Join Darien Library as we launch our third annual One Book, One Community program, where a critically-acclaimed documentary novel combines with programs about American culture, foreign relations, and the civil rights movement to transport us back to a pivotal time in United States history - the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962.

The selected book for the town-wide read is Countdown by Deborah Wiles.

Visit us now to check out your copy of Countdown and pick up one of our series brochures. Then, join us in March and April as we host a slew 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!

About the Book: Countdown

Published in 2010 and hailed by critics, Countdown is historical fiction that reads like the memoir of an 11-year-old girl in October of 1962. Crisis and fears converge for Franny Chapman during the Cuban Missile Crisis; her worries about family, friendship, crushes, beauty, and school all seep into the daily terror of nuclear annihilation.

Punctuated with song lyrics, famous quotes, advertisements for home bomb shelters, newspaper clippings, and historical photographs - and interrupted by air raid drills and descriptions of civil defense films - Countdown reflects a dangerous time in world history, as well as the panic and courage of a nation, as seen through the eyes of a young girl.

About the Author: Deborah Wiles

Deborah Wiles was born in Alabama to an Air Force family and spent her childhood summers in a small Mississippi town with an extended family full of Southern characters. Today, the family and her childhood memories live on in her stories, including two picture books, One Wide Sky and Freedom Summer, and four children's novels, Love, Ruby Lavender; Each Little Bird That Sings (a 2005 National Book Award Finalist); The Aurora County All-Stars; and her newest novel, Countdown, Book One of The Sixties Trilogy for Young Readers.

Ms. Wiles has received the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, the PEN/Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Working Writing Fellowship, and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. She teaches in the "MFA in writing for Children Program" at Vermont College, presents writing workshops across the country, and currently resides in Atlanta.

Meet Deborah Wiles on Thursday, March 31st as she visits Darien Library for two special programs!

  

Meet the Author: Deborah Wiles!

Journaling Workshop in the Children's Library
Thursday, March 31 from 4 to 5:30 PM
Ages 9 - 12; Registration Required
Learn how to create a personal journal and begin recording your own stories! Plus, Deborah Wiles will share personal stories and photos from the book and her childhood. Please read the book prior to attending the workshop. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Author Presentation, Q&A Session, and Book Signing
Thursday, March 31 at 7 PM
Join us as Deborah Wiles shares her own personal experiences as a young girl during the Cuban Missile Crisis, her inspirations for writing Countdown, and the cultural moments in time that helped her shape Franny's world in 1962. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations cannot be accommodated. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Reception to follow.

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Events for Adults

Kickoff! Music Listening Party
Tuesday, March 22 at 7 PM
It's an evening to satisfy the senses! Delight in traditional Cuban tastes while listening to some of the defining sounds of the early 1960s. Songs by Pete Seeger, Shirley Jones, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and others will be featured, along with Franny's Countdown playlist.

Film Screening of Thirteen Days
Wednesday, March 23 at 7 PM
Set during two weeks in October 1962, this docudrama, which is based on the novel The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House During the Cuban Missile Crisis, centers on the rising possibilities of nuclear war and how President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, adn others handled the explosive situation between the United States and the Soviet Union. Starring Kevin Costner; Rated PG-13; 143 minutes (2000).

Film Screening of Dr. Strangelove
Wednesday, March 30 at 2 PM
In this Academy Award-nominated satire, chaos erupts when a general orders an attack on the Russians, which subsequently triggers the Russian "Doomsday Device." The President and his aides struggle to find a way to stop the impending doom. Starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, and Sterling Hayden; Rated PG; 93 minutes (1964).

One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Courage
Wednesday, March 30 at 7 PM
Risk. Danger. Fear. Bravery. Fortitude. These are central ideas present in Countdown 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.

Meet the Author! Deborah Wiles
Countdown
Thursday, March 31 at 7 PM
Join us as Deborah Wiles shares her own personal experiences as a young girl during the Cuban Missile Crisis, her inspirations for writing Countdown, and the cultural moments in time that helped her shape Franny's world in 1962. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations cannot be accommodated. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Reception to follow.
 
Film Screening of Pete Seeger: The Power of Song
Friday, April 1 at 7:30 PM
An intimate portrait of folksinger Pete Seeger's life and career, supported by archival footage, home movies, and narration by Seeger himself. From his early days at folk festivals to the rise and fall of his band, The Weavers, to his famous protest songs, and to his 62-year marriage to his wife, Toshi, this film shares how Seeger always believed that music could be a force for good. Documentary Feature; Rated PG-13; 93 minutes (2007).

Public Protest & Public Policy: The Intersection of Peace and Civil Rights in the Early 60s
Guest Lecture by Dr. David W. McFadden, Fairfield University
Monday, April 4 at 7 PM
The early 1960s in American consciousness are usually identified with JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis. But this period must also be remembered for the rise of major Civil Rights demonstrations, including student sit-ins on southern campuses and huge rallies in Birmingham and Washington DC. At the same time, the peace movement began to focus on nuclear testing in the atmostphere with the formation of Women Strike for Peace and Another MOther for Peace. More and more Americans were taking to the streets on behalf of peace and justice. David W. McFadden, Professor of History at Fairfield University, will focus on the intersection of these two movements at a time of great ferment and change.

Meet the Author! Carlos Eire
Learning to Die in Miami: Confessions of a Refugee Boy
Thursday, April 7 at 7 PM
Returning to Darien Library to discuss the sequel to his 2003 National Book Award-winning memoir, Waiting for Snow in Havana, author Carlos Eire will share his experiences adapting to life in the United States after fleeing the Cuban Revolution as an 11-year-old boy in 1962. Co-sponsored by the Yale Club of Lower Fairfield County. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations cannot be accommodated. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Reception to follow.

Film Screening of Countdown to Zero
Monday, April 11 at 7 PM
This film traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs: nine nations possessing nuclear weapons capabilities with others racing to join them, with the world held in a delicate balance that could be shattered by an act of terrorism, failed diplomacy, or a simple aaccident. The film features an array of international statesmen, including President Jimmy Carter, Mikhail Gorbachev, Pervez Musharraf, and Tony Blair. Documentary Feature; Rated PG; 91 minutes (2010).

Film Screening of Blast from the Past
Wednesday, April 13 at 7 PM
A romantic comedy about a naive man who enters the world of present-day America after being in a nuclear fallout shelter for 35 years. Starring Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, and Christopher Walken; Rated PG-13; 112 minutes (1999).

Darien Story SLAM! - Personal Stories of "I Remember Where I Was When . . ."
Thursday, April 14 at 7 PM
We all have memories of significant moments in history that seem to stay with us throughout the years - and whether these memories are joyous, sad, shocking, or silly, they are important and unforgettable, helping us revisit the past while shaping our future. Join us for an evening of sharing personal stories of the most significant moments of our time. Prepare a 5-minute story to tell, or enjoy by simply listening.

Book Discussion - Countdown
Friday, April 15 at 11 AM
Join in on the discussion and share your thoughts about Franny's experiences, the unforgettable characters, the political climate, the historical repercussions, and the lessons offered in Deborah Wiles's award-winning documentary novel.

Film Screening of Flipped
Friday, April 15 at 7:30 PM
Julie Baker believes in three things: the sanctity of trees, the wholesomeness of the eggs she collects from her backyard flock of chickens, and that someday she will kiss Bryce Loski, whom she's been smitten with ever since second grade - but he thinks that she's weird. A coming-of-age film set in the early 1960s. Starring Penelope Ann Miller, Aiden Quinn, and Rebecca DeMornay; Rated PG; 90 minutes (2010).

Got Photos, Family Movies, and Memorabilia? A Guest Presentation.
Tuesday, April 19 at 10 AM
Photographs tell a story, and we take them to help us remember a meaningful time. Yet too often, these photos end up lost in a drawer or on our computers. Join us for a two-hour presentation by Cathi Nelson of PhotoSimplified, who specializes in teaching people how to organize a lifetime of family photos. Learn various ways that you can bring your photos and family stories to life, from creating scrapbook photo albums to digital slide shows, and become inspired to conquer this daunting task!

One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Change
Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM
Civil rights. Ideas. Rebellion. Beliefs. These are central ideas present in Countdown 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. This event supports the YWCA's national Stand Against Racism movement.

Book Discussion - Countdown
Led by Dr. Mark Schenker, Associate Dean at Yale University
Thursday, April 21 at 7 PM
One Book, One Community 2011 concludes with a final discussion of our selected book. Share your thoughts about Franny's experiences, the unforgettable characters, the political climate, the historical repercussions, and the lessons offered in Deborah Wiles's award-winning documentary novel.

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Events for Children

All events are held in the Children's Library unless otherwise noted.
Registration is required.

Journaling Workshop with Deborah Wiles!
Thursday, March 31 from 4 to 5:30 PM
Ages 9 - 12
Learn how to create a personal journal and begin recording your own stories! Plus, Deborah Wiles will share personal stories and photos from the book and her childhood. Please read the book prior to attending the workshop. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Family Book Discussion
Wednesday, April 13 from 6 to 7 PM
Ages 9 - 12 and a grown up
Join us for an intergenerational discussion of Countdown. Kids are encouraged to bring parents and siblings for this event. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Create Your Own Photo-Collage
Thursday, April 14 from 4:15 to 5 PM
Ages 9 - 12
Using copyright-free historical images and song lyrics from the 1960s, children will learn about and create multimedia photo-collages inspired by the documentary visual style of Countdown. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

45 RPM Cover Art
Monday, April 18 from 4:15 to 5 PM
Ages 5 - 8
Learn about and create your own 45 record cover art while listening to the sounds of the 1960s, inspired by Countdown. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Intergenerational Book Group
Wednesday, April 20 from 11 AM to Noon
Ages 9 - 12
Kids will join the Adult Monthly Book Group at Darien Library for a discussion of Countdown. This event will be held in the Conference Room. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Tie-Dye Art
Saturday, April 23 from 11 AM to Noon
Ages 5 and up
Make an original tie-dye creation inspired by 1960s fashions. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

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Events for Teens

All events are held in the Teen Lounge.

Mini Video Documentaries
Tuesday, March 29 at 3:30 PM
Use a flip video camera to capture a memory of a time in history during which you remember vividly feeling a change was taking place in your life.

Film Screening: The Sandlot
Friday, April 8 at 3:30 PM
A classic movie set in 1962 about a magical summer of baseball, wild adventures, first kisses, and fearsome confrontations with the dreaded Beast. Starring Karen Allen, Denis Leary, and James Earl Jones; Rated PG; 101 minutes (1993).

Time Capsule Collage
Tuesday, April 12 at 3:30 PM
Take images from magazines, newspaper clippings, your favorite photographs, and more to construct a collage that is personal to your life right now. If someone found it later on, in a future time and place, what would your collage tell them about you?

Songs of Your Century
Friday, April 15 at 3:30 PM
Music and lyrics play a big role in defining Franny's world in 1962. And while the songs may be different, today's music reflects our current times. Make your own music video to your favorite songs of this century.


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Donation Drives

Children's Book Drive
March 23 through April 6
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 7 through April 21
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/Lentils
Oatmeal
Condensed Soup
Canned Fruit
Jell-O
Instant Coffee & Tea
Cookies
Crackers
Canned Ravioli/Spaghettios
Spaghetti Sauce
Jelly
Rice
 

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