Let's discuss.

TODAY AT 2:30 p.m.

Our Spring Book Discussion Series with Jordon Pecile continues with one of the best books of the past year!

THE BRASS VERDICT

By Michael Connelly

Connelly's best-known characters team up in this intricate tale. Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller are on the streets and in the courtroom and Connelly puts forth one of the most suspenseful and satisfying reads since...well...Connelly's last book. He knows the territory. Readers who know Connelly will not be disappointed and we'll be talking about this fast and furious roller coaster of a ride today at 2:30. Please join us!

(P.S. A special note to Connelly fans (and yes, I am one) - his new one, Scarecrow, comes out next month and it's another great one. Also... just learned(!) we will get a second new Connelly book this year(!) - It's called "9 Dragons," features Harry Bosch and comes out in October(!!!!).)

W. Randall Jones

W. Randall Jones, the founder of Worth magazine and the author of The Richest Man in Town: The Twelve Commandments of Wealth, will be at the Library on Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m.

Mr. Jones, who will be launching his book tour here at the Darien Library, interviewed the richest men and women in the 100 largest towns in America – all of them self-made financial giants. In his new book, “The Richest Man in Town,” which debuts on May 4, he reveals the key common traits of these individuals and makes their success tips available to everyone. Mr. Jones, a frequent commentator on numerous television shows including The TODAY Show, CNBC, CNN, CNNFN, and FOX News, will talk about his research and some of the surprising and extraordinary revelations he made.

“Clear, concise and actionable advice from 100 of the greatest self-made success stories of our time, ‘The Richest Man in Town’ shows you how you too can become the most successful person in your town.” – Jennifer Openshaw, personal finance columnist, MarketWatch.com

Mr. Jones serves as Chairman and CEO of American Idea Lab, a media ideation and investment firm. He sits on the boards of Wilmington Trust New York, Trinity Capital Services, Yureekah Technologies, and American Idea Lab. In addition, Jones is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Creative Coalition, and the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy. To satiate his passion for economic education, Mr. Jones has served as a board member of the National Council for Economic Education. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America recently honored him as “Philanthropist of the Year.”

Considered a serial entrepreneur, W. Randall Jones is an author, publisher, and media executive who has spent 30 years in the publishing, TV, internet, film, and media businesses.

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

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

W. Randall Jones, the founder of Worth magazine and the author of The Richest Man in Town: The Twelve Commandments of Wealth, will be at the ibrary on Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m.

Mr. Jones, who will be launching his book tour at Darien Library, interviewed the richest men and women in the 100 largest towns in America – all of them self-made financial giants. In his new book, “The Richest Man in Town,” which debuts on May 4, he reveals the key common traits of these individuals and makes their success tips available to everyone. Mr. Jones, a frequent commentator on numerous television shows including The TODAY Show, CNBC, CNN, CNNFN, and FOX News, will talk about his research and some of the surprising and extraordinary revelations he made.

“Clear, concise and actionable advice from 100 of the greatest self-made success stories of our time, ‘The Richest Man in Town’ shows you how you too can become the most successful person in your town.” – Jennifer Openshaw, personal finance columnist, MarketWatch.com

Mr. Jones serves as Chairman and CEO of American Idea Lab, a media ideation and investment firm. He sits on the boards of Wilmington Trust New York, Trinity Capital Services, Yureekah Technologies, and American Idea Lab. In addition, Jones is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Creative Coalition, and the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy. To satiate his passion for economic education, Mr. Jones has served as a board member of the National Council for Economic Education. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America recently honored him as “Philanthropist of the Year.”

Considered a serial entrepreneur, W. Randall Jones is an author, publisher, and media executive who has spent 30 years in the publishing, TV, internet, film, and media businesses.

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

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

An important film about Lyme Disease!

Coming soon to theaters...SOONER to Darien Library!

UNDER OUR SKIN

Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)

“Under Our Skin” is a dramatic tale of microbes, medicine, and money. This groundbreaking documentary investigates the human, medical, and political dimensions of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic destroying countless lives.  
Following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, the film is meant to open viewers’ eyes to a danger in their own backyards. “Under Our Skin” was an Audience Choice Award Finalist at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and controversial illnesses of our time. Because the disease is difficult to test accurately, tens of thousands of people go undiagnosed - or misdiagnosed - with such conditions as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autism, MS, and ALS. Each year, many of these patients are told that their symptoms are “all in their heads.”

Our showing of the film is well-timed, as this is the time of year that the adult deer ticks are easier to spot, and when most people, especially children, become infected.

According to research conducted by Dr. Eva Sapi of the University of New Haven, 60% of ticks that were tested in our area are infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

This film is not recommended for children or young teens. Running time is approximately 105 minutes. There will be a question and answer period following the film.

Those wishing to learn more about the film may visit www.UnderOurSkin.com. 

Those wishing to learn more about Lyme disease may contact Russell Cornelius: CTLyme@hotmail.com.

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

So last night, as Janet and I were baking confections (using recipes from I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti) for tonight's program, I learned I had a baking blindspot. Who knew? I was stirring and "missed a spot." I almost left some of the lemon zest on the plate. As you probably guessed, baking is not second nature to me and obviously, I need a spotter. (Thanks, Janet!)

The good news is that the girls night in (baking) precedes our Girls Night Out!

TONIGHT AT 7!

ILENE BECKERMAN AND GIULIA MELUCCI!

 Ilene Beckerman, author of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, and Giulia Melucci, author or I Loved, I Lost I Made Spaghetti will be at the Library tonight for what's sure to be a fun and lively night! We'll be talking love, life, food, and fashion.

We'll have wine...cheese...fruit...and some Giulia-inspired homemade treats! Please join us! 

For more information, click here.

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

Last month, when we showed Mamma Mia! as part our Friday Film Series, we could not get over the smiles on the faces of our audience members as they left the Community Room. Between the humming and the swaying, we heard many of you say that you'd love it if we showed more musicals. We have heeded the call! During the month of June, we will show a musical every Friday at 7:30 p.m. We do hope you'll join us! Here's the schedule:

JUNE 5

The Band Wagon (1953) Starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse; Not rated; 111 minutes

Each song and dance routine, from the lovely "Dancing in the Dark" through the insanely happpy "A Shine on Your Shoes" to the thrilling coda "That's Entertainment" is a slice of cinematic magic in this delightful musical. The original ballet sequence "Girl Hunt" choreographed for Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse by Michael Kidd is especially notable.

JUNE 12

A Hard Day's Night (1964) John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr; Rated G; 85 minutes

A re-release of the 1964 classic musical comedy about four shaggy-haired lads from Liverpool, this is a playful day-in-the-life look at the emerging rock stars: John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Pursued by hordes of shrieking girls caught up in Beatlemania, they dash in and out of railways, through London streets, and into a TV recording studio. With concert footage of The Beatles performing "She Loves You," this movie survives as an indelible portrait of a particular time.

 JUNE 19

Funny Girl (1968) Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif; Rated G; 149 minutes

Marvelous musical biography of the legendary Ziegfield girl, Fanny Brice. Fanny (Barbra Streisand) was all-laughs on-stage, but her personal life was considered a tragedy. Barbra Streisand received an Academy Award® for her leading role.

JUNE 26

Singin' in the Rain (1952) Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor; Not rated; 102 minutes

Considered by many to be the finest musical comedy of all-time, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is sheer delight. Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote this wonderful film about the time when movies were changing from silent to talkies. The songs range from the hilarious "Make 'Em Laugh" performed by O'Connor, to the delicate "You Were Meant for Me" and the show-stopping classic "Singin' in the Rain" solo by Gene Kelly.

With 63% of the vote, Milk is the winner of our Friday Film vote. So...

Friday, April 17

7:30 p.m (in the Community Room)

MILK

Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch

129 minutes; Rated R

Sean Penn, in his Oscar-winning role, stars as New Yorker Harvey Milk, who moved to San Francisco and became the city's first openly gay public official. The following year both he and the city's mayor, George Moscone, were shot to death by the former city supervisor. This film chronicles the heart-breaking true story.

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

Giulia Melucci, the author of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti was on The TODAY Show this morning. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Giulia will be here at Darien Library on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. with Ilene Beckerman, the author of Love, Loss, and What I Wore for a special Meet the Author program we're calling Girls Night Out!

Giulia's book just came out on Tuesday, and is getting fabulous reviews. Here's what Entertainment Weekly had to say, and...AND...if being on The TODAY Show wasn't enough good news for Giulia for one day, she is profiled in today's New York Times as the subject of  the "At Home With..." feature!

I loved the book and am so thrilled that Giulia and Ilene will be coming here to Darien to share share their stories with us! Talk. Laughs. Food. Wine. You know...a girls night out! Please be sure to join us!

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

It's one of our earliest memories, both as a species and individuals: the power of stories to entertain, advise, and connect. They're not just for children, though, as the popularity of events like Tellabration! and local and national festivals attest. Storytelling is for everyone, and the Darien Library is pleased to announce a very special evening of storysharing for grown-ups, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.

Right here in Fairfield County, we have a very active group of storytellers (and listeners!) who've discovered the magic of fables, folktales, and personal stories. The tellers share their talents in schools, hospitals, senior centers, libraries, and in front of appreciative audiences everywhere. What they've found is that in our increasingly busy, wired world, the simple act of telling a story face to face, and in the process sharing ideas and values, seems more important than ever.

This evening, the first in what will be an ongoing series of special storytelling events, will feature some of our local storytellers as well as opportunities for new tellers to share stories. We look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to an evening of storysharing for grown-ups that will re-introduce all of us to this timeless artform!

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

Picture from Flickr user Mike Grenville.

"In the room of the spirit, Janet Krauss fills all the seats" - Paul Dry, Paul Dry Books, Inc.

The Poet's Voice, yearly readings in Fairfield County libraries by outstanding poets, returns to the Darien Library on Sunday, April 19th at 3 p.m.. Poet Janet Krauss will read her poems at this annual event, which will be held in the Conference Room on the Mezzanine Level.

Janet Krauss is a widely published poet and teaches literature and writing at St. Basil College and Fairfield University. She is the recipient of the Fairfiled Adjunct Award of the Year, 2006, and was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize in poetry.

A reception will follow the reading. 

The reading is supported by the Horace E. Manacher Poetry Fund and contributions to the Darien Library Annual Campaign.

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