Monday, July 1 at 3 p.m.

Peter Boie creates an enjoyable atmosphere for families with his unique brand of magic.  Kids of all ages will be entertained by his fascinating performance. 

This program will take place in the Community Room.  Space is limited, tickets will be distributed 15 minutes before the program begins.

Ages 5 to 12. 

In honor of summer being just around the corner, our app of the month this May is ABC Farm, a bright, imaginative app all about farms. Created by award winning app production studio Peapod Labs, ABC Farm teaches youngsters all about animals, farm life, and the variety of food and crops that grow on farms. Users also test out their letter recognition and print knowledge skills, which are especially important skills for pre-readers to utilize.

We especially like that users can toggle from English to Spanish to learn words in both languages. It's a great feature for bilingual users and language enthusiasts alike!

Peapod Labs have created a slew of great apps which feature picture and words relating to a special topic, like food, wildlife, and music, and ABC Farm is no disappointment! Available for Apple products for $2.99.

Bring out your inner spy!

Welcome, agents, to a summer of fun, reading, and...intrigue.  Find out what's going on throughout the summer in the Children's Library by clicking on a link below.

Kids Program Calendar

Special Programs

Drop-In Programs

Book Groups

The CBW poster for 2013 was designed by Brian Selznick, the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck.

This year the Children's Library will be hosting events in celebration of Children's Book Week. An annual celebration established in 1919, Children's Book Week spreads the joy of reading and children's literature to everyone. 

Register for one of the featured book programs or view a cultural performance from Teatro SEA, the Society of the Educational Arts. 

La Cucarachita Martina/Martina the Little Roach by Teatro SEA

Tuesday, May 14 at 4:30 PM
Teatro SEA, the Society of the Educational Arts, will perform this Cuban and Puerto Rican folk tale using puppets and Latin music. Ages 4 to 9.
This program will be held in the Library’s Community Room and tickets will be distributed 15 minutes before the performance.

A Visit with Author Melissa Guion

Thursday, May 16 at 4 PM

Melissa Guion, author and illustrator of Baby Penguins Everywhere, will visit Darien Library for a read-aloud, arts and crafts, and some penguin fun! Ages 4 to 7.

By Anne Ursu

Wednesday, April 10 at 6 p.m.

Come and chat over pizza about some of the Best Books of 2012.
After the discussion everyone will take part in a book-related activity.

April's Book: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Drop-In for Ages 9 to 12

A new opportunity for young filmmakers at the Library begins on April 6.

Saturdays, April 6 and April 20

1 to 4 PM

This spring spend Saturday afternoons with filmmaker Bob Kernen. Mr. Kernen will teach kids the elements of film and help them to develop their own projects including storyboarding, filming, and editing.  Grades 5 to 7.

May 4 and 18

June 1, 15, 29

Waitlist

The Children's One Book, One Community book this year is Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

The official kick-off date for the One Book, One Community program is Monday, March 18.

This year the children's librarians are starting off the festivities with an intergenerational book group for kids and their families. Discuss the Library's youth selection, Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin, over dinner with family and friends! 

There are other opportunities for kids to learn about Russian culture, the art of chess, and find out first hand what it's like to grow up during wartime. 

Family Book Discussion of Breaking Stalin’s Nose
Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM
Ages 9 to 12 and family members.
Parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited to a family book discussion of Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin. Dinner will be provided at this event. 

Make Your Own Matryoshka - Waitlist 
Tuesday, March 26 at 4:15 PM
Ages 5 to 7

Russian nesting dolls, or matryoshka, were first created in the 1890s, and made out of wood. Share a story and decorate your very own nesting doll in this afternoon craft program. 

Learn to Play Chess
Thursdays, April 4 at 3:30 PM and Thursday, April 11 at 3:30 PM
Ages 10 to 14
In these two sessions, participants are invited to learn the game of chess with representatives from the Chess Club of Fairfield County. 

My Life in Pictures
Monday, April 22 at 4:15 PM
Ages 7 to 9
Modeling on the picture book biography, The Wall by Peter Sis, students will draw, journal, and map out major milestones in their life. The project will include historical events, modern day music, and personal experiences. 

There's an app for that! Image via Flickr user alexanderiam

Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of learning and discovery apps on Twitter!  Use the hashtag #DLTweetUp to participate in the conversation or follow along. 

On March 8th many countries around the globe celebrate International Women's Day. It is even a national holiday in some locations! 

In the United States we celebrate National Women's History Month which was decided by Congress in 1987. 

Visit the Children's Library in March to see some of the inspiring women who have graced the covers of award-winning picture books and biographies. There are many more female heroes in the Kids Bio section of the library, as well as in the below booklist. 

Wednesday, March 20th at 6 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's award-winning Jeffersons Sons: A Founding Father's Secret Children.

A lively discussion over pizza will be followed by a book-related activity.

Grades 4 - 6.

Be sure to check out each month's Tween Book Group!