May had better bring more flowers and less showers as we enter the most beautiful season in Connecticut. We have a wonderfully diverse array of great programs for you to enjoy this month. Some very talented and bestselling authors are coming to us in May. Be sure to join us for Anthony Doerr on May 16, 7 pm, Gonzaga Auditorium, Fairfield University. He has won most of the  awards authors covet and his latest book is a rare gem. On May 28, also at Fairfield U, we are hosting a double header with Andrew Gross, bestselling thriller writer of the recently released Everything to Lose, leading a conversation with Terry Hayes who just wrote I am Pilgrim. This book had me engrossed to the very end and wanting more. Mr. Hayes has written for movies including Mad Max 2, Payback, and others. We will be showing two of his films this month (see below) to warm us up for his visit. Happy Happy Spring! Karen
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Anthony Doerr 
Friday, May 16, 7:00 pm
Gonzaga Auditorium, Fairfield University
Join us for an evening with one of America's most decorated story writers for the launch of his new novel, All the Light We Cannot See, a masterpiece ten years in the making. It is a beautiful story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as they both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Please register
 Terry Hayes Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 pm
Gonzaga Auditorium, Fairfield University
Terry Hayes began his career as a foreign correspondent in the U.S. where he covered Watergate and President Nixon's resignation, among many major international stories. He then went on to become a successful screenwriter, best known for Mad Max 2, Dead Calm, Bangkok Hilton, Payback, Vertical Limit and From Hell. We ce lebrate with him the American debut of his book, I Am Pilgrim, with a reading and book signing at Fairfield University. Please register
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"No Place Like Home" Charity Shower
Benefit for the Center for Family Justice 
Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
There's no place like home and we are reminded as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz movie, that no one feels this more deeply than those who have had to leave their homes in crisis. The Center for Family Justice helps families re-establish themselves. The library is sponsoring a shower to collect basic household items most useful to families. The Flying Monkeys Quartet of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will perform and a light tea will be served. Please visit our website for a list of suggested donation items. Please register to attend
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Be a Part of Fairfield History
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 The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library are commemorating the Town of Fairfield's 375th Anniversary, and the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the Friends organization, by helping to refurbish the Main Library's Memorial Room. The Room will be updated to honor those who have fallen for our country after World War I.
The Friends are seeking 24 "375th Anniversary" benefactors to contribute towards the Memorial Room's refurbishment, and thus becoming a part of Fairfield's history! We are currently more than a quarter of the way towards our goal! Don't miss out on this chance...between now and May 31st, please consider donating $375 to become a 375th Anniversary benefactor. Your generosity on behalf of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom will be recognized at the at the official re-opening of the Memorial Room.
Checks should be made payable to The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library, and sent to 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT, attn: Danielle Sharp. Any questions, please email us at [email protected]. 
Thank you in advance for helping with this wonderful tribute.
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Safer Home, Safer Family
Monday, May 5, 7:00 pm 
Rotary Room, Main Library
Many of the consumer products we use every day contain toxic chemicals. A number of health issues including breast cancer, infertility, birth defects, asthma and many other serious conditions all have been shown to have an environmental component. The good news is that there are many simple ways to reduce your exposure and to get rid of toxic chemicals all together! Environmental nurse-specialist Linda Russell-Getz will review ten ways to reduce your exposure and show you how you can make your own products. Please register.
*RESCHEDULED*
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Thursday May 15, 7:00 pm
Memorial Room, Main Library
Are stress and anxiety affecting your health and happiness? Emotions such as worry, fear and anger can elicit an actual physical stress response. Anxiety and stress affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. It is a culprit in numerous acute and chronic symptoms, and a contributing factor in many health conditions. Learn what you can embrace, as well as let go of, to manage stress and be healthier. Presenter Karen Drena is a certified holistic health practitioner. Please register
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Effective Parenting: Principles and Skills for Improved Communication and Connection 
Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, will present an overview of the book Between Parent and Child, the bestselling classic that revolutionized parent-child communication, followed by a brief discussion on how to develop and implement the parenting skills outlined in the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Learn time-tested methods to solve common parenting problems and build foundations for lasting parent-child relationships! Register
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The Films of Terry Hayes,
an Inspired Writers Series tie-in event 
Join us for two special weekend film screening events at Fairfield Public Library coinciding with a visit from author Terry Hayes to Fairfield University on Wednesday, May 28. (Register above.)
Dead Calm (1989)
Sunday, May 4, 2:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Grieving over the death of their son, a married couple decide to take a long yachting trip for relaxation's sake. Their journey takes a dark turn, however, when they rescue a young man from a drifting vessel. Directed by Phillip Noyce. Screenplay by Terry Hayes. Register
Vertical Limit (2000)
Saturday, May 10, 2:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Family differences and personal grudges add drama to an already tense situation as the lives of a team of mountain climbers hang in the balance in this action drama. Directed by Martin Campbell. Screenplay by Terry Hayes. Register
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 Family Reads! - Children's Services is excited to announce a new program that encourages families to read and discuss books together! On Tuesday, May 6, the first selected title will be available for checkout. Stop by to reserve your copy and pick up a schedule of events!
Summer Reading News
The 2014 Summer Reading Challenge is almost here.  Starting June 2, children ages 0-11, can register, read, record and win! Program details, including Calendar of Events, to be released Monday, May 12! Stay tuned.
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Calling All Teen Volunteers!
Do you love being with young children and having fun? Consider being a summer volunteer at the Fairfield Main or Fairfield Woods Branch library! We need teens to help sign children up for the online summer reading game, hand out prizes, be a helper at our fun summer kids craft programs, show movies, and much more. Who can volunteer? Any student entering grade 8 and up in Fall 2014. Time commitment: minimum 2 hours/week, or more - up to you! When: June 23 - August 10, with a mandatory 1 hour training session before June 23. How: Email Judy Sparzo, Branch Children's Librarian: [email protected] or call 203-255-7327.
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Skype-a-Docent Museum Tours
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 The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Wednesday, May 14, 10:30 am
Rotary Room, Main Library
Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Fairfield Public Library offers a long-distance, live guided tour of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield. A docent will present the exhibits using Skype technology to project images back to the large screen in the Library's Rotary Room, where attendees can ask questions and interact. It's the next best thing to being there! Register
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Children's Program @ Woods
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Calling All Woodsies
Tuesdays, May 5, 12 and 19, 2:00 pm
Fairfield Woods Branch
Stories, songs, and activities for children ages 3-5. Children attend independently, but parent or caregiver must remain in the Children's Room during the program. Drop-in program.
Saturday Story Time @ the Branch Library
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 am
Fairfield Woods Branch
Enjoy family time with music, movement, songs, stories, and fingerplays for children ages 2-6 with their parent or caregiver. Drop-in program.
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Service Saturday
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Main Library
For teens in grade 6 and up. Do you need community service hours or just want that good feeling of helping out? Drop in on Service Saturday and get to work helping around the Library.
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Edward VII: The Man Who Waited to be King
Fairfield Woods Branch
Presenter Mona Garcia again shares her knowledge of the British Monarchy with the final two parts of the series on Edward VII, the son and heir of Queen Victoria who waited 59 years to become King.
 A Line of His Own
Uncle of Europe
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Small Business Strategies
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How to Best Target Your Most Valued Clients
Thursday, May 7, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library 
Do you have enough clients? Do you have the clients you want? This workshop focuses on identifying the best, most desired customers and how to do the research necessary to understand them. We also show you a quick, easy-to-use tool for prioritizing hot, qualified leads versus cooler tire kickers.
Presenter Liz Dederer helps entrepreneurs have more time, money and peace of mind by creating business lifestyles they love. Register
Tools to Improve Your Business: Lower Costs and Increase Customer Satisfaction
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Reducing costs is a very effective way of improving your cash flow, better than higher sales or increasing your price. Drawing from the disciplines of Lean and Six Sigma, there are a number of simple, cost-reduction methods which are appropriate for small businesses. Presented by SCORE counselors John Harmon and Andy Jawllik. Register
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 Abstract VisionsArtists Reception
Saturday, May 3, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
The Bruce S. Kershner Gallery
Main Library
The next exhibit in the Kershner Gallery is "Abstract Visions" and will feature the art of Pam Hochstetter, Joan Miller, and Merrill Steiger. The show will run from April 27 to June 15. The public is invited to a reception on Saturday, May 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, with a talk by the artists at 5:30 pm.
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Interview Skills
Monday, May 12, 10:00 am
Rotary Room, Main Library
Assess your ability to ask and answer common interview questions and improve your interview techniques. Our presenter will be a career counselor from the CT Department of Labor. Please register.
The Job Seeker's Guide to Using the Power of Positive Thinking
Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Research shows that having a positive mind set and being prepared are key to conducting a successful job search. This workshop will offer strategies to strengthen your confidence, minimize stress, negative thinking and procrastination. A working model for creating an "action plan" for success will also be shared with participants. Presenter: Dorothy Timmermann. Register
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 The TWICE REaD Room at the Main Library continues to offer a great selection of gently used books. We have many books for children, young adults, and adults. We even have CDs and DVDs. Stop by and see what awaits. All proceeds are used by the Friends of the Library to support Library programs such as, One Book, One Town, Soundwaves, the Kershner Gallery, and children's programs. We are always accepting books, CDs, and DVDs in good condition for sale. Please bring all donations to the receiving room near the Circulation Desk at the Main Library. |
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 Buying a Computer
Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Desktops, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and smart phones. So many choices. We'll evaluate what's new in tablets, laptops, and desktops and help you begin to decide which device or combination might be right for you. Presenter: Alan Weaver. Please register
 Midday with Merry: Facebook
Wednesday, May 7, Noon - 1:00 pm
Rotary Room, Main Library
Get an overview of Facebook with tips to get you started. Learn the basics of setting up an account, adding friends, sending messages, and privacy settings. Presented by Merry Mao, Town and Library Webmaster. Register here.
File and Folder Management
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
 Harold B. Harris Computer Lab
Learn how to find and manage all of your electronic files created in any program with presenter Jan Byrnes. Topics include copying, pasting, re-naming and moving files, creating folders, and subfolders, and learning about Libraries in Win7. Prerequisite: Basic keyboarding skills and an understanding of MS Windows. Registration required
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 In this fourth installment of "How to Read A Film," Dean Mark Schenker presents four lectures this spring on "The Films of Billy Wilder." Two black-and-white films remain in the series: Stalag 17 (1953)
- Screening, Mon. May 5, 2 pm ; - Discussion, Thurs., May 8, 7 pm
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
- Screening, Mon May 19, 2pm ; - Discussion, Thurs., May 22, 7 pm.
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Embroidered Bookmarks
Saturday, May 3,
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fairfield Woods Branch
 Our guest presenter will be Jessica Pigza of the New York Public Library. Jessica is a rare book librarian and the author of BiblioCraft. She will teach us how and where to look for crafting inspiration and we will make embroidered bookmarks. For ages 18 and older. Registration required.
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International Authors Book Club
Discuss wonderful books by international authors.
Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail (Oufkir)
Wed, May 14, 7:00 pm
Jennings Room,
Main Library
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NAMI Book Group
Co-sponsored with the National Alliance on Mental Health
Wave (Deraniyagala)
Thurs, May 15, 7:00 pm
Jennings Room,
Main Library
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Monthly book discussion at the Fairfield Senior Center
Yes, Chef: A Memoir (Samuelson)
Wed, May 7, 11:00 am
Senior Center
100 Mona Terrace
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Woods Book Group
Wed, May 28, 2:00 pm
The Painted Girls(Buchanan)
Purls of Wisdom
Enjoy great books and knit too! Bring a lunch if you like.
Thurs, May 15, Noon - 1:00 pm
The Round House (Erdrich)
Books and Banter
Thurs, May 29, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
The Fault in Our Stars(Green)
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Have a Question? Text Us!
Given the fast pace of life these days, it may be more convenient for you to text a librarian than to call or come to the Library. Now you can! Fairfield Public Library now offers a new service, Text a Librarian, that allows patrons to text questions to the Library from their mobile phones. The service does not display phone numbers and generates an anonymous ID for each patron.
It is easy to use! The first time that you use our new service, text the word "START" to 203-347-2507. You will receive a text back from us right away instructing you to text your question. We will get back to you as soon as possible, during Library hours.
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