Responding to the popularity of text messaging, beginning on Wednesday, September 15th, our members will be able to ask questions and get information from Darien Library by text message.

To begin, simply text the keyword “AskDL” to 66746. A standard reply, asking the user to save the number as “AskDL,” will follow, creating quick and reliable access for text messaging with Darien Library. (Standard text rates apply.)

On average, Americans text message almost twice as much as they talk on mobile phones, according to a recent Nielsen Mobile Survey, making it a preferred means of communication while on-the-go.  Recognizing the increased use of text messaging by Library users of all ages, we feel that it is important to offer a way to communicate with us via text messaging. This new service provides ease of use for our librarians and maintains the privacy of our members’ information.

For those who are unable to ask a librarian in person or online, or simply prefer texting over talking, the Text a Librarian service provides a convenient option for getting information on their mobile phone from our helpful librarians.

With Text a Librarian, you will be able to ask questions by sending text messages with a mobile phone and librarians will answer on a web-based interface, keeping a “live archive” of all the questions and answers. The service does not display phone numbers and generates an anonymous ID for each patron in order to reference conversation history.

Text a Librarian was developed by Mosio, an award-winning mobile technology company that enables companies and institutions to harness the power of mobile communications.

“Mobility is a way of life for most students and increasingly for society in general, making the way in which we stay connected a central issue for many libraries,” said Noel Chandler, Mosio CEO. “Text a Librarian makes it possible for students and patrons to tap into the wealth of knowledge of local librarians from their mobile phones, while keeping patron information private and secure.”