Happy New Year!


We wish everyone in the Rowayton community the very best in the coming year and look forward to seeing you at the library.

Tech Turn In


For the month of January, bring in any broken, old or unused cell phones, tablets and iPods to benefit the Rowayton Library.

Questions? For more information, contact us by phone at (203) 838-5038 or by email at library@rowayton.org.

Saturday Movie Matinee for Kids on January 4 at 2pm


Come watch Planes to see if a cropduster can live out his dream to compete in a famous around-the-world race.

Rated PG. 91 minutes

Tech Help on Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm


Get a new gadget over the holidays?

Upgrade your phone or tablet?

If you have questions about your new devices, come by the library on January 8 to help you find answers.

Fairy Yarn Mothers on Thursday, January 9 from 3:30 to 4:30pm


Needing some help with your latest knitting project or learning a new skill?

Come meet with this talented, magical team!

For ages 8 and up

Storytime


In January storytime will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30am.

2013 Rowayton Turkey Trot

Thank you to all the volunteers and participants along with their friends and family who cheered on over 600 runners and walkers to make this year's event so fun and successful. A special thanks goes out to our generous sponsors:

GOLD
Graham Capital
HB Home
Pig 'n' Whistle
Runners' Roost

SILVER
Downunder Kayaking
Maureen Bloom's Playdates
Mosquito Squad
Rex Marine Center
Rowayton Pizza
Seaside Delights
William Pitt Sotheby's
William Raveis - Rowayton

BRONZE
Hartsdale Wines & Liquors
Uptick Fitness

Reminder that the library will be closing early on New Year's Eve at 3pm and be closed on New Year's Day


Holiday Closings...

The library will be closing early on Tuesday, December 24th, at 3:00pm and will be closed Christmas day.  The library will also be closing early on Wednesday, December 31st at 3:00pm and will be closed New Year's Day.

Movie for Kids, Thursday, December 26, Showing Despicable Me 2 (rated PG) @ 2pm

Looking for something to do after all the holiday hoopla?

Come laugh at the minions’ antics and learn what happens to Gru and the girls in this highly anticipated sequel.

Pre-Holiday Camp, Saturday, December 21, Noon-3:30pm

So much to do before the holidays!

Give your parents a break and come to the library for an afternoon of pizza, crafts, games and a movie.

We will be showing Turbo, a film about an ordinary garden snail that suddenly has an extraordinary chance to make his dreams come true.


  • Noon to 12:30 – Pizza lunch
  • 12:30 to 1:15 – Seasonal craft
  • 1:15 to 2:00 – Games
  • 2:00 to 3:30 – Movie (rated PG)
For ages 4 and up

Space is limited to 25. Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038

Ornament Making Workshop, Wednesday, December 18, 3:45-4:45pm

Get in the holiday spirit by crafting your own ornaments to give as gifts or to admire for yourself.

Each participant will have the opportunity to make four ornaments.

Dress for mess!

For ages 6 and up

Space is limited to 20. Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038

Movie for Kids, Thursday, December 26, Showing Despicable Me 2 (rated PG) @ 2pm

Looking for something to do after all the holiday hoopla? 

Come laugh at the minions’ antics and learn what happens to Gru and the girls in this highly anticipated sequel.

Pre-Holiday Camp, Saturday, December 21, Noon-3:30pm

So much to do before the holidays! 

Give your parents a break and come to the library for an afternoon of pizza, crafts, games and a movie. 

We will be showing Turbo, a film about an ordinary garden snail that suddenly has an extraordinary chance to make his dreams come true.


  • Noon to 12:30 – Pizza lunch
  • 12:30 to 1:15 – Seasonal craft
  • 1:15 to 2:00 – Games
  • 2:00 to 3:30 – Movie (rated PG)
For ages 4 and up

Space is limited to 25. Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038

Ornament Making Workshop, Wednesday, December 18, 3:45-4:45pm

Get in the holiday spirit by crafting your own ornaments to give as gifts or to admire for yourself.

Each participant will have the opportunity to make four ornaments. 

Dress for mess!

For ages 6 and up

Space is limited to 20. Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038

Ornament Making for Preschoolers, Saturday, December 14, 10:30-11:30am

After listening to a holiday tale, get crafty by decorating three ornaments to take home and one for hanging in the library. 

Dress for mess!

For ages 3 to 5

Space is limited to 20. Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038



Toast the Holidays with Joe, Thursday, December 12, 7-9pm

Joseph G. Hamboussi, bartender extraordinaire, is currently Executive Chef at The New Haven Meatball House as well as General Manager of Mediterraneo in Norwalk. 

With his characteristic flair, he will help novices explore both new and familiar flavors in the science of “mixology” just in time for holiday entertaining.

RSVP for this popular evening out at (203) 838-5038. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Fairy Yarn Mothers, Thursday, December 12, 3:30-4:30pm

Needing some help with your latest knitting project or learning a new skill? 

Come meet with this talented, magical team!

For ages 8 and up

Cookie Decorating, Wednesday, December 11, 4-5pm


‘Tis the season for decorating a dozen tasty treats (nut free) for friends, loved ones or yourself!

For ages 6 and up

Space is limited to 20 kids.

Please RSVP at (203) 838-5038

Every Week at the Library

TeaTime @ the Rowayton Library - every Tuesday @ 2-3pm 
When was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend, sealed the envelope and posted it? When was the last time you received a letter?

Come enjoy a cup of tea and a cookie or two and write a letter or two... choose from a selection of writing paper, fountain pens, sealing wax... and the postage is on us... TeaTime and Letter Writing (to friends & family) on Tuesdays at 2 pm at the Rowayton Library (with cookies including nut-free cookies fromwww.Skeetersnacks.com.)

No need for a reservation. For more information about the tea being served, visitwww.georgehmacytea.com Tins of this favorite Rowayton Tea will be on sale at the "Library Store" for your convenience.



StoryTime @ the Rowayton Library - every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday morning @ 10:30am 

Did you know that by attending storytime, you're getting much more than just a fun activity? StoryTime is a wonderful way for your child to acquire the six early literacy skills researchers identify as laying important groundwork for learning to read.

The skills are: Print Motivation, Vocabulary, Phonological Awareness, Letter Knowledge, Print Awareness, and Narrative Skills. Click HERE to read more.


Knitting for Adults @ the Rowayton Library - every Thursday from 1-3pm

Relax and enjoy knitting in the company of others at the Rowayton Library. These sessions will be an opportunity to share patterns, different techniques and helpful hints from more experienced knitters. Bring your current project or an old unfinished one. If you haven't knit in years, don't rush out and buy new supplies. Just bring your favorite needles-we also have extra needles and yarn. After a quick refresher you will be able to select an appropriate pattern for your skill level and order materials. Refreshments will be served.

3rd Annual Rowayton Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th @ 9:00am

Join the fun on Thanksgiving Day and with the 3rd Annual Rowayton Turkey Trot! 

The 5k and 1 mile family fun run is held in Rowayton, Connecticut on the morning of Thanksgiving day. The event was founded by Rowayton residents Paul Wolters and Cameron Letters and will benefit the Rowayton Library this year.

Thanksgiving morning in the Rowayton Community Center. Registration opens at 9 am. 5K and 1 mile trots begin at 9:30 am.
Register online www.rowaytonturkeytrot.com"

Thanksgiving Creativity, Thursday, November 21 from 3:30-4:30pm

Thursday, November 21 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Rowayton Community Center

For ages 6-9

What are you thankful for? Share your thoughts, deck out a turkey with a mix of natural materials and listen to a story about a girl who came to love a butternut squash!

Co--sponsored by Green Moon, Rowayton Gardeners and Rowayton Library

This activity is now FULL.

Turkey Time, Wednesday, November 20 from 4-5pm

Wednesday, November 20 from 4-5 p.m. in the Rowayton Community Center

For ages 2-5. Come listen to a story, sing a song and let your feathers fly at this fun program where each child will receive a kit where they can get creative to adorn their very own gobbler.

Co-sponsored by Green Moon, Rowayton Gardeners and Rowayton Library

This activity is now FULL.

Talk, Book Signing, and Wine and Cheese Reception with Author Kate Manning, Wednesday, November 20th @ 7:00 p.m....

Please join us at the Rowayton Library on Wednesday, November 20th at 7:00 p.m. for a talk, book signing and wine and cheese reception with author Kate Manning. A long time resident of Wilson Point and New York City, friend, neighbor, established writer and documentary filmmaker, Kate Manning is the author of the recently published book, My Notorious Life.

My Notorious Life is the evocative, absolutely unforgettable novel inspired by the true story of Ann Trow Lohman (Axie Muldoon), a female physician who became one of the most controversial figures in Victorian New York City. My Notorious Life vibrantly portrays a charismatic, passionate woman who changed the lives of countless others. Axie, a formidable child of Irish immigrants, works her way off the brutal streets to become one of the most successful - and scandalous - women of her time.

Rowayton Library, 33 Highland Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853

Reservations for this event are a must. Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org to RSVP.

MovieTime for Kids – Friday, November 15 @ 3:30pm: Ant Bully

The Ant Bully tells a witty and heartwarming story about a 10-year-old boy who embarks on a remarkable journey. New in town, friendless and tormented by a neighborhood bully, young Lucas Nickle has been taking out his frustration on the innocent ant hill in his yard. But one day the ants retaliate. Using a magic potion, they shrink Lucas down to ant size and sentence him to live like an ant in their colony. In this strange new world Lucas will learn important lessons about friendship, get a whole new perspective on life and ultimately find the courage to stand up for himself.

Please note: Rated PG Popcorn will be served. This program is free and open to the public.

Fairy Yarn Mothers - Thursday, November 14 @ 3:30 p.m....

The Rowayton Library continues its Fairy Yarn Mothers with NancyJo Rambusch, for kids ages 8 and up.

This knitting program is designed to hep kid knitters of all skill levels work on their projects. Bring your needles and projects. First time students will be provided with a pair of knitting needles and yarn to start learning and working on a project.

Please make a reservation by calling the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org.

8th Annual Monopoly Tournament - Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 11:00am-2:30pm

Fun, Games, Prizes, Pizza!

The Rowayton Library is once again hosting it's Official MONOPOLY Game Tournament on Election Day, for kids ages 8-12.

Children who know how to play Monopoly and want to test their real estate skills are invited. Admission is free. Pizza will be served for lunch.

Space is limited for this extremely popular event -- reservations are required. Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org to RSVP.

LegoTime for Kids, Saturday, November 2, 2013 1:00-3:00pm

Explore the world of building with Legos(r) at the Rowayton Library.

Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to work alone or in teams during this Lego building/creations workshop. Theme to be announced. The Lego bricks are property of the Library and will not be distributed at the end of the session. This program is free and open to the public. Parents or caregivers for children under the age of 8 are required to stay in the Library during the event.

Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or emailcirc@rowayton.org to RSVP.

Halloween CraftTime for Kids - Friday, October 25, @ 3:30 p.m.

Come make hauntingly good decorations and spooktacular treats at the Rowayton Library Friday, October 25th, at 3:30 p.m.  

We will provide the ideas and materials for this Halloween crafts-making afternoon. 

Ages 6 and up. Parents or caregivers for children under the age of 8 are required to stay in theLibrary during the event.  

Space is limited to 30; reservations are a must. Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org to RSVP.

MELISSA YURECHKO APPOINTED ROWAYTON LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Melissa Yurechko
The Board of Trustees of the Rowayton Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Yurechko of Westport as Rowayton Library Director, effective October 28, 2013. Ms. Yurechko has had twenty years’ experience as a library professional with her most recent library post as Assistant Director and Head of Children’s Services at The Darien Library.

Earlier she was a Children’s Librarian at Ferguson Library in Stamford, Community Librarian at the Dwight Branch of Hartford Public Library and Head of Youth Services at Miller Memorial Library in Hamden. She is currently a Children’s Book Reviewer for Kirkus Reviews.

During her time as a children’s librarian she was a committee member for the Randolph Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children by the Association for Library Services to Children and participated in various Nutmeg Book Award activities as part of the Connecticut Library Association.

A graduate of Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Arts in English, she holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

The Board will host a Community Reception on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4 to 6pm in the Community Center. Please join us in welcoming Melissa to the Rowayton Library.

Free SAT*ACT Practice Test - Saturday, October 26, 10:30a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Join us at the Rowayton Library for a FREE practice SAT/ACT test hosted by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions on Saturday, October 26, from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

Kaplan will proctor this simulated examination for students to learn what they can expect on the college admission tests. This three-and-a-half hour practice test will allow you to experience each ACT and SAT section, receive a detailed analysis of your performance and learn strategies to improve your scores. There is a short snack break halfway through the exam.

Students must pre-register for the test online at kaptest.com/practice test or call 1-800-KAP-TEST. If questions, call the Library at 203/838-5038. Space is limited. Those taking the test must also bring two #2 sharpened pencils and a calculator to the exam. Test results will be returned to the students in the weeks following the practice exam.

CollegeTalk "The College Process" - Wednesday, October 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The Rowayton Library invites 8th through 12th grade students and their parents to an informative evening on the college admissions process on Wednesday, October 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Consultants from OneGoal Prep, a local group with extensive college advising experience, will present an overview of the process including: the Common Application structure, the importance of activities, the personal statement and supplements. They will also cover standardized test preparation, whether to take the SAT vs. ACT, test content and strategy, and how to set up an effective timeline. The presentations will be followed by Q&A. 

Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org to RSVP.

AuthorTalk "Raising the Curve"- Thursday, October 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Author and journalist Ron Berler will appear at the Rowayton Library to discuss his book, "Raising the Curve: A Year Inside One of America's 45,000* Failing Public Schools" on Thursday, October 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The book recounts his year at Brookside Elementary School, chronicling the daily struggles of a school labeled "in need of improvement", and the efforts by teachers, staff, parents and students to achieve despite the day-to-day challenges brought on by No Child Left Behind. His presentation will be followed by an open discussion and Q&A. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This program is free and open to the public. 

Please call the Library at 203/838-5038 or email circ@rowayton.org to RSVP.

Celebrating the Farrell Legacy in Rowayton - Saturday, September 21, 2013

Join us at the opening of a special new exhibit, "Celebrating the Farrell Legacy in Rowayton" this Saturday, September 21st from noon until 4 pm. Bring a picnic lunch and join the fun at the Rowayton Community Center property.

The event will include exhibits and vintage photographs in the Community Center, Library, and Potting Shed, a special gardening program in the old Farrell Greenhouse, games, plein air paintings of the estate, and special guests.

There will also be an exhibit with more photographs and artifacts at the Pinkney Museum from 2 until 4pm on the 21st.

"Celebrating the Farrell Legacy in Rowayton" is a collaborative exhibit brought to you by the Rowayton Historical Society, the Sixth Taxing District Planning Committee, Rowayton Gardeners, Rowayton Art Center, and Rowayton Library.

Art21 Screening: Structure - Monday, August 5 at NOON

Over the past decade, Art21 has established itself as the preeminent chronicler of contemporary art and artists through its Peabody Award-winning biennial television series, "Art in the Twenty-First Century." The nonprofit organization has used the power of digital media to introduce millions of people of all ages to contemporary art and artists and has created a new paradigm for teaching and learning about the creative process. 

 Join us for a "brown bag" lunch, refreshments, a movie, craft and discussion... for adults interested in Art. Co-Sponsored by the Rowayton Arts Center. Artists explore how we organize life and the ways in which we capture knowledge and attempt greater understanding. 

Featuring artists Matthew Ritchie, Fred Wilson, Richard Tuttle, and Roni Horn, with an introduction by Sam Waterson and an original video artwork by Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler.

Business & Bagels - Thursday Morning, July 25 @ 7:30am



Another in the Business and Bagels Quarterly series. A light breakfast will be served courtesy of the Rowayton Library. SCORE will sponsor draw for Entrepreneur Magazine. Our speaker, Stan Witkow will return to explore the most practical aspects for your networking activities.
  •  Understand the whys and wherefores of networking
  •  Learn what works and what doesn't work for successful networking
  •  Learn how to get the most out of every networking encounter
  •  Find out how to make networking fun!
Stanley Witkow, a SCORE counselor for more than five years, is the former general counsel of GE Capital IT Solutions. He has been mentoring and providing career counseling since 2008. Currently he moderates Westporters in Transition, a weekly support group for members of the Westport Community who are in Career transition. He helps clients develop compelling stories about themselves and to set achievable goals.

Notice of Immediate Opening: Rowayton Library Director

NOTICE OF IMMEDIATE OPENING
ROWAYTON LIBRARY DIRECTOR

The Rowayton Library, a public, independent library, has an immediate opening for the position of Library Director. The Director provides day-to-day management of the library’s programs and projects, supervises the staff, manages the collections, and is an advocate for the Library to the community at-large. The Director reports to the Board of Trustees.

The successful candidate should have:

  • 5+ years of successful library management/leadership experience.
  • Broad vision of how library services will be delivered in the future.
  • Creative and energetic approaches to tasks.
  • Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
  • Ability to work well with Board, Staff, Community Leaders and Patrons.
  • Strong computer literacy and ability to use and monitor technical equipment.
  • MLS Degree from an ALA accredited institution, preferred.

This is a full-time position geared to the Library’s hours, which are currently Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Summer Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional time requirements may involve occasional evenings and weekends. Salary commensurate with experience meets the CLA Minimum Standards. EOE: M/F/D/V.

Please direct cover letters and resumes to: Library Search Committee, rowayton10@mindspring.com or Library Search Committee, P.O. Box 26, Rowayton, CT 06853

Everyday is a FUN day... SummerTime @ the Rowayton Library







 The Rowayton Library is featuring activities for kids each weekday (Mondays through Fridays) from 2-3pm July 1 through August 9:  Rubberband Bracelet Workshop on Mondays; Origami @ the Rowayton Library, Tuesdays for everyone.  Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to transform a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.  Objects found in nature will be created.  Beadwork @ the Rowayton Library, for everyone.  Beadwork is the art or craft of attaching beads to one another, usually by the use of a needle and thread or soft, flexible wire. Most beadwork takes the form of jewelry or other personal adornment, but beads are also used in wall hangings and sculpture.  Knitting @ the Rowayton Library, Thursdays for kids ages 8 and up.  Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn may be turned into cloth or other fine crafts. Knitted fabric consists of consecutive loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can be passed through them. This process eventually results in a final product, often a garment.  Fridays @ the Rowayton Library is MovieTime.  Everyone is invited.  Movies will be rated G or PG.   Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver for all programs at the Rowayton Library.  These programs are free and open to the public. 








Resignation of the Library Director


ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Rowayton Library Board of Trustees announces with great regret the resignation of Cynthia F. Johnson, Library Director, as she is relocating to California to be closer to family. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her the very best as she assumes her new position as the Medical Librarian at the Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, California.

Hot Dog Day, Tuesday, July 16 11am-2pm (rain date is July 23)



"Eighth Annual Hot Dog Picnic" … and they say there is no such thing as a free lunch! Well, there is… @ the Rowayton Library.  Everyone is invited to help celebrate.  July as National Hot Dog Month with the Rowayton Library’s Eighth Annual Hot Dog Picnic. Come check out what’s new at the Rowayton Library and join us for a “Free Hot Dog Lunch.” This program is made possible – in part – through the generosity of the Rowayton Civic Association.  This program is free and open to the public.

Geocaching @ the Rowayton Library


Find the treasure (a golden monopoly piece inside the cache) and bring it to the Rowayton Library to claim your prize.  Dig into Reading... this summer!  Click HERE to find the treasure map!

Art21 Screening @ the Rowayton Library, July 8 @ Noon




Over the past decade, Art21 has established itself as the preeminent chronicler of contemporary art and artists through its Peabody Award-winning biennial television series, "Art in the Twenty-First Century." The nonprofit organization has used the power of digital media to introduce millions of people of all ages to contemporary art and artists and has created a new paradigm for teaching and learning about the creative process.  Join us at the Rowayton Library on Monday, July 8 at Noon for a "brown bag" lunch, refreshments, a movie, craft and discussion... for adults interested in Art.  Co-Sponsored by the Rowayton Arts Center.  Art21 Film - Time:  How do artists evoke and transform time in their work? Can a work of contemporary art be timeless? How does contemporary art relate to art of the ancient past, to nature, and to the rhythms of the life? The "Art in the Twenty-First Century" documentary “Time” explores these questions through the work of Charles Atlas, Martin Puryear, Paul Pfeiffer, Vija Celmins, and Tim Hawkinson.   
Leading the discussion following the screening will be RAC artists Tom Kretsch and Lynn Stephens Massey.  No reservations necessary.