00 to 9:00 pm
McManus Room

Join the Westport Library and the Westport Arts Center for a screening and discussion of Juno, the award-winning film for Best Original Screenplay. Health educator Bob Selverstone will facilitate this event as we discuss teen pregnancy, as well as other adolescent issues. (film 96 min.)
Pizza and refreshments will be served. Registration is required.
Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org
Movie Review.
Juno movie site.

June 2, 2008

Community Conversations: The Subprime Primer

Levitt_Arthur-crop.jpgMonday, June 2
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Arthur Levitt, Jr., the twenty-fifth and longest serving Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 1993 to 2001,will speak on “Understanding the Credit Crisis and What We Can Do to Recover.” Levitt is widely hailed as a champion of the individual investor.

Sponsored by The Smilow Family.

Great Hall Art Exhibit: David Barton

Forsythias.jpgJune 2 to July 31
The Great Hall

"Eclectic Works: Architecture & Nature", representational acrylic paintings by David Barton, will be on display in The Great Hall for the months of June and July.

Opening reception: Friday, June 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

June 3, 2008

Jobseekers Resource Seminar

jobseekers.jpgTuesday, June 3
10:00 am
McManus Room

Michael Shavel, Certified Professional Resume Writer with the CT Department of Labor will review resumes of participants. For more information, contact Sylvia at 291-4844 or e-mail sschulman@westportlibrary.org

June 4, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: A. E. Hotchner

the good life according to hemingway.jpgWednesday, June 4
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Westport author A. E. Hotchner traveled with Ernest Hemingway for 14 years and collected a lifetime's worth of Hemingway's experiences, anecdotes, and observations about everything imaginable, from war to women, hunting to Hollywood, life to death. His new book, The Good Life According to Hemingway, which includes over 150 rare black and white photos from Hotchner’s personal collection, is an exuberant, fully illustrated celebration of Hemingway’s remarkable genius and the wild adventures of his life.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
More information about A.E. Hotchner.
Book review.

June 5, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Janis Abrams Spring

HowCanIForg-hc-c-smaller.jpgThursday, June 5
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Janis Abrahms Spring, Westport author of How Can I Forgive You? The Courage to Forgive, The Freedom Not To, will discuss a radical approach and an empowering model to healing intimate wounds and forgiveness. Her third book, an inspirational memoir on caring for an aging parent, will be published in late spring 2009.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Book review.

June 7, 2008

KNIT AND K'NOSH

knittinglogo.jpg Saturday, June 7
2:00 to 4:00 pm
McManus Room
Middle school age and up

Invite a grandparent, parent, older sibling, or friend to learn basic knitting skills. Bring a pair of knitting needles and we will supply the yarn. Registration is required for beginning knitters and is limited to 8. Advanced knitters can just drop in!
Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or email jlewis@westportlibrary.org

June 9, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Pete Fornatale

simon-&-garfunkel's-bookend.jpgMonday, June 9
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Writing from on-hand experience and exclusive interviews with Simon and Garfunkel, author Pete Fornatale reveals never-before-disclosed details of the love-hate relationship between the two musicians and offers a unique perspective on each of them. Simon and Garfunkel's Bookends captures the duo at the peak of their personal, professional, and artistic partnership in the '60s. The dark clouds and troubled waters that broke them up were still a year and a half away.

Books available for purchase and signing.
Book review.
About Pete Fornatale's radio program.

June 10, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Pamela Weintraub

cure unknown.jpgTuesday, June 10
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Disease Epidemic is a groundbreaking and controversial narrative investigation into the science, history, medical politics, and patient experience of Lyme disease by science journalist Pamela Weintraub, whose entire family contracted the disease. This is the most comprehensive book ever written about the past, present and future of Lyme disease and exposes the ticking clock of a raging epidemic.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Book Review.

June 11, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Max Wilk

wilk-cover.jpgWednesday, June 11
Noon
McManus Room

Westporter and author Max Wilk will discuss his book They're Playing Our Song: Conversations With America's Classic Songwriters ,originally issued in 1973 and recently revised for a paperback edition. Included are 26 oral histories of legendary composers and lyricists with interviews that give readers an up-close-and-personal look at the individuals and inspirations behind some of the words and melodies that made musical history.

NYT article from 1997 about the book
Furthur book information.

June 12, 2008

BOOKED for the Evening 2008

2007-09-25_oscar%20hijuelos.jpgThe honoree for 2008 will be Oscar Hijuelos, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. The Tenth Westport Library Award will be given at the Library's Booked for the evening fundraising event on June 12, 2008 at 7:30 pm.


Click here for more details.

June 13, 2008

Books Unbound Launch

Beube.jpgFriday, June 13
7:00 pm, light refreshments
7:30 pm, speaker
McManus Room

Noted Brooklyn-based altered book artist Doug Beube will give a talk and slide show on “The Alternative Library: The Book in the Environment,” looking at the fact that books, which we may not think of as books at all, are everywhere in the environment. He will also discuss how, with the advent of the computer, many books are thrown away by individuals and institutions around the globe, and how fortunately many are reclaimed by artists.

above, Disasters; Twister Series; Yellow Pages by Doug Beube)

More about the artist.
More information on the Library's Books Unbound project, including furthur Book Grab dates
Part of the Library's 100th Birthday Celebration.

June 15, 2008

The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: The Bookman’s Wake

bookmanswake.jpgSunday, June 15
2:00 pm
Seminar Room

Discussion of The Bookman’s Wake by John Dunning. Paper Chase #1: Cliff Janeway, cop-turned-book-dealer, is trying to find “Eleanor Rigby” who has stolen a rare copy of Poe’s "The Raven."

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

MovieLine: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

the-diving-bell-and-the-but.jpgSunday, June 15
2:00 pm
McManus Room

As one movie critic noted, “This is a remarkable true story which thrusts us into the head of a man emerging from a coma.” Join us for the movie, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, based on the book which will be discussed at the Library’ book discussion group PageTurners on June 17th. French with English subtitles. Nominated for 4 Academy Awards. 2007. 112 mins.

Movie review.
Official site.

June 16, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Mark Engler

how-to-rule-the-world-cover.jpgMonday, June 16
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Mark Engler, journalist, activist, and policy expert, will discuss his book, How To Rule the World: The Coming Battle Over the Global Economy, an essential handbook, not for the few who do rule the world, but for the many who should.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Article by author.

June 17, 2008

Pageturners: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

diving-bell-and-the-butterf.jpgTuesday, June 17
10:30 am & 7:30 pm
Seminar Room

Discuss The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by Jean-Dominique Bauby, translated by Jeremy Leggatt. An extraordinary book about the author's survival of a paralyzing stroke and his determination to live a rewarding life despite this. Made into a movie.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821.
New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

June 18, 2008

Teen Gaming

wii.jpgFriday, June 18
3:00 to 5:00 pm
McManus Room
Middle school age and up

Come celebrate the last day of school with an afternoon of Wii with your friends! Just drop in.
Note: this is a new date!

June 25, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Karl Meyer and Shareen Brysac

kingmakers.jpgWednesday, June 25
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Kingmakers: The Invention of the Modern Middle East is a brilliant narrative history tracing today's troubles back to grandiose imperial overreach of Great Britain and the United States. Authors Karl Meyer and Shareen Brysac tell this character-driven story of how the modern Middle East came to be through the colorful lives of the Britons and Americans who shaped it.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Book review.

June 28, 2008

Online Photo Sharing Sites: Learn How from an Expert

tree.jpgSaturday, June 28
11:00 am
McManus Room

Digital photography expert Michael Franco will give step-by-step instruction in how to use online photo sharing sites such as KodakGallery, Flickr, Shutterfly, Snapfish, and more. Learn how to sign up, upload photos, send invitations to others, view what others have uploaded, make basic repairs to photos and more.

Flickr.
Kodak Gallery.
Shutterfly.
Snapfish.

June 30, 2008

Community Conversations:
The Next Chapter – from the Golden Age of Television to His Golden Age

Monday, June 30
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Sonny Fox is the embodiment of life after 50...60...70...and 80..! With clips from his early years on television, he will entertain, enlighten, and show the enthusiasm that has allowed him to re-invent his life from his early on-air television career to his more recent activities with international social and health reform through entertainment .

Sponsored by The Smilow Family.

July 5, 2008

Jobseekers Resource Seminar

jobseekers.jpgTuesday, July 15
10:00 am
McManus Room

Michael Shavel, Certified Professional Resume Writer with the CT Department of Labor will review resumes of participants. For more information, contact Sylvia at 291-4844 or e-mail sschulman@westportlibrary.org

July 7, 2008

Greek Mythology

markschenker.jpgMonday, July 7
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Hear Mark Schenker, Associate Dean at Yale College, will give a brief introduction to Greek Mythology, focusing on its origins in religious ritual and its extensive influence on Western culture, expecially literature.

July 8, 2008

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Linda Merlino

Belly-of-the-Whale-cover.jpgTuesday, July 8
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Linda Merlino has written a riveting story in The Belly of the Whale, which covers twenty-four hours in the life of Hudson Catalina. During that day she gives up hope in her fight against breast cancer only to be taken hostage by a murderer more deadly than her disease.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Author's website.
Book Review.

July 9, 2008

So You Want To Tell Your Story

bevsanders1.jpgWednesday, July 9
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Beverly Sanders, stage, television and film actor, writer and director, will conduct a writing workshop that will encourage participants to write their memories of their library experiences. The workshop promises to be stimulating and entertaining.

Part of the Library's 100th Birthday Celebration.

July 10, 2008

So You Want To Tell Your Story

bevsanders1.jpgThursday, July 10
10:00 am
McManus Room

Beverly Sanders, stage, television and film actor, writer and director, will conduct a writing workshop that will encourage participants to write their memories of their library experiences. The workshop promises to be stimulating and entertaining.

Part of the Library's 100th Birthday Celebration.

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Winston Allen

dont-get-mad_fc.jpgThursday, July 10
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Westport author Winston E. Allen will discuss Don’t Get Mad, Get Rich—Become Financially Independent. Using a no-nonsense approach, this upbeat and inspirational book shows how to achieve greater financial success by anticipating and navigating the cyclical economic downturns and developing a wealth building mentality.

Books will be available and purchase and signing.

July 12, 2008

Talking about iGoogle

igoogle.jpgSaturday, July 12
11:00 am
McManus Room

Rob Rogers from the Library’s technical support staff will talk about using Google’s online software. Learn to design and customize your own personal web space including email, RSS feeds, daily news, and more.

iGoogle.

July 13, 2008

The Fundamentals of Book Collecting

book-collecting.jpgSunday, July 13
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Join Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone, authors of Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World, for an entertaining look at the fundamentals of book collecting. Learn about first editions, inscribed copies, and what makes a book valuable as the Goldstones relate the joys and comic mishaps of their experiences as amateur book collectors.

More about their book.

The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: A Letter of Mary

aletter-of-mary.jpgSunday, July 13
2:00 pm
Seminar Room

Discussion of A Letter of Mary by Laurie R. King. Paper Chase #2: An archaeologist turns up dead after leaving a papyrus supposedly written by Mary Magdalene with Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

July 14, 2008

The Mythology of Rome

markschenker.jpgMonday, July 14
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Mark Schenker, Associate Dean at Yale College, will give a brief introduction to Roman Mythology, focusing on how Greek myth was adapted for Roman ends.

July 15, 2008

Pageturners: A Thousand Splendid Suns

a-thousand-splendid-suns.jpgTuesday, July 15
10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room

Discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. Set in Afghanistan, it is a haunting, compelling story of an unforgivng time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821.
New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Lawrence Block

Lawrence-Block-Cover-jpeg.jpgTuesday, July 15
7:30 pm
McManus Room

The fourth in the John Keller series, Hit and Run will be discussed by author Lawrence Block. Fingered for a murder he didn't commit, a hit man goes on the run to save his life in this stunning new work from the New York Times bestselling master of mystery.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Author's website.

July 16, 2008

Altered Book Classes

ALTERED-BOOK-Sachiyo-Yoshid.jpgWednesdays, beginning July 16, 3 sessions
6:30-8:30 pm
Higgins Room

Create works of art through altered bookmaking. You need not have any experience, just a willingness to be creative. Altered book artist, Cecilia Marshall, will be the instructor for the classes offered through Westport Continuing Education. Note that classes will be held in the Library’s Higgins Room.
Offered through Westport Continuing Education. Phone 341-1209 or register online at www.westportsummerschool.com.

More information on the Library's Books Unbound project.

Altered Book shown: Billy Goat the Counselor by Sachiyo Yoshida, from Portland Public Library collection, on display Riverwalk Level, Westport Library May 16-July 24.

July 19, 2008

Friends of the Library - Annual Gigantic Summer Book Sale

booksaletent-120px.jpg

Sat., July 19
9 am to 6 pm

Look for the big white tents on Jesup Green for the sale where you will find everything from hardcover books to paper backs to videos to audio-books— for all ages!

Interested in donating