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

See other examples of Alebrijes, or Mexican sculptures, on April 30. Photo courtesy of Flickr user A30_Tsitika

This May, the Children's Library will be offering cultural programs for many ages. Take a trip around the world and be sure to help us celebrate the many traditions that make us unique!

Waitlist - Native American Program from the Connecticut Audubon Society

Tuesday, May 21 at 4:15 pm

Learn about the Native American's historical reliance on and respect of natural resources. Hands on activities allow students to practice daily life skills such as food preparation, wigwam building, and making wampum bracelets. Ages 7 to 11. 

Everybody Jumps Rope!

Tuesday, May 28 at 4:15 pm

Around the world children of all ages jump rope. Join the children's librarians for some jumping fun including classic hand rhymes and string games. Ages 9 to 12. 

Foreign Films for Kids

View a selection of films from other countries including France, India, and China. The films will be subtitled in English.
Ages 9 to 12.

May 25 - Trail of the Panda, Rated G, 89 minutes

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!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user gwylow71

Monday, March 4th  from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Join SoundWaters to discover the variety of animals that call the Long Island Sound watershed home. Get up close and learn how terrapins, sea stars, fish and crabs adapt to changes daily and over time. Determine who is a producer, scavenger or predator. Also perform a hands-on experiment of human impact on a watershed. This program will take place in the Library's Community Room. 

Grades K to 5

Great new fantasy adventures await you!

Calling all Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Unwanteds, fantasy, and adventure fans!

There's so much new fantasy fiction here at Darien Library - If you're looking for a new adventure to fill the void before the next book in your favorite fantasy series comes out, check out this list below!