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April 28, 2006

May Masterpieces

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The seasons are beautiful in Darien...especially the spring. Who better than Darien artist Chet Saur to remind us of the beauty of our natural surroundings? We are very happy to announce this one-woman show of Chet Saur's as our next art exhibit showing in the Main Reading Room. This exhibit opens on May 2nd.

Ms. Saur demonstrates again and again through her incredible talent, her connection to her surroundings.

The peacefulness of a tranquil pond. The boats out of dry-dock.


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Her love of this area is clear in her art. I suppose that's why she can count many, many local fans among her admirers and supporters.

This exhibit will run from May 2nd through June 11th. There will be a reception marking this exhibit on Friday, May 5th, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Posted by BarbaraT at 03:47 PM

Wrapping Up the Case(s) and the Series

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Our Book Discussion Series concludes on Sunday, May 7th at 2:30. The theme for the Spring series is "The Murder Book." Professor Jordon Pecile will lead the discussion.

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The discussion book will be Camel Club by David Baldacci. Baldacci is considered to be one of the world's favorite storytellers. The Camel Club was a #1 national and international bestseller, as were his ten previous books.

In this tale of suspense and conspiracy, Baldacci sets the action in Washington D.C. with a plot that involves Arab terrorists, spies, the murder of a Secret Service agent, and a nuclear threat.

Join us for another dead-on discussion! And, dont' forget to watch for our Fall Book Discussion Series!

Posted by BarbaraT at 03:46 PM

This Week at the Library 05/04/06 to 05/11/06

“The Murder Book”: The Camel Club by David Baldacci will be the subject of Darien Library’s book discussion series “The Murder Book” on Sunday, May 7 at 2:30. This is the fourth and final novel of this series. Jordon Pecile, Professor Emeritus at the United States Coast Guard Academy, is the discussion leader.

Baldacci is considered to be one of the world’s favorite storytellers. The Camel Club was a #1 national and international bestseller, as were his ten previous books. In this tale of suspense and conspiracy, Baldacci sets the action in Washington D.C. with a plot that involves Arab terrorists, spies, the murder of a Secret Service agent, and a nuclear threat.

The Library has copies of the books available for patrons to borrow, but prior reading of the book is not necessary to attend the discussion.

This book discussion is funded by Friends of the Darien Library and cosponsored by the Darien Community Association Book Group, The Senior Men’s Association, and the American Association of University Women, Stamford-Darien branch.


Meet a Local Author at Darien Library!

Michael Mauboussin will be the guest speaker for a special program at Darien Library on Sunday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. Mauboussin, one of the leading experts on behavioral finance, has resided in Darien with his wife and five children since 1994. Author of “More Than You Know: Finding Financial Wisdom in Unconventional Places,” which will be released in June, Mauboussin will share his multi-disciplinary approach to his ideas on investing. He draws from fields including finance, strategy, psychology, and complex theory. During this special program at the Library, he will share his experience and his expertise from a career as a chief investment strategist. This program is supported by the Friends of the Darien Library.

Adult Technology Education Programs: “Creating a Digital Photo Album Using Photoshop Elements 3.0” on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Join us for this hands-on workshop. Bring in some favorite photos and create a digital photo album with personalized type, color, and decorative backgrounds. Instructor: Rick Lyons, Photographer. Hurry, seats are limited. For more information and registration, contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136.

Art Exhibitions: An art exhibit by local artist Chet Saur will open on May 2 at Darien Library. This one-person show of oil paintings will be on view in the Main Reading Room until June 11. Local scenes, still lifes, and portraits will be on display.

Display Case: On April 18, 1906, one of the worst natural disasters in history struck the northwest United States. It began with a major earthquake centered near the city of San Francisco, followed by fires and massive loss of lives and property. One hundred years later, the Great San Francisco Earthquake is still remembered as one of the most tragic events in American history. The Library’s display case features historical photographs, newspaper headlines, a map of the earthquake’s devastation, and books on the topic, as we mark the centennial anniversary of a landmark American disaster.

CHILDREN’S ROOM
Giggles and Rhymes: Join us for fingerplays, songs, and rhymes on Tuesday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. For infants to pre-walkers with a caregiver. Registration is not required for this special spring session. Storytimes are 30 minutes in length.

HOURS:
Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
World Wide Web: darienlibrary.org

Posted by Cathy at 03:43 PM

April 25, 2006

Come and Hear the Poet's Voice!

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This Sunday, April 30th at 3:00 p.m. we will present The Poet's Voice. Kim Bridgford will be reading her poems at this special program. The Poet's Voice is an annual event that brings notable poets to the community. What a great way to wrap up National Poetry Month!

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Dr. Bridgford is a professor of English at Fairfield University. Her first book, Undone was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Last year, her second book of poems, Instead of Maps was published. Her next letterpress book of poems, "Eden's Gift," is forthcoming from Arialia Press.

A reception will follow the reading.

Posted by BarbaraT at 10:45 AM

April 20, 2006

This Week at the Library 04/27/06 to 05/04/06

Poet’s Voice: On Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m., Darien Library will present “The Poet’s Voice,” an annual event that brings notable poets to the community. Kim Bridgford, whose work has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, will read her poems.

Adult Technology Education Programs: Interested in creating your own digital photo album? If so, you’re in luck. The Darien Library will host “Creating a Digital Photo Album Using Photoshop Elements” on Wednesday, May 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Photographer Rick Lyons of Faggan Studio Industries in New Canaan will be the instructor for this hands-on workshop. Hurry, seats are limited. For more information and registration, contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136.

Art Exhibitions: An art exhibit by local artist Chet Saur will open on May 2 at Darien Library. This one-person show of oil paintings will be on view in the Main Reading Room until June 11. Local scenes, still lifes, and portraits will be on display.

Display Case: On April 18, 1906, one of the worst natural disasters in history struck the northwest United States. It began with a major earthquake centered near the city of San Francisco, followed by fires and massive loss of lives and property. One hundred years later, the Great San Francisco Earthquake is still remembered as one of the most tragic events in American history. The Library’s display case features historical photographs, newspaper headlines, a map of the earthquake’s devastation, and books on the topic, as we mark the centennial anniversary of a landmark American disaster.

CHILDREN’S ROOM
Giggles and Rhymes: Join us for fingerplays, songs, and rhymes on Tuesday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. For infants to pre-walkers with a caregiver. Registration is not required for this special spring session. Storytimes are 30 minutes in length.

HOURS:
Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
World Wide Web: darienlibrary.org

Posted by Cathy at 04:05 PM

April 17, 2006

Returning to the scene of crime

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Our Book Discussion Series continues this Sunday, April 23rd at 2:30. The theme for the Spring series is "The Murder Book."


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The discussion book will be Predator by Patricia Cornwell. Cornwell, the #1 best-selling crime writer, is the author of the popular Kay Scarpetta mystery novels.

Professor Jordon Pecile will lead the discussion. In addition to exploring the evolution and aging of Dr. Scarpetta, Pecile will also speak to Cornwell's development as a writer and her fascination with forensics and the criminal mind.

Join us for another dead-on discussion!

Posted by BarbaraT at 09:54 AM

April 13, 2006

This Week at the Library 04/20/06 to 04/27/06

“The Murder Book”: Spring Book Discussion Series: Sunday, April 23rd, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Program Room. Predator by Patricia Cornwell will be the third book in the discussion series “The Murder Book.” Leading the discussion is Jordon Pecile, Professor Emeritus at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Cornwell, the #1 best-selling crime writer, is the author of the popular Kay Scarpetta mystery novels. Predator is her 15th book of the series. These mysteries are a favorite with readers because of the interesting forensic investigations as well as Cornwell’s development of Dr. Scarpetta’s home and personal life. Predator takes the forensic sleuth and her team from the tropics of Florida to snowy Boston in search of a serial killer.

This book discussion is funded by Friends of the Darien Library and cosponsored by the Darien Community Association Book Group, the Senior Men’s Association, and the American Association of University Women, Stamford-Darien branch.

The Library has copies of the books available for patrons to borrow, but prior reading of the books is not necessary to attend the discussion.

Adult Technology Education Programs: Interested in creating your own digital photo album? If so, you’re in luck. The Darien Library will host “Creating a Digital Photo Album Using Photoshop Elements” on Wednesday, May 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Photographer Rick Lyons of Faggan Studio Industries in New Canaan will be the instructor for this hands-on workshop. Hurry, seats are limited. For more information and registration, contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136.
Art Exhibitions: Darien High School Students exhibit in the Main Reading Room at the Library until May 1.
Display Case: On April 18, 1906, one of the worst natural disasters in history struck the northwest United States. It began with a major earthquake centered near the city of San Francisco, followed by fires and massive loss of lives and property. One hundred years later, the Great San Francisco Earthquake is still remembered as one of the most tragic events in American history. The Library’s display case features historical photographs, newspaper headlines, a map of the earthquake’s devastation, and books on the topic, as we mark the centennial anniversary of a landmark American disaster.

CHILDREN’S ROOM
BookMANIA! For ages 7 to 9, Friday, April 21st, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Share a story and then enjoy activities, crafts, and games reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks provided. Registration is not required.
Giggles and Rhymes: Join us for fingerplays, songs, and rhymes on Tuesday, April 25th at 9:30 a.m. For infants to pre-walkers with a caregiver. Registration is not required for this special spring session. Storytimes are 30 minutes in length.
Nutmeg Book Group: Join us Wednesday, April 26th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a discussion of “Granny Torrelli Makes Soup” by Sharon Creech. For children in grades 4 – 6. Register at 655-1234 x117.

HOURS:
Sunday, April 16, EASTER, CLOSED
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
World Wide Web: darienlibrary.org

Posted by Cathy at 12:04 PM

April 07, 2006

Ten-FORE! Over and Out.

We come to the end of our ten-week Friday Film Series on April 14th. Our final feature is The Greatest Game Ever Played.

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This is the untold true story about the courage and passion of one of America's greatest sports heroes. At the 1913 U.S. Open, an amateur working-class boy shocked the world when he beat the defending British champion in what was formerly only a "gentleman's game."

If you'd like to read more about the movie or view the trailer from Disney, click on the picture below.

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Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:30.

Admission is free!

Remember to look for our Foreign Film Series in the fall!

Posted by BarbaraT at 09:37 PM

April 06, 2006

This Week at the Library 04/13/06 to 04/20/06

Friday Films: The Greatest Game Ever Played
2005; 115 minutes; Rated PG; Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Peter Firth, Elias Kotas,
Peyton List This is the untold true story about the courage and passion of one of America’s greatest sports heroes. At the 1913 U.S. Open, an amateur working-class boy shocked the world when he beat the defending British champion in what was formerly only a “gentleman’s game.” Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Medicare: Need to find out more about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan? The Darien Library will provide one more informational workshop in April if enough people are interested. Eight more seats available. Contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136 for more information and to register.
Art Exhibitions: Darien High School Students exhibit in the Main Reading Room at the Library until May 1.
Display Case: With book groups more popular than ever, the Library has put together Books in a Bag, consisting of multiple copies of our most popular discussion titles, leaders’ notes and guides, and more. The display case shows many of the books available for local book groups to share, such as The Bookseller of Kabul, Waiting for Snow in Havana, Reading Lolita in Tehran, and others.
CHILDREN’S ROOM
Teen Advisory Board Workshop
Wednesday, April 19th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Downloadable audio Workshop; snacks & social to follow. Grades 6 and up. Learn how to maneuver the Library’s downloadable audio collection. We’ll be using the Library’s MP3 players to navigate e-audiobooks. A brief Teen Board meeting will follow. Registration is required. Please phone the Library at 655-1234 x117 to sign up.
HOURS:
Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
World Wide Web: darienlibrary.org

Posted by Cathy at 10:11 AM

They've got the whole world...

on their backs!
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We know that a student's backpack sometimes holds their whole world. An art assignment focusing on the backpack has yielded some impressive results. They're rich with texture. They're bulging. They're landscapes! Our current art exhibit at the Library showcases a variety of works by Darien High School Students . This show runs throughout the month of April.

There will be a reception marking this exhibit at the Library tomorrow evening, April 7th from 6:30 to 8:00.

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Posted by BarbaraT at 09:59 AM

April 01, 2006

You asked for it...

...and we're happy to oblige!

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Memoirs of a Geisha was the winner of our successful and fun Friday Film VOTE!. We asked, "What do YOU want to see on April 7th?" So we continue our Friday Film Series on April 7th with your choice!

Click on the photo below to read more about the film and to view the trailer from Sony Pictures.

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Thanks for participating in our vote! I thought it was great fun! Let us know if you'd like us to offer a film choice again in future Series.

Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:30.

Admission is free!

Posted by BarbaraT at 09:14 AM