By Stan Siegel / #48 / 01/03/16
∎THE YEAR AHEAD –PLANS FOR ANOTHER VERY GOOD YEAR
As 2015 went, 2016 promises to be a very good year for the East Norwalk Association and its East Norwalk Association Library.
Moving into its 101styear of, originally, providing traditional library services,the East Norwalk Association Library will continue to grow and adapt to the particular needs of its community. Building on existing services and programs the East Norwalk Association Library will focus on the ever-changing needs of its increasing in numbers of cardholders and others. From “maker space” activities including 3D printing, to enhanced public computer stations for adults, young adults and children, to collaborations with the Marvin School, Homebound Services, free library Book Nooks, Wi-Fi, entertaining and educational year-round and special summer children’s programs, study spaces for individuals and tutors, the East Norwalk Association Library will continue to be a special neighborhood services hub.
Various surveys and person-to-person discussions with Library users and other members of the public were held during the past year. Overwhelmingly, the Library received high marks for how its staff responded to the public’s needs, its inventory of circulating materials, the various programs offered, free public computer availability and Wi-Fi accessibility. Recommendations, where received for special needs and other requests, were and will be continually considered,
The East Norwalk Association, too, will benefit from the input provided by the Library Planning Committee which was set in place by the Third Taxing District electors at its Annual Meeting last March -- three members of the ENA Board participating with the TTD Commissioners and their chosen public members and Library Consultant. A culminating meeting of the Committee is planned for January 12 to finalize the Consultant’s report which will be turned over to the ENA for their use.
The East Norwalk Association will present its budget request to the electors of the Third Taxing District at their Annual Meeting on Monday, March 2. This request, as was for the past 3 years, will not seek any increase for operating expenses for its East Norwalk Association Library. The Association services to the community will continue to grow, however, based upon the judicious spending of its granted funds, in-kind services, public and business contributions and an accelerated grant-application effort.
The East Norwalk Association, itself, continues to serve its community through an annually elected Board of Directors, governed by its bylaws originally written in 1910 and modified over the years to accommodate the changes of time and circumstance. Regular monthly Board meetings are held the 3nd Tuesday of each month. Membership in ENA is open to all residents of East Norwalk. ENA is committed and dedicated to serving its community – all of East Norwalk. Visit for more information, or call 203-249-6293.
∎“BOOK NOOK” AT GUS’S BARBERSHOP
Having relocated to 58 Van Zant Street in East Norwalk (across from the East Norwalk Association Library and next to the Firehouse, Engine Company #3), licensed master barber Gus Mandrozos – an East Norwalk resident -- offers a family orientated barbershop for men and boys and is the newest location of the Library’s “Book Nook”program.
The "Book Nook" project was developed from a nationally recognized "Little Free Library"
program where boxes of books are placed at various locations, free, for the public to take, read, enjoy, keep, pass on or return for others to have. The East Norwalk Association Library "Book Nooks" were built by Girl Scout Troop 50-961 which meets regularly in the Library's Van Zilen Community Hall. The Scouts, guided by the Woodworkers Club in Norwalk, cut, assembled and decorated the "Book Nooks" -- material for the project was donated by Hatch and Bailey, Rings End, and Select Plastics.
To date, six "Book Nooks" have been built with 5 being put in place -- Penny's Diner, Ripka's Beach Cafe, 25 Van Zant Street Office Condominium, the TTD Office, and, now, Gus's Barber Shop – with more than 600 adult and 400 children's books having been distributed through the "Book Nook" project.
With more than 20 years of experience, Gus’s tonsorial expertise has received accolades from his loyal customers: “At Gus's you get more than just a haircut. You pay for the fun and enjoyable experiencethat goes along withit. Gus is a proud barber who puts tremendous effort and pride in the cuts he gives. Settles for nothing short of the best.”
The spa-like barbershop offers professional haircutting and a host of specialized hair treatments and styling. In the words of another patron: “Great service! Gus is a master of his craft. I recommend everyone to make their appointment for a professional cut.”And, for the additional convenience of his clientele, free Wi-Fi.For more information, business hours or an appointment, call 203-957-3333 – or visit Gus’s Barbershop on Facebook.
∎ ANNUAL LIVE GREEK BOUZOUKI NIGHT -- OPA!
Harbor Lights restaurant at 82 Seaview Avenue in East Norwalk is holding its Annual Live Greek Bouzouki Night on Saturday, January 16. The public is invited to dine in style at “Connecticut’s classiest venue on the water.”
With live music starting at 9:30pm, the evening will feature vocals by Iraklis Pantzos, Sofia Tzinis, and Rena Tsapelas. No cover charge, and the full menu will be available until midnight.
Call 203-866-3364 for reservations, or visit for more information.
∎ ONGOING -- FREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN:
As an extension of the Norwalk Reads twice-a-year citywide free book distribution for the children of Norwalk, the East Norwalk Association Library has an ongoing –year-round program. Children can sign up for the program, receive a “Free Books” card, and receive 3 free books each month.
To date more than 260 children have joined the East Norwalk Association Library “ongoing” Norwalk Reads program – many returning regularly each month for more books.
∎EAST NORWALK ASSOCIATION LIBRARY WEBSITE
An updated website – -- has been published. The new website includes pages devoted to the East Norwalk Association and its East Norwalk Association Library. The pages include organizational background, history, programs, and contact and directions information. A link provides a searchable inventory – by title or author -- of the Library’s circulating materials – including whether the item is available.
The site was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Comments, questions, and support can be managed by phone, address and links to staff email addresses.
The website will be regularly updated to assure inclusion of changed and new information as well as catering to the needs of the users.
∎“LIKE” EAST NORWALK LBRARY ON “FACEBOOK”
The East Norwalk Library now has a “Facebook” presence. Log onto Facebook and search for East Norwalk Library – “like” the Library and you’ll be privy to happenings, and other bits of information regarding the East Norwalk Library and the community it serves.
∎EAST NORWALK ASSOCIATION LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 5:30, Saturday, 9:30 to 5:30, closed Sunday and Holidays.
∎ “INSIDE EAST NORWALK”
If there’s some East Norwalk “happening” or other East Norwalk news or features you would like to share with the readers, email: , or call 203-249-6293
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