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October 30, 2007
Korda Gets to the Core
Michael Korda
Michael Korda will be the guest speaker at a “Meet the Author” event cosponsored by Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore, which will be held here in the Main Reading Room on Sunday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. Korda is former Editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster and an accomplished and bestselling author. He will be discussing his recent book, Ike: An American Hero, a sweeping biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower. In this ambitious and important biography, Korda discusses Eisenhower’s childhood and family background, his life as a soldier, as the chief of Allied Forces during WWII, and as President. He also explores Eisenhower’s relationship with Kay Summersby, his driver and companion during the war.
Korda spoke recently with me and Janet, along with Maggie McIntire of Barrett Bookstore in a telephone interview for podcast (listen, by clicking below).
A book signing and reception will follow the presentation. Barrett Bookstore will have copies of “Ike: An American Hero” available for purchase at the event. Wine and cheese will be served.
This program is funded by contributions made to the Annual Campaign and cosponsored by Barrett Bookstore.
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:16 PM | Comments (0)
Showing off our new look
As promised, our new logo was unveiled at the Annual Meeting on Sunday...and here it is!
Steff Geissbuhler of C&G Partners unveils our new logo at the Annual Meeting.
Wow! Though this was was one of those had-to-be-there events, if you weren't able to be there on Sunday, we've got the entire meeting recorded and available as a podcast. Do have a listen.
Click here to listen to Part 1 of the Annual Meeting.
Click here to listen to Part 2 of the Annual Meeting.
Click here to listen to Part 3 of the Annual Meeting.
...and here are some scenes from the Meeting:
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)
Heaps of donations. Heaps of gratitude.
Mary, me, and Erica with some of the donated dvds and videos.
Last week, we collected dvds and videotapes that will be donated to the shelters run by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Look at the results! We received more than 200 dvds and videos! This is the second time that we've collected for the shelters and I really shouldn't have been surprised by the overwhelming and enthusiastic support from our patrons and staff. I am, however, once again, left nearly speechless by the generosity and compassion of this community.
Two words...
THANK YOU!
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
November mornings
Here's our Monday Matinee lineup for November:
November 5
November 12
November 19
Due to our Fall Book Sale, there will be no movie shown on Monday, November 26th.
Show time is 11:30 a.m.
Admission is free!
Posted by BarbaraT at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)
Generating warmth!
No matter how you look at it, our 2nd Annual Knit-a-Thon to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center is already an incredible success! We've had more than 40 knitters sign up (with more joining every day)! We're knitting hats and scarves for women and children staying in the shelters run by the Crisis Center. We started things off on Friday with a 2-hour knit-a-thon. We supplied the yarn, needles, and patterns, and we had a great time (see below).
We'll be collecting the finished items here at the Library through November 30th.
Thanks to all of our generous and creative participants!
Posted by BarbaraT at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
This Week at the Library 10/18/07 to 10/25/07
COMING NEXT WEEK:
Books (Publication date -- October 30):
“Amazing Grace” by Danielle Steel
“American Creations: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic” by Joseph J. Ellis
“Everlasting” by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
“Gentlemen of the Road: a Tale of Adventure” by Michael Chabon
“Home to Holly springs” by Jan Karon
“Mister B. Gone” by Clive Barker
“No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach” by Anthony Bourdain
“Our Dumb World: Atlas of the Planet Earth” by The Onion
“Protect and Defend” by Vince Flynn
“The Race” by Richard North Patterson
“Steve and Me: Life With the Crocodile Hunter” by Terri Irwin
“You, Staying Young: the Owner’s Manual to Extending Your Warranty” by Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
Movies on DVD (Release date -- October 30):
In the Land of Women
License to Wed
Spider-Man 3
Talk to Me
Darien Library to Unveil New Logo at Annual Meeting:
Darien Library is creating a new look inside and out, as it works on construction of the New Darien Library. The Library’s new logo will be unveiled at the Annual Meeting of Friends of the Library on Sunday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m. Steff Geissbuhler, one of the nation’s most celebrated designers of integrated brand and corporate identity programs, will be the featured speaker. Preceding his presentation, election of officers and new trustee nominations for the year 2007/2008 will take place. David Genovese, Rich van den Broek, and Prescott Romeyn are nominated as new trustees. There will be a report from Kim Huffard, President of the Board of Trustees, and Library Director Louise Berry. David Campbell, head of the New Darien Library Building Committee, will also give a brief presentation. With pictures and illustrations, he will discuss the progress of the new construction and provide some insight into what to expect during the next 15 months of the project.
The featured speaker, Steff Geissbuhler, a founding partner in C&G Partners of New York, will be joined by Leslie Hayden Sherr, a marketing and communications specialist also with C&G Partners. They have been working with the Library for the past year to develop a new brand identity to go along with the new building and new and future library services. They will be discussing C&G Partners’ work to develop an updated identity for Darien Library and will unveil the new logo. Geissbuhler is considered an “identity design master” and is a leader in his field. He is responsible for the design of many memorable and defining corporate-identity programs. His familiar logotypes include the NBC peacock as well as the symbols for National Public Radio, CARE International, IBM, and the New York Public Library, to name a few. Geissbuhler considers mission, appropriateness, and meaningfulness when approaching a project. He believes that “actual symbols mean more today than abstractions. My NBC peacock still works today because people relate to something they can understand right away.”
A reception will follow the meeting. Wine and cheese will be served.
Foreign Film Series Begins at Darien Library:
The Darien Library’s annual Foreign Film Series will begin on Friday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. The series consists of seven films, which will be shown on Fridays through December 7. According to Barbara Thomas, Film Series Coordinator for the Library, the series will includes films from Germany, Denmark, France, Iran, Russia, and China. “We are looking forward to a great series,” said Thomas. “There have been so many wonderful foreign films in recent years, resulting in a particularly good series. The film series this year has intrigue, suspense, drama, and comedy: the full range of human emotion. In my opinion, it’s a staggeringly good lineup.”
October 26 – “The Lives of Others” Germany (2006) Rated R; In German with English subtitles. 137 minutes.
November 2 – “After the Wedding” Denmark (2006) Rated R; In Danish with English subtitles. 119 minutes.
November 9 – “The Valet” France (2006) Rated PG-13; In French with English subtitles. 85 minutes.
November 16 – “Offside” Iran (2006) Rated PG; in Persian with English subtitles. 92 minutes.
Darien Library to Collect DVDs and Videos for Shelters:
From Friday, October 19th through Friday, October 26th, Darien Library will accept donations of children’s and family DVDs and videotapes (G and PG rated only) to be distributed to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center shelters.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) has offices in Stamford and Norwalk. The agency provides counseling, advocacy, shelter, and safe housing to victims of domestic violence, and also promotes community education and public awareness.
Please bring your donations into the Library and place them in the designated box.
Photography Exhibit at Darien Library:
Samir Safwat will exhibit his photographs in the Main Reading Room at Darien Library through October 29th. Born in California and raised in Sweden and Egypt, Safwat’s interest in photography began during his childhood and was explored throughout his youth. He returned to the United States to attend college, and after college he apprenticed with a number of photographers in New York City, most notably James Moore (Harper’s Bazaar, New York Times Magazine).
Safwat’s first published photograph (in 1965) was a cover shot of John Tchicai, a well-known saxophonist, for the jazz magazine DownBeat. His career has included working as a freelance photographer for Mademoiselle Magazine as well as for the fashion department at The New York Times.
In the past few years, he has become involved in digital photography, enjoying the full control of the photographic process from exposure to the final print.
This exhibit at Darien Library will be a display of the work that Safwat does in his spare time: photographing subjects of personal interest.
CHILDREN’S ROOM:
Jugglers at the Library:
Airborne Jugglers will be at the Darien Library to perform a workshop for students in grades 6 and up on Tuesday, November 6th at 10:30 a.m.
This high-energy program will include juggling, magic, and music for 30 minutes and conclude with a hands-on, interactive workshop for an additional 30 minutes.
The Airborne Jugglers consist of the husband and wife team of Joe Murray and Susan Kirby. For over 20 years, the duo has performed around the world and appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the 1984 Olympics, and the 1996 Special Olympics World Games.
Those who wish to participate are asked to register by calling the Children’s Room, 655-1234 x117, or in person.
Children, teens, and adult programs are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for the Darien Library.
Please contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org/children for more information.
Tea with Eloise:
This fall, the Darien Library is pleased to offer “Tea with Eloise,” a program for children ages 5 to 7 on Tuesday, November 6th from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Spend afternoon tea in the style of Eloise, the classic picture book character who lives in the Plaza Hotel. Guests will enjoy tea, an Eloise story, and a craft.
Those who wish to participate are asked to register by calling the Children’s Room, 655-1234 x117, or in person.
Children, teens, and adult programs are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for the Darien Library. Please contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org/children for more information.
Creative Movement with Miss Mary:
This fall, the Darien Library will offer “Creative Movement with Miss Mary,” a program for walkers up to 3 ½ years.
Join Mary Squicciarino for songs, sing-alongs, and interactive movement with instruments and props on Fridays, September 28th to November 16th from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Each child may register for two Friday sessions. Those who wish to participate are asked to register by calling the Children’s Room, 655-1234 x117, or in person.
Children, teens, and adult programs are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for the Darien Library. Please contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117, or visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org/children for more information.
Sleepytime Stories:
The Darien Library welcomes children ages three to five to join us for “Sleepytime Stories” on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7 p.m., from September 25th through November 13th. Enjoy stories, songs, and activities all while wearing your pajamas! Registration is not required.
Children, teens, and adult programs are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for 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!:
BookMANIA! meets from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays, October 18th, and November 1st and 15th. A more advanced story is shared, followed by a group discussion, activity, or craft reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required.
The Darien Library programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by contributions made to the Annual Campaign for 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.
Dance Dance Revolution:
This fall, the Darien Library is pleased to offer “DDR” (Dance Dance Revolution) for grades 6 and up on Friday, November 9th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register in the Children’s Room.
DDR is a popular video dance game for Playstation 2. Practice on our big screen, then compete with teams while stomping to music beats on a dance pad. Socks are required.
The programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by contributions made to the Annual Campaign for 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 04:47 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2007
Putting our creative energy to good use!
First, we made the bows for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (104 of them!). These are the purple bows that you've been seeing tied all around town -- each one represents a domestic abuse call made to Darien Police last year. It took several evenings to complete our task and the picture below was just the start. That's Barbara, Caitlin, me, and Erica displaying the first batch -- Janet, Kim, and Melissa were also part of the bow-making team. We owe a huge thanks to Keith and John over at The Gardener's Center for donating all the ribbon that we used to make the bows. Thanks!
Beginning tomorrow, and ending next Friday, the 26th, we'll be collecting videotapes and dvds (G and PG rated only) to distribute to the shelters run by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Marianne, me, Jen, Priscilla, Alison, and Erica
And then...and THEN...we've got our knit-a-thon next Friday, the 26th from 3 - 5 p.m. We'll be knitting hats and scarves for those staying at the Crisis Center shelters and we've got lots of enthusiastic knitters eager to pitch in again. Caitlin, Kim, and Mary (pictured below) went shopping today for supplies (needles, yarn, and patterns will be provided) and we can't wait to begin.
Adults and children may participate (please have knitting experience). To register, stop by the Children's Room or call 655-1234 x117.
Creative juices flowing...join us!
Posted by BarbaraT at 06:41 PM | Comments (0)
Conversation with Korda
It's a coup times two! Not only will Michael Korda be here as a guest speaker at the Library in a couple of weeks, we got to interview him yesterday! Here's the backstory: Barrett Bookstore and the Darien Library will host a Meet the Author event right here on Sunday, November 4th at 5:30. Our guest will be author and former Editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster Michael Korda. He'll be discussing his newest book, Ike: an American Hero, a grand-scale biography about Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Michael Korda
Yesterday afternoon, Janet and I, along with Maggie McIntyre from Barrett Bookstore, spent a good 40 minutes in the company of Mr. Korda who joined us via telephone. Intelligent, sharp, and engaging is how I'd describe him, and also how I'd describe his book. Korda's storytelling ability; his ability to sweep the reader/listener along is evident on the written page as well as in person.
Me and Maggie preparing for the Podcast (Janet's behind the camera)
Fascinating man. Fascinating subject. Fascinating book. Don't miss Korda's visit on the 4th! In the meantime, for a preview, you can listen to the podcast.
Click here to listen to Part 1 of our interview with Michael Korda.
Click here to listen to Part 2 of our interview with Michael Korda.
Posted by BarbaraT at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2007
This book gets people talking
It certainly got us talking! Janet and I met with Jordon last week to discuss Ian McEwan's latest, On Chesil Beach, the next book in our Fall Book Discussion Series. In general, the public reception to the book has been "love it" or "hate it," (for the record, I loved it) so we're looking forward to this Sunday's talk. For a preview, we recorded our chat with Jordon. Click here to listen to a Podcast of our brief talk.
Professor Jordon Pecile will lead the discussion.
(link)
Join us on Sunday, the 21st at 2:30 p.m. for what's sure to be a lively discussion.
Posted by BarbaraT at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
This Week at the Library 10/4/07 to 10/5/07
COMING NEXT WEEK:
Books (Release date October 16):
“The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
“Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, From White House Princess to Washington Power Broker” by Stacy A. Cordery
“The Almost Moon” by Alice Sebold
“Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day” by Joel Osteen
“Cheating at Canasta” by William Trevor
“Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain” by Oliver W. Sacks
“Young Stalin” by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Movies on DVD (Release date October 16):
The Hoax
A Mighty Heart
Transformers
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT AT DARIEN LIBRARY
Samir Safwat will exhibit his photographs in the Main Reading Room at Darien Library through October 29th. Born in California and raised in Sweden and Egypt, Safwat’s interest in photography began during his childhood and was explored throughout his youth. He returned to the United States to attend college, and after college he apprenticed with a number of photographers in New York City, most notably James Moore (Harper’s Bazaar, New York Times Magazine).
Safwat’s first published photograph (in 1965) was a cover shot of John Tchicai, a well-known saxophonist, for the jazz magazine DownBeat. His career has included working as a freelance photographer for Mademoiselle Magazine as well as for the fashion department at The New York Times.
In the past few years, he has become involved in digital photography, enjoying the full control of the photographic process from exposure to the final print.
This exhibit at Darien Library will be a display of the work that Safwat does in his spare time: photographing subjects of personal interest.
Children’s Room:
Nutmeg Book Group Grades 6 to 8:
This fall, the Darien Library is pleased to begin the “Teen Nutmeg Books Group” book discussion for students in grades 6 to 8. Enjoy a light dinner and then participate in a book discussion of this year’s contenders.
The book discussion series celebrates Connecticut’s 2008 Nutmeg Book Award Teen nominees. The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 8 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of 10 nominated titles selected each year by Connecticut librarians, school media specialists, and teachers.
The meeting is Wednesday, October 24th from 6 to 7 p.m.
The chosen book is “Revenge of the Witch” by Joseph Delaney. The seventh son of a seventh son, possessing powers he doesn’t understand, Tom is apprenticed to the village “spook,” defeating witches, ghosts, goblins, and other creatures that walk in the darkness, but soon he is caught up in the plotting of the darkest witch around, and he alone is destined to destroy her.
The Darien Library programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for 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.
Nutmeg Books Group Grades 4 to 6:
This fall, 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 book discussion series celebrates Connecticut’s 2008 Nutmeg Book Award Intermediate nominees. The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 4 to 6 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of 10 nominated titles selected each year by Connecticut librarians, school media specialists, and teachers.
The second meeting is Wednesday, October 17th from 6 to 7 p.m. The chosen book is “Jackie’s Wild Seattle” by Will Hobbs. While their parents are volunteering overseas, Shannon and Cody spend the summer in Seattle with their uncle, a wildlife rescuer. Unusual and dangerous rescues and new friendships provide an unexpectedly action-packed summer.
Upcoming Nutmeg Book Groups will occur on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for each meeting will begin on the first of each month.
November 14th: “The 7 Professors of the Far North” by John Fardell
Power Up Your Baby’s Brain:
The Darien Library is offering “Power Up Your Baby’s Brain” for parents and caregivers of newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers. The workshop will occur on Tuesday, October 16th from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Caregivers, parents, grandparents, nannies, and babysitters are children’s first teachers. Based on the American Library Association’s research, “Every Child Ready to Read,” you will learn skills to use now with your child, which will help when he or she begins reading. We will discuss print motivation, vocabulary, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, and narrative skills that differ among the brain development of zero to five year olds.
The workshop is for parents and caregivers. Space is limited. To register, contact the Children’s Room at 655-1234 x117 and visit the Library’s website at www.darienlibrary.org for more information. Children, teens, and adult programs are funded by contributions to the Annual Campaign for the Darien Library.
Creative Movement with Miss Mary:
This fall, the Darien Library will offer “Creative Movement with Miss Mary,” a program for walkers up to 3 ½ years.
Join Mary Squicciarino for songs, sing-alongs, and interactive movement with instruments and props on Fridays, September 28th to November 16th from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Each child may register for two Friday sessions. Those who wish to participate are asked to register by calling the Children’s Room, 655-1234 x117, or in person.
Sleepytime Stories:
The Darien Library welcomes children ages three to five to join us for “Sleepytime Stories” on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7 p.m., from September 25th through November 13th. Enjoy stories, songs, and activities all while wearing your pajamas! Registration is not required.
BookMANIA!:
BookMANIA! meets from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays, October 18th, and November 1st and 15th. A more advanced story is shared, followed by a group discussion, activity, or craft reflecting the theme of the book. Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required.
Dance Dance Revolution:
This fall, the Darien Library is pleased to offer “DDR” (Dance Dance Revolution) for grades 6 and up on Fridays, October 12th and November 9th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register in the Children’s Room.
DDR is a popular video dance game for Playstation 2. Practice on our big screen, then compete with teams while stomping to music beats on a dance pad. Socks are required.
The programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by contributions made to the Annual Campaign for 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
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Posted by Cathy at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2007
The Accent's on Film
PLEASE NOTE THAT "THE ITALIAN," SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 23, WILL NOW BE SHOWN ON DECEMBER 14
The arrival of fall also means that it's time for our Foreign Film Series. Every year it gets more and more difficult to narrow down the choices, such is the quality of the offerings. Wow. Here are our offerings for this year:
October 26
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
!!!!POSTPONED!!!!
!!!POSTPONED!!!!
NEW DATE: DECEMBER 14
November 30
December 7
December 14
(Postponed from earlier date.)
This is a going to be a great series!
As usual, show time will be at 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7.
Admission is free.
Jane and I will be here. Hope that you will be, too!
Posted by BarbaraT at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)