Classics Book Club: "Emma" (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowThis group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time......More

Registration Required BelowThis group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time periods, including modern works.Copies of the latest book will be available at the Library's front desk.The Classics Book Club meets in person at the Library.Upcoming Discussions: September 26 — Jane Austen, Emma 1815October 24 — Honoré de Balzac, Old Father Goriot 1835November 21 — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World 1932December Holiday — No MeetingClick Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections 

Kindergarten Story Time & Taking the bus from RES! (for Kindergarteners)

Kindergartners, we'll gather together for a relaxing afternoon of books, stories, songs and snacks! The Kindergarteners will attend this program without an adult.Registration is required and cuts off at 7pm the evening before the event; no new registrations are allowed ......More

Kindergartners, we'll gather together for a relaxing afternoon of books, stories, songs and snacks! The Kindergarteners will attend this program without an adult.Registration is required and cuts off at 7pm the evening before the event; no new registrations are allowed after that point. You must register independently for each month's event.SNACK: Pirate's Booty & Mott's Assorted Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take Bus 31 from RES to MTL; Miss Lisa will meet them when they get off the bus. To take the bus you must: fill out the RES dismissal form and indicate they are going to this program at MTL. register below for this program and indicate that your child will take the busChildren who are driven to the library may come upstairs at 3:15pm.Photos and videos from this event may be used on the Library's Website.

Afternoon Movie!

September 13th was National Roald Dahl Day, but every day at a library is a good day to remember an author! Join us in honoring the well known author of James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by watching a movie based off one of his cl......More

September 13th was National Roald Dahl Day, but every day at a library is a good day to remember an author! Join us in honoring the well known author of James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by watching a movie based off one of his classics while enjoying a candy salad and chocolate cupcakes.Registration is required, space is limited! Gr. 5+

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide ......More

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use.As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend.About our facilitator:Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!

Creative Collective Discussion Group: "Light the Dark" (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a casual, pop-up book discussion as we continue reading Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration and the Artistic Process, a collection of essays by contemporary authors. In this inspiring anthology, writers select a favo......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a casual, pop-up book discussion as we continue reading Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration and the Artistic Process, a collection of essays by contemporary authors. In this inspiring anthology, writers select a favorite passage, reflect on its personal significance, and share why it matters.Each week, we’ll focus on two to three essays, so you’re welcome to join whenever your schedule allows — no need to worry about keeping up with a storyline. Come for the conversation, stay for the inspiration!Copies of the book are available at the Library. Light The Dark - Scheduled Weekly Readings9/23 - BEN MARCUS' "Recommended Dosage."         - MARK HADDON  "Music for Misfits"9/30 - Azar NAFISI "Enough About Me"         - T.C.BOYLE "How Stories Say Goodbye"10/7 - ETHAN CANIN "Rehearsals FOr Death"         - EILEEN MYLES "Happy Accidents"10/14  - MARILYNNE ROBINSON "The Brain is Larger..."         - NEIL GAIMAN "Random Joy"10/21 - Revisit of favorites, or ones maybe hurried over in the beginningThe Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)

Unscripted: An Improv Workshop (In-Person)

[gravityform id="136"]“There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.”— Mark TwainExperience a thrilling stage adventure by tossing out scripted lines and leaning int......More

[gravityform id="136"]“There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.”— Mark TwainExperience a thrilling stage adventure by tossing out scripted lines and leaning into your instincts — that's the magic of Improv!Improv is a performance technique where the actors create scenes based on loose scenarios and everything is made up on the spot. Shows like Who's Line is it Anyway? and Curb Your Enthusiasm rely on this technique as a way to heighten spontaneity and creativity. Often, some of the most memorable acting moments are created through improvisation.During this workshop, get tips and tricks from an experienced actor, and then try out some basic acting drills using improvisation. Willing participants can even try out the techniques during scenario prompts!After September, this workshop group will meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month.This program is for anyone who wants to sharpen their acting abilities or public speaking skills. No previous experience required.About Our InstructorEileen O’Brien is a retired award-winning drama teacher and director from New Haven. After living in Massachusetts and Florida, Eileen and her husband, Bob, have come home to spend their retirement closer to their family in Connecticut. 

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each......More

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.

Freshman Fondue

Freshman!! Kick off your first year of high school with friends and a fondue frenzy! Come to the Mark Twain Library for a quick afternoon treat and enjoy chocolate fondue with lots of things to dip!Registration is required. Grade 9!

Portraits — Photography Workshop (Virtual)

Registration Required Below Do you want to take photos of people that look more polished and professional?Learn from professional portrait photographer Deborah Tual and transform photos of your loved ones into keepsakes to treasure forever! Deb will walk us through came......More

Registration Required Below Do you want to take photos of people that look more polished and professional?Learn from professional portrait photographer Deborah Tual and transform photos of your loved ones into keepsakes to treasure forever! Deb will walk us through camera settings and lighting techniques, plus she'll offer tips on taking better pictures during autumn months and around the holidays.Learn the secrets professional portrait photographers to take amazing photos of people!For all skill levels and all cameras/smartphones.Registration is required for this virtual program.  Registered participants will receive a Zoom link the day of the program.  Provide a cell phone on the registration form to receive a text reminder.About our Presenter:Deborah Tual is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and worked as a marketing professional before starting a portrait photography studio in Stamford with her husband.  She has been very active in the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association as a member, board member, and Executive Manager. As a member of the  Professional Photographers of America she earned distinction as a Certified Professional Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Approved Business Instructor.   After 25+ years photographing families and business professionals in Fairfield County, Deborah created a series of photography classes in a range of photography subjects to share her knowledge, experience and love of photography with others.  She supports local education and currently teaches for libraries and continuing education departments in Fairfield and Westchester counties.

Early 9:30am Family Story Time (birth-5)

Registration RequiredIt's time for Early Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.The library technically doesn't open until 10am but the front door will b......More

Registration RequiredIt's time for Early Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.The library technically doesn't open until 10am but the front door will be propped open at 9:30 for story time only; please come directly upstairs. The front desk and browsing areas will be open for book browsing and checkout at 10am.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay to miss sessions. Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Family Story Time (birth-5)

Registration RequiredIt's time for Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay......More

Registration RequiredIt's time for Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay to miss sessions. Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Autumn Flow: Restorative Yoga with Viki (Virtual)

Registration Required Below Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves.This series will incorporat......More

Registration Required Below Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves.This series will incorporate modifications to make sessions available for all levels — from beginners to more experienced yogis. For those who need a bit more support, having a strap, belt or towel can help assist with the moves.Embrace the season with gentle relaxation and mindful movement!Spring session Dates:Register once to receive reminders and links for each session.Thursdays at 12:30 pmSeptember 4 & 18October 2 & 16November 6 & 20December 4Our Instructor:Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500-hour yoga certified, a Franklin Method educator, Hanna Somatics educator, Movement for Seniors specialist and Pelvic Floor Health Coach.  To learn more about Viki visit her website www.vikiboyko.com.  

Tenzi

No school? No problem! Pick a number, or two, or three….Ready? Set? Roll! Today we are playing Tenzi, a fast paced dice game with the potential for a challenge. Be the first to roll the set and don’t forget to yell Tenzi!Registration is required. Gr. 5+

Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators (Virtual)

Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character o......More

Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.For information or to register, click here.

DIY Fortune Cookies

To celebrate World Smile Day, we will be making our own paper fortune cookies with positivity messages and sweet notes to share and put a smile on someone's face. We will also munch on real fortune cookies.Registration is required. Gr. 5+

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide ......More

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use.As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend.About our facilitator:Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!

MTL World Affairs Forum: Neighbors Talking About Global Issues (In-person)

[gravityform id="134"]Join our popular international relations discussion group, modeled on the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions program. This eight-session series will explore a wide range of timely foreign affairs topics, including worldwide migration & de......More

[gravityform id="134"]Join our popular international relations discussion group, modeled on the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions program. This eight-session series will explore a wide range of timely foreign affairs topics, including worldwide migration & deportation, U.S. Dollar around the globe, the newly solidified Europe, and more.These conversations are moderated by volunteer members of our community who participate in the Library’s winter Great Decisions group. They are not foreign policy experts, but fellow participants helping to guide an open and respectful exchange of ideas.The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library. In-person attendance is encouraged for a richer discussion experience. A Zoom option is available for those who need to join virtually. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of each meeting.Register once to participate in all 8 sessions and receive reading materials in advance.Dates and Topics:September 15 — Compare and Contrast: The Winter War of 1939 and the War in UkraineOctober 6 — Deep Water Ports and Container ShipmentsOctober 20 - What's next for Palestine?November 3 — Is Russia a Paper Tiger?November 17— Migration, Deportation, and GulagsDecember 1 — Turkey: From the Ottoman Empire to Modern TimesDecember 15 — The Role of the U.S. Dollar in the World EconomyJanuary 5 – The Newly Solidified Europe and Its Role and Impact on the World Stage