Wilton Answer Book
Wilton Answer Book: Public Services

Jul 19, 2007

Where is the library and when is it open?
The Wilton Library (762-3950/wiltonlibrary.org) at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton Center is open Monday and Friday from 10 to 6; Tuesday through Thursday from 10 to 7; Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday, September through June, from 1 to 5. E-mail general questions to library@wiltonlibrary.org.

How may I get a library card?
Anyone past kindergarten age may apply for a free library card upon proof of Wilton residency. You may apply in person or online, and your card will be honored at any Connecticut library and provide free access to many online research databases.

What does the library offer?
Wilton Library offers more than its outstanding collection of almost 140,000 on-site items. You may borrow print and audio books, magazines, music CDs, entertainment and educational videos and DVDs for children, teens, and adults. You may also download audiobooks from NetLibrary and Recorded Books. Call 762-3950 or visit online at wiltonlibrary.org for details.
Reference material is available in print and via the free Internet workstations, on the library’s own award-winning Web site wiltonlibrary.org. Its business reference section also includes both print and electronic resources. Local and state history may be found in the Wilton History Room and on the Connecticut Shelf. A new reference service is I nfoAnytime, a 24/7 reference service to use when the library is closed. Call Mary Ann Mendola Franco at 762-3950, ext. 210 for details.
The librarians also research and produce custom databases of local information, such as The Wilton Bulletin Index, Wilton Obituaries Index, Wilton Business Directory, and Wilton Community Organizations Directory. They can help with any professional or personal research question.
The library offers copy machines, a fax machine, microfiche reader/printers, and a typewriter. Multiple computers with Internet access as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available free for public use.
For those with sight-impairment, there is an Optelec reader. For patrons with motor or cognitive disabilities, assistive workstations are available. The Brubeck Room is equipped with an assisted hearing system. Selected library facilities may be rented for functions.
Library ELF is a free third-party service to receive e-mail notices for due, coming due, materials on hold, and overdue materials. All family library cards may be consolidated onto one e-mail notice. Sign up online or call 762-3950.

What special activities does the library have?
For children, the Library offers story time sessions for ages one through eight. Also, children and families are entertained at special programs throughout the year including arts and crafts, a chess club, “read to Rover,” special concerts, and a summer reading program.
Teens have their own acoustically separate area of the library where they can browse through a growing collection of books, magazines, audiocassettes, DVDs and music CDs. Programs include poetry slams, scavenger hunts, and classes in everything from baby-sitting to chess to knitting. There is also a Dungeons and Dragons Club and a Teen Blog. It is accessible at wiltonlibrary.org.
For adults, the library offers monthly art exhibits, book discussions, Internet classes, summer courtyard concerts, art trips, and special lectures and seminars on a variety of topics.

What online services does the Library offer?
The library’s Web site, wiltonlibrary.org, provides access to its catalog; research databases; notification of programs for children, teens, and adults; a community calendar; and information about the library and town of Wilton. Collections of annotated links by subject are available for every age. Audiobooks may also be downloaded from the Internet, and InfoAnytime is a 24/7 online reference service.

How do I sign up for the Library’s electronic newsletter?
You can subscribe to librarEmail, the library’s free monthly newsletter, by using the form at the bottom of the home page at wiltonlibrary.org.

What is the library’s online book club?
The library has several online clubs catering to various ages and interests. Members receive two or three chapters by e-mail. If they like the book, they can check it out of the library.

Does the library use volunteers or offer book sales?
Volunteers are needed and applications should be left at the circulation desk. For volunteer information, call 762-3950. Applications are available online.
The library accepts book donations except during April when it holds its annual three-day book sale. A children’s book sale is offered the fall. There is an ongoing book sale in the lobby. Book donations (no textbooks, LPs or magazines) may be left in the gray donation bins at the Godfrey Place service entrance.

Who is in charge of the library art exhibits?
Library Art Chairman Ed MacEwen is in charge. Anyone interested in exhibiting may call him at 227-8502. If you are interested in buying something on display, inquire at the circulation desk.

Is the library a municipal organization?
It is a private, non-profit organization that has served the town since 1895. The Town funds approximately 75% of its annual budget and donations, bequests, gifts and grants from Friends of the Wilton Library make up the remaining 25% each year. To learn more about the Friends, or to become one yourself, ask at the circulation desk.

How may I take out books if I am homebound?
The library’s At Your Service program delivers books each week to the two assisted living facilities in Wilton.  In addition, they mail books (with return postage included!) to those unable to make the trip to visit.

Where is the library’s drive-thru window and how does it work?
The Library’s drive-thru window is on the south side of the building on Godfrey Place. Those who use it may return materials or reserve ahead by phone or online to pick up books, CDs, DVDs and videos. In addition, and when the library is closed, a blue drop-off box is located in the front parking lot near Bank of America.

Does the town have a social worker?
Yes, Cathy Pierce, the director of social services, may be reached at 834-6238. This office provides crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and information and referral to specific resources.

What does the town’s youth services department do?
Colleen Fawcett, the coordinator, has an office in the Comstock Community Center and may be reached at 834-6241. Allyson Cussen is the youth services counselor. Both provide crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and referrals for youth up to 18 years old and their families. They work with the Wilton Youth Council, public schools and other youth-serving organizations, to identify and address needs, and also work at developing programs. All services are confidential and at no cost. More information on the department’s offerings can be found on its Web site at wiltonyouthservices.org.

Is there any affordable housing in town?
A limited number of income-restricted residences become available from time to time to: town employees, Board of Education employees, and town residents over age 62. Planning and Zoning handles the application process.

Does anyone help victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse?
To report an actual incident, call 911 or the Wilton Police at 834-6260.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (853-0418/dvccct.org) works to break the cycle of domestic violence through crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, safe housing, education, and increased public awareness. The center maintains a 12-bed shelter and a hotline at 1-888-774-2900.
The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury has trained counselors manning two 24-hour hotlines: 731-5206 for domestic violence; 731-5204 for sexual assault. The center offers workshops and support groups for victims of violence and may be reached during regular business hours at 731-5200. The Web site is womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org.

Where are burial plots available in town and how would I get one?
Several cemeteries in Wilton have available burial plots. The Hillside Cemetery is on lower Ridgefield Road, and the smaller St. Matthew’s Cemetery is on Route 7 just north of the Wilton Town Hall. Bald Hill Cemetery is on the upper end of Ridgefield Road. The easiest way to select a plot is to call the Bouton Funeral Home in Georgetown (544-8461); someone there can meet with you at the cemetery.

What funeral homes serve the town?
The only funeral home here is the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street, Georgetown (544-8461).

How can I donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries?
Peggy Reeves, registrar of voters, is the chairman of the Wilton Salvation Army. If you wish to make a cash donation, send it to Peggy Reeves, Town Hall, 238 Danbury Road, Wilton, 06897. You may donate small items directly at one of the Salvation Army Thrift Stores. There’s one in Stamford (975-7630) and Danbury (792-9797). Salvation Army headquarters in Hartford will arrange for a truck pick-up for furniture and other large items. Call 860-527-8106. For more information about the Salvation Army, call Mrs. Reeves at 563-0112.
Goodwill will accept clothing and household items in good condition at its Norwalk store (840-0361) at 13 Cross Street.  In Westport, Goodwill (259-3943) is at 1572 Post Road East. Goodwill has an attended donation center in the All Seasons Shopping Plaza on Route 7 in Redding. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8 to 7, Sunday from 10 to 4. Goodwill’s Web site is goodwillct.org.

Are there any clothing banks to which I can donate?
The free clothing room at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter (866-1057/norwalkemergencyshelter.org) takes donations. Call to check on the best times to drop items off at 4 Merritt Street in South Norwalk. The shelter also has a furniture donation program and will pick up items.

What is the Fairfield County Community Foundation?
Headquartered here, the growing community foundation has assets of nearly $83 million in 230 different donor funds established by individuals, organizations, families, and corporations to serve Fairfield County. Through the foundation, donors support programs operated by nonprofit organizations in arts and culture, children, youth and families, youth leadership, community development and urban affairs, health and human services, education, women and girls, the sight-handicapped, and people with disabilities. In the past year, the foundation awarded grants totaling $7.5 million. For information, call 834-9393 or e-mail info@fccfoundation.org.

What is United Way and what services does it offer?
Founded in 1959, United Way of Norwalk & Wilton (847-4576/uwnw.org) works with community and business volunteers year round to improve the lives of hundreds of people living and working in Wilton. By partnering with donors and with nearly 70 local human service organizations and programs, United Way helps to make a direct impact on the Wilton community’s most critical needs and provides needed services and programs for every segment of the Wilton population.
United Way also offers information about local health and human services through Infoline, a partnership with the state. Call 2-1-1 any time of day. For information about volunteer opportunities, log onto volunteersolutions.org.

What is Family & Children’s Agency?
Family & Children’s Agency, Inc. (FCA) is a private, not-for-profit, family service agency, which has been serving the community since 1942. It offers a wide range of comprehensive services, including individual, family and addiction counseling, international and domestic adoption, support services for seniors through HomeCare Plus and Lifeline, Family Support services, Youth Development and mentoring, and community education programs. For more information, visit familyandchildrensagency.org or call 855-8765.

Is there a community calendar of events?
The Wilton Bulletin publishes a Bulletin Board of upcoming events every week, and posters are often displayed in the lobby of Wilton Library. Meetings of the town boards and commissions are also listed on the town’s Web site.

Where can I get help with my income taxes?
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (Tax-Aide) is a free program that provides federal and state income tax preparation service for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. Appointments are available during tax season at the Wilton Senior Center. Call 834-6240 for details.
For general information, you may call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov.

Where can I get a list of area support groups or health-related organizations?
Call the Infoline at 211. The Infoline is a service that links volunteers and people in need with social and support groups in Fairfield County. The Connecticut Self-Help Network offers a Self-Help Directory of local and statewide support groups. Call 203-624-6982.
You may also call Wilton Social Services at 834-6238.

What is the Circle of Care?
This group offers support and information to parents and families of children with cancer. For information, write to P.O. Box 32, Wilton; call 663-6893; e-mail info@thecircleofcare.org; or visit online at thecircleofcare.org.

Are there support groups for gay men
and lesbians?
The Triangle Community Center in Norwalk (853-0600/ctgay.org) has a number of weekly support groups and social events.

© Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers