Storytimes are for babies, toddlers and children up to age 6. The library offers other programs for children up to age 12. The programs are developmentally appropriate for the stated ages, though we offer a two week grace period for children on the cusp.

Registered storytimes are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. All Summer programs are drop-in and do not require pre-registration. Younger children have offerings in the morning, Totally Preschool is in the morning and the afternoon, Bookworms is in the afternoon. Programs for older kids during the school year are held after-school, evenings and weekends. The Darien Library provides approximately 20 program a week during a registered session. Drop-in storytimes are available year-round - check the calendar of events for more information.

Parents/caregivers may register online during the specified registration period. Registered storytimes are for children whose parents are Darien residents, employed full-time in Darien, or Friends of the Darien Library who contribute annually at the $300 level. Parents will need a Library card to register.

Register: March 4 to March 18   Session runs: March 25 to May 3

The Children's Librarians have chosen new books that make great gifts for the little ones in your life, whether they're being read to, starting to read themselves, or are already non-stop, voracious readers. 

The following are a couple of ideas that aren't yet in the Children's Library collection, but will be soon.

For parents who want to introduce their babies to the music they love, there are Rockabye Baby CDs.  Imagine Aerosmith, The Flaming Lips, The Cure, Lady Gaga, and more played on the harp and xylophone.  Ultra-soothing and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

It's A Little Book by Lane Smith is a conversation between two baby animals about what to do with a book:  it's not for e-mailing or eating or building, it's for reading.  Fun, tongue-in-cheek humor for kids and grown-ups whose lives are filled with technology.  Check out the book trailer here.  The original, It's A Book, is available at the library.

 Click on the link below to see our other titles (many of which are series)!

The Stamford Advocate has launched a project, Speak Out Against Bullying, to raise awareness about kids and teens who are bullied in school and to help erase the stigma associated with those who have been bullied.  Two teens shared their stories in the video below, and The Advocate is encouraging other kids and teens to add their voices and experiences to the conversation.  More videos, in addition to articles, will be coming out on this very important topic. 

If you would like to contribute your story, please e-mail your video to speakout@ctnews.com or visit the Speak Out Against Bullying Facebook page.

For more information about bullying, and a booklist, take a look at our post on Dealing with Bullies

'Stand Against Racism Day' is Friday, April 29th. Events are happening throughout the month!

Each of us can make a difference.

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA, with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life - across the country - to help eliminate racism. Friday, April 29th is "Stand Against Racism Day," and the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA's and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated. Click the attachment at the end of this post to read about 10 simple ways each of us can make a difference.

Please visit Darien Library this month as we host programs and activities throughout the day in support of the Stand Against Racism:

One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Change
Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM in the Conference Room
Civil rights. Ideas. Rebellion. Beliefs. Bring a single page of poetry by an established poet that is inspired by the evening’s theme, 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.

Color Me Beautiful!
Monday, April 25 through Friday, April 29 in the Children's Library
Like the many colors of crayons in a box, children come in all colors, too! Children of all ages are invited to color and design their own die cut people of all colors, shades, and hues to be displayed throughout the Children's Library.

Preschool Storytime
Monday, April 25 at 1:30 PM in the Children’s Library
For ages 3 to 5. The stories we read today will feature a "Celebrate Diversity" theme!

Toddler Tales
Tuesday, April 26 at 10:30 AM in the Children’s Library
For walkers up to 36 months and a caregiver. The stories we read today will feature a "Celebrate Diversity" theme!

Film Screening - Hairspray
Friday, April 29 at 2 PM in the Community Room
In this screen version of the Broadway play Tracy Turnblad is a heavy weight teenager with huge hair who is obsessed with Link Larken on the Corny Collins Show. She sings and dances her way into his heart and onto the show. However, she decides that the segregation of the show is not fair so she and her friends fight to integrate the show. (2007) Starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Allison Janney, Nikki Blonsky, Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer; Rated PG; 117 minutes.

Racism - No Way!
Friday, April 29 from 3 PM to 4 PM in the Teen Lounge
Teens, we'll have a variety of puzzles and group activities that explore issues relating to racism and cultural diversity. Bring a friend and join the discussion on what racism means to you.

Film Screening – A Class Divided
Wednesday, May 11 at 7 PM in the Community Room
In 1970, an innovative teacher attempted a daring experiment in her elementary school classroom. To evaluate how racial stereotypes affect young children, Jane Elliott divided her class between those with blue eyes and those with brown and gave blue-eyed children preferential treatment. This classic program presents the long-term effects of racial stereotyping in schools and suggest how new approaches can make a positive difference with students and teachers. Discussion to follow film screening. Co-sponsored by the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.

Stand Against Racism Day - Friday, April 30th

. . . and there are many ways you can stand along with us!

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA, with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life - across the country - to help elimate racism. Friday, April 30th is "Stand Against Racism Day," and the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA's and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated.

Please visit Darien Library on April 30th as we host programs and activities throughout the day in support of the Stand Against Racism:

Color Me Beautiful!
All day in the Children's Library
Like the many colors of crayons in a box, children come in all colors, too! Children of all ages are invited to color and design their own die cut people of all colors, shades, and hues to be displayed throughout the Children's Library.

Film Screening of "Crash"
2 PM in the Community Room
A seemingly simple car accident in Los Angeles brings together a very diverse group of people; as their lives collide, the issue of racism is explored as they each work through their own fears and inherent prejudices. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006. Starring Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, and Thandie Newton; Rated R; 112 minutes.

Racism - No Way!
4 PM - 5 PM in the Teen Lounge
Teens, we'll have a variety of puzzles and group activities that explore issues relating to racism and cultural diversity. Bring a friend and join the discussion on what racism means to you.

Also, stop by all day to browse our display of books and films from our collection that capture the spirit of the day. Take a look at these booklists to get you started:

Multicultural Stories for Children

Around the World Kids
 

Since the 1950's the National Book Foundation has given out the National Books Awards to writers by writers. Intended to celebrate the best of American literature, the Youth Literature Award has most often been given to Young Adult books, but this year, there are two books for children on the list!  Have you read any of these new books? Take a look and write a review, let us know what you think!  The winners will be announced on November 19th.

	Laurie Halse Anderson, Chains (Simon & Schuster) Kids Fiction
	Kathi Appelt, The Underneath (Atheneum) Kids Fiction
	E. Lockhart, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion) Young Adult Fiction
On Order - Not yet published	Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic) Young Adult Fiction
On Order	Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now (Alfred A. Knopf) Young Adult Fiction

The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123829/Index2.html

Can you name the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?  Read about them, their history and where they are today.  It doesn't have a good map, but you can use the clickable map on this site - The Seven Forgotten Wonders.

Amazing Space

http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/capture/

Capture the cosmos - check out black holes, comets, asteroids and more on this site. It uses NASA's Hubble Telescope images and discoveries to help you uncover the mysteries of outer space.

Letterboxing

http://www.letterboxing.org/kids/

Go on a real-life treasure hunt with your family! This site will teach you what you need to know to do your own Letterboxing adventure. Read more about it on National Geographic Kids People and Places and try Virtual Letterboxing on AtlasQuest.

Virtual Field Trips

http://www.field-guides.com/

Field trips offer excitement, adventure, and learning about the world. "Now you can avoid those long, bumpy bus rides and cold lunches. The Virtual Field Trips Web site is devoted to providing on-line field trips that take you to places that until now you could only dream about, and teach you things you might not otherwise learn." This site offers guided tours to select subject on the Internet.

Snopes

http://www.snopes.com/

Some of the best urban legends and creepy tales are on the Internet.but are they true? Did a woman actually cook her poodle in a microwave oven? Did the Titanic sink because of a mummy? Can Twinkies last forever?