Shakespeare Comedy Comes to Life at Library on July 28

The Hudson Shakespeare Company of New Jersey will perform the second of three Shakespeare productions at the Stratford Library with “The Comedy of Errors” on Saturday, July 28 at 2 pm. The company returned to Stratford for its seventh annual season last month with a program of three plays. The theatre program is free and open to the public.

“The Comedy of Errors” follows Antipholus of Syracuse and his trusty sidekick and good buddy Dromio as they arrive in the exotic and mysterious city of Ephesus in search for their long lost relatives. At birth both Antipholus and Dromio were separated from their twin brothers. Little do they know that their twin siblings, also known as Antipholus and Dromio, live in town and soon the boys from Syracuse are mistaken for their siblings. Mistaken identities are compounded as the brotherly pairs mistake each other, incorporate local merchants, nuns, Dukes and a strange "doctor" as the hilarious mistakes reach a comic climax.

The Hudson troupe takes the absurd farce from its ancient Greek setting to 1940's New York with a Looney Tunes edge. "The show’s over-the-top and frenetic comic pace lends itself to a cartoon like setting", according to director Michael Hagins.

Hudson is in its 21st season of traveling Shakespeare. The final play in the series this summer will be a special presentation of Shakespeare’s “lost play”, “Cardenio” on August 11. Patrons should bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread in the amphitheatre prior to the 2 pm show time. In the event of rain, performances will take place in the library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room.

For further information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

“Broadway Comes To Stratford” on April 28th

On Saturday, April 28th, beginning at 6:30 pm, the Stratford Library will be transformed for the night into a glamorous showcase for singers direct from Broadway, as well an elegant buffet of hors d'oeuvres, desserts and drinks for 200 guests.

Presented by The Stratford Library Board of Trustees, the ninth annual “Broadway Comes to Stratford” will have a “Celebrate the 1950s” theme. Nostalgic "Fifties" attire is encouraged (but optional), and rumor has it that library director Barbara Blosveren will be sporting a classic poodle skirt. All proceeds will benefit the library’s book collection.

The evening will feature top-notch entertainment by Broadway singers Matt Cavenaugh and Jenny Powers. Recently married, the couple has just produced their debut album, “Gonna Make You Love Me”. Cavenaugh was seen in the Broadway productions of “Grey Gardens”, “A Catered Affair”, “Urban Cowboy” and “West Side Story”. Powers was featured in Broadway’s “Grease” and “Little Women” as well as the television series, “The Good Wife” and “Nurse Jackie”.

In a separate "venue" in the Library's building, singers Dan Micciche and Dave Anthony Vogel will perform a medley of Broadway selections, new and old. Mr. Micciche was most recently featured in the Broadway production of “Chicago” and has a host of local and regional theatre credits. Mr. Vogel has recently performed in Chicago The Musical (Mary Sunshine). International/National Tours include Chicago The Musical and Click, Clack, Moo (TheatreworksUSA). Stratford pianist David Childs will perform in the main lobby during intermission breaks.

A cocktail buffet of delicious edibles and fine desserts with an open bar will be catered by Events of Distinction. The Event Decorators of Bridgeport will provide a variety of magical balloon creations for the benefit. Vacation prizes and entertainment packages will be included in a special silent auction.

Event co-chairpersons are Robyn Proto and Doreen Jaekle of Stratford with committee members Barbara Blosveren, Sheri Szymanski, Judith Crudo, Shelley Hall, Cynthia Smith, Maria Ferrera, Karla Glad, Paula Nizzardo, Heather Silverman, Jim Duffy, Tory Florek and Tom Holehan. The Honorary Chairman for BCTS is Mayor John A. Harkins.

This year's sponsors presently include John and Beth Morgan, TD Bank, People's United Bank, The Milford Bank, United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, Stratford Development, Aquarion Water Company and Berchem, Moses and Devlin.

Tickets for the event are available in three separate categories: Supporting Cast ($75), Director ($100) and Producer ($150). Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Attire is 1950s or semi-formal. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the library at 203.385.4166.

On Friday, April 20, the trailblazing minister and author Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed will discuss his autobiography, "In Between--Memoir of an Integration Baby" at the Stratford Library, from 7 to 9 pm. The event is free and all are welcome. This special community book club reading and discussion is co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport (UUCGB) and the Stratford Library.

Morrison-Reed, a Unitarian Universalist minister, will provide a personal account of growing up black during the era of the civil rights movement as he wrestled with the emotions of racism, black radicalism, the death of Dr. King, and his own interracial family and experiences as one of the first black ministers in a predominantly white denomination.

He gives voice to unspoken stories of African Americans who were among the first to bring racial diversity to their neighborhood, school, church, or workplace, and who were in interracial relationships or trying to raise interracial children in a polarized world.

UUCGB has donated copies of In Between to the Stratford Library that are available for check-out. The book may also be ordered from Beacon Press or online through Amazon.com. The author will sign personal copies at the April 20 reading.

The community book discussion kicks off a weekend of public presentations by Morrison-Reed that are being sponsored by UUCGB in celebration of its 175th anniversary year and Unitarian Universalism’s historic dedication to the principle of social justice.

Morrison-Reed will also present a workshop at the Library on Saturday, April 21,and will preach at UUCGB’s Sunday 4:30 p.m. service at First Congregational Church on April 22 (2301 Main St., Stratford).

Everyone is welcome to participate and attend all of the weekend's events. For more information, call UUCGB at (203) 378-1020.

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

New Dates for Nook, Kindle, iPad Sessions at Stratford Library

Are you a newbie with the Nook? Do you find the Kindle kinda confusing? Does your iPad make you i-Rate?

The Stratford Library has set new dates for our popular "Technology Sandbox" sessions, a series of open-house, hands-on help sessions for people who are just getting started with downloading library materials onto portable devices. Library staff will be on hand to help you get comfortable with and learn how to use these new devices.

• Bring your e-reader or your tablet computer to one of the sessions listed below. We will show you how to get yourself set up for reading and downloading library materials for free. Laptops are invited too!
• Bring your smartphone or mobile device -- they can download library materials also!
• If you haven't committed to purchasing one of these devices yet, come try out ours -- we have sample devices for you to "test drive."

All sessions are in the Stratford Library's Lovell Room. It's an open house format, so just drop by.

Tues., Jan. 24, 5 to 7 p.m.

Mon., Jan. 30, 10 to 12 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 2, 3 to 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10, 10 to 12 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.

Tues., Feb. 21, 5 to 7 p.m.

Yes, we have tax forms

Tax forms are no longer mailed to your home automatically. The post office no longer carries tax forms. What is a person supposed to do?

The Stratford Library is your source for federal and Connecticut tax forms. This is just one of many public services we provide as the hub of the community and Stratford's information center.

We have the most frequently used federal and Connecticut forms and instruction booklets available in our lobby (while supplies last). If you require an unusual form that is not on display, come to the Reference Desk and we will help locate it for you.

Do-it-yourself types can get a head start by printing out the forms themselves (as well as the instruction booklets) at the IRS and CT Dept. of Revenue Services websites:

IRS (Federal) Tax Forms and Instructions
CT Dept. of Revenue Services Tax Forms and Instructions

The Stratford Library -- serving the public's information needs cheerfully, efficiently and economically since 1885.

Local Flight Pioneers Highlighted in Library Talk Jan. 8

On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Stratford Library, Bridgeport historian Charles Brilvich will discuss the "Lordship Flying Grounds" and the early flights of Gustave Whitehead that took place there from 1901-02.

According to some aviation historians, Bridgeport resident Gustave Whitehead built and flew a mono plane with a four cylinder, two-cycle motor on a flight of a mile and half in 1901, two years before the Wright Brothers' more famous flight.

Brilvich will begin with a brief history of Lordship and a description of its appearance at the beginning of the 20th century and the barnstormers who utilized this natural landing field during the first quarter of the last century. He will also describe the development of Bridgeport Airport from the time of its inception through the 1950s, the arrival of Igor Sikorsky in 1928, and the long list of aviation firsts that his company was responsible for.

Charles Brilvich has a long personal history helping to document and preserve the vital history of the Bridgeport area. Brilvich served as official Historian of the City of Bridgeport from 1990 to 2003 and as Historian of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe. He is the author of "History of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe," (History Press, 2007). Brilvich has been profiled in Historic Preservation Magazine, the official publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Sunday Afternoon Talks” with Charles Brilvich will be held in the Stratford Library’s Lovell Room beginning at 2 pm on Sunday, January 8^th. For further information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162.

Library ELF -- the elf that works for you all year round

It's the time of year for making resolutions, so here's an easy way to keep that annual resolution that you're going to keep better track of your family's library books and your books on reserve.

Sign up for the free Library ELF service to be reminded by email or text message when your library materials are coming due, or when you have holds ready to be picked up. You decide what kind of reminders you want to get and how often. The Library ELF is your servant!

Sign up with Library ELF to receive e-mail or text reminders:

• Before items are due back at the library
• For overdue items
• When you have a hold available for pick-up from the library

How does Library ELF work?

• Library ELF premium service is available to Stratford residents free of charge. Stratford Library subscribes to this service on your behalf.
• Go to www.libraryelf.org to sign up. Enter your library card number without spaces. The Stratford Library does not require the use of a PIN—leave this field blank. Note: Your library card account(s) must be current to take advantage of this service.
• You can select the frequency of notice delivery.
• Library ELF will check your library account(s) each day and will send you an email, text message to alert you when items are due, past due or if holds are available for pick-up.
• Library ELF is a third-party service, not affiliated with the Stratford Library. Please read the Library ELF privacy policy and FAQ before signing up for the service.

New dates scheduled for popular Technology Sandbox programs

Does your holiday shopping have you trying to choose between the Nook and the Kindle? Wondering if the new Amazon Kindle Fire really is a reasonable-priced alternative to the iPad? Come see for yourself at a "Library Technology Sandbox." We'll have e-readers like the Nook and the Kindle, the new Amazon "Fire" (a budget alternative to the iPad), tablet computers, iPads, MP3 players, and iPods for you to test drive and play with here at the library.

Our series of “Technology Sandbox" workshops will include an opportunity for patrons to try out these new products. The first series of workshops in November was so popular that we have scheduled a new series for December and January. They are free and open to the public.

If you already have have an e-reader, a laptop, a smartphone or a mobile device, bring it to a "Sandbox" and we'll show you how to download library materials for free.

"Sandboxes" will be held in the Library's Lovell room and are scheduled for:

Sandboxes are scheduled for:

• Mon., Dec. 12, 10:00-12:00 noon
• Mon., Dec. 13, 5:00-7:00 pm
• Tues., Jan. 3, 5:00-7:00 pm
• Mon., Jan. 9, 10:00-12:00 noon and 3:00-5:00 pm

Handle a Kindle, Look at a Nook, Eyeball an iPad at the Library

You're not the kind of person to go out and spend money on the latest thing until you're sure it's right for you. But how do you get your hands on a Kindle before you buy one? How do you test drive an iPad if the store can't keep them in stock?

Come to a "Library Technology Sandbox." We'll have e-readers like the Nook and the Kindle, tablet computers, iPads, MP3 players, and iPods for you to test drive and play with here at the library.

Our series of “Technology Sandbox" workshops will include an opportunity for patrons to try out these new products. The Library’s professional staff will conduct the workshops scheduled November 1-19^th. They are free and open to the public.

If you already have have an e-reader, a laptop, a smartphone or a mobile device, bring it to a "Sandbox" and we'll show you how to download library materials for free.

"Sandboxes" will be held in the Library's Lovell room and are scheduled for:

• Tue., Nov. 1, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Mon., Nov. 7, 10:00-12:00 noon
• Sun., Nov. 13, 1:00-3:00 pm
• Mon., Nov. 14, 3:00-5:00 pm
• Sat., Nov. 19, 10:00-12:00 noon

Insidious" is free Friday night movie at the Library

The Library's free film series continues on Friday, October 28, with Insidious, a 2011 horror flick that is just the thing to get your Halloween weekend off to a spooktacular start.

Join us at 7 pm. And if you can't sleep later... don't say we didn't warn you.

Insidious Friday, October 28 at 7 pm Rated PG-13 103 minutes

After moving into a new home, Josh (Patrick Wilson) and his wife Renai (Rose Byrne) confront terrifying tribulations when their son falls into a coma and his body starts to attract malevolent forces from a mysterious netherworld. But when the family decides to move again, hoping to leave the evil spirits behind, they realize that their problems are just beginning. This nifty horror flick was one of this year’s surprise hits.

Movies are shown uncut on widescreen in the Stratford Library Lovell Room each month beginning at 7 pm. Complimentary snacks will be served. Join us! For further information call the library at 203.385.4164.

Coming up later in this free movie series:

• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo November 11
• The King’s Speech December 9

Book group meets October 26 for psychological thriller "Sister"

Do you like the idea of a book group, but you're not ready to start one yourself? Meet up with other readers at the library's book group and enjoy the easy-going camaderie created by experienced host and discussion leader Kathleen Faggella.

While most people do borrow the book for the month from the library and read it ahead of time, it's certainly not required. Newcomers may just drop by and find out if the format of the group appeals to them.

The Stratford Library “Books Over Coffee” discussion group will tackle Rosamund Lupton’s current bestseller, Sister, on Wednesday, October 26th at noon. Sister is a psychological thriller that turns on the complicated relationship between two sisters.

When her mom calls to tell her that Tess, her younger sister, is missing, Bee returns home to London on the first flight. She expects to find Tess and gives her the usual lecture, the bossy big sister scolding her flighty baby sister for taking off without letting anyone know her plans. Bee is used to watching out for her wayward sibling and is fiercely protective of Tess (and has always been a little stern about her antics). But then Tess is found dead, apparently by her own hand. That is just the beginning of the enthralling crime novel that is Sister, the debut work and instant bestseller from author Rosamund Lupton.

“Books Over Coffee” will be held in the Stratford Library’s Lovell Room beginning at noon on October 26th. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch to the program and coffee and tea is also served. Limited reading copies of Sister are currently available for loan at the library’s Circulation Desk.

Books coming up later in the year include:

• November 30: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
• December 21: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Free SAT Preparation Workshop Offered at the Library on October 18

Do the smart thing! Take advantage of the library's free SAT prep program on October 18.

What's the smartest way to prepare for the SAT? How can you maximize your chance of success? What makes the difference between an average performance and one that's outstanding?

The Stratford Library Teen Services Department will host a special program to help students with upcoming Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) on Tuesday, October 18 from 6-8 pm. The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be conducted by New Haven-based tutor Ellis Ratner.

Ratner will cover effective time management and optimum approaches to the Critical Reading, Sentence Improvement and Sentence Error Identification Sections. He will focus especially on effective and rapid vocabulary development and how to best address the Essay Writing Section. Ratner is a Cum Laude graduate of Trinity College, a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the co–author of several published books. For the past several years he has tutored privately and specializes in SAT preparation.

The “Teen Tuesday” seminar is scheduled from 6-8 pm in the Lovell Room of the Stratford Library on October 18. For further information contact the Stratford Library Teen Services Department at 203.385.4167 or check out “TeenZone” on the library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Library ebooks are now available for the Amazon Kindle

Kindle ebooks are here! We're so excited about a long awaited addition to our ebook collection; ebooks are now available for Kindle users. You can borrow ebooks from the Library to read on any generation Kindle device, free Kindle app, or in your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.

Kindle owners can finally join the owners of the Nook, the Sony Reader, the Kobo, the iPad and the iPhone (and many other devices) who have been happily borrowing ebooks from the Stratford Library for the past year. Our ebook service, called Overdrive, is the fastest growing part of our collection.

You'll need your Stratford Library card to check out ebooks. Find out more and check out ebooks here.

If you live in Stratford and you don't have a library card yet, you don't know what you've been missing! Pay us a visit today with your ID that shows that you live in Stratford and we'll sign you up. It's free, and it just takes five minutes. Your library card is a key that opens up the whole world of ideas to you.

Knitting Program to Benefit Local Children Starts Sept. 21

Knitting for Kids at the Stratford Library will meet for a six-week session on Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. beginning Sept. 21. Boys and girls age 7 and up are welcome to attend. The classes are for new knitters or those wishing to refresh their skills. The fall project will be knitting scarves and hats for local children.

Knitters are asked to bring their own needles (US sizes 8-11 recommended). Class will be held in the Children’s Department’s Book Nook. Miss Tess and Miss Caitlin lead the group with the friendly assistance of volunteers Miss Martha and Miss Cynthia.

To register or for further information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Library offers AARP Driver Safety Program

The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Driver Safety Program”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills on Tuesday, September 6 from 1-5 pm. The new one-day class program will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room. Developed by the AARP, the program is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists.

Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the library program and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 24 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members charged by the AARP. Reservations are required and can be made by calling AARP Representative Michael Klein at 203.929.4851.

As of Friday afternoon, Mr. Klein noted that he still had about a dozen spaces available in the class. He explained that because his telephone service was only just restored after last week's storm, people who were unable to reach him earlier to make a reservation should now be able to get through.

The Library is located at 2203 Main St., Stratford.

Extra vacation, extra library programs for kids

The Stratford Library's Children's Department will offer two extra programs this week to keep kids busy during their extra week of summer vacation. Programs are free. Please register at the Children’s Desk, or call 203.385.4165.

Here are the new events just added to the library's schedule:

Book Cover Craft : Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m.

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to make book covers for their first day of school, which was pushed back to Sept. 6 yesterday. Bring your creativity, supplies provided.

School's Out Spelling Bee : Thursday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Kids are encouraged to practice their school skills with this lively, silly spelling bee for children ages 6 to 12. Words for all levels of spellers provided.

The Stratford Library has power, programs and plenty of items for kids and adults. Come in and charge your phone, pick up an audiobook to listen to as the sun goes down, check your email and visit with your neighbors.

Teen relationships on Teen Tuesday

This week our Teen Tuesday program deals with teen dating violence & healthy relationships. MYOthello will present a 3 act performance from "Othello" that will explore themes relating to teen dating violence. A discussion will follow the performance. Tuesday, August 2nd, 6:30 pm in the Lovell Room.

The day you were born: commemorated!

Not too long ago, the New York Times published a book that reproduces the front page of the newspaper for important events in history, like Monday, July 21, 1969 ("MEN WALK ON MOON") or Tuesday, December 8, 1941 ("U.S. DECLARES WAR, PACIFIC BATTLE WIDENS").

That's interesting enough, but that's not all... It also contained CD-ROMs with every single Times front page ever published up to 2008 -- over 50,000 front pages.

That means it's fairly easy to print out a reproduction of the front page of the newspaper for the day you were born -- a great prop for a birthday or anniversary parties.

Come by the library and ask a librarian to help you print out your special day from our copy of this fascinating volume.