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.

Book club at Derby Public Library to discuss thriller, 'His & Hers'

 

Seymour Public Library mystery book club to discuss crime novel Feb. 12

New Year, New Book Club!
Join our Mystery Book Club!

Seymour Public Library is at 46 Church St.

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.

Derby Public Library to host holiday book discussion Thursday

Holiday Book Discussion

“The Christmas Train” by David Baldacci
Thursday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.

Registration not required. Walk-ins welcome!

Multiple copies of the book will be available at the main circulation desk.

 The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

For more info, please call 203-736-1482 or dplreference@biblio.org 

This is shared from the Derby Public Library website. 

Scarpa to discuss, sign his latest novel at Derby Public Library

 

Retired Shelton educator pens novel 'Still Life,' a coming of age story

Gary Scarpa

Mia Scarpa 

 

Lifelong Shelton resident Gary Scarpa enjoyed a rewarding career as a teacher, guidance counselor, and theater director. In his retirement, he has pursued new artistic avenues as an author.

As it was in the world of theater, publishing is a family affair for Scarpa. With the professional support of his daughter Mia, Scarpa recently released a new novel, Still Life, a coming of age story set between 1969 and 1971.

“When I decided to venture into writing, I knew I needed someone to both edit my work and help me develop my characters and stories,” Scarpa said. “Mia was the perfect person for the job!”

The two have a long history of collaborating professionally, having co-directed a number of major musicals together.

“People often ask me what it’s like to work with a family member in this capacity, but we’re both so used to it that it feels very normal to us,” Mia explained. “After years of working together in the theater, we Scarpas continue to partner in other endeavors.” Mia also assists her sister, Gina, in the voiceover business.

As Gary creates new stories and characters, Mia both edits and formats the interior of his novels. “My dad is a very creative person, and I am more structured,” she explained. “This makes us a good match for the literary world.”

Scarpa added, “Her work on my books goes way beyond editing and formatting, though. Mia is truly a literary advisor and my partner in creating fiction.”

Scarpa decided to be an independent author, he said, because he began writing late in life. “I’m in my seventies,” he said, “and, realizing I had a number of books I wanted to publish, I decided to go the independent route, thereby giving us complete control over our timelines and our literary choices, from the cover to the last chapter.”

Mia said, “We even created our own little publishing company, Next Chapter Press, for the exclusive production of our own work.”

Scarpa’s newest release, Still Life, is a coming of age story about a young man who takes a road trip in the early 1970s. “The story has all of the elements of navigating late adolescence,” Scarpa explained, “and going on a road trip, which turns out to be a journey of self-discovery in the midst of a revolutionary historical period.”

Each of Scarpa’s novels takes place in Connecticut, in the Lower Naugatuck River Valley, where he himself grew up and where he chose to raise his family.

The father-daughter team works side by side throughout the entire process, from first ideas to final publishing. They both say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Mia is very meticulous,” Scarpa said. “She doesn’t let anything get by, and as a creative person, I need that kind of help to ensure that the final product is ready for our readers.”

Scarpa's novels, Still Life and What Are the Chances?, are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever e-books are sold.
Upcoming book events with the author will take place on Dec. 13 at the Shelton Senior Center, Dec. 14 at JC’s Sports Bar, and Jan. 4 at Derby Public Library. 

For more information about Gary’s novels and these events, visit www.garyscarpa.com

This is a press release from Gary Scarpa. 

Bestselling author to speak Tuesday at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

An Evening with Author Kristan Higgins

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton
Date/Time: Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.

Register online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=537365&PK=
or call 203-924-1580.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Derby Public Library group to discuss 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

 

BOOK DISCUSSION

Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. 

DERBY - A brilliant debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago. Truly original and touching.  

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story of family, community, and optimism in spite of darkness.

Multiple copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk at Derby Public Library. 

Weather permitting, the discussion will be held outdoors.

Registration not required. Drop-ins welcome! The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page. 

Shelton Reading Circle to discuss 'Behold the Dreamers'

SHELTON - We [at the Shelton Reading Circle] look forward to seeing you at our usual location at the Shelton Community Center on March 12, from 6:30-8 p.m.

We will discuss "Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue.

The book tells the story of a young Cameroonian couple making a new life in New York just as the Great Recession upends the economy.

The community center is at 41 Church St.

You can listen to the free audiobook read by Prentice Onayemi at:

https://fulllengthaudiobook.com/imbolo-mbue-behold-the.../

Trigger/spoiler warning: some episodes of spousal and drug abuse.

This is shared from the Shelton History Center's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host discussion of 'West with Giraffes'

 

DERBY - Derby Public Library to host February Book Discussion: "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge fromt 1-2 p.m. Thursday.

The book is an emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Ansonia Library Book Club to discuss novel, 'The Hate U Give'

 

Seymour Public Library Book Club to discuss 'The Bear and The Nightingale'

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library Book Club will discuss "The Bear and the Nightingale," a historical fantasy novel, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30.

It is Katherine Arden's debut novel, and the first novel in the Winternight trilogy. 

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is set in medieval Russia and incorporates elements of Russian folklore. 

Copies of the book are available for checkout with a library card at the front desk of the Library. The book club meets every last Tuesday of the month.

The Library is at 46 Church St.

Books to be determined by vote. Mingle starts at 6 p.m.; discussion starts at 6:30.

Ansonia Library Book Club to discuss 'The Night She Disappeared'

 

Derby Public Library slates December book discussion

December Book Discussion

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Dec. 7 from 1-2 p.m.

Register at https://bit.ly/3G1AjcU

A legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the Main Circulation desk.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host discussion of 'Mad Honey'

September Book Discussion
"Mad Honey" by Jodi Picoult
Sept. 28 from 1-2 p.m.
Please register at https://bit.ly/45Nm8Dv

"Mad Honey" is a riveting novel about what we choose to keep from our past, and what we choose to leave behind, from the New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult (co-authored by Jennifer Finney Boylan). 

"Mad Honey" is a suspenseful novel, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the Main Circulation desk. 

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Please register at https://bit.ly/45Nm8Dv. Drop-ins are also welcome.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page. 

Derby Public Library group to discuss mystery novel, 'The Maid'

DERBY - Derby Public Library's book discussion of “The Maid” by Nita Prose will be held from 1-2 p.m. Aug. 24.

A clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, "The Maid" explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different - and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

"The Maid" is a finalist for the Edgar Award and is in development as a major motion picture produced by and starring Florence Pugh.

Multiple copies of the book will be available at the main circulation desk.

Weather permitting, discussions will be held outdoors during the warmer months.

Drop-ins are also welcome.

Please register at https://bit.ly/3Km9vGD

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to discuss novel, 'A Hundred Summers'

July Book Discussion - July 27 at 1 p.m.
"A Hundred Summers" written by Connecticut author, Beatriz Williams.
Register at https://bit.ly/3Dcci1h - Drop-ins are also welcome.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

As the 1938 hurricane approaches Rhode Island, another storm brews in this New York Times best seller. 

Multiple copies of the book available at the Main Circulation Desk. Weather permitting, discussions will be held outdoors.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host discussion of mystery novel

DERBY - Derby Public library to host a discussion of "The Death of Mrs. Christie" by Marie Benedict at 1 p.m. Thursday.

The Washington Post notes that “this is a stunning story that has an ingenious ending…it's possible that Benedict has brought to life the most plausible explanation for why Christie disappeared for 11 days in 1926.”

Register @ http://bit.ly/3LSkn0N

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library book group to discuss 'The Good House'

DERBY - Derby Public Library book group to discuss The Good House by Ann Leary on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. 

A classic New England tale that is funny, poignant, and terrifying. The story lays bare the secrets of one little town. This spirited novel will stay with you long after the story has ended. 

Now a major motion picture starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. Register at https://bit.ly/3PErBW5

For more info or if you would like to join our Book Discussion Group, please contact Kathy Wilson at 203-736-1482 or kwilson@biblio.org. 

Walk-ins also welcome! Multiple copies of the book will be available at our Circulation Desk. The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.