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.

Back in 1947, area codes were introduced in North America and on this date in 1951, the very first long distance call without operator assistance was completed (the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey called the mayor of Alameda, California). Today we take area codes and direct dialing for granted...but in Connecticut, that's all about to change.

Starting this Saturday, November 14, two new area codes are being overlaid in both the 203 and 860 regions. That means even if you're making a local call, you have to include the area code. Nobody's phone number is changing, no new charges for local calls will go into effect, but we'll all have to re-program speed dials, fax machines, alarm systems, call forwarding settings, and everywhere else our numbers are embedded. Think of it as Y203K...no bunkers or canned goods necessary.

So if you're trying to reach us, don't forget to add the 203 area code no matter where you're calling from, and we'll all avoid telephone-related hang-ups!

Picture from Flickr user mag3737.

DARIEN  GOVERNMENT  ACCESS  TELEVISION - TV79

We've just received this information from Town Hall about Code Red Notification Registration.

Now that it is hurricane season, Town officials would like to remind residents about the “Code Red Emergency Notification System” now available in Darien. Emergency Management Director Marc McEwan describes this as an extremely high speed telephone communication system that can deliver important messages to registered users at home, at work and to cell phones. Currently the system will only reach those who have commercially available telephone numbers. Anyone with a cell phone or unlisted number will not be contacted unless they register which is easily done on the Town’s website www.darienct.gov.

To read the press release in its entirety, please open the attachment below.