A little icy rain on Sunday morning made us remember to be wary on the roads but the colder temps also reminded us that we've got 99 hats and scarves on their way to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Our shout-out for helping hands for our 3rd annual knit-a-thon, brought the community together -- teens, adults, and children -- and their needles together, resulting in 52 hats and 47 scarves, which will be delivered to the shelters run by the Crisis Center. We put our hands together for you! Thank you so much! We look forward to offerering more opportunites to serve the community. Read about the enthusiasm that's already building for our new teen space!

• Planning & Zoning 11/18 & 11/20  ( runs  2:28 )       AGENDA  & AGENDA
  • Airs at 4 am, 12 noon, 5:15 pm, 10:45 pm

• Bd of Selectmen 11/17   ( runs 2:33 )      AGENDA
  • Airs at 6:30 am, 2:30 pm, 8 pm

• Environmental Protection Comm. 11/19   ( runs 1:26 )    AGENDA     
  • Airs at 2:30 am, 9:00 am

• Zoning Board of Appeals  11-12 ( runs 1:07 )      AGENDA
  • Airs 1:15 am, 10:30 am

Every year at this time, there's a special gathering that takes place all over the world and right in our backyard. Groups of five, 25, or 300 gather at libraries, schools, in churches and living rooms, and listen as storytellers spin their magic. Tellabration! is not just for children -- this special night is really storytelling for grown-ups.

Tellabration! began right here in Connecticut back in 1988 and has become a state-wide, country-wide, international celebration. Our local Tellabration! is one of the biggest gatherings and is held at the United Church of Rowayton on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year, it's November 22. Storytellers Carol Birch, Kathy Jarombek, Lot Therrio, David Kantor, and a local student will be featured, each one worth the price of admission to see and hear. Join us to support the Connecticut Storytelling Center's school and community programs and enjoy an unforgettable evening!

photo courtesty of Flickr user lepiaf.geo

If you're the parent of a child with autism, I'd like to discuss starting a new program specially designed for your kids!

Once we move to the New Darien Library, we will be offering lots of programs for all ages and we hope that kids of all abilities join us.  I understand, however, that many parents of autistic kids are uncomfortable joining regular storytimes.  That's where "Stories on the Spectrum" comes in.  It would be a story program for children on the autistic spectrum and their siblings, parents, and/or caretakers.

The primary focus is to simply allow the children a space in which to explore and express themselves in the way they feel most comfortable. But mostly, it's about making them feel good about themselves and having a fun time.  We might read a few books (but maybe not, depending on how we are all feeling that day), we usually sing some songs using our hands or bodies to show the actions, we might look at some pictures and discuss what we see, we might play pretend games, or use art materials to create things.  Every autistic child is different and communicates uniquely, so I like to offer a variety of activities, materials, and levels of interaction.

If this type of program sounds like something your child(ren) and you might be interested in, or if you have ideas, suggestions, or questions, I'd like to hear from you!  Please email me at kparrott@darienlibrary.org

I'm looking forward to seeing you at our New Darien Library!