The reimagined Westport Library was a spectacular success. For a few months, it was packed with users, jammed with events, pulsing with energy.
Then COVID-19 struck.
But 4 months after it closed, the library is poised to reopen. The big date is Monday, July 13.
Limited services begin, weekdays (2 to 6 p.m.) and Saturdays (12 to 4 p.m.). Only 100 people — including staff — will be allowed in the building at any time.
Masks are required. The only entrance is the main one (upper parking lot). The only exit is through the café.
The café and store are not open. Conference and meeting rooms will also be closed. Computer access will be limited to the Express stations.
Curbside pickup services continues weekdays (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
The library will extend loan periods, but fines will accrue for materials not returned within the loan periods.
The library will continue to offer virtual programs and services, while phasing in the full reopening of the building.
During these disconnected times, Dave Briggs — former CNN, NBC Sports and Fox anchor (and proud Westporter) — has conducted a series of Instagram Live interviews with interesting residents.
Folks like 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, restaurant owner Bill Taibe and former NFL quarterback/ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky talk about the town, the pandemic, and answer questions from followers.
Today’s guest (Thursday, July 2) is Craig Melvin. The NBC “Today” host has been square in the middle of both the COVID and racial unrest stories.
Just follow @westportmagazine on Instagram, and click on the “Live” tab at the top of their feed at 4:30 for a fascinating chat. It will be reposted later by Dave (@davebriggstv).
Craig Melvin
There are no fireworks at Compo Beach to celebrate the 4th. BUT … there is a great movie at Westport’s own drive-in!
The Remarkable Theater shows “Dirty Dancing” at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. The classic summer romance/dance film begins at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday (the 4th). The lot opens at 7:45, and pre-film content starts at 8:15.
Tickets are $50 per car. Click here to purchase.
It’s a great movie. Even if it’s not “Independence Day,” or “Born on the 4th of July.”
COVID knocked out this year’s Yankee Doodle Fair. But the annual Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser has been around for a century. It will be back next year.
And if you want your Fair fix, check out this video shot last year by interns from Fourth Row Films. It premiered last week, at the Remarkable Theater’s opening night drive-in movie benefit for the WWC.
if you’re inspired by the video — or just want to help provide much-needed funds for the Woman’s Club community grants, scholarships, food pantry and other great causes — click here.
Want to win the war on invasive weeds?
That’s the topic of the next “Pollinator Series” online presentation from Wakeman Town Farm.
This Monday (July 6, 7-8 p.m.), University of Connecticut advanced master gardener Alice Ely will spotlight a guide to invasives, developed by WTF’s 2020 senior class interns.
Click here to register. Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link the day of the talk. Everyone gets a free guide to the area’s worst weeds too.
Missed the benefit cabaret that Staples High School senior Jamie Mann organized for Obi Ndefo — the actor/inspiration/friend who lost both legs when hit by a drunk driver?
Here’s your chance. Just click below. The sound is not great at the start, but it gets better. The performances, back story and messages are well worth it!
And finally … another fun summertime classic.
https://youtu.be/Bg0tFRea0wA
Hi Dan, it’s very hard to figure out how to register for the WTF’s Invasive Weeds presentation. Is there a link?
Sorry – I thought I had included it. I just added it in. For your convenience, here it is: https://app.tikly.co/events/4715
Love that old Sly song! Another time on earth I miss so much.
Dan, is there a Westport connection to the Jamies or their one-hit wonder, “Summertime”?
None. I just post a video every day that’s appropriate to the day, mood or times.