It's a brave new world! From social networks to cloud computing, technology has changed the way families connect and communicate. Darien Library presents a series of programs and special events exploring the role of technology in the lives of parents and children. See below for individual events and registration information.

Programs for Parents

Programs for Children

Programs for the Whole Family

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Programs for Parents

21 Things for 21st Century Parents [January 16 through March 18]

Click here to REGISTER.

Want to learn more about Twitter, Facebook, Etsy, eBooks and more? Over the course of eight weeks, you will learn about various Web 2.0 technologies and how to navigate through the perils and possibilities of the digital world. Participate at your own pace in this self-directed, online program. Complete fun and educational assignments- "Things"- to be entered into weekly raffles. Participants who complete every "Thing" by March 16th will be entered into a Grand Finale Raffle for a Kindle Fire. 

Monday Matinee Film Series

Grab a coffee on us, get comfortable and explore the role of technology in the lives of children and teens as presented in these eye-opening documentaries:

     Digital Nation [Mondays, January 9 and January 23 at 10AM]  Over a single generation, the Web and digital media have remade nearly every aspect of modern culture. Frontline explores our lives as citizens in a digital age. 90 minutes.

     Remote Control [Mondays, February 6 and February 27 at 10AM]   The average American child spends over 40 hours per week consuming media, the equivalent of a full-time job. Remote Control offers a fascinating look at the centrality of media in our lives, revealing far-reaching effects that we are only beginning to understand. 39 minutes.

     Growing Up Online [Mondays, March 5 and 19 at 10AM]   This Frontline documentary peers inside the world of the new cyber-savvy generation of tweens and teeens; a generation with a radically different notion of privacy and personal space. 60 minutes.

Computer Basics for Parents [Wednesday, January 18, 9:30 - 11:30AM]

Click here to REGISTER.

Have you just begun to dip a toes into the digital waters? We've got the perfect beginner's class for you. Learn basic computer vocabulary and concepts. Play with common applications and software. Ask questions and get answers! 

Facebook & Google+: A Workshop for Parents [Wednesday, January 25, 9:30 - 11:30AM]

Click here to REGISTER.

Are you on Facebook or Google+? How about your tween or teen? In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to navigate privacy settings and keep your profile safe in both Facebook and Google+.

Twitter for Parents

Tuesday, January 31, 9:30 - 10:30AM [Click here to REGISTER.]

Wednesday, February 1, 9:30 - 10:30AM [Click here to REGISTER.]

Tweeting's not just for the birds anymore! Learn the basics of using Twitter and experience how this dynamic tool can connect people across the globe. Find out how to limit settings and establish guidelines for tweens and tween who tweet. Register for one of the two offered workshops.

Tweet Up with the Children's Librarians [Fridays, February 10 at 11AM, March 2 at 11AM]

Whether you're on Twitter 24/7 or just tentatively tweeting, join us for these fast-paced and fun conversations, known as "Tweet Ups", on Twitter. On February 10, we'll be discussing eBooks, eReaders, and best practices for engaging both reluctant and voracious young readers. On March 2, we'll be talking about using Darien Library's interactive website and catalog. Tweet along by using the hashtag #CLTweetUp. Tweet from the Children's Library computers, at home, or on the go!

Tech Moms: A Panel Discussion for Parents [Wednesday, February 15 at 9:30]

Click here to REGISTER.

Have you ever thought about starting a blog or a website? Whether you're interested in posting day-in-the-life observations, starting your own online business, or forming parenting network, you'll have the opportunity to meet four local moms who regularly blog, tweet and maintain personal and/or professional websites. Find out how these modern moms successfully use technology for parenting, business, and beyond. Panelists will include Nicole Lyons, Jacquie Miller and Jennifer St. Jean. The panel will be moderated by Lisa Adams.

Etsy Workshop [Tuesday, March 6, 10AM - 12 Noon]

Click here to REGISTER.

Are you crafty? Do you make handmade goods? Etsy is the world's most vibrant place for buying and selling handmade or vintage items. Learn all about how to run an Etsy shop from Jennifer St. Jean of Itty Bitty Bag.

Smart Apps, Sound Screentime: A Panel Discussion for Parents [Tuesday, March 13 at 9:30AM]

Click here to REGISTER.

Touch screen technology and apps have changed the way even very young children interact with media, books and each other. But how much screentime is too much? Where do parents draw the line between healthy does of technology and oversaturation? How can parents find great, educational apps for different age groups? Hear from a panel of experts who will share their experiences and recommendations. This program is co-sponsored by Darien Library and YWCA Parent Awareness, members of Thriving Youth; Connected Community.

App Chat [Thursday, March 15 at 4PM]  

Parents and educators are invited to join the Children's Librarians at this special edition of Children's Library Chat. We'll be discussing great apps for different age groups- everything from interactive eBooks to educational games. We'll also be sharing tips on how to find and evaluate apps for children.

Programs for Children

Little Clickers [Fridays, March 23 - April 27 at 10:30AM]

A technology class for three- to five-year-olds with a parent/caregiver. This interactive class will introduce new kid-friendly websites and help your preschooler learn basic computer skills. Registration is a lottery; register here between Monday, February 27 and Monday, March 12.

Techsplorers [Wednesdays, January 4, January 18, February 1, February 15 at 4:15PM]

Click here to REGISTER. (Space is limited.)

Children ages six- to eight-years-old will have the opportunity to reinforce computer skills, explroe fun new websites and create unique projects using both traditional and digital art techniques.

iKids [Mondays, January 9, January 23, February 6, February 27 at 4:15PM]

Click here to REGISTER. (Space is limited.)

A creation-based technology program for nine- to twelve-year-olds. This highly interactive class focuses on using technology to express creativity. From podcasting and digital photography to book trailers and art apps, kids will explore different media and create their own.

Storytubes Creation Lab [December 27 - February 4; see registration form for details]

Click here to REGISTER.

Calling all kid filmmakers and book lovers! Storytubes 2012 is a national competition in which children combine their love of reading with savvy tech skills to create unique book trailers. Darien Library is proud to be a Partner Library for the 2012 competition! Register to reserve time in the computer lab to use the Children's Library cameras and software to make your book trailer.

Programs for the Whole Family

Family Gaming Sandbox [Friday, February 24 at 4PM]

Bring along Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa for this whole-family afternoon of gaming fun. Try out the Wii, XBox Kinect and handheld gaming devices. Learn about hidden and not-so-hidden benefits of video gaming and how video games can help boost brain power!

Gadget Sandbox [Saturday, January 21 at 2PM]

What's the difference between a Nook and a Kindle? How do you download eBooks onto an iPad? Find out the answers to these questions and have fun playing with other fun devices and tech gadgets.

[Tweet bird image and laptop photo courtesy of Flickr user dmitrybarsky]