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The Main Library & South Norwalk Branch will be closed
Sunday, Feb. 17 & Monday, Feb.18 in observance of Presidents' Day.
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Could it be?
On January 28, Library Board President Alex Knopp, Mayor Harry Rilling, CT Public CEO Jerry Franklin, NPS School Superintendent Steven Adamowski, and Senator Bob Duff were at the main library to unveil this rendering of a new media and innovation center in an expanded library on Belden Avenue.
"This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner with CT's outstanding public media organization would accomplish a giant step for the Norwalk Public Library and a giant leap forward for Wall Street, in particular, and for the entire city of Norwalk, in general,"said President Knopp.
"This s going to be a game changer for downtown Norwalk when we do it, and when we do it right," said Mayor Harry Rilling.
Stay tuned.
Chris
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Art Displays 
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Norwalk in Winter!
Sledding on the Golf Course, Ice-Skating on frozen ponds, decorating for the Holidays! Lights strung around homes and trees! Shoveling piles of white stuff and building snowmen! Warm and cozy indoors, relaxing by a lit fire in the fireplace, a mug of hot chocolate in hand watching Holiday movies or reading a good book. Local Buildings covered with a sprinkling of snow!
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Calf Pasture Beach Looking Towards the Lighthouse
Photo Credit: Van Collins
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Do you have photos of Norwalk in Winter that you would like to share? Scan them and email them to Cynde Bloom Lahey , clahey@norwakpl.org at the Norwalk Public Library and they will be displayed in the ArtSpace at the Main Library and on the Library website, Norwalk Library Photo Gallery Identify the location, describe the memory and see what happens.
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February Programs & Events
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Contact Chris Bradley, Director of Norwalk Public Library, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15126, or cbradley@norwalkpl.org for more information about this event.
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Jim Clark and Friends
Sunday, February 24
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Main Library Auditorium
Jim Clark is a world-class saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist. He leads his own groups, playing tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, and performs and records in a wide variety of musical settings and styles. Whether he is in the recording studio, performing in a small local venue or on stage at Carnegie Hall, his goal is the same - play from the heart with the highest level of musical excellence.
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Caffe' e Conversazione with members of
Vini, Vitti, Dici! -
an Italian community salon dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture in an informal setting will meet on three Saturdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 at 10 am in the Carnegie Room of the Norwalk Public Library on Belden Avenue.
This is not a class for beginners! Participants must be able to carry on a conversation in Italian.
The first half hour will be devoted to an informal conversation on a timely topic, the second half-hour, we will read in Italian from In Oltre Parole, by Jhumpa Lahiri and in the last half hour, we will explore new vocabulary and ways to incorporate them into our conversations.
There is no evening meeting with the author in February
Please make sure to confirm your attendance the day before, on Fridays, and leave your contact info so we might alert you to last minute scheduling changes.
RSVP: PatTinto1@gmail.com
For more info: ViniVittiDici@gmail.com or
Pat Tinto, PatTinto1@gmail.com.
President & Founder.
ViniVittiDici: Wines, Food & Conversation Italian Style
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Healthy Resolutions 2019
A New You for the New Year with Help From NPL & the Norwalk Health Department
Wednesdays, January 9 - February 13
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Main Library Auditorium
The Healthy Resolutions program will focus on a different healthy resolution and different skills each week. Each week is connected to the last and includes thought-provoking videos, group discussion and support, and the skills-building you need to kick start a healthier 2019. A light meal will be served at each session, so come hungry! Children are welcome to attend with an adult.
Week 5 (February 6): Taking Charge of Your Healthcare & Understanding Your Risk
Any plan for a healthier, happier year should involve engaging and understanding the healthcare system. We'll talk about how to get the most from your visits at the doctor, what regular tests and screenings you might want to consider, and how to understand the results.
Week 6 (February 13): Maintaining Healthy Behaviors
Build skills to overcome possible barriers or setbacks and learn how to stay motivated for a long-term success. We'll wrap up by tying together skills from the previous three weeks, answering any outstanding questions about our health topics, and providing information about services offered in our community that can help you stay on track throughout the year.
To register for the Healthy Resolutions program, or for further information, please contact the Children's Library at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15131. Download Brochure
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Free VITA/IRS Tax Assistance Help
Tax Preparation & e-Filing
Main Library
Thursdays, January 31 - April 11
1:00 - 8:00 pm
South Norwalk Library
Saturdays, February 2 - April 13
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Norwalk Public Library System is pleased to announce the no-cost, full service VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program. This program provides free state and federal income tax preparation and e-filing, with special attention to seniors and low to moderate income households. Our aim is to make tax filing more convenient and available to Norwalk residents.
Appointments are NOT needed. If you are married, both spouses should be present. Click for the list of forms and personal/financial documents that are required to process your tax information, so please bring them with you:
For further information, or for a list of other Norwalk locations for free tax preparation and filing, please call NPL's Information Desk at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15109, or visit our tax page.
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AuthorSpeak
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The Politics of Fame
Eric Burns
Friday, February 8
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Main Library Auditorium
A light lunch will be provided by the library
Register
Celebrities can come from many different realms: film, music, politics, sports. But what do all these major celebrities have in common? What elevates them to the status of household names while their equally talented peers remain in relative obscurity? Is it just a question of charisma, or does fame depend more on the collective fantasies of fans than the actual accomplishments of celebrities?
In search of answers, cultural historian Eric Burns delves deep into the biographies of some of the most famous figures in American history, from Benjamin Franklin to Fanny Kemble, Elvis Presley to Gene Tierney, and Michael Jordan to Oprah Winfrey. Through these case studies, he considers the evolution of celebrity throughout the ages. More controversially, he questions the very status of fame in the twenty-first century, an era in which thousands of minor celebrities have seen their fifteen minutes in the spotlight.
The Politics of Fame is a provocative and entertaining look at the lives and afterlives of America's most beloved celebrities as well as the mad devotion they inspired. It raises important questions about what celebrity worship reveals about the worshipers and about the state of the nation itself.
ERIC BURNS is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, playwright, and novelist. His many books include Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism, The Smoke of the Gods: A Social History of Tobacco, and The Spirits of America: A Social History of Alcohol.
Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133, or clahey@norwalkpl.org.
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Hit Me With Your Best Shot:
How I Overcame a Hard-Hitting Life
Neena Perez
Monday, February 25
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Main Library Auditorium
A light lunch will be provided by the library
Register
This is a story of abuse, teen pregnancy, hard times, divorce, poverty, finding faith, overcoming and hitting life back when life hits us hard. Neena says that encountering many challenges has made her the woman she is today, determined, strong and full of faith in God.
Born and raised in Stamford CT, Neena has a wonderful blended family that includes four beautiful children of 3 boys and 1 girl. This is a story of abuse, teen pregnancy, hard times, divorce, poverty, finding faith, overcoming and hitting life back when life hits us hard. Neena says that encountering many challenges has made her the woman she is today, determined, strong and full of faith in God.
She had her first child at the early age of 15 and another one at 21, Divorced from her first marriage at 28. Neena had to wait in life to go to college. She worked as a medical assistant and ultrasound technician for 15 years, to care for her family. She was able to finally go to college at the age of 35.
Stepping out in faith she is finally following her childhood passion of being a chef. Neena has a Bachelor's in Hospitality management and Culinary management, has two businesses one called The Kiddie Kitchen, which is home cooking parties and cooking camps for kids, and The Kitchen After Hours, adult cooking parties, catered events and cakes. She is now an executive chef and manager and loves that God transformed her path in life.
God is now moving Neena's life in a powerful way, alongside feeding people physically, He is leading her to feed people spiritually as well, leading bible studies, inspirational blogs, podcasts, motivational speaking, teachings and becoming an author. Neena's calling is to encourage, support, love and lead people to be their best selves in God they could be.
After so many years of challenges upon challenges, she finally feels like she's walking in the path and calling that God has written for her.
Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133, or clahey@norwalkpl.org.
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Business Workshops
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A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by The Norwalk Public Library
Simple Steps For Starting Your Business
A six week program: January - February 12
Tuesday, February 5 - Session 5 - Register
6:00 - 8:00 pm (check in starts at 5:30)
Main Library Auditorium
Want to start a business but don't know where to begin? This workshop series, conducted by a team of professionals will give you the boost to get you on your way!
Tuesday February 5: Your Business Plan - This session will focus on using the specific concepts discussed in the first four sessions to help you create the first draft of the business plan for your business. This session will give you the opportunity to obtain initial feedback from the presenters and from other participants.
Tuesday February 12: Funding Sources / Conversations with Entrepreneurs - This session will focus on funding structures required for start-up businesses today, including a presentation from lending sources specializing in start-up and small businesses. The session will conclude with a discussion and Q&A session with several start-up business entrepreneurs. Register
For further information, please contact Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780, ext. 15133 or clahey@norwalkpl.org.
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Book Discussion
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Readers' Choice Book Group
The Alice Network
Kate Quinn
Wednesday, February 13
2:00 pm
Norwalk Senior Center
11 Allen Rd. Norwalk, Ct
Norwalk Library's Director of Library Information Services, Cynde Bloom Lahey, will lead a discussion on The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLER
#1 GLOBE AND MAIL HISTORICAL FICTION BESTSELLER
One of NPR's Best Books of the Year!
One of Bookbub's Biggest Historical Fiction Books of the Year!
Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick!
The 2017 Girly Book Club Book of the Year!
A Summer Book Pick from Good Housekeeping, Parade, Library Journal, Goodreads, Liz and Lisa, and BookBub
In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women-a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947-are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.
1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.
1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.
Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.
"Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!"-Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter
Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133, or clahey@norwalkpl.org.
Reader's Choice Book Group Brochure - Past Books
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Books Sandwiched In
A Speck in the Sea: A story of survival and rescue
John Aldridge & Anthony Sosinski
Thursday, February 28
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Carnegie Room
Bring your lunch and join Reference Librarian Susannah Violino for a lively discussion of A Speck in the Sea by John Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski.
The harrowing adventure-at-sea memoir recounting the heroic search-and-rescue mission for lost Montauk fisherman John Aldridge, which Daniel James Brown calls "A terrific read." I am floating in the middle of the night, and nobody in the world even knows I am missing. Nobody is looking for me. You can't get more alone than that. You can't be more lost. I've got too many people who love me. There's no way I'm dying like this. In the dead of night on July 24, 2013, John Aldridge was thrown off the back of the Anna Mary while his fishing partner, Anthony Sosinski, slept below. As desperate hours ticked by, Sosinski, the families, the local fishing community, and the U.S. Coast Guard in three states mobilized in an unprecedented search effort that culminated in a rare and exhilarating success.
A tale of survival, perseverance, and community, A Speck in the Sea tells of one man's struggle to survive as friends and strangers work to bring him home. Aldridge's wrenching first-person account intertwines with the narrative of the massive, constantly evolving rescue operation designed to save him.
Books Sandwiched In meets the last Thursday of every month.
For further information, please contact Susannah Violino at (203) 899-2780 ext 15115, or sviolino@norwalkpl.org
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Weekly Programs
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Zumba with Karen
Children & Parents - Mondays
5:00 - 5:45 pm
Adults & Teens - Mondays
6:00 - 7:00 pm
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Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Tuesdays
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Auditorium
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based fall prevention program that transforms traditional martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen aimed at improving postural stability, awareness and mindful control of body positioning in space, functional walking, movement symmetry and coordination, range of motion around the ankle and hip joints, and lower-extremity muscle strength
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Low Impact Aerobics with Linda
Tuesdays & Thursdays
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Teen Room
Linda Lombardo is known to local residents for her work as a Silver Sneakers instructor, Linda has been a Business Education teacher with the New Canaan, Norwalk, Fairfield, Greenwich and Stamford Public School Systems for over 20 years. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a health fitness instructor, personal trainer and nutrition counselor. Stop by on Tuesday or Thursday to welcome Linda and try out a new version of Low Impact Aerobics.
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QiGong by Bill Wrenn
Wednesdays
5:30 - 6:00 pm
Main Floor Reference Area
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For additional information, please contact Cynde Bloom Lahey, Director of Library Information Services, at (203) 899-2780 ext 15133 or clahey@norwalkpl.org
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Cartoonist and Author Visit
Jerry Craft Celebrates His Book
The New Kid
Tuesday, February 26
4:15 pm
Program is for 5th through 8th graders
Visit with our own local author and cartoonist Jerry Craft to celebrate the publication of his latest title The New Kid. The first 100 kids in attendance will receive free copies!
For more information call the Children's Dept. at 203-899-2780 ext. 15131
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Norwalk History Room
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"Mysteries of the History Room"!
The Norwalk Museum, the original home to both historical artifacts, such as furniture, and the local archives, consisting of documents and photos closed over six years ago. In order to preserve Norwalk's significant history, these items had to be relocated. Centuries of Norwalk history had been stored at the museum. The plan was that the artifacts would go to the Norwalk Historical Society, and the archives would go to the Norwalk Public Library.
The Norwalk History Room is the home to a variety of items that relate to the City of Norwalk. Our considerable photo collection is representative of families and places in and around Norwalk. Our documents include diaries, letters, ledgers from old businesses, and binders of Board of Directors' meetings from various companies that operated within the city. City directories dating back to 1874 contain information on citizens as well as businesses. Some early city directories listed marriages and deaths, and some later volumes offered street-by-street listings. Our map drawers contain maps dating back to the 18th century, up to modern day. There are even transcripts of the old land lots.
If you wish to find out more about the Norwalk History Room, please go to our webpage on the NPL website: http://www.norwalkpl.org/162/Norwalk-History-Room
Come and visit! Learn more about your home town!
Lynn Hildenbrand, Archivist, Norwalk History Room
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Norwalk History Room Online Database
Our first online records are postcards of Norwalk scenes, most dating from the beginning of the 20th century. We will follow these with regular additions from our collection of thousands of documents and photographs. Search by keyword or use the advanced search feature. The postcards can also be viewed randomly.
The Norwalk History Room and archive combines the library's former Local History Collection with the archival collections of the former Norwalk Museum. The lower level of the main library building at 1 Belden Avenue houses this large array of published and unpublished books and papers, photographs and maps, and more, covering over 300 years of Norwalk history.
The mission of the Norwalk Public Library History Room is to preserve the archival materials, including manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, and books, which illustrate the history of Norwalk, Connecticut. This History Room online database will further our goal of promoting knowledge and appreciation of the long history and rich cultural heritage of the Town of Norwalk.
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Burbio.com - Norwalk Calendars
We are excited to announce a great new service that will allow you to easily keep track of everything going on at the library and all over Norwalk. Introducing Burbio.com a free website and app that puts ALL Norwalk schools, library and many other community calendars and events in one place. With Burbio, you can select calendars to follow, create a personalized event feed, sync local events to your Google or iPhone calendars instantly and get notified when things change!
Sign up for free at: www.Burbio.com or download the iPhone App and follow our calendar!
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NPL has partnered with drivers-test.org to bring you the current CT DMV driver's practice tests for free! Included are car, motorcycle, CDL practice test, and the driver's manuals for each test. Also included are accessibility tools that let users hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text, and mask portions of the screen for greater visibility on the practice tests.
This driver education program contains the following CT-specific information:
- 11 car practice tests
- 9 motorcycle practice tests
- 12 CDL (commercial driver's license) practice tests
- 3 online driver's manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL)
- A FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions
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Social Security @ NPL
The Social Security Administration offers their Video Service Delivery program at the Norwalk Public Library.
This service is available every Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in a small study room on the first floor of the Main Library.
People needing to speak with a Social Security employee will be able to do so. Video conferencing equipment has been set up so people can speak face to face with the Social Security employee. No appointment is necessary. This service was made available as a result of the closing of the Social Security office in Norwalk a few years ago.
For more information call the reference desk at 203-899-2780 ext. 15109
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