Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Move Better as You Age program slated at Huntington Branch Library
SHELTON - Registration for the program Move Better as You Age with Shaun Zetlin at the Huntington Branch Library is now open!
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Ansonia Library reschedules paranormal investigator's talk on haunted history
We are happy to announce that this event has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. Please register to join us: https://forms.gle/yB56YMNpYbXVHQP49
Shared from the Ansonia Library Facebook page.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Derby Public Library to host local author talk Saturday
For nore info visit our event page: https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16575421
Shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Scarpa to sign memoir, "Lessons from the Stage," at Shelton High School event
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| Gary and Francesca Scarpa |
SHELTON - Author, director, and educator Gary Scarpa has released his newest book, Lessons from the Stage, a memoir celebrating 50 years of theater, marriage, and community alongside his wife Francesca and their daughters.
Scarpa’s fourth published work — and his first non-fiction title — looks back on more than four decades of creating theater in Shelton and beyond through school productions, summer theater, and professional stage work.
“Back in 1973, I fell in love with an art form and a girl, all in one fell swoop,” Scarpa said. “The rest is history.”
That journey began with a college audition and continued in 1976 when Scarpa, then a young teacher at Shelton High School, directed his first production, The Music Man. One month later, Gary and Francesca were married at Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven with the entire cast in attendance.
Over the decades, the Scarpas founded the Youth CONNection summer theater troupe in 1983 and later established Center Stage in 2005, inspiring generations of performers, students, and audiences along the way.
In Lessons from the Stage, Scarpa reflects on both the triumphs and challenges of a life devoted to live theater.
“It’s a look back at our entire life in the theater,” Scarpa said, “with all the moments that stay with you long after the curtain comes down — not only the highlights, but the difficult moments as well. Theater teaches lessons that last a lifetime.”
To celebrate the book’s release and the couple’s golden anniversary in theater and marriage, the Scarpas will host a free public book discussion and signing on June 6 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Shelton High School.
The event is open to anyone who performed under their direction, worked backstage, attended productions, or followed Scarpa’s writing career through the years.
Lessons from the Stage is available in paperback and hardcover through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in digital format wherever e-books are sold.
For more information about the book, the June 6 event, or Gary Scarpa’s work, visit garyscarpa.com.
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Author, war correspondent named Derby Hall of Famer of the Week
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| Graham Peck |
DERBY - Our Hall of Famer of the Week, Graham Peck, was born in Derby and is buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery.
However, he made a name for himself as a distinguished author, artist, and war correspondent who reported events in China (1937-1946) during a tumultuous period of war and revolution.
Read more about Graham Peck - https://electronicvalley.org/.../HallofFame/Peck,Graham.htm
Shared from Derby 350 Facebook page.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Derby libraries join for livestream conversation with bestselling author
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Derby Public Library partners in live stream today with author
Take part in our conversation with Tom Crouch about the trials, errors, and incredible legacy of the Smithsonian’s foundation. Tuesday, February 24 at 2 p.m. ET via digital live-stream in partnership with Derby Public Library!
Register and submit questions for the author here: https://libraryc.org/derbyctlibraries/108102/register
Friday, November 14, 2025
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Neurologist to discuss her new book in virtual conversation Thursday
You’re invited to a fascinating virtual conversation with neurologist and author Pria Anand to chat about her new book, The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains on at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31.
This program has been generously sponsored by Friends of the Derby Public Library and the Derby Neck Library.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025
From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Dr. Ambrose Beardsley featured
This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Dr. Ambrose Beardsley.
Dr. Beardsley was co-author of "The History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880," which is more widely known as "The Orcutt History of Derby."
He was born in Monroe on October 23, 1811 and graduated from the Medical College in Pittsfield, Mass. in 1834. He then moved to Birmingham (aka Downtown Derby) in 1835 to set up his practice.
He actually played a pivotal role in the case of serial murderer Lydia Sherman.
Sadly, Dr. Beardsley died in October of 1884 at the age of 73.
[First posted on this date in 2017]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Monday, May 19, 2025
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Scarpas' presentation at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to introduce novel
Gary Scarpa: Dramatic Presentation of "Still Life"
Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.. Shelton
Day/Time: June 6, 6 p.m.
Along with his wife Francesca and daughter Mia, Gary Scarpa, Author will present a unique 30 minute dramatic presentation, intended to introduce readers to his latest novel, STILL LIFE.
The program will feature the Scarpas acting out scenes from the novel, accompanied by nostalgic photos and music of the era, the late 1960s.
Well known in the region for their outstanding work in theater over the course of more than 40 years, the Scarpas’ presentation promises to be an entertaining one. After the dramatic presentation, the Scarpas will take questions from the audience.
Save your seat by registering: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=557398&PK=
This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.
Friday, May 2, 2025
Children's Room at the Ansonia Library to host author at Twinkle Tales story time
We’re throwing the sleepiest party of the year... and YOU’RE invited!
To celebrate Children’s Book Week, we’re hosting a special NightTime StoryTime with our pal and CT author, Doe Boyle!
She’s bringing one of her amazing books...
We’re bringing the cozy vibes...
You just bring your imagination (and maybe a blankie
Doe is visiting us for a special NightTime StoryTime and will read two of her many amazing books at this family event!
Registration is required, but PJs are optional!
Register here: https://forms.gle/D4qahUHnKuVLc3Zc6





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