There are a lot of things for you to worry about right now--we won't let library fines be one of them! We know it's not your fault that you couldn't return books and DVDs to us the last few days and we're doing our best to keep your account clear of overdue fines related to the hurricane. However, if you notice a fine on your account for an item that you couldn't return because of the weather, please let us know and we will waive it, no questions asked. You can email us (circ@darienlibrary.org), call us (203-669-5239), or visit us at the Welcome Desk, and we'll take care of it.

Come in for warmth, Internet access, and power!

We are open today, Thursday, November 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Please subscribe to the @darienlibrary twitter stream for updates.

The reopened Tech Center

Darien Library is pleased to announce the reopening of the Lowel Level. Services that have resumed include:

• The Power Library & Tech Center:  public computers
• SoHo:  banner, laminating, and color printing
• Digital Media Lab:  digitize videos, film something new, and more!
• Teen Lounge:  study space, video games, and a place to hang out
• Lower Level Study Room:  for groups up to six

Photos of the reopened space. 

The Power Library

Monday, October 8th through Monday, October 15th

The Lower Level will be closed to the public on the above dates as we finish repairs from the August 12th flood. We will place twelve additional computers on the second floor in the Non-fiction section. 

Areas and services that will be unavailable:

• SoHo: color copies, banner printing
• Digital Media Lab
• Teen Lounge
• Power Library & Tech Center

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Stop by and borrow the binoculars to see the ospreys!

Have you heard the loud bird calls when visiting Darien Library as of late? Then you have met Darien's ospreys! A family of ospreys lives atop the Darien Police Department's radio tower behind the Library. The family consists of two parents and at least one baby. 

Ask to check out binoculars from the Welcome Desk to see the ospreys up close! 

Osprey facts:

• They dive underwater to fish. 
• Unlike most birds, ospreys have an extra joint in their wings so they can move their wings behind them as they swim. 
• They are very loud!

Source

A beautiful summer day in the Library's courtyard

The Library will be closed on Monday, September 3rd in observation of Labor Day. Enjoy the last unofficial days of summer!

Go for a drive to these events:

Take a trip to the 152nd Woodstock Agricultural Fair in Woodstock, CT (roughly a 2.5 hour drive).

Enjoy the United States Coast Guard Band's Labor Day Concert in New London, CT (roughly a 1.5 hour drive). Can't make the trip? Listen to recordings online.

For more events, check the calendar at Connecticut Visit.

Plan ahead:

Track the fall leaf color changes with Yankee Foliage.

Look to the past for Halloween costumes from Egypt to the present day, Medieval, or how about a little 18th century French?

Look up the Darien High School team schedules and go to a game!

The Main Staircase as seen from the second floor

Wednesday, August 22nd to Friday, August 24th

Starting Wednesday, we will be doing some electrical maintenance involving a lift on the second floor. Please be advised of this activity if you will be working on the second floor during this time period. Please pardon us during this disruption. 

If you are interested in electrical wiring, here are some resources:

• Practical Electrical Wiring : Residential, Farm, Commercial, And Industrial
• Home How-to Handbook : Electrical
• Dare To Repair A Do-it-herself Guide To Home Improvement videorecording

Irises in bloom at Darien Library on May 17th

Darien Library experienced some water damage on Sunday, August 12, when a dual pump failure in the Library’s waste water system allowed water to enter the lower floor of the building, to a maximum level of 2 inches. Thanks to the quick actions of staff, and assistance from Darien Fire Department, the failure was contained in about 2 hours.

We opened the building at 2 pm for use on the first and second floors with the lower level closed for cleanup. Library staff members cleaned up through the evening, and again this morning before we opened. The first and second floors of the building are open today, Monday, and the lower level will be open tomorrow after final cleanup today.

Damage on the lower level was limited mostly to the carpets, some of which will need to be replaced, as well as some drywall damage, which will be repaired. After replacement carpet is received, the lower level of the building will be closed for approximately four days while it is installed.

We thank the understanding of our Library users, and appreciate the many statements of support.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user bayasaa

The Library will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th in observation of Independence Day. Plan ahead to find the best local firework display to watch with your family. Have a Happy Independence Day!

Books for Children

Independence Day: Birthday of the United States by Elaine Landau

Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags by James Giblin

Fireworks by Vicki Cobb

Books for Adults

Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue: 100 Easy Recipes for Backyard Barbecue and Grilling by Al Roker

Good Housekeeping Grilling Cookbook: The Best Recipes You'll Ever Taste

Weber's Art of the Grill: Recipes for Outdoor Grilling

Photo by Flickr user MC Quinn

The Library will be opened till 10:30 p.m. on the following nights to allow students more time to study for their finals. The temporary schedule will be be in place during:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 5 - 7

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 10

1:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Monday, June 11

9:00 a.m. - 10:30  p.m.  

Please note that during this time, the Library may have a higher than normal volume of patrons.