One Book, One Stratford -- reaching Stratford and beyond

Stratford Library's recent "One Book, One Stratford" event brought an impressive number of people to the library for the first time, drawn by their interest in author Jennifer Baszile's memoir. Prof. Baszile's book is a candid look at growing up during the 1970s-- a transitional time in American race relations-- when school integration was the law of the land but informal barriers to social integration were still prevalent. Many people told us they appreciated these discussions as a chance to share their own stories and learn from the experiences of others. One of our library staff members, Ann Stockman, recently had the opportunity to tell Prof. Camille Cooper of Yale University's Comer School Development Program about the success of the "One book" program. The two women met at a public program on improving public schools, which Ann attended as part of her involvement with Stratford's C.A.R.E. group. After viewing pictures and receiving email about our program with author Jennifer Baszile, Prof. Cooper has expressed interest in being kept informed about about future happenings at the library.

Spotlight on: C.A.R.E. Ann is an active member of the Stratford group, Stratford Citizens Addressing Racial Equality. C.A.R.E. volunteers work to open communication among residents of all ages, socio-economic groups, races and ethnicities in non-confrontational ways to break down stereotypes, build trust and find ways to work together. For more information on how Stratford C.A.R.E., or to become a member, please contact Stratford Community Services at 203.385.4095 or send an e-mail to communityservices@townofstratford.com.

Job hunting? We can help.

At last night's special meeting on the town budget, a half-dozen residents voiced concerns about a proposed reduction to the town's requested library budget. Robin Jopp, a local artist and teacher, spoke about how she was able to use the library's resources and services in her job hunt when she was out of work for ten months. "I relied on the multi-faceted services at the library, where I used computers to search for work, file for unemployment claims and redo my resume." We're delighted to report that Robin did succeed in finding a new position where she is very happy. Are you also looking for a job? Or perhaps someone you know? Here are seven ways the Stratford Library can help you. 1) Use our free internet access. Your library card can sign you up for four hours a day of free internet access for job searching or applying for jobs online. 2) Take advantage of our books on updating your resume. The library has literally dozens of books on how to prepare a resume, from the most simple ("Resumes for Dummies") to specialized books with advice for job-seekers with unusual circumstances, like former servicemen and women, or former stay-at-home moms. 3) Use the library computers to update or refresh your software skills. All of the library's public computers are outfitted with the latest versions of Microsoft Office. 4) Prepare for a job interview by researching the company you are interested in with our online news and financial sources. 5) Do you feel left behind by the online revolution? Take one of our free classes on computer basics, or get help signing up for a free email account. 6) Haven't been on a job interview in several years? We have DVDs and books to help you prepare to ace the interview. 7) Feeling down is almost inevitable when you are out of work. The library is a place you can chat with your neighbors, see a free film, join in a book discussion, borrow a funny book, read all the local papers, or check out your favorite tunes on CD. The best things in life are free -- at the public library. Information, entertainment and a sense of community are all yours for free at the Stratford Library.

Spring has sprung, and Project Green Sweep sweeps back through town

Stratford’s annual town-wide spring cleanup program, Project Green Sweep, is coming up this weekend, on Saturday, May 1st. A kick-off rally with free t-shirts and water bottles starts at 9 a.m. on the Town Hall Green. Mayor John Harkins, the Stratford Beautification Committee and the Stratford Conservation Commission are sponsoring the all-volunteer project. Stratford will be one of 17,000 communities participating nationally in the Great American Cleanup. Approximately 200 volunteers have participated annually in Project Green Sweep. Along with the River Clean-Up, a joint effort including Milford and Shelton to clean up the Housatonic River shoreline, the groups involved collected over 37 tons of litter and bulk wastes last year from parks, schools, community areas, and other public areas of our fair city. Besides the fun and satisfaction of working on a community event, participants will receive excellent swag: complimentary T-shirts with the Project Green Sweep logo, bottles of water and light refreshments at a rally scheduled for 9:00 am on the Town Hall Green. All are asked to bring tools. However, gloves, bags, and trash posts will be distributed to those who are unable to provide their own. To volunteer in the spring cleanup, interested persons should contact Town Planner David Killeen at 203-385-4017 or by email at dkilleen@townofstratford.com.

Little-known movie gems on the screen

A film buff's pick of great films you never heard of-- April 26-29, 2010 in Stratford The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford will present its fourth annual film festival of little-seen movies, “Great Movies You Missed”, beginning Monday, April 26 through Thursday, April 29, 2010. The series is free and open to the public. “Great Movies You Missed” will highlight five critically acclaimed films that – for whatever reason – did not reach a wide audience during their general release. One of this year’s films is a recent Oscar nominee while another is a rarely shown comedy from 1980. The library series will feature guest film critics Joe Meyers from the Connecticut Post and Tom Holehan of Elm City Newspapers for commentary prior to the screenings. The complete schedule for “Great Movies You Missed” is: April 26: “Goodbye Solo” (2009): When Senegalese taxi driver Solo picks up William, an elderly patron in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the older man hires him for another trip in two weeks. But as they continue to talk, an unusual friendship grows and Solo soon realizes that William plans to kill himself on his next trip. “One of the year’s 10 best films!” – New York Times. Shown at noon. Rated R, 91 minutes. April 27: “Every Little Step” (2009): An up-close look at the behind-the-scenes drama of producing the 2006 Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line”. This fascinating documentary draws parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play while also revealing never-before-seen footage of the original classic and its creators. Shown at noon. Rated PG-13, 93 minutes. April 28: “A Serious Man” (2009): Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) hits a severe “rough patch” as he journeys through an eventful mid-life crisis. Oscar winning directors Joel & Ethan (“Fargo”, “No Country for Old Men”) Cohen’s 1960s set dark Jewish-culture send-up was a surprise Academy Award nominee this year for “Best Picture”. Shown at noon. Rated R, 106 minutes. April 29: “One False Move” (1991): Edge-of-your-seat thriller about two drug dealers and their female cohort who commit a string of bloody murders in Los Angeles and then flee to hide out in a small town in Arkansas. Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton star in this riveting drama. Shown at noon. Rated R, 105 minutes. April 29: “Just Tell Me What You Want” (1980): Bitchy upper-class comedy about an obnoxious tycoon (Alan King) who drives his long-time mistress (Ali MacGraw, surprisingly effective) into the arms of a younger man and then does everything he can to get her back. Little-seen comic gem will be introduced by Connecticut Post arts critic Joe Meyers. Shown at 7 pm. Rated R, 112 minutes. All movies will be shown uncut and in widescreen format. The film festival, recommended for adult audiences, will be held in the library’s Lovell Room. For further information, call the Stratford Library’s Public Relations and Programming Office at 203.385.4162.

One book One Stratford -- reaching Stratford and beyond

Stratford Library's recent "One Book, One Stratford" event brought an impressive number of people to the library for the first time, drawn by their interest in author Jennifer Baszile's memoir. Prof. Baszile's book is a candid look at growing up during the 1970s-- a transitional time in American race relations-- when school integration was the law of the land but informal barriers to social integration were still prevalent. Many people told us they appreciated these discussions as a chance to share their own stories and learn from the experiences of others. One of our library staff members, Ann Stockman, recently had the opportunity to tell Prof. Camille Cooper of Yale University's Comer School Development Program about the success of the "One book" program. The two women met at a public program on improving public schools, which Ann attended as part of her involvement with Stratford's C.A.R.E. group. After viewing pictures and receiving email about our program with author Jennifer Baszile, Prof. Cooper has expressed interest in being kept informed about about future happenings at the library.

Spotlight on: C.A.R.E. Ann is an active member of the Stratford group, Stratford Citizens Addressing Racial Equality. C.A.R.E. volunteers work to open communication among residents of all ages, socio-economic groups, races and ethnicities in non-confrontational ways to break down stereotypes, build trust and find ways to work together. For more information on how Stratford C.A.R.E., or to become a member, please contact Stratford Community Services at 203.385.4095 or send an e-mail to communityservices@townofstratford.com.

Broadway at the Stratford Library

Are you excited about the Tony nominations coming out in May? Do you use your time in the shower to belt out "Cabaret"? Could you have been a toe-tapping, high-stepping Broadway babe in a previous life? Then we have a few suggestions for you. First of all, take a trip down to the library on Thursday or Friday to see the terrific collection of Broadway books and DVDs that we have.

Piano scores for Broadway favorites? We got 'em. DVDs capturing terrific stage performances of classics like Oklahoma, Rent, and Fosse? Yes, yes, yes. Come on in and indulge your Broadway fantasies with a little help from the library.

And as a second act... Please join us this Saturday, April 24, at our annual fundraiser for the library's book collection, Broadway Comes to Stratford. It's like a festive cocktail party with performances by Broadway vocalists and musicians. It's always fun, always sparkly, and it supports our library. (So, for example, we could add even more Broadway treasures to our music and DVD collection!)

If you'd like be a guest at this annual event to benefit the library, call Heather at 203.385.4166. Tickets start at $75. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

The library will be closed to the public this weekend so we can set up and host this special event. Our hours this week are Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 8 pm, Friday 10 am - 5 pm, and then reopening as usual on Monday morning at 10 am.

Music, magic and applause raise funds for the Library

The Stratford Library Board of Trustees presents its annual major fundraiser for the library on Saturday, April 24 beginning at 6:30 pm. The seventh annual “Broadway Comes to Stratford” is a gala evening of musical vignettes, exciting hors d’ouevres, open cocktail buffet, and delectable desserts. For just one evening each year, the library is transformed into a multi-stage cabaret. Throughout the evening, party-goers visit three different "sets" that have risen up like magic in the normally quiet rooms of the library, where they enjoy the talents of Broadway-trained vocalists and musicians. The grand finale in the Main Lobby sends everyone home with a smile and a song. This year's event features top-notch entertainment including Broadway soprano Mara Bonde, accompanied by Allen Bonde. The Connecticut Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Sayard Stone, features violin soloist Bernice Stochek Friedson. Pianist David Childs performs during intermission breaks. The evening also features a silent auction of a variety of prize packages. All proceeds benefit the library’s book collection. Tickets for the event are available in three separate categories: Supporting Cast ($75), Orchestra ($100) and Producer ($150). Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the library at 203.385.4166. Attire is semi-formal.

Actor/singer/dancer Kirby Ward performs in the Main Lobby at 2009's "Broadway comes to Stratford." Yes, that is a piano in front of the Check-out Desk!