Documentary Films - Writing Workshop

For Writers 2006 - 2007 is our second series of writing workshops that provides an opportunity for everyone to explore the rewarding craft of writing. The New Canaan Library is pleased to offer classes on creative writing, documentary films, writing children's books and the personal essay, taught by instructors from the Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City. No previous writing experience is necessary to enroll in these workshops and interested participants may attend any or all of them. Class size is limited to 20. Please call the Library's Information Desk at 594.5003 to reserve a place in the workshop of your choice.

Wednesday, January 17: Documentary Films. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with lunch. Documentary films are more popular and prevalent than ever, appearing in theaters, on DVD, and across the spectrum of TV channels. In this course, you will learn how to conceive ideas, structure stories, conduct research and interviews, write narration, and adapt your plans to film footage.

Notes in Mid-Winter Concerts Begin

Sunday, January 7: Our Notes in Mid-Winter concert series begins with “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” featuring Blair Mc Millen on the piano and Meighan Stoops playing clarinet. These concerts are sponsored by the Friends Music Committee and take place at 2 p.m. in the Lamb Room each Sunday in January. Admission is free and no registration is required, but seating is limited. See schedule>

Authors on Stage - Lisa Unger

Thursday, January 4: Author Lisa Unger discusses her new novel, “Sliver of Truth” in which writer Ridley Jones finds herself at the center of a top-notch suspense story, the author’s second. 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Elm Street Books.

Winter Storytime Registration

Thursday, January 4: Winter storytime registration for children age 2 begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room.

Wednesday, January 3: Winter storytime registration for children ages 3 – 8 begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room.

Holiday Hours: The Library will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Late December Programs

Wednesday, December 20: Readers’ Choice book discussion of “How to Be Lost” by Amanda Ward Eyre, led by Louise Besson. 7:30 p.m. in the Plaut Room. Everyone welcome.

Monday, December 18: Preschool sing-along with Diane Wells at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room. No registration required.

Saturday, December 16: Nutcracker Ballet for children ages 5 -10 and their parents. A demonstration and lecture presented by the New England Dance Theatre. 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. No registration required.

Authors on Stage on DVD

Is it possible that you missed an Authors on Stage event? Your favorite authors and speakers may have been taped. The Library DVD collection will now include copies of some of these events available for checkout. Click here to view availability.

A Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 9: Support the New Canaan Library and join us for a special family fun-raising event at the NEW Westport Playhouse! A Christmas Carol is a song-filled holiday classic for the entire family.
More>

Early December Programs

Wednesday, December 6: Brown bag Book Talk. Librarian Susan LaPerla leads a discussion of The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin at noon in the Plaut Room.

Author Jack Cavanaugh discusses his book, Tunney: Boxing's Brainiest Champ and His Upset of the Great Jack Dempsey at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Tuesday, December 5: Power Point computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Monday, December 4: Excel I computer class, 9:30 – 11:30. Call 594-5003 to register.

Saturday, December 2: Gingerbread House Workshop for children ages
5 – 9 at 10:30 a.m., 1 or 3:30 p.m. Registration required at 594-5002.

The December 2006 e-newsletter has been sent. Click here to read it.

Art Exhibit Opening Reception for Peter de Sève

Sunday, December 3: The art of Peter de Sève will be on view in New Canaan Library’s H. Pelham Curtis Gallery from December 3 through January 8. The exhibit will open with a reception for the artist on Sunday, December 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the gallery. Everyone is welcome.
De Sève’s dark humor and sense for witty characterizations has led him to become one of the leading character designers for such feature films as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, Mulan, Tarzan, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, and Robots. He was the sole character designer on the Oscar-nominated film, Ice Age and it’s sequel, Ice Age-The Meltdown. De Sève’s illustrations have appeared in most major American magazines, including TIME, Newsweek, Smithsonian, Premiere and Entertainment Weekly. He is also a regular contributor of covers to The New Yorker Magazine. More>

Da Chen to Discuss Brothers

Sunday, December 3: Author Da Chen will be discussing his new novel Brothers at the Library at 3:00 pm in the Adrian Lamb Room. Having written two critically acclaimed bestselling memoirs, Colors of the Mountain and Sounds of the River, Da Chen has written a sweeping historical saga, inspired by the fate of his father and his uncle, separated for thirty-five years by the Iron Curtain imposed by the Communist rule during China's Cultural Revolution.

All Library programs are free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow the program.

Late November Programs

Thursday, November 30: Book discussion of “The Tale of Despereaux” for children in grades 5 – 8 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Pizza will be served.

David Nasaw discusses his critically-acclaimed biography of Andrew Carnegie at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Wednesday, November 29: Nanny Coffee & Tour of the Library. In Spanish & English. Drop-in Storytime will be held for children who come with their nannies. 10 - 10:45 a.m. Meet in the Children’s Room. Registration suggested at 594-5002.

Word II computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Readers’ Choice book discussion of “Plum Wine” by Angela Davis-Gardner, led by Shirley Ottenstein. 7:30 p.m. in the Plaut Room. Everyone welcome.

Monday, November 27: Great Decisions roundtable discussion led by Jamil Dakwar of the ACLU on Human Rights in the Age of Terrorism. 7 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Monday, November 20: Preschool Sing-along with Diane Wells
At 10 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room. No registration required.

Saturday, November 18: Discussion of the books, “Something From Nothing” and “Earth Day” for children in grades 3 & 4 and their parents from 1 – 2 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Refreshments will be served. Call 594-5002 to register. This is the third in a series of four Book Voyager discussions on the environment and ecology.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friday, November 17 – Tuesday, November 21
Friday: Early Entry, prices doubled, 3 – 5 p.m.
Regular prices, 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Lamb Room.
Silent Auction of rare and collectible books,
10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Gallery.
Saturday: regular prices, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon – 5 p.m., 25% off.
Monday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 50% off.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – noon, $3/bag.

Early November Programs

Thursday, November 9: UConn professor and author, Ron Mallett, discusses his new book, “Time Traveler: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality,” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Wednesday, November 8: Advanced Search Engines computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Saturday, November 4: “A Practical Guide to Selling on e-Bay” seminar presented by Tom Greenbaum at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room. Call 594-5003 to register.

5oth Anniverary of the Hungarian Revolt. A special tribute to Hungarian émigrés, who came to New Canaan, and their host families takes place at 3:30.

Thursday, November 2: Creative Writing 102 Writer’s Workshop. A workshop to expand your powers of observation, imagination, and language. You will be exposed to various forms of creative writing in the fields of prose fiction and nonfiction. Ideas will be sparked, confidence acquired, and you’ll gain a sense of where to move onward with your writing. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Lunch will be served. Call 594-5003 to register.

Cartoonist Roz Chast discusses her new book, “Theories of Everything” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Marton and Leimbach Appearances to be Rescheduled

Kati Marton, author of "The Great Escape" and who was to appear at the Library on Saturday, November 4, has found it necessary to reshedule her visit for Sunday, February 11 at 4 p.m. Marty Leimbach, author of "Daniel Isn't Talking, " will also reshedule her appearance here.

Technology @ NCL

http://ncltechnology.blogspot.com/

Late October Programs

Monday, October 30: Author Elizabeth Flock discusses her new novel, “Everything Must Go” at 10:00 a.m. in the Lamb Room.

“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” for babies under 2 and their moms. 10 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room.

Saturday, October 28: “Taking the Myth Out of Buying on e-Bay” seminar presented by Tom Greenbaum at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room. “Selling on e-Bay” November 4. Call 594-5003 to register.

Discussion of the books, “The Great Kapok Tree” and “A Walk in the Rainforest” for children in grades 3 & 4 and their parents from 1 – 2 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Refreshments will be served. Call 594-5002 to register. This is the second in a series of four Book Voyager discussions on the environment and ecology.

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra program on string instruments and music in the Lamb Room at 4 p.m.

Friday, October 27: Author Linda Francis Lee discusses her new novel, “Devil in the Junior League,” at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room (rescheduled from September 25.) Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Thursday, October 26: Excel II computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

More October Programs

Wednesday, October 25: Librarian Fran Sauer leads the Reader’s Choice Book Discussion of “The History of Love” at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaut Room.

Tuesday, October 24: Search Engines computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Young Adult author, Maureen Johnson, discusses her new book, “Devilish,” at 4 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Monday: October 23: Preschool Halloween Craft at 9:30 or 10:45 in the Children’s Program Room. Call 594-5002 to register. Presented by the Young Women’s League.

Sunday, October 22: The New Canaan Library and the UN Committee present Anthony Lake, Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, at 4 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Opening reception for the art exhibit, “The Worn City” by Marilyn Kirsch. 3 – 5 p.m. in the Gallery.

Saturday, October 21: Halloween Ghost Craft for children ages 7-9 at 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Presented by artist Peggy Ogden.

Author Gunilla Norris discusses her book, “A Mystic Garden,” at 3 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Thursday, October 19: Newspapers Online (NYT, WSJ, NC Advertiser, etc.) computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Spelling Bee for all 4th graders at 4 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Call 594-5002 to register.

Author Julian Padowicz discusses his memoir, “Mother and Me: Escape from Warsaw 1939,” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Wednesday, October 18: E-mail computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Author Mark Zupan, the paralympic athlete who starred in the film, “Murderball,” discusses his memoir “GIMP” at 7 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Tuesday, October 17: Word II computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Monday, October 16: Preschool sing-along with Diane Wells, 10 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room.

Friday, October 13: Volunteer Orientation, 10-11 a.m. Everyone welcome, meet at the Information Desk.

A Lemony Snicket Unfortunate Event. Activities and refreshments for children ages 8 and up, 3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Call 594-5002 to register.

Thursday, October 12: Excel 1 computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 to register.

Dr. Philip Landrigan from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine speaks on “Children’s Health and the Environment – the Problem and the Solution” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Arts for Healing.

A New Series of Writing Workshops

For Writers 2006 - 2007 is our second series of writing workshops that provides an opportunity for everyone to explore the rewarding craft of writing. The New Canaan Library is pleased to offer classes on creative writing, documentary films, writing children's books and the personal essay, taught by instructors from the Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City. No previous writing experience is necessary to enroll in these workshops and interested participants may attend any or all of them. Class size is limited to 20. Please call the Library's Information Desk at 594.5003 to reserve a place in the workshop of your choice.
Creative Writing 102
Thursday, November 2, 2006. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with lunch.
This workshop will expand your powers of observation, imagination, and language. You will be exposed to various forms of creative writing in the fields of prose fiction and nonfiction. Ideas will be sparked, confidence acquired, and you’ll gain a sense of where to move onward with your writing.
Documentary Films
Wednesday, January 17, 2007. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with lunch.
Documentary films are more popular and prevalent than ever, appearing in theaters, on DVD, and across the spectrum of TV channels. In this course, you will learn how to conceive ideas, structure stories, conduct research and interviews, write narration, and adapt your plans to film footage.
Dates for Writing Children's Books and the Personal Essay TBA.

Early October Programs

Tuesday, October 10: More Basics Internet computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 or click here to register.

Story and Craft program for grades K -2 in the Children’s Program Room at 4 p.m. Call 594-5002 to register.

Author Michael Cox discusses his new novel, “The Meaning of Night: A Confession” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Saturday, October 7: Discussion of the books, “Brother Eagle, Sister Sky” by Chief Seattle and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss for children in grades 3 & 4 and their parents from 1 – 2 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Refreshments will be served. Call 594-5002 to register. This is the first in a series of four Book Voyager programs on the environment and the ecology.

Wednesday, October 4: Brown Bag Book Talk at noon in the Plaut Room. Librarian, Phebe Kirkham, leads a discussion of “Broken For You” by Stephanie Kallos. In this book, a lonely woman in Seattle takes in a boarder and both women find their lives changed by their connection.

Polly LaBarre discusses her new book “Mavericks at Work,” an exposé on today’s successful entrepreneurs, in the Lamb Room at 7:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Tuesday, October 3: Laura Zigman discusses her new novel, “Piece of Work,” in the Lamb Room at 10 a.m. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Dun & Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory computer class, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call 594-5003 or click here to register.

Story and Craft program for grades K -2 in the Children’s Program Room at 4 p.m. Call 594-5002 to register.

More September Programs

Saturday, September 30: Members of the Norwalk Symphony present a program on woodwind instruments and music at 4 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Thursday, September 28: Computer class on Blogs at 9:30 a.m. Click here to register.

Abigail Thomas discusses her new memoir, A Three Dog Life, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Cosponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Wednesday, September 27: Reader's Choice Book Discussion kicks off a new season at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaut Room. Librarian Cynde Bloom Lahey will lead the discussion on The Memory Keeper's Daughter, a new novel by Kim Edwards.

Monday, September 25: Linda Francis Lee discusses her new novel, Devil in the Junior League, at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Great Decisions Discussion on the U.S. and Iran, led by an expert in the field from the World Affairs Forum. 7 p.m. in the Lamb Room.

Thursday, September 21: Morningstar Mutual Funds and Stocks computer class, 9:30 a.m. Click here register.

Wednesday, September 20: Introduction to the Internet computer class at 9:30 a.m. Click here register.

Monday, September 18: “1, 2 Buckle My Shoe” at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room for babies under 2 and their moms.

Stuart Hauser discusses his book, Out of the Woods: Tales of Resilient Teens, at 7 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Sunday, September 17: Singer Lynn Lewis & the Big Blue Dog in Concert for children ages 3 to 8 and their parents, 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. in the Gallery.

Friday, September 15: Edward P. Jones, author of The Known World, discusses his new book All Aunt Hagar’s Children, at 11 a.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Thursday, September 14: Registration for Fall Storytimes for children age 2 begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room.

Author Brian Morton discusses his new book, Breakable You, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

September Programs

Wednesday, September 13: The new season of Brown Bag Book Talks beginswith a discussion of “Girls of Tender Age” led by Cynde Lahey. Author Mary-Ann Tirone Smith joins the group for the discussion and catered lunch of Italian fare. As is the tradition, lunch for the September book talk is provided by the Friends of the Library. At noon in the Lamb Room. Call 594-5003 to register.

Registration for Fall Storytimes for children ages 3-8 begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room.

Tuesday, September 12: Philippa Gregory, author of “The Queen’s Fool,” “The Constant Princess” and many other popular titles, returns to the New Canaan Library at 10 a.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Just Books, Too. Call 594-5003 to register.

Friday, September 8: Volunteer Orientation, 10-11 a.m. Everyone welcome, meet at the Information Desk.

Thursday, September 7: “Moving to the Beat” with Robert the Guitar Guy for preschoolers and their parents, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. in the Lamb Room.

Wednesday, September 6: Author Jed Rubenfeld discusses his new book, “The Interpretation of Murder” at 7:30 p.m. in the Lamb Room. Co-sponsored by Elm Street Books. Call 594-5003 to register.

Programs for Children

Wednesday, August 30: Movies and Popcorn for ages 3 – 8 from 10:30-11 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room.

Thursday, August 24: “Connecticut Invents:” Patrick Smith, Education Curator at the Museum of Connecticut History will talk about famous Connecticut inventions and give attendees the opportunity to invent something of their own. For children in grades 4-6. 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Children’s Program Room. Call 594-5002 to register.

Drop-in PJ Storytime for children ages 3-8 and their parents. 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room.

More Reader's Choice

I'm really pleased. We now have our December 20th book and discussion leader. Louise Besson has agreed to lead the discussion on How to be Lost by Amanda Ward Eyre in December. That date will be our Reader's Choice Holiday meeting. If you all remember, the author Amanda Ward Eyre visited the Library last Fall as one of our 2005 Meet the Author Events.

Reader's Choice Book Discussion Series

We had a very productive meeting on July 26th where we've planned ahead for an entire year of monthly, evening Reader's Choice book discussions. Beginning September 27th at 7:30 pm in the Plaut Room with a discussion of The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, we should have some great conversations about books. The other titles selected are Plum Wine by Angela Davis-Gardner scheduled for November 29th, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, An Unfinished Season by Ward Just, The Attack by Yasmin Khadra, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss scheduled for October 25th, The Lost Mother by Mary Morris, A Tale of Love & Darkness by Amos Oz, Two Lives by Vikram Seth, White Teeth by Zadie Smith, How to be Lost by Amanda Ward Eyre and Triangle by Katherine Weber. The best part about reading is talking about what you've read...and sharing with others.

Library Volunteer Orientation

Friday, August 11: Volunteer Orientation for anyone who would like to help out at the Library, 10-11 a.m. Everyone welcome, meet at the Information Desk.

Summer Reading Club Closing Activities

Thursday, August 10: Closing celebration for the Summer Reading Club featuring the New Canaan Town Band. 6 – 7:15 p.m. in the Curtis Gallery.

Friday, August 4: The Summer Reading Program ends at 5 p.m.
Make sure all the books you’ve read get entered into your reading log at the Library.

Our Visit with Clifford the Big Red Dog

Children of all ages had a wonderful time visiting with Clifford the Big Red Dog on Thursday. Children's Librarian, Rose Marie enjoyed reading Clifford's story to everyone.

Programs for Children

Friday, July 28: Mother Goose Rhyme Time for infants and toddlers through age 2 and their parents at 10:30 a.m. in the Lamb Room. No registration required.
Monumental bingo for children ages 8-12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Call 594-5002 to register.

"Kensuke's Kingdom" - Book Discussion

Thursday, July 27: Book discussion of “Kensuke’s Kingdom” for children entering grades 5-7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Pizza will be served. Call 594-5002 to register.

Authors on Stage - Madeline Levine

Thursday, July 20: Psychologist, Madeline Levine, discusses her new book, "The Price of Privilege," at 3 p.m. in the Children's Program Room. Cosponsored by Just Books. Call 594-5003 to register.