On Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m., as part of our Health & Wellness Series, Gene Stone, author of The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick, will be our featured speaker.

The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health, and shows how we can all use these insights to improve our own lives. The stories make it personal; then comes the science, the expert authority, and the nuts and bolts. From probiotics to veganism to a daily dose of garlic, from yoga to cold showers, it’s an extensive list: 25 secrets to health and how to make each work for you.

A book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Gene Stone is a health-savvy journalist, writer, and former Peace Corps volunteer. He’s written and/or ghostwritten more than 30 books, most recently the national bestseller The Engine 2 Diet, with Rip Esselstyn; his articles and columns have appeared in New York, Playboy, Esquire, Vogue, Elle, and GQ.

Our Health & Wellness Series, “A Picture of Health” is an extensive series of lectures, expert panels, computer workshops, and films. The schedule offers sessions on a variety of health issues, including nutrition, stress management, personal safety for children and teens, pain management, holistic medicine, sleep disorders, and medication management. For more information, please click here.

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

On Saturday, despite record-breaking temperatures in the high 90s and a record crowd of 150,000 people in Washington D.C. for the National Book Festival, I recorded a very cool event in my personal and professional life. I had the extraordinary pleasure of interviewing author Ken Follett. (Pardon me while I continue my slow (and reluctant) descent from Cloud 9.)

Fall of Giants, the first in the author's new Century trilogy, comes out tomorrow (the books are in the building and ready to hit our shelves in the morning!). In other words, we are READY! So ready, in fact, Jen told me that she's got it on order for delivery to her Kindle at midnight tonight! Obviously, we cannot wait to get our hands on this new epic from one of the world's best storytellers.Tomorrow will come soon enough. In the meantime, here's what the author has to say about the book.

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Ken Follett Interview from Darien Library on Vimeo.

A Picture of Health

Darien Library Health & Wellness Series

Achieving personal wellness requires a conscious decision and commitment to shape a healthy lifestyle. It encompasses self-assessments of how we feel about various aspects of our lives, including our physical and emotional well-being.

At all times, Darien Library is an excellent resource for researching information about health and medical concerns. This fall, we add A Picture of Health, an extensive series of lectures, expert panels, computer workshops, and films. The schedule offers sessions on a variety of health issues, including nutrition, stress management, personal safety for children & teens, pain management, holistic medicine, sleep disorders, and medication management.

Please join us for this important and enriching series.

Lectures, Expert Panels & Meet-the-Author Events
Health Choices Information & Technology Courses
Health & Wellness Film Screenings

Lectures, Expert Panels, & Author Events

Managing Your Medication

Thursday, September 23 at 10:30 AM
Get the 411 on medication safety! While prescription and over-the-counter medications can improve health and overall quality of life, they also contain powerful chemicals with potential to harm when used incorrectly. This presentation will review the general risks and benefits of medication therapy, common medication use problems, and ways everyone can improve medication safety. All participants will complete a medication safety self-assessment. Free medication organizer and a packet of valuable informational materials will be provided. (And for information about "Safe Disposal = Safe Returns," Darien's Free Medication Collection Day on Saturday, October 9, please click here.)

Presented by Elaine Abrams, MPH RN CHES, Certified Health Education Specialist and Community Health Coordinator at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County (formerly Nursing & Home Care).

Ask the Doctors!

Tuesday, October 5 at 7 PM
It's time to take the anxiety out of the word "healthcare!" Doctors4Darien, a team of four esteemed community physicians, will discuss new research findings and information related to our bodies and our health. The panel will also focus on preventative healthcare from head to toe - literally! From dental care to foot care and everything in between, this is your chance to learn new and better paths to well-being.

Presented by Dr. Maryann Lehmann, D.D.S., Dentist; Dr. Brian P. McKay, D.C., Chiropractor; Dr. Brian S. Sheets, D.O., Ob/Gyn; and Dr. Josephine Velasquez, D.P.M., Podiatrist.

Personal Safety: A Workshop for Kids (ages 9 - 12)

Monday, October 11 from 2 PM to 3:30 PM
In this self-protection class, your children will learn the ABC's of safety in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Practice when and how to say no to strangers, friends, and familiar adults, and when it's time to find safety and ask for help. Sign up for this workshop in the Children's Library, or call (203) 669-5235 for details.

Presented by Michael Robin, certified self-defense instructor.

Medicare 411

Tuesday, October 12 at 10:30 AM
When it comes to understanding Medicare, we know you have tons of questions - so we're giving you the answers! Learn about CHOICES (the Connecticut Health Care Options program), the types of Medicare plans that are available, buying and paying for plans, and how the new healthcare reform benefits you. (CHOICES does not sell insurance, nor does it endorse one plan over another; it is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration on Aging, and the State of CT.)

Presented by Christine Crain, Director of Programs - Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, and CHOICES Regional Coordinator. The Q&A portion will also feature Inta V. Adams, Assistant Director - Darien Social Services.
 
 

Personal Safety: A Mother/Daughter Workshop (ages 12 - 18)

Saturday, October 16 from 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Learn self-protection skills and safety basics with your teen in this mother/daughter workshop. A definite bonding experience, this class has won rave reviews for improving parent-child communication. Sign up for this program by emailing the Teen Librarian at eleone@darienlibrary.org.

Presented by Michael Robin, certified self-defense instructor.

 

To Eat or Not to Eat? That is the Question.

Tuesday, October 19 at 7 PM
With so many choices available at the supermarket these days, deciding which food to purchase for a healthy lifestyle can be very difficult! What should we be eating? And how much? Our panel of nutrition experts will help address these food issues and more, including overeating, portion-size awareness, making healthful food choices for your family (especially children), the importance of plant-based living, and how to be a budget organic. Healthy snacks will be provided by Whole Foods Market.

Presented by Jessica Yep, MS, RD, CDN - Registered Dietician and Founder of Nutrition Consultants LLC; Mimi MacLean, Holistic Health Coach - The Well Balanced Life; and Ronna Corlin, Healthy Eating Specialist - Whole Foods Market.

 

Meet the Author! Gene Stone

The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick
Thursday, October 21 at 7 PM
The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health - and shows how we can all use these insights to improve our own lives. The stories make it personal; then comes the science, the expert authority, and the nuts and bolts. From probiotics to veganism to a daily dose of garlic, from yoga to cold showers, it's an extensive list: 25 secrets to health and how to make each work for you. A book signing will follow the presentation. Book will be available for purchase at the event.

Gene Stone is a health-savvy journalist, writer, and former Peace Corps volunteer. He's written and/or ghostwritten more than 30 books, most recently the national bestseller The Engine 2 Diet, with Rip Esselstyn; his articles and columns have appeared in New York, Playboy, Esquire, Vogue, Elle, and GQ.

Integrative/Holistic Approaches to Wellness

Tuesday, October 26 at 7 PM
What is holistic medicine? This modern approach to medicine integrates traditional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health, taking into account physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors that affect our overall wellness. Experts from Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine, where hearing the patient's entire story is essential to its more natural approach to wellness, will discuss these integrative and holistic practices, including new ways of thinking about healing.

Presented by Dr. Henri Roca, Medical Director - Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine. The Q&A panel will also include additional experts from the center.

Meet the Author! Beth Lambert

A Compromised Generation:
The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America's Children
Thursday, October 28 at 7 PM
Children today are being diagnosed with illnesses such as autism, asthma, allergies, and ADHD at breakthtaking rates. A Compromised Generation reveals how environmental factors, specific American lifestyles, and pharmaceutical over-usage are at the root of the epidemic, offering advice on how it can be reversed. A book signing will follow the presentation. Book will be available for purchase at the event.

Beth Lambert is a former healthcare consultant and teacher, and is currently the Executive Director of PEACE: Parents Ending America's Childhood Epidemic, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to education the public about the epidemic of chronic illness affecting our youth. The Q&A portion will also feature co-author Victoria Kobliner, MS, RD, a registered dietician with extensive experience using diet to help children with autism and related disorders.

Stress Management: Caring for Ourselves, Empowering Our Children

Friday, November 12 at 11 AM
We all live busy lives, and trying to fit our commitments into a 24-hour day while juggling the needs of our family, friends, and ourselves sometimes seems impossible! But no matter how busy we are, it is important to find ways to manage stress to maintain a healthy lifestyle and overall sense of well-being. This panel discussion will provide specific tips for reducing stress for ourselves while helping our children to develop healthy stress-management habits, as well.

Presented by representatives from The Child Guidance Center of Southern CT, Darien Youth Options, and Family Centers.

Healthy Choices (Lecture + Technology Series)

Registration Required

People are turning to the internet more than ever to find health and wellness information. But with so many online options, how can we be sure we're getting the best information out there? This unique health education series combines lectures by world-class physicians with hands-on computer workshops that will help you to become a more information-literate healthcare consumer and to make more informed health decisions for you and your family. Co-sponsored by Stamford Hospital.

Each session will take place in Darien Library's Technology Lab (lower level) and consist of a lecture on a health-related topic, followed by a hands-on workshop that will teach you how to find corresponding health information online.

Registration for Healthy Choices is open to all Darien residents, those who work full-time in Darien, and non-resident Friends of the Library at the Contributor level ($300 annual donation). To register, visit darienlibrary.org. (Registration begins in mid-September). All registrants will be notified via email or phone to confirm that your registration has been accepted. If you have any questions about registration, contact Judy Sgammato at jsgammato@darienlibrary.org or (203) 669-5256.

A Focus on Sleep Disorders

Monday, October 4 at 7 PM
Guest Lecture: Steven A. Thau, MD, FCCP, Associate Director of Sleep Center - Stamford Hospital
Workshop Instructor: Judy Sgammato, Technology Manager - Darien Library

Living Healthy with Diabetes

Friday, October 15 at 10 AM
Guest Lecture: Debbie Milne, RN, CDE, Director of Diabetes & Endocrine Center - Stamford Hospital
Workshop Instructor: Guillaume Van Moorsel, Director, Health Science Library - Stamford Hospital

All About Pain Management

Tuesday, October 26 at 10 AM
Guest Lecture: Vincent Carlesi, MD, Pain Management Specialist - Stamford Hospital
Workshop Instructor: Guillaume Van Moorsel, Director, Health Science Library - Stamford Hospital
 

Increasing Vitality with Herbs

Monday, November 8 at 7 PM
Guest Lecture: Joseph Feuerstein, MD, Director of Integrative Medicine - Stamford Hospital
Workshop Instructor: Judy Sgammato, Technology Manager - Darien Library

Health & Wellness Films

Good Night with the Sleep Doctor

Thursday, September 30 at 7 PM
Noted sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus explains how your genes, environment, job, and physiology may be hampering your sleep and in turn, dramatically affecting your waking life. In the PBS lecture, he shows  that getting the proper quality and quantity of sleep can help rejuvinate your mind and body, increase your energy, help you lose weight, take years off of your appearance, and more. Not Rated; 79 minutes (2007).

Just Add Spice: Parenting for Happy, Healthy Kids

Monday, October 18 at 2 PM
Follow four families as they attempt to instill healthy habits in their kids by using a set of proven positive parenting skills represented by the acronym SPICE (Structure, Praise, Inspire, Consistency, and Enjoy) - including how to deal with children who refuse to eat healthy foods and turn to sedentary forms of entertainment. Not Rated, 90 minutes (2010).

Food, Inc.

Monday, October 18 at 7 PM
This controversial documentary film lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, which is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health. We have bigger, better, longer-lasting food, but the consequences may often outweigh the benefits. Named one of the ten best films of 2009 by Entertainment Weekly. Rated PG; 94 minutes (2009).
 
 

The Alternative Fix

Monday, October 25 at 2 PM
The past few years have seen an explosion in the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine. Under pressure from everyone from consumers to Congress, major hospitals and medical schools have embraced therapies that were once dismissed as quackery. But the question remains: Do these treatments actually work? PBS's Frontline examines the controversy over complementary and alternative medical treatments. Not Rated; 60 minutes (2004).
 

The Way We Get By

Wednesday, November 10 at 2 PM
A deeply moving documentary film about life and how to live it. Beginning as a seemingly idiosyncratic story about a group of senior citizens who gather daily at a small airport to thank American soldiers departing and returning from Iraq, the film quickly turns into an incredibly compassionate story about aging, loneliness, war, and mortality. Winner of the 2009 SXSW Special Jury Award. Not Rated; 84 minutes (2009).

Alexandra Lebenthal

What do you wear to meet a socialite?

Correction.

What do you wear to meet a CEO-cialite?!

That was the question on hand (or perhaps just in my mind?!) last Thursday as Darien Library hosted it's 5th annual Adult Summer Reading Grand Finale Party!

Our guest speaker was Alexandra Lebenthal, the socially prominent (and completely stunning) President and CEO of Lebenthal & Co. and its wealth management division, Alexandra & James, Inc. Ms. Lebenthal, who also serves as a board member of the School of American Ballet and is involved with several other leading New York cultural institution (and who approves of the CEO-cialite moniker, dubbed by the press!), visited us to talk about her debut novel, The Recessionistas, which is set during the 2008 economic landslide and follows a cast of high society characters living in New York City. She gave the audience some fascinating and expert insight into the entire financial debacle and revealed the inspiration for this fictional account by sharing some of the true stories - the what, where, why, and how - that occurred in New York City among the financial and social elite at the time of the slide -- and yes, the talk did involve a bit of fashion and fierce shoes! (I took notes!)

Fascinating, entertaining, and completely enthralling. It was a quintessential summer-in-the-city experience, centered around this quintessential summer-in-the-city read! (In case you missed the event, Alexandra's presentation is posted below. And take a look at more photos from the event here.)

To make the evening complete, our guest speaker helped us draw the winners for our grand finale prizes, the Amazon Kindle (with a leather case and gift certificate to Amazon.com), and just for those in attendance, our last weekly tote bag filled with books (including a signed copy of The Recessionistas). Then, it was time for wine, cheese, and celebration of a summer full of reading and talking about books!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in this year's program. We received over 600 participants and over 500 reviews, and over the next few weeks, we'll be adding them to our website (as reviews by "Summer Reading 2010"), so that we can all share what we thought about the books we've read over the past few months!

Alexandra Lebenthal at Darien Library from Darien Library on Vimeo.

Last Thursday evening, July 15th, we hosted the first of our Adult Summer Reading Meet the Author events. We were delighted to welcome Emily Gray Tedrowe, the author of the critically-acclaimed novel, Commuters,and she graced us with a thoughtful and fun presentation. If you've been to our weekly Meet Us on Main Street program recently, or if you visit our website frequently, you'll know that Commuters is one of our favorites this year - highly recommended as a summertime (or anytime) read.

Emily spoke of her love of books, her memories of reading, and her memory of the conversation (gossip???) that planted the seed for this story in her mind. In the crafting of this literate first novel, the author, an award-winning short story writer, created rich and three-dimensional characters and tells the story through the voices of three main characters. Vanity. Greed. Illness. Betrayal. Love. Loss. Lust. Secrets.  ...they all converge in this multi-layered, multi-generational, one-year-in-the-life, truly original story.

Emily Gray Tedrowe, author of Commuters: A Novel from Darien Library on Vimeo.

Emily Gray Tedrowe

Emily Gray Tedrowe

Author of Commuters: A Novel

Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m.

Living the life of a commuter may not be the ideal during the hot summer months, but we're happy to be enjoying the newly-released book, Commuters: A Novel by Emily Gray Tedrowe- an engrossing read, ideal for summer (or any time, actually). Add to that our happiness at being able to announce Ms. Tedrowe's visit here to Darien Library as part of our Adult Summer Reading program, and, well, yes...we have lots of reasons to smile.

Commuters depicts the shockwaves set in motion by the sudden marriage of one middle-class family's 78-year-old matriarch to a wealthy outsider. Winnie Easton has found love with Jerry Trevis - and their decision to purchase the biggest house in their small upstate New York town is met with anger and skepticism from their families. It's an insightful human story about human nature, the nature of families, and the inherent complexities and repercussions of those relationships and decisions. Told from alternating perspectives, Ms. Tedrowe captures the profound and the intimate in this beautifully-drawn family drama.

"Tedrowe is an exceptionally adept first-time novelist, creating a thoroughly engrossing plot, redolent settings, and intriguing characters coping valiantly with fear, terrible decisions, and the bewitchment of money. Tedrowe's tale of family conflict, shelter, love, and loss is suspenseful, funny, and tender." -- Donna Seaman, Booklist

"In her wonderfully cohesive debut novel, short story writer Tedrowe graduates to elegant novelist with a winding, convincing familial drama about the ties that bind and the bonds that bend to the breaking point... The author's deft handling of a large and distinctive cast should win raves from those who revel in this sort of ensemble crazy quilt. A lovely and literate family drama wins bonus points for its sincerity and open-hearted delivery." -- Kirkus

Recently, at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Washington D.C., I had the good fortune to speak with Ms. Tedrowe who was at the Harper Collins booth  signing copies of her book.  Happy to receive one, I (coincidentally) saved the book for the commute back to Connecticut. The author is delightful - the book, so completely engrossing, multi-layered and literate, it's hard to believe that she is a first-time novelist. Not only does this book seem destined to become a favorite selection for book groups, it also marks the beginning of this new novelist's solid footing in the world of literature.

A resident of Chicago, she's looking forward to her visit to Darien Library. We look forward to welcoming her!

Please join us on Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. for this very special Adult Summer Reading author event.

Refreshments will be served.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

Books will be available for purchase.

Lee Child visited the Library on June 6th. His newest book is "61 Hours."

When Lee Child was here last Sunday to talk about his newest book in the Reacher series, 61 Hours, we had a standing-room only crowd for his most-excellent presentation. It was such an honor to host the #1 bestselling author, and it was made doubly (triply?!) satisfying because he was warm and interesting and funny and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. One fan drove from upstate Connecticut, through near-tornado conditions to see her favorite author. Attendance at the event was an early Father's Day surprise for another one of our visitors, whose family beamed as he was, indeed, delightfully surprised. 

Forgive us if we are still on a little bit of an author high ourselves. We are overjoyed that Lee agreed to make Darien Library a stop on his international tour. (Pause. Reflect. Sigh. Put feet on ground.)

For those of you who were here for the program, you'll recall that the author took a photo of the audience to post on his website. Well, post it he did! Here's the photo of us (at right) and you can read what he had to say on his tour blog by clicking here.

If you were unable to attend Sunday's smash event, below is the video of the author presentation. And if you were here for the event, we know that you know that you'll just have to watch it again to see if it really was as good as you remember. (It was!) 

Lee Child author of 61 Hours from Darien Library on Vimeo.

Author Julie Hersh visited Darien Library on Friday, June 4, 2010.

Last Friday, Darien Library held a special Meet-the-Author event with Julie K. Hersh, author of the recently released book, Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope. The book shares with great candour and humility the author's intense struggles with depression.

In this very eloquent, engaging, and entertaining presentation, Julie tells the story of her depression, the factors that contributed to the seriousness of her illness, and the controversial treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), that aided in her recovery. She also shares practical tips for distinguishing between having a "down" day and being depressed, the additional factors that helped Julie achieve mental health again, and ways that you can to maintain your mental health, as well.

Julie K. Hersh author of Struck by Living from Darien Library on Vimeo.

For additional resources pertaining to mental health awareness in the local community, The Community Fund of Darien has published Creating Connections, a directory of mental health and support services for Darien. Click here to access the full directory. Specific hotlines within Darien that attend to mental health include:

Infoline: 211
Child Guidance: 888-825-6777
Family Centers: 877-349-4689

Julie K. Hersh

On Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m., Julie K. Hersh will be at the Library to speak about her new book, Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope. Ms. Hersh is a mother, corporate wife, and advocate for mental health awareness. The book traces Ms. Hersh’s search for identity through her career, interfaith marriage, motherhood, and clinical depression. In “Struck by Living,” Hersh picks apart the irony of her life with humor and brutal honesty. Despite having a loving husband, healthy children, and financial security, she tried to kill herself three times.

(A study conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported in September 2009 that 2.3 million adults had made a suicidal plan and that 1.1 million adults actually attempted suicide in the past year in the United States.)

“My goal with ‘Struck by Living’ is to dispel the stigma associated with mental illness and make it more real for those who have never experienced depression,” the author says. Ms. Hersh’s recovery path includes electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT. “In my case, ECT was that last option for pulling me out of depression much like a triple bypass is used for someone with severe heart disease,” she states. In summary, her book provides a personal account of what a clinically depressed person feels and the challenges faced for a medical problem with an inexact methodology for recovery.

"As a severe case, Hersh gives a clear, resonant voice to many aspects of a complicated illness, while offering a moving and hopeful (though at times frightening) narrative for those fighting to overcome depression's worst." -- Publishers Weekly 

The program will include refreshments and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase.

Please join us for this important author event.

Meet the Author: Lee Child - Sunday, June 6th at 5:30 p.m.

Our Spring Author Series will conclude on Sunday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. with a visit from bestselling author Lee Child. Lee Child is the #1 bestselling author of 14 Reacher thrillers, including his newest, 61 Hours, which was published on May 18th.  

The series character Jack Reacher is a former United States Army Military Policeman who led a fictional unit, the 110th Special Investigations Unit, formed to handle exceptionally tough cases, especially those involving members of the United States Army Special Forces.

Now a drifter, the only possessions Reacher appears to keep are a foldable toothbrush, an expired passport, and an ATM card. 61 Hours is set in South Dakota and Reacher is traveling on a sightseeing tour bus when it crashes during a savage snow storm. As the riders are stranded in the middle of nowhere during a blizzard, Reacher gets caught up in a hunt for a murderer and the protection of a key witness who is set to testify in court against an international drug ring.

Here's what the critics are saying about 61 Hours (and its author):

 “Child is a superb craftsman of suspense, juggling several plots and keeping his herrings well-rouged... Best of all, this is a rare series book that reads like a stand-alone. Everything you need to know about Jack Reacher is contained within its pages. And chances are you’ll want to seek out other Reacher adventures the moment you finish.” – Entertainment Weekly

 “Child’s writing is superb. Not only is this thriller believable, but the descriptions of the blizzard will make readers want to hug their furnaces. Fast paced and exciting, this is highly recommended.” – Library Journal, starred review

 “This is Child in top form, but isn’t he always?” – Booklist, starred review

The Stamford Advocate did a nice story in last Friday. Click here to read the article. Also, here's the link to Joe Meyers' great feature for the Connecticut Post.

Child is a native of England and a former television presentation director for Granada Television in Manchester. During his tenure, his company made Brideshead Revisited, "The Jewel in the Crown," Prime Suspect, and Cracker.

A book signing and reception will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase.

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