'Wilton Reads' To Focus On Town History For 16th Annual Program

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Library has selected the history of the town over the last three centuries as the topic for its annual community-wide "Wilton Reads" program.

The 2022 book selection will be "Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress" by Robert H. Russell. The library will again collaborate with the Wilton School District to facilitate discussions and conversations throughout the community on all levels.

"In Wilton, we are in the midst of a sea change. Our community is growing and changing so quickly, and we are seeing history happen right before our eyes. We believe it is the perfect time to look inward and explore Wilton’s fascinating story, and we could not think of a better selection than Bob Russell’s Wilton, Connecticut, which is the definitive history of our town," said Elaine Tai-Lauria the library's executive director. She credited Lauren McLaughlin, assistant director of Wilton Library, for the selection.

As with "Wilton Reads" collaborations in the past, the school district will choose age-appropriate reading selections and create supplemental activities for the various schools.

"We believe that the library’s selection for Wilton Reads 2022 provides a wonderful learning opportunity for all Wilton residents," said schools superintendent Kevin Smith in a statement. "For our students, we'll be able to engage them on so many levels – such as virtual author visits and other educational programs."

Author Bob Russell served Wilton as First Selectman for six years after his 35-year business career with IBM. He was also on the boards of several Wilton organizations, including Wilton Library.

Copies of Russell's book are currently available to reserve via the library’s online catalog. The library plans to offer free copies of Russell's book this spring, courtesy of Fairfield County Bank.

The book was published in 2004 by the Wilton Historical Society.