Getting kids excited about reading is all about find that "just right" book. 

The Children's Librarians LOVE to help kids and parents find great new books to read.  You can stop in anytime for a personal consultation.  You can also check out our Online Booklists. 

Looking for even more book recommendations? 

Here are a bunch of great book websites for kids:

As a parent, do you:

• Worry that you are not doing enough?
• Struggle with embarrassing issues?
• Seek ways to reduce power struggles?
• Want to do everything you can to be
 an effective and competent parent?

Parents of boys and girls in 3rd and 4th grades are invited to join this monthly Parent Discussion Group held in at Darien Library. Using the Raising Our Sons and Raising Our Daughters Parenting Guides you will meet monthly with parents of children of the same age and gender to help prepare you and your children for the tween and teen years.

June 30, 2010 - April 13, 2011

Wednesday evenings, 7:00 pm

Darien Library is a member of Thriving Youth: Connected Community, an initiative of the Darien Human Services Planning Council for developmental asset building through meaningful relationships, experiences, skills and opportunities that benefit all our children. Thriving Youth: Connected Community is a movement in Darien to address the needs of our young people which were brought to light in the Fall when the Search Institute conducted the 40 Developmental Assets survey in our Middle and High Schools. If you missed the results when they were announced you can still view the presentation as a pdf here.

To see the list of Developmental Assets that will be discussed in this series, click here.

Space is limited - to register for this program, sign up by calling (203) 669-5235 or email childrenslibrary@darienlibrary.org

The Darien Library will be co-sponsoring this new storytime with the Darien Senior Center. Preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome to join us at the Darien Senior Center for stories, songs, and movement activities.

Ages 3 to 5

Wednesday, April 21 1:30pm – 2pm

Darien Senior Center: 30 Edgerton Street

photo courtesy of Flicker user GlennFleishman

Author Judith Warner's brand new book

Darien Library's Spring Author Series has Judith Warner visiting Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

In her newest book, Judith Warner, "New York Times" bestselling author of 2005's Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety, returns to explore the answers to two very timely questions: Are we overdiagnosing and overmedicating our children?  Are parents and physicians labeling children to "explain away" bad behavior? With five years of rigorous investigation and research of parents, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other experts, Warner brings concerns and perspectives to this controversial debate.

This event is co-sponsored by the Darien YWCA Parent Awareness Network.  Refreshments will be served.

Presentation will conclude with a book signing.  Books will be available for purchase. 

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen's).

Photo courtesy of Flickr user San Jose Library

I am always looking for good, current research about how young children use technology. There is a lot of studies that have been done on teenagers, but research with younger children is not nearly as common. I was thrilled to see that one of my favorite websites, Read Write Web is undergoing a big survey which aims to find out how children under the age of 12 use web technology. Are any of you parents out there interested in taking part? Click here to participate in the survey.

The new Darien Library has officially been open for a year!  Can you believe it?!

If you've used the Children's Library relaxing, reading together, searching for books, movies (and more!), using the computers, researching for homework...how was the process?

Is the room set up to assist with what you'd like to find?  Please tell us.  Here's a survey that asks about your experience using the new Children's Library.

One of the reasons why the Microsoft Surface was moved from the original spot was due to feedback.  We ask for it, and really appreciate it!

Thanks a whole bunch!

There are two new-ish storytimes in the Children's Library...here's the scoop.  Please join us, they are both drop-in!

Dads' Storytime

Fathers and pre-walking babies are invited to spend time together for stories, rhymes, and songs.

Saturdays at 11 a.m. January 30 and March 6

Grandparents' Storytime

The Darien Library will be co-sponsoring this new storytime with the Darien Senior Center.  Preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome to join us at the Darien Senior Center for stories, songs, and movement activities.  Program is held at the Darien Senior Center on 30 Edgerton Street.

Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. January 20, February 17, March 17

Movie Magic will continue this new year, on Thursdays at 10 a.m.  Ages 3 and up and a parent or caregiver are welcome to watch beloved picture books come alive on the big screen.  Just drop-in!

January 7

Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

January 14

Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin

The Foolish Frog by Pete Seeger

January 21

First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon

January 28

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

We've been in the NEW Library for almost a year!  What has your program experience been for children in their first five years?

Here's a small survey to determine what days and times are preferable, and other questions to help us tweak and improve.

Thank you so, so much!