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May 09, 2008

This Week at the Library 5/8/08 to 5/15/08

COMING NEXT WEEK

Books (publication date May 20):

Blood Trail by C. J. Box

The Front by Patricia Cornwell

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk

Spring Book Discussion Concludes:

The Ghost by Robert Harris will be the subject of Darien Library’s book discussion series “The Political Life in the Modern Novel” on Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m. This is the fourth and final book of the discussion series, which features novels that explore the ways in which the political life affects the family and questions the compromises made by those who pursue politics. Jordon Pecile, Professor Emeritus at the United States Coast Guard Academy, is the discussion leader.

The Ghost is a suspense-thriller – the latest book from this bestselling author. Set in winter on Martha’s Vineyard, it is the story of a former British prime minister (clearly modeled on Tony Blair) and the writing (and ghostwriting) of his memoir.

“Harris nicely leavens his cynical tale with gallows humor, and even readers who anticipate the plot’s final twist will admire the author’s artistry in creating an intelligent page-turner that tackles serious issues.” – Publishers Weekly

“Harris has managed to write a superior entertainment that is also an angry portrait of today’s political reality.” – Patrick Anderson, The Washington Post

Harris is the No. 1 bestselling author of Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, and Imperium.
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.

The book discussion series is funded by contributions to the Darien Library’s Annual Campaign and cosponsored by the Darien Community Association Book Group, the Senior Men’s Association, and the American Association of Woman, Stamford-Darien branch.

Bestselling Author Launches Book Tour at the Library:

Bestselling author and Darien resident Bob Spitz will be at Darien Library on Sunday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. to talk about his new book, The Saucier’s Apprentice: One Long Strange Trip through the Great Cooking Schools of Europe. Spitz, best known for his books The Beatles: The Biography and Dylan: A Biography, gets autobiographical with this culinary memoir, which was published this week. Darien Library is the first stop on the author’s book tour.

Spitz is honest and candid about his reasons for pursuing his world-class cooking dream and about his experiences. He admits that he sought salvation in European cooking schools after a series of life-altering events: he turned 50, finished an eight-year book project and 14-year marriage that left him nearly destitute, and had his heart stolen and broken on the rebound.

The well-known author’s articles appear regularly in almost every important magazine and newspaper, and in his memoir, his experience and skill are apparent. He is expert at providing the reader with apt, lush, and luscious descriptions of meals and countryside.

“The Saucier’s Apprentice” is filled with wonderful stories, cooking instructions, and recipes. Whether he’s writing about cooking for friends in his Darien home or an “incredible, culinary epiphany” in Paris, Spitz is sometimes sentimental, sometimes cranky, sometimes self-deprecating, sometimes hilarious, and always entertaining.
A reception and book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase.

CHILDREN’S ROOM:

Child Guidance:

On Wednesday, May 21, from 1 to 2pm, Susan Jasko, clinical coordinator of Darien's Child Guidance office, will be at Darien Library. Ms. Jasko will be on hand in the Children's Room to answer any questions you may have about mental health and related services available to Darien children and their families. Child Guidance is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides assistance with child, adolescent, and family therapy, educational workshops, and parenting consultations, among other services.

Planting Party:

This summer, the Darien Library will host its very own children’s garden! Children ages 6 to 11 are welcome to join us for the “Planting Party” on Friday, May 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The program is part of “Books: RENEWable Resources,” the Darien Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program for pre-readers and elementary students.
Students and Children’s Room staff will plant vegetable, flower, and herb seedlings on the Library’s front lawn. Planting Party registration begins Monday, May 19 in the Children’s Room. The garden will be tended to on Wednesdays, July 2 to August 13, by “Groovy Gardeners.” Register to garden beginning June 23.

The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by The Marion Moore Foundation and 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.

Craft a Story:

“Craft a Story with Sean Bryan,” a program for ages 4 to 6, will be at the Darien Library on Thursday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m. The program is part of “Books: RENEWable Resources,” the Darien Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program for pre-readers and elementary students.

How does a book get made? Darien picture book author Sean Bryan will use his latest children’s book, The Juggling Pug, to explain the creative process. Then he’ll craft an original story with the group! Register in the Children’s Room beginning Monday, May 19.

The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by The Marion Moore Foundation and 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.

“Wonkavision”:

Darien Library invites Roald Dahl fans to “Wonkavision” on Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for students entering grades 3 to 5. The program is part of “Books: RENEWable Resources,” the Darien Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program for pre-readers and elementary students.

Students will participate in games based on versions of the famous TV game shows Beat the Clock, What’s My Line, and Wheel of Fortune. All participants should have read at least two of the following books: The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The Magic Finger, and Matilda. Register in the Children’s Room beginning Monday, May 19.

Responsible teens in grades 7 and up interested in volunteering to set up and assist librarians during the event are also asked to register in the Children’s Room.

The Darien Library Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults are funded by The Marion Moore Foundation and 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 May 9, 2008 10:53 AM

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