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July 31, 2006
"Paw Paw" and Prizes! Pre-Pub and Popular!
J.G. "Paw Paw" Pinkerton
We'll be wrapping up "Humor Me!," our first Adult Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, August 23rd from 7 - 8:30 p.m. "The Last Laugh" is the Grand Finale and will take place in the comfort of our magazine room. Our special guest will be renowned storyteller J.G. "Paw Paw" Pinkerton who will entertain with humorous tales. Refreshments will be served.
"Humor Me!" can be described as a success from both sides of the desk! Our participating readers have not only appreciated the pleasures of good books, they've enjoyed becoming part of a community of readers in a spirited challenge, and engaging in many a conversation with our knowlegeable and friendly circulation staff. Staff members have delighted in the enthusiasm for and interest in the Program. So far, 179 people have signed up and our total of grand prize entry forms is over 200! All of this interaction has taken place within sight of our display case, with a few of our prize books on parade! (Haven't signed up yet? It's not too late. Sign-ups will be accepted anytime before August 23rd!)
Speaking of our prize books (and we have 20), the Grand Finale will include (drum roll, please!) the awarding of the Grand Prizes! The prizes are copies of popular, sample, preview or advance-copy books; many signed by the author. Here's a sample of just a few of the prizes:
And here's an unusal pairing that I couldn't resist:
The last laugh? No. Join us on the 23rd!
Posted by BarbaraT at 09:00 AM
July 27, 2006
This Week at the Library 7/27/06 to 8/3/06
Art Exhibition:
An exhibit of new paintings by Abbie J. Zuidema opened at Darien Library on July 18th. This exhibit runs through August 21st.
New Gadgets at Darien Library:
Darien Library has recently added new technological gadgets for patrons to check out. A Creative Zen Micro MP3 player has been added to the Library’s list of circulating MP3 players. The Creative Zen Micro MP3 player will circulate for three weeks. Also new to the Library is the Point & Shoot Video Camcorder (manufactured by Pure Digital Technologies). The Library has five of these convenient digital video camcorders available for circulation. The camcorders will circulate for two weeks.
The Creative Zen Micro MP3 player and/or one of the new digital camcorders may be borrowed by Darien residents, employees who work full-time in Darien, or Friends of the Darien Library at the Contributor level ($300). For information, and to place a reserve, please contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136.
Children’s Room:
“Nutmeg Book Group”
Darien Library’s “Nutmeg Book Group” discussion series for children in grades 4 to 6 will conduct the final summer meeting on Wednesday, August 9th. Enjoy a light dinner and then participate in a book discussion of this year’s contenders. August’s chosen book is “Thunder from the Sea” by Joan Hiatt Harlow.
Fall Nutmeg Book Groups will occur on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for each meeting will begin on the first of each month.
September 27: “Gifts from the Sea” by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
October 25: “Macaroni Boy” by Katherine Ayres
November 15: “Brainboy and the Deathmaster” by Tor Seidler
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Fall 2006 Storytimes”
Registration for Darien Library’s “Fall 2006 Storytimes” begins August 1st and will continue through September 8th in the Library’s Children’s Room, where registration cards are available. Parents may also register online. Storytime is tailored for children ages birth to 6 years old. This fall’s nine-week session runs from Tuesday, September 19th through Friday, November 17th . Storytimes will be suspended on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 12th.
“Giggles and Rhymes” is for pre-walking babies and their caregivers. Join us for fingerplays, songs, and rhymes.
“Born to Read,” for walkers up to 24 months and their caregivers, encourages participation in a routine sequence of activities that includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
“Side By Side,” for children two years old and their caregivers, will include books, rhymes, and movement activities.
“Totally Preschool” is a program that gives three and four year olds a chance to grow in self-esteem and independence by engaging in stories, act-outs, and songs.
“Bookworms” is a more sophisticated storytime for five and six year olds and includes more complex stories – folk tales, humor, and adventure.
A lottery drawing for all registrations will occur September 11th to 13th. Registered storytimes are for children whose parents are Darien residents, employed full-time in Darien, or Friends of the Darien Library who contribute annually at the $300 level. Parents will need a Library card to register.
For specific information about the Library’s registered storytimes, call the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117 or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org/children.
“Beat the Heat Movies”
The Darien Library is offering “Beat the Heat Movies” for children and teens throughout the muggy month of August. Free tickets will be distributed in the Children’s Room prior to each movie.
“Chicken Little” will be shown Thursday, August 10th at 10 a.m. The film is 81 minutes in length and rated G for children ages 3 and up. Who will save the planet when the sky is falling? Chicken Little and his friends save the day!
“Millions,” based on the juvenile novel by Frank Cottrell Boyce, will be shown Tuesday, August 15th at 4:15 p.m. The film is 1 hour and 38 minutes in length and rated G for children in grades 1 and up. What would you do with a bag full of money? Find out what two brothers decide to do with their newfound cash.
“Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” will be shown on Thursday, August 10th at 6 p.m. The film is 80 minutes in length and rated PG for children in grades 5 and up (it is creepy). While practicing vows for his wedding, Victor winds up married to a deceased young lady.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
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 06:26 PM
July 21, 2006
Artist's Reception Tonight
The opening reception for our current art exhibit will be held tonight in the Main Reading Room from 6:30 - 8:00. Come by and appreciate the vivid and nourishing artwork by Darien native, Abbie Zuidema (pictured above). Refreshments will be served.
This exhibit will be on display through August 21st.
Posted by BarbaraT at 12:00 PM
July 20, 2006
This Week at the Library 07/20/06 to 07/27/06
Art Exhibition:
An exhibit of new paintings by Abbie J. Zuidema opened at Darien Library on July 18th. This exhibit runs through August 21st.
New Gadgets at Darien Library:
Darien Library has recently added new technological gadgets for patrons to check out. A Creative Zen Micro MP3 player has been added to the Library’s list of circulating MP3 players. Zen MP3 players are renowned for their high-quality sound, long battery life, and convenience. Curved to fit your hand and small enough for your pocket, the Zen Micro MP3 player can play downloaded audio books and/or music. The Creative Zen Micro MP3 player will circulate for three weeks.
Also new to the Library is the Point & Shoot Video Camcorder (manufactured by Pure Digital Technologies). Time magazine included the Point & Shoot among its Best Inventions of 2005. The Wall Street Journal said of this digital camcorder, “Stunningly simple to use…quality is remarkable.” The Library has five of these convenient digital video camcorders available for circulation. The pocket-size unit easily records 30 minutes of video with the touch of a button. Its built-in ability to transfer video to the computer, combined with the ease of converting to DVD and emailing condensed footage, make the Pure Digital camcorder the perfect tool for shooting home movies. The camcorders will circulate for two weeks.
The Creative Zen Micro MP3 player and/or one of the new digital camcorders, may be borrowed by Darien residents, employees who work full-time in Darien, or Friends of the Darien Library at the Contributor level ($300).
For information, and to place a reserve, please contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136.
Darien Library Launches Online Book Discussion:
Join our Online Book Discussion which will take place from July 17th to August 18th. The book for discussion is the humorous novel “The Inn at Lake Devine” by Elinor Lipman. Darien Library staff member and Book Group Leader Marianne Paterniti will lead the online talk. To participate in this community conversation, visit www.darienlibrary.org/connections/books/
Children's Room:
“Nutmeg Books Group”
Upcoming Nutmeg Books Group (for grades 4 to 6) will occur on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for each meeting will begin on the 1st of each month.
August 9th: “Thunder From the Sea” by Joan Hiatt Harlow
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
BookMANIA!:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to offer BookMANIA!, a book discussion group for children ages 7 to 9. Registration is not required. BookMANIA! meets Thursdays through August 10th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. A more advanced story is shared, followed by a group discussion, activity, or craft reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks will be provided.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Fall 2006 Storytimes”
Registration for Darien Library’s “Fall 2006 Storytimes” begins August 1st and will continue through September 8th in the Library’s Children’s Room, where registration cards are available. Parents may also register online. Storytime is tailored for children ages birth to 6 years old. This fall’s nine-week session runs from Tuesday, September 19th through Friday, November 17th . Storytimes will be suspended on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 12th.
“Giggles and Rhymes” is for pre-walking babies and their caregivers. Join us for fingerplays, songs, and rhymes.
“Born to Read,” for walkers up to 24 months and their caregivers, encourages participation in a routine sequence of activities that includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
“Side By Side,” for children two years old and their caregivers, will include books, rhymes, and movement activities.
“Totally Preschool” is a program that gives three and four year olds a chance to grow in self-esteem and independence by engaging in stories, act-outs, and songs.
“Bookworms” is a more sophisticated storytime for five and six year olds and includes more complex stories – folk tales, humor, and adventure.
A lottery drawing for all registrations will occur September 11th to 13th. Registered storytimes are for children whose parents are Darien residents, employed full-time in Darien, or Friends of the Darien Library who contribute annually at the $300 level. Parents will need a Library card to register.
For specific information about the Library’s registered storytimes, call the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117 or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org/children.
“A Little Taste of China”
Chef Norma Chang will be at the Darien Library to cook “A Little Taste of China” with children ages 6 and up on Wednesday, August 2nd at 4:15 p.m. The program is a part of “Just Kidding Around,” the 2006 Summer Reading Program for pre-readers and elementary school students.
Gain an introduction to Chinese cooking in this 90-minute workshop. Norma Chang will discuss the many varieties of Chinese vegetables, rices, and sauces. She will also demonstrate Steamed Pearl Balls, Stir-Fry Chicken with Bok Choy, Snow Peas, and Baby Corn. Free tickets will be distributed 15 minutes before the program.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Please contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Makeup and Skincare Tips for Teens”
Elizabeth Genel of J.D.’s Cosmetics will be at the Darien Library on Tuesday, August 1st at 7:15 p.m. for students ages 12 and up. The program is a part of “LOL” (Laughing Out Loud), the 2006 Summer Reading Program for middle and high school students.
Ms. Genel, the founder of J.D.’s Cosmetics in Westport and Darien, will discuss teen makeup application, skincare techniques, and distribute samples. A teen bibliography of books with strong girl characters will also be distributed. Registration is required.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. To register, contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
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 12:51 PM
July 18, 2006
Going up!
Abbie J. Zuidema Exhibit Opens Today
A display of artwork by Darien native Abbie J. Zuidema is currently going up in the Main Reading Room here at the Library. She paints in brilliant watercolor and colored inks on stretched paper. Ms. Zuidema draws her inspiration from the rituals of food and the small details of everyday life. This is an exhibit of beautiful and refreshing images from daily life that will charm and enchant.
Did I say refreshing? Stop in and contemplate these energizing images that conjure the delights of the warmer weather and the simple joys of the ordinary.
This exhibit will run through August 21st. There will be an Opening reception this Friday, July 21st from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Posted by BarbaraT at 09:52 AM
July 06, 2006
Online Book Discussion
To give you more time to read the book, we are delaying the online book discussion of The Inn at Lake Devine. The discussion will begin on the Books Blog on Monday, July 17th. Join us then for an entertaining discussion graciously led by Marianne Paterniti, leader of Marianne’s Book Group.
Posted by Cathy at 05:08 PM
This Week at the Library 06/29/06 to 07/06/06
Art Exhibition:
An exhibit of new paintings by Abbie J. Zuidema opens at Darien Library on July 18. Ms. Zuidema grew up in Darien and is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. She draws her inspiration from the rituals of food and the small details of everyday life. Her paintings reflect the dynamic quality of life embodied in food. Ms. Zuidema paints in brilliant watercolor and colored inks on stretched paper. Her work captures the rediscovery of ancestry and the treasures of the ordinary.
In 2004 Ms. Zuidema had a solo show at the world-renowned James Beard House. From New York City to California, her work has been shown all over the country.
This exhibit runs through August 21. There will be a reception at the Library on Friday, July 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Darien Library Launches Online Book Discussion:
As a component of the Darien Library’s new Adult Summer Reading Program, an Online Book Discussion will take place from July 10th to August 18th. The theme of the Summer Reading Program is “Humor Me!” and the book for discussion will be the humorous novel “The Inn at Lake Devine” by Elinor Lipman. Darien Library staff member and Book Group Leader Marianne Paterniti will lead the online talk. To participate in this community conversation, visit www.darienlibrary.org/connections/books/
New! Adult Summer Reading Program at Darien Library:
Darien Library announces its first Adult Summer Reading Program. “Humor Me!” is the theme and the program will run through August 23rd. Register at the front desk to receive Grand Prize entry forms, a reading journal, and a list of suggested books. Participants will submit a Grand Prize entry form for each book read. Special prizes will be awarded for every five books an individual reads (audio books included). The Grand Prize winners will be selected from all the entries on Wednesday, August 23rd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Adult Summer Reading Grand Finale, “The Last Laugh.” Grand Prizes include autographed and advance copies of popular books. Renowned storyteller J.G. “Paw-Paw” Pinkerton will be the guest speaker and refreshments will be served.
Children’s Room:
“Sounds of Afrika” will be at Darien Library to entertain children ages 5 and up on Wednesday, July 19th at 4:30 p.m. with their “Rhythm, Dance, and Drumming” program. The performance is a part of “Just Kidding Around at the Darien Library,” the 2006 Summer Reading Program for pre-readers and elementary school students.
“Sounds of Afrika” stimulates the audience through direct participation and exposes the students to Afrikan culture and musical instruments. Free tickets will be distributed 15 minutes before the performance.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Laughing Out Loud”:
“New Tech Gadgets,” a program for middle and high school students, will be at the Darien Library on Wednesday, July 19th at 7 p.m. The performance is a part of “LOL” (Laughing Out Loud,) the 2006 Summer Reading Program for teens.
MP3s are cool, but not the newest technology on the block! Everett Hall Associates will showcase new technology gadgets geared specifically to teens and their interests. Free tickets distributed 15 minutes prior to the program.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. To register, contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Nutmeg Books Group”:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to continue the “Nutmeg Books Group” book discussion series for children in grades 4 to 6. Enjoy a light dinner and then participate in a book discussion of this year’s contenders.
Upcoming Nutmeg Books Group will occur on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for each meeting will begin on the first of each month.
August 9th: “Thunder From the Sea” by Joan Hiatt Harlow
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
BookMANIA!:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to offer BookMANIA!, a book discussion group for children ages 7 to 9. Registration is not required.
BookMANIA! meets Thursdays through August 10th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. A more advanced story is shared, followed by a group discussion, activity, or craft reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks will be provided.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Click-It: Teen Knitting Groups”:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to offer “Click-It: Teen Knitting Groups” for middle and high school students. The program has three different sessions: “Learn to Knit,” “Knit a Group Afghan,” and “Knit a Purse.”
Knit a group afghan to benefit Warm Up America on July 20th. Knit a purse on July 27th. Registration is required for each session.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117 to register, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
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 04:49 PM
This Week at the Library 06/22/06 to 06/29/06
Darien Library Launches Online Book Discussion:
As a component of the Darien Library’s new Adult Summer Reading Program, an Online Book Discussion will take place from July 10th to August 18th. The theme of the Summer Reading Program is “Humor Me!” and the book for discussion will be the humorous novel “The Inn at Lake Devine” by Elinor Lipman. Darien Library staff member and Book Group Leader Marianne Paterniti will lead the online talk. To participate in this community conversation, visit www.darienlibrary.org/connections/books/
New! Adult Summer Reading Program at Darien Library:
Darien Library announces its first Adult Summer Reading Program. “Humor Me!” is the theme and the program will run through August 23rd. Register at the front desk to receive Grand Prize entry forms, a reading journal, and a list of suggested books. Participants will submit a Grand Prize entry form for each book read. Special prizes will be awarded for every five books an individual reads (audio books included). The Grand Prize winners will be selected from all the entries on Wednesday, August 23rd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Adult Summer Reading Grand Finale, “The Last Laugh.” Grand Prizes include autographed and advance copies of popular books. Renowned storyteller J.G. “Paw-Paw” Pinkerton will be the guest speaker and refreshments will be served.
Art Exhibition:
Art Show Winners to Exhibit at Darien Library:
The adult winners of the 48th Annual Darien Art Show will display their artwork at Darien Library in the Main Reading Room from June 12th until July 17th. Winners were selected from artwork in oils and acrylics, watercolor, graphics, mixed media, sculpture, and photography.
Children’s Room:
“Pizza Taste-Off,” a program for middle and high school students, will be at the Darien Library on Thursday, July 13th at 6:30 p.m. Perform a taste-off and vote on your favorite crust, cheese, and overall taste from local pizza vendors! Space is limited. Registration is required.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. To register, contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Just Kidding Around at the Darien Library”:
“Wildman” Steve Brill will be at the Darien Library on Thursday, July 13th at 11 a.m. for children ages 6 and up.
Children will meet at the Darien Library and then take a field walk through Tilley Pond Park to discover local plants with Naturalist Steve Brill and librarians. The Library will provide water and plastic bags for plants. Parents are encouraged to attend. Space is limited. Registration is required.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. To register, contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Nutmeg Books Group”:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to continue the “Nutmeg Books Group” book discussion series for children in grades 4 to 6. Enjoy a light dinner and then participate in a book discussion of this year’s contenders.
The second meeting is Wednesday, July 12th from 6 to 7 p.m. The chosen book is “Becoming Naomi Léon” by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Upcoming Nutmeg Books Group will occur on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for each meeting will begin on the first of each month.
August 9th: “Thunder From the Sea” by Joan Hiatt Harlow
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
BookMANIA!:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to offer BookMANIA!, a book discussion group for children ages 7 to 9. Registration is not required.
BookMANIA! meets Thursdays through August 10th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. A more advanced story is shared, followed by a group discussion, activity, or craft reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks will be provided.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
“Click-It: Teen Knitting Groups”:
This summer, the Darien Library is pleased to offer “Click-It: Teen Knitting Groups” for middle and high school students. The program has three different sessions: “Learn to Knit,” “Knit a Group Afghan,” and “Knit a Purse.”
“Learn to Knit” on Thursday, July 6th, from 3 to 4 p.m. Knit a group afghan to benefit Warm Up America on July 20th. Knit a purse on July 27th. Registration is required for each session.
The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by the Friends of the Darien Library. Contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117 to register, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information.
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 04:43 PM