Join Darien Library in March and April as we launch our second annual One Book, One Community program! One Book, One Community encourages everyone in town to read the same book and then come together to explore its themes.
The selected book for the town-wide read is The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan, the 2006 National Book Award Winner for Non-Fiction. 
The selected book for younger readers is Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, the 1998 Winner of the Newbery Medal.
Each book is set during the 1930s and centers around the experiences of those who survived the Great Depression during one of the worst natural disasters of all time.
Beginning Thursday, January 28th, please visit Darien Library and check out your copies of The Worst Hard Time and Out of the Dust. Then, join us in March and April as we host a series of discussions, seminars, lectures, film screenings, and events that support the books’ themes. There will be programs for adults, teens, and children. Let’s build a better community!
And for more information about the Great American Dust Bowl, visit Surviving the Dust Bowl by PBS's American Experience. Here, you can watch a full-length film about the Dust Bowl, view a photo gallery of images from the National Archives and Library of Congress, and find additional activities to enhance your understanding of this memorable time in American history.
Search Darien Library's One Book, One Community events by:
Film Screening of The Grapes of Wrath
Wednesday, March 10 at 2 PM
This Oscar-winning movie adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by John Steinbeck tells the story of a family’s harrowing journey from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl. Starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, and Shirley Mills. Not rated; 129 minutes (1940).
An Evening of Storytelling for Adults, featuring stories about the 1930s
Wednesday, March 10 at 7 PM
Join us for a gathering of experienced and amateur storytellers who will share a family legend, personal remembrance, a historical tale, or anecdotes about the decade known as “The Dirty Thirties.” Try your hand at telling, or simply enjoy by listening.
Film Screening of WALL∙E 
Saturday, March 13 at 3 PM
Perfect for Families!
What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? The year is 2700 and WALL∙E is a robot still spending every day doing what he was made for. Soon he is visited by a sleek robot named EVE, whom he chases across the galaxy with a pet cockroach and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots. Animated feature voices by Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, and Ben Burtt. Rated G; 97 minutes (2008).
One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Movement
Wednesday, March 17 at 7 PM
Wind. Journeys. Lack of control. Restoration. These are central ideas present in The Worst Hard Time and the theme for our selections this evening. Bring a single page of poetry by an established poet, plus your enthusiasm, thoughts, questions, and curiosity about the poems that others bring. The discussions will be led by Madge McKeithen, faculty member of The Writing Program at The New School.
Potluck & Music Listening Party
Tuesday, March 23 at 7 PM
It’s an evening to satisfy the senses! We’ll be sharing recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation as we listen to some of the defining sounds of the 1930s. Bring a dish of your own, enjoy some homemade confections made by others, and learn about the folk songs, big bands, blues, and jazz that defined a memorable decade of music.
Film Screening of Bound For Glory
Wednesday, March 24 at 2 PM
Director Hal Ashby’s recreation of the life of one of America’s most talented folk singers, Woody Guthrie. As portrayed by David Carradine, Guthrie is a complex character who strenuously fights for the rights of migrant workers he’s never met. The film is breathtakingly photographed by Haskell Wexler and is beautifully fashioned by Ashby to be as much a ballad as Guthrie's songs. Starring David Carradine, Ronny Cox, and Melinda Dillon. Rated PG; 148 minutes (1976).
Wartime Kiss: Forgetting the Second World War
Guest Lecture by Dr. Alexander Nemerov, Yale University
Sunday, March 28 at 3 PM
WWII accelerated the worldwide recovery from the Great Depression of the 1930s, bringing about an extraordinary time period for American art. What was the visual culture of the American home front during that period, and how do we remember WWII today? Alexander Nemerov, chair of the History of Art Department at Yale University, will look to the films and photographs on the home front to ponder what, if anything, still resonates from those years. This program is co-sponsored by the Yale Club of Lower Fairfield County.
Weathering the Storm: Climate Change, Science, and Policy 
Guest Lecture by Dr. David Downie, Fairfield University
Monday, April 5 at 7 PM
The Dust Bowl has been widely acknowledged as the worst prolonged natural disaster of all time. Will climate change bring similar conditions? Learn about the factors that influence extreme weather and global warming, as well as what is being done to help protect the future of our planet. Prior to joining Fairfield University, David Downie taught at Columbia University for 14 years. There, he served as Director of both the graduate program in international environmental policy at the School of International and Public Affairs and the Global Roundtable on Climate Change.
Book Discussion – The Worst Hard Time
Tuesday, April 6 at 11 AM
Join in on the discussion of this classic disaster tale, and share your thoughts about the poignant stories, the unforgettable characters, the warning signs, the political repercussions, and the lessons offered in Timothy Egan’s best-selling non-fiction masterpiece.
Film Screening of Food, Inc. 
Thursday, April 8 at 7 PM
This controversial documentary film lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, and our own environment. We have bigger, better, longer lasting food, but the consequences may often outweigh the benefits. Named one of the ten best films of 2009 by Entertainment Weekly. Rated PG; 94 minutes (2009).
Book Discussion – Out of the Dust
Tuesday, April 13 at 11 AM
Karen Hesse’s beautifully crafted, free-verse tale of a young girl’s experiences during the Dust Bowl is a wonderful companion piece for adults who are reading The Worst Hard Time. We will discuss how this very personal family story of survival brings a new perspective to our examination of the Great Depression.
One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Things Green.
Wednesday, April 14 at 7 PM
Nature. Money. Life. Prosperity. These are central ideas present in The Worst Hard Time and the theme for our selections this evening. Bring a single page of poetry by an established poet, plus your enthusiasm, thoughts, questions, and curiosity about the poems that others bring. The discussions will be led by Madge McKeithen, faculty member of The Writing Program at The New School.
Film Screening of No Impact Man
Friday, April 23 at 7 PM
Colin Beavan, a New York City writer and self-proclaimed liberal, has big plans for his new book. He decides on a grand experiment: to live one year with as little impact on the environment as possible. The problem is, the project requires his wife Michelle, an espresso-guzzling, Prada-worshipping business writer, and their young daughter to be fully on board. The family embarks on a year of no electricity, television, cars, toilet paper, elevators, or newspapers. Not rated; 93 minutes (2008).
Film Screening of Disney’s Earth 
Saturday, April 24 at 2 PM
Perfect for Families!
This documentary film is a feature length version of the dazzling BBC series Planet Earth. This stunning look at nature shows us whales cavorting in the oceans, rivers crashing down mountain-height waterfalls, the migratory patterns of several species, and many other wonders. Underlying the beautiful images is the manmade damage being done to nature. Narrated by James Earl Jones. Rated G; 90 minutes (2009).
Book Discussion – The Worst Hard Time
Thursday, April 29 at 7 PM
Join us for a final discussion of this classic disaster tale, and share your thoughts about the poignant stories, the unforgettable characters, the warning signs, the political repercussions, and the lessons offered in Timothy Egan’s best-selling non-fiction masterpiece.
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All events are held in the Teen Lounge.
Unless noted, registration is not required.
Make Your Own PSA
Wednesday, March 10 at 4 PM
What do you want to tell the world? Use our flip cams to film, edit, and publish your 60-second public service announcements on our website.
Stop-Motion Animation
Saturday, March 20 at 2:30 PM
Celebrate the golden age of animation by creating your own short stop-motion movie.
Special Edition of Write Now
Thursday, March 25 at 4 PM
Bring your writing that's related to one of the themes of Out of the Dust: nature, resilience, tragedy, or your own interpretation. Please register by calling 203-669-5225.
Film Screening of O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Saturday, April 3 at 2:30 PM
A Coen Brothers classic movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? brings together the Great Depression and Homer's Odyssey for a hilarious look at the story of three men on the run. Rated PG-13; 93 minutes (2000).
Beautify the Teen Lounge Windows
Wednesday, April 7 at 4 PM
Draw murals on the teen lounge windows.
Make Beeswax Candles
Thursday, April 15 at 11 AM
Learn to make beautiful and useful candles from beeswax. Please register by calling 203-669-5225.
Film Screening of The 11th Hour
Saturday, April 17 at 2:30 PM
A documentary about the environmental crisis, The 11th Hour includes contributions from scientists, politicians, and journalists exploring the problems facing the Earth's life systems. Rated PG; 95 minutes (2007).
Turning Trash into Treasure
Wednesday, April 21 at 4 PM
Take junk - like light bulbs, puzzle pieces, cardboard boxes, greeting cards, washed jars and bottles - and transform it into art! We will provide supplies. Please register by calling 203-669-5225.
Film Screening of The Wizard of Oz
Saturday, April 24 at 2:30 PM
Watch one of the most well-known movies in American cinematic history, originally released in 1939. Rated G; 102 minutes.
Teen Film Contest
Enter your short films in our contest by April 30. Please check our website for details, including submission information, starting April 1. Open to teens age 13 - 18.
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All events are held in the Children's Library.
Sand Art
Wednesday, March 10 at 1:30 PM
Ages 3 - 5
Who thought playing in the sandbox could be so much fun?! Children will make works of art using sand as their medium. Registration for this program will begin on Monday, March 1. To register, please contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235, or via email at crstaff@darienlibrary.org.
BookMANIA!: Free Verse Writing Program
Tuesday, March 16 at 4:15 PM
Ages 7 - 9
What is free verse? Kids will b e introduced to stories told in verse, similar to Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. After the reading, they will write down their own stories in verse.
Nature and the Dust Bowl
Wednesday, April 14 at 11:30 AM
Ages 5 and up
Discover the science and causes behind the Dust Bowl era in this nature program for children. Learn about wind erosion and "black blizzards" while also gaining hands-on knowledge with nature projects. Registration for this program will begin on Monday, March 1. To register, please contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235, or via email at crstaff@darienlibrary.org.
Book Group for Kids
Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 PM
Ages 9 - 12
A book discussion of Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan. We will examine the way both of these non-traditional books, both free verse and graphic novel, reflect the time period during the Dust Bowl.
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Children's Book Drive
March 17 through March 31
Darien Library will hold a book drive in conjunction with Darien Book Aid. We are accepting donations of new or nearly new children's books, which will then be distributed to the local community, Peace Corps volunteers, libraries, and schools all over the world.
Canned Goods Food Drive
April 1 through April 15
The Food Pantry at Person-to-Person provides enough groceries for clients to prepare three meals a day for several days. Darien Library is collecting non-perishable food donations for this local pantry. Please check expirations dates. The items of food in most need are:
Juice
Parmalat
Dried Beans
Oatmeal
Condensed Soup
Canned Fruit
Jell-O
Instant Coffee & Tea
Cookies
Crackers
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Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut, 06820-5419 · 203-655-1234
