CT Secretary of State to Visit Library March 14

The Stratford Library and C.A.R.E. (Citizens Addressing Racial Equity) welcome Secretary of State Denise Merrill in a special meet and greet session in the library's Lovell Room on Wednesday, March 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Denise Merrill was elected as Connecticut's 73rd Secretary of the State on November 2, 2010. First elected to the General Assembly in 1994, she rose to the rank of House Majority leader from 2008-2010, the second most powerful position in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

In 2009, Ms. Merrill was named by her colleagues in the legislature as "Most Respected by the Other Side of the Aisle" and "Most Effective Legislator" in a poll done by Connecticut Magazine. She is a former teacher and a classically trained pianist.

Your vote counts!

Current voter registration and ballot information will be available at this CARE event on March 14. If you are unable to attend the event at the library, the website for Project Vote Smart outlines the many ways you can register to vote, including by mail and online.

March 9: "The Help" is Free Friday Night Movie

The Stratford Library continues its monthly film series with The Help, based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett and the recipient of many nominations at the Oscars.

Movies are shown uncut on widescreen. Complimentary snacks will be served. Join us at 7 p.m. tonight, March 9, in the Library's Lovell Room.

The Help

In 1960s in Mississippi, aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan (Emma Stone) crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Abilene Clark (Viola Davis) about her life as a housekeeper. Their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope, The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

Octavia Spencer won the 2012 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of feisty, defiant and determined cook Minny Jackson. The film as a whole was honored in this spring's film awards presentations, garnering multiple awards at the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild, the BAFTA awards and more.

PG-13, 146 minutes