Wilton Library Kicks off “Wilton Reads 2016” Community Reading Program on May 18

Reading compelling stories that bring people to unfamiliar places is the impetus behind Wilton Library’s community-wide reading program, Wilton Reads, and this year’s program is no exception. The selection is Circling the Sun by Paula McLain, a historical novel based on the life of Beryl Markham,  a female pilot and horse-trainer in 1920s Kenya. The story is about a fiercely independent and enigmatic woman who followed her own head and heart. From her early childhood to her east-west transatlantic flight, Markham’s struggles in early 20th century Kenya are just as relevant to today’s contemporary issues. Paula McLain is The New York Times and international bestselling author of The Paris Wife.

This is the library’s 11th season of Wilton Reads, which kicks off on May 18 with a book giveaway. The entire program encompasses book discussions, movies, children’s activities, a travel seminar, and culminates with a visit from the author on June 1. McLain will be honored with a Grodin Family Fine Writers Award for outstanding writing when she visits the library.

Ann Patchett, The New York Times bestselling author who has twice embraced Wilton Library audiences, remarked about McLain, “Paula McLain is considered the new star of historical fiction, and for good reason. Fans of The Paris Wife will be captivated by Circling the Sun, which . . . is both beautifully written and utterly engrossing.”

Elaine Tai-Lauria, executive director of Wilton Library remarked, “We are thrilled to be bringing Wilton Reads to the community once again. It is an opportunity for us to come together to discuss fine literature and it gives us a chance to look at the world in other ways. This is such a well-crafted story and the exotic locale adds another layer of richness to the experience that we think people will enjoy.”

Karen Danvers, program manager for the library noted, “We were excited when we heard Paula McLain was available for us. It always brings an added dimension to have the author here discussing the book, its characters, and the issues so that our community can have a personal connection with the material.”

Free Book Distribution

To encourage readership and to kick off the Wilton Reads 2016 program, 100 paperback copies of Circling the Sun will be distributed to members of the community free of charge, courtesy of Fairfield County Bank, on a first-come, first-served basis, on Wednesday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m., while supplies last. For a little bit of flavor, free Kenyan coffee will be provided by Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee, Wilton Center’s newest business. Many of the activities over the two-week Wilton Reads period are made possible due to the partnerships with Fairfield County Bank and Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee.

The library has found another way to involve the community by having people bring in their personal photographs of Kenya beginning May 1 through May 13.  The owners of the photographs will digitally scan them so the photos can be projected during Wilton Reads events in a slide show in the gallery.  Interested parties can use their photos, negatives, and slides. Participants will be trained on the digital scanner in the Thomas T. Adams, Esq. Innovation Station. Participants will also receive a thumb drive of their newly digitized photos. Interested participants can reach out via email for information, deadline details and registration.

The full complement of programs over the two-week time frame is as follows:

Wednesday, May 18 Circling the Sun by Paula McLain Book Giveaway, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (while supplies last):  First-come, first-served basis, one per person, courtesy of Fairfield County Bank. Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee is donating free Kenyan coffee for the book giveaway.

Wednesday, May 18 Circling the Sun Book Discussion with Joanna Ecke, 7 – 8:30 p.m.:  Join Joanna Ecke, a graduate of Smith College with a doctorate in literature from Duke University, for an evening discussion of this work. No charge, registration is recommended. Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee is donating free Kenyan coffee for the book discussion.

Saturday, May 21 Children’s Film Screening – The Lion King, 3 – 4:30 p.m.:  Families are invited to the library for a viewing of Disney’s The Lion King (G).  Disney animators visited a national park in Kenya for inspiration, and the Pride Lands are based on their experiences. No registration; no fee.  

Tuesday, May 24 Magical Kenya with Margaret Sanko, 7 – 8:30 p.m.:  Travel consultant and Africa specialist Margaret Sanko will share her vast knowledge of Kenya, from some of the country’s history to her recent trips. She will also share details of a trip being planned for September 2017 to benefit Wilton Library. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with questions and enjoy beautiful photographs. Supported by Wilton Center Travel. No charge for the program, registration is recommended. Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee is donating free Kenyan coffee for this travel seminar.

Wednesday, May 25 Circling the Sun Book Discussion with Susan Boyar, 12 – 1:30 p.m.:  Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar facilitates a daytime discussion of Circling the Sun. No charge, registration is recommended. Tusk & Cup Fine Coffee is donating free Kenyan coffee for the book discussion.

Wednesday, May 25 Kenyan Story Time, 4 – 4:45 p.m.:  Children ages 4 and up are invited to join this exciting cultural program. Children will hear folk tales from Kenya, watch a short film, and make an African-themed craft to take home.  Registration required; no fee.

Friday, May 27 Film Screening—Out of Africa, 7 – 9 p.m.: Winner of seven Oscars and three Golden Globes, the most acclaimed motion picture of 1985 stars Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in one of the screen’s great epic romances. Directed by Oscar winner Sydney Pollack, Out of Africa is the fascinating true story of Karen Blixen, a strong-willed woman who, with her philandering husband (Klaus Maria Brandauer), runs a coffee plantation in Kenya, circa 1914. To her astonishment, she soon discovers herself falling in love with the land, its people and a mysterious white hunter (Redford). The character of Felicity (Suzanna Hamilton) is based on Beryl Markham.  No charge, registration recommended. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, May 28 Film Screening Matinee—African Queen, 2 – 4 p.m.:  This classic film puts together two Hollywood greats, Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Despite opposing personalities, their two characters grow closer to each other and ultimately carry out a plan to take out a German warship at the start of World War I in Africa. Bogart won an Academy Award for his performance. No charge. Registration recommended. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, June 1 Author Visit—Paula McLain: Circling the Sun, 7 – 8:30 p.m.:  The New York Times bestselling author Paula McLain visits Wilton Library to discuss her historical novel, Circling the Sun, for the culminating event in the community-wide Wilton Reads program. Paula McLain is the author of the novels The Paris Wife and A Ticket to Ride, and the memoir Like Family: Growing Up in Other People’s Houses. She has received fellowships from Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, and the National Endowment for the Arts. She lives in Cleveland with her family. Registration is strongly recommended. There is no charge for the program. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Elm Street Books.

For more information and to registration for each of the programs listed visit the library’s website or call 203.762.6334. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd..