(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Steve Rhodes)

The time is now upon us! Join us this Saturday, April 2nd  at 2PM, for the Second Annual Teen Writing Competition Awards Ceremony.  If you submitted a writing entry to the contest, please join us to celebrate -- or come to support friends and family who did.

Congratulations to all and good luck!

Light refreshments will be provided.

This teen program, "Mini Video Documentaries" is part of the One Book, One Community program. The teens were asked to use a flip camera to capture a powerful memory in their life. The teens in this video chose to speak about the passing of their friend and school mate for whom they will never forget.

Please join us on April 10th at 4:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Library for more stimulating conversation around one of our favorite TED talks.  TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design has many chapters throughout the world and right here at the Library.

(Photo courtesy of Flickr user pmo)

The TEDx Darien programs are hosted by Darien Library in partnership with programs moderators Danielle Tilford and Luke Washer.

16 year old Cara hasn't seen her BFF Zoe in forever. The last time they saw each other was just before Cara's family moved out of town.  

Cara is having a hard time making friends as the new girl at school and to top it off the mean girls are calling her "choker" due to a mishap in the cafetaria. Life was so much better when Zoe was around. Wasn't it?

Just when Cara thinks she is on the verge of a mental break down, Zoe appears.  Cara wonders why her friend has runaway and  where she is going to stay?

Ever heard of Interactive Fiction? 

The Amanda Project is the first collaborative fictional mystery told across an interactive website, and an 8-book series. Ariel Aberg-Riger from Fourth Story Media will come to talk about how teens are literally re-writing the book on reading. Exciting Times!

Wednesday, March 9 at 7 PM in the Community Room

(Image courtesy of flickr user jurvetson)

March 6th, 2011 - Cancelled 

March 20th, 2011

TEDX Darien meets from 4:00- 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Join us in March for refreshments and two more invigorating discussions surrounding a select TED video. 

 Cassia Reyes is a perfect student, daughter, and sister. Everything in Cassia's life has been perfectly planned with no mistakes.  The society where she lives makes sure everyone's life is equally perfect.  The society controls when its citizens eat, sleep, and with whom they are matched.  Cassia's 17th birthday is approaching fast, soon she will meet the person she is destined to spend the rest of her life with, her match.  On the night of the matching banquet Cassia stood confidently in front of the screen that would soon project an image of her match.  She waits eagerly in her beautiful flowing green dress special for the occasion. Suddenly, the face of Xander, her childhood friend flashes on the screen then goes black and in an instant a different face flashes on the screen for only a moment before it vanishes. Cassia is shocked at what she has just seen or should not have seen. Has the society's most skilled officials made a huge mistake? Which boy is really Cassia's match and how will she feel when she finds out?

Image courtesy of Sir Mildred Pierce

Ever heard of Minecraft? This game seems to be the latest craze with teens as an output for their creative energies. According to the wiki for the game, Minecraft is a sandbox construction game that involves players creating and destroying various types of blocks in a three dimensional environment. The player takes an avatar that can destroy or create blocks, forming fantastic structures, creations and artwork across the various multiplayer servers in multiple game modes.

 The classic version of the game is free, and can be played at minecraft.net using any web browser.

I got a chance to interview some of our teens in the Lounge while they explained more about the game. Here's what they had to say.

The winner of the 2011 Teen Talent Competition, "So you think you can do something?"

Thank you to all who came that night it was a great success and fun was had by all.  Everyone did a wonderful job and we hope to see you all next year!

Sign up for our tech camp for teens!

For three days, starting February 22nd through the 24th, from 1 - 5PM, we will show teens how to use fun technology and practical tech tips. Learn everything from how to make video games and your very own movies, to how to make better PowerPoint presentations for classes.

Teens (ages 12-18) can register for individual days or for the whole series!

Here is what will be covered.

Day 1: Media Making: Edit photos; make movies, music, and more.
Day 2: School Tools: Microsoft Office; Google Docs, and more.
Day 3: Design: Make computer games; create your own website, and more.

There will be breaks between each session and snacks will be provided.

For more information and to register, contact Erica Leone, Teen Librarian, at
203-669-5225 or via email at teenstaff@darienlibrary.org