You may recall that last Wednesday, February 17th, was Snapshot Day at Darien Library. Snapshot Day was a state-wide event to gather data to capture the impact that Connecticut libraries have on their communities on a typical day. Thank you to our cheerful and agreeable visitors for their assistance, their smiles, and their comments.
You can see many of the photos from Snapshot Day at Darien Library by clicking here. To view the Snapshot Day photo sets from all over the state of Connecticut, click here.
We received many comments in response to the question posed on the brief survey: "Why is the library important to you?" First we'll show you...and then we'll tell you what the responses were. Please enjoy the video-compilation of the day's photos, then continue reading, below, for the "Snapshot" comments.
"...[that you can] take home books, films, music, magazines, etc. That you can take classes, attend lectures, get help with research and projects or find somewhere quiet to work. Libraries are our most wonderful, omnipresent, and inclusive community institutions."
"A calm, quiet respite."
"Getting help in gathering information!"
"Meet Us on Main Street is a great place to hear about books."
"Because I use the library for internet access, borrow DVDs, books, and CDs, attend lectures and current film showings. The Darien Library is my primary source for all of the above."
"It's a nice place to get away and lose yourself from the real world."
"Meet Us on Main Street and the librarians' enthusiasm keep my reading list going!"
"Love the Meet Us on Main Street program - books, DVDS recommended by helpful and knowledgeable staff."
"The library was always important to me since childhood - I don't watch TV!"
"Because of its programs for children that help our kids socialize and learn in a very friendly environment."
"It has many resources that I could not otherwise access. An invaluable service to the community."
"When I need to research something or write a report and when I'd like to read a book or watch a movie for free."
Please feel free to leave your comments by clicking below.
Why is the library important to YOU?

The results have been announced! Round Two of America's Star Libraries. Five (more) Stars!
Once again, Darien Library was named a Five Star library by Library Journal (LJ), which used four objective measures (visits, circulation, program attendance and internet computer use per capita) to compare the level of services libraries provide to their communities. Darien Library was ranked second in the nation(!) among public libraries with budgets between $1 million and $5 million.
The LJ 2/15/09 issue reported the first star library ratings based on the LJ Index. Less than a year later, they are back with the second round, thanks to a dramatic improvement in data timeliness achieved by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in its annual census of U.S. public libraries. Data for 2006 were released in November 2008, while data for 2007 were released in May 2009—a six-month turnaround. Planned as an annual event, the LJ Index will continue to be published as soon as possible after each year's data become available
For the complete story, click here to read the article in the brand new issue of Library Journal.

The Darien Library is fortunate to have a loyal corps of dedicated volunteers. One of our most popular programs is Adopt-A-Shelf. Volunteers in this program agree to "read" and straighten shelves in an area of their choice at least once a month. We are happy to work with you to create a volunteer position that will match your interests and talents with our volunteer opportunities.
Call Sally Ijams at the Information Desk at 669-5236 to learn more.
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What's different about SOPAC 2.0?
Where does the social data live?
You mean my library can have this too?
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