By Susan Granger

Admittedly, Pixar’s “Toy Story” concocted the fantasy first, but “The Secret Life of Pets,” set in Manhattan, explores the concept of what your pets might be up to when you’re gone for the day.

Beginning with a merchandising short featuring lawn-mowing Minions from “Despicable Me,” the animated adventure kicks into gear as Katie (Ellie Kemper) disrupts the domestic tranquility of her beloved Jack Russell terrier Max (Louis CD.K.) by bringing home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a shaggy mutt.

Resentment about Duke’s desire for dominance, Max turns to Chloe (Lake Bell), the neighbor’s Russian blue cat, along with his circle of canine pals, including the pug Mel (Bobby Moynihan), dachshund Buddy (Hannibal Buress) and fluffy white Pomeranian Gidget (Jenny Slate), who has a major crush on Max.

One day, when their dog-walker becomes distracted, Duke takes off in the park, clutching Max’s leash. Soon, they’re lost and fall into the clutches of a manic, street-wise rabbit, Snowball (Kevin Hart), vindictive leader of the Flushed Pets, a group of resentful, sewer-dwelling animals.

Volunteers sorted and put the finishing touches today on the Westport Library Giant Summer Book Sale which begins Saturday. Mimi Greenlee, volunteer coordinator, said 300 volunteeers have worked to organize and stock the shelves with 100,000 books in 70 categories. “We’ve had so many more young teens volunteering than ever before,” she said. “Many are from Builders Beyond Borders, SLOBs, Staples High School football team, NCL as well as adults from the Rotary Clubs and Homes with Hope. In general there are more community groups volunteering this year than we’ve ever had. I’m so proud of our town—they help us get that extra 15 percent we need to raise this year.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Library book sale volunteer Daniel Delahanty of Westport and Mimi Greenlee, volunteer coordinator, today prepare for the annual book summer sale starting Saturday at 9 a.m. Delahanty, former Town of Westport engineer for 30 years before his retirement, said he has been a book sale volunteer for the 12 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Books were stacked and sorted as far as the eye could see today on Westport’s Jesup Green ready for Saturday’s start of the annual summer book sale. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The Westport Cinema Initiative will hold a special screening of the 2005 film “The War Within” at the Westport Country Playhouse Barn on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“The War Within” was written by Ayad Akhtar, a Pulitzer prize-winning playwright whose work brings insights into the Muslim experience in the United States. There will be a talk-back afterward.

The screening is produced in conjunction with the Playhouse production of “The Invisible Hand” by the same author.

The event is being underwritten by the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts. There is no charge for admission but an RSVP is recommended.

Scenes from tonght’s performance by the Back to the Garden 1969 band at the Levitt Pavilion for the performing arts. The band plays music from the 1969 Woodstock Festival. J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com and WestportNow.com photos

The Westport Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts tonight presented Back to the Garden 1969,
celebrating the music and spirit of the Woodstock Festival.  The band performed a variety of classic sounds associated with the now legendary event, including acoustic and electric rock, acid rock, folk music, and soul. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Just like at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, rain fell on the Levitt Pavilion crowd tonight enjoying Back to the Garden 1969, celebrating the music and spirit of Woodstock. But unlike in 1969, tonight’s rain amounted only to a passing few drops. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Audience members enjoy the Woodstock Festival music tonight at the Westport Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com

A vehicle parked outside the Levitt Pavilion tonight recalled the 1969 era as Woodstock Festival sounds filled the air from the Back to the Garden 1969 band. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo