Hours / Location / Contact / My Account
Events
Classics Book Club: ‘The Bluest Eye’ (In-Person)
Friday, June 28
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Registration Required Below This 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. This Month:June 28 — Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye 1970
Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections
POSTPONED Origami Workshop with Masako (Grades 5-12)
Friday, June 28
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
This event has been POSTPONED. Explore the creative possibilities of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. During this workshop, local origami expert Masako Nakamuta-Vigneault will show participants how to create summer-themed origami pieces. No experience necessary to enjoy this program! Registration is limited to 10 participants. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann, Teen and Reference Librarian Image credit: "Summer window star" by Pictures by Ann is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
REGISTRATION FULL ~ A Stone’s Throw — Experience The Firefly Sanctuary, New Canaan Land Trust (Off Site)
Friday, June 28
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
REGISTRATION AND WAITLIST FULL You don’t have to travel very far to learn and discover — this region is home to dozens of attractions offering history, arts and culture! Mark Twain Library’s Stone’s Throw series highlights the very best our area has to offer. We’ll meet up at the destinations, and participate in FREE specially arranged, small group tours. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the event site. Friday, June 28 (Rain Date - Friday, July 5) FIREFLY SANCTUARY, New Canaan Land Trust LOCATION: 33 Sleepy Hollow Road, New Canaan - Visitors should park across the street and access the property via a small footbridge on the west side of the road. ARRIVAL TIME: 8:30 PM - We recommend starting your walk up to the preserve at 8:30 pm, while there is still daylight to help you navigate the trail. The walk about a quarter of a mile across some uneven terrain. If you have accessibility or mobility needs, we can coordinate a drop-off. Please contact us in advance at programming@marktwainlibrary.org GATHERING SPOT: Firefly Field TOUR DURATION: At 8:45 PM, a New Canaan Land Trust guide will give a brief talk about the sanctuary and the fireflies. Afterward, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the view. Guests are asked to leave by 10:30 pm. DESTINATION WEBSITE: newcanaanlandtrust.org Fireflies Light Up the Night Sky! Join us and experience the night sky as you have never seen it before. During late June and early July, this field is illuminated by thousands upon thousands of fireflies. The fireflies emerge at dusk, and continue their show well into the night. The New Canaan Land Trust’s Firefly Sanctuary is likely the first dedicated firefly preserve in the United States. Firefly Viewing Etiquette:- Limiting Light Pollution: Fireflies communicate using light, so any artificial light can confuse and disorient the fireflies during their critical mating period. As such, we ask that visitors minimize their use of lights while at the sanctuary. By arriving at 8:30, visitors will be able to make it up to the viewing area without the need for a flashlight. While viewing fireflies, please limit phone use. Should you want to take pictures, please dim your screen to the lowest possible setting and turn your flash off. On your way back to your car, cover your flashlight as much as possible and keep it pointed at the ground.
- Using Insect Repellent Responsibly: Fireflies are also affected by insect repellent, so we ask that visitors apply bug spray while at the parking area. No insect repellents may be applied at the viewing area. We encourage the use of natural insect repellents, and also encourage visitors to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hats to deter insects.
- Minimizing Impacts: Staying on marked trails and sitting in the established seating areas both help to minimize our cumulative impact on the sanctuary and its residents. Fireflies that have not yet reached their adult form live on the ground, and can be easily trampled and crushed by humans walking through.