Press Release

The Westport Library is proud to host a conversation with Westporter Melissa Bernstein, author of Lifelines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light.  The conversation between Melissa and fellow Westporter and freelance writer Dan Woog, will take place on Thursday, March 18th at 7:00pm. 

To register for this virtual program go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QlkBkSdmQ0mdsLDw4XlwmA

Westport Together, an alliance that unites Westport by strengthening the health and well-being of youth within our families, schools and community and nurtures positive youth development through advocacy, education, and enhanced community connections is the Library’s Community Partner in this program.

Melissa Bernstein, along with her husband Doug, is the Co-Founder of the toy company Melissa & Doug, which has created over 5,000 children’s products and sold billions of dollars of toys since its inception. Raised by educators, Melissa and Doug started the business in Doug’s parents’ garage on Guyer Road in Westport in 1988, and they have been on a mission ever since to provide open-ended, inventive, non-technology playthings for young children.

Throughout Melissa’s remarkable career, she kept secret her lifelong battle with severe depression and anxiety. She reveals her struggles in LifeLines, her first book, which she wrote to help others who are also suffering.  A book of struggle and salvation, connection and community, LifeLines is a framework for people seeking to understand their emotional lives and to develop their own path to self-discovery and inner transformation.

Melissa’s book also heralds the launch of LifeLines.com, an online ecosystem she and Doug are underwriting to support those seeking support, guidance, and community on their mental health journeys.

Dan Woog is a native Westporter. A full-time freelance writer and the author of 17 books, he blogs (“06880,” www.danwoog06880.com) and writes (“Woog’s World,” Westport News) about the people, places, events, trends and history that make his hometown such a vibrant place. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and consultant on LGBTQ and diversity issues, and for the past 18 years, the head boys soccer coach at Staples High School.