May 06, 2008
Promises of twists and turns, AND a fog warning
Sounds like a scary night on the road, right? Actually, it's an invitation to a scary night at the Library.
The spotlight's on us! We'll be showing the independent film "Fog Warning" at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, May 9th. Written and directed by local resident Chris Ward, Chris will be here that night for this special screening and will stay after the movie to answer questions. Some members of the cast and crew will be here as well, and it's doubly exciting for us because the Library is featured in the film!
Chris stopped by the library today to chat with me and Janet and we've got that interview available right here as a podcast.
Come by the Library Friday night if you're up for some twists and turns, suspense and thrills, and the very real possibility of being (shudder, shudder) "creeped out."
Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7.
Admission is free.
Please note -- according to Chris, "Fog Warning" requires some forewarning -- "The audience should be forewarned that this is an adult suspense-thriller. Although Fog Warning has not been rated, the producers expect it to receive an R rating for language, violence and brief nudity."
Posted by BarbaraT at 03:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 22, 2008
Book Talk Teaser
This Sunday, at 2:30 p.m., our Spring Book Discussion Series continues with The Race by Richard North Patterson. The theme of this season's series is "The Political Life in the Modern Novel," and Jordon Pecile is back leading the discussions. When Jordon and Janet planned this series, little did they know just how heated a political season this would be! There's sure to be some lively discussion about this suspenseful political thriller.
Jordon Pecile
Jordon stopped in on Friday at our request (thank you, Jordon!) and talked with us a bit about the series. Click here
to listen to a podcast of that interview and then make sure to put us on the calendar for this Sunday at 2:30! See you then!
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 05, 2008
Healthy Choices Focuses on MRSA
On Monday, March 31, Dr. Michael Parry, director of Infectious Disease and Microbiology at Stamford Hospital, delivered an informative presentation on MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the Library's Program Room. This presentation was co-sponsored by Darien Library and Stamford Hospital, and is part of the Healthy Choices Program, a National Library of Medicine-supported initiative designed to bring authoritative, high-quality health information to the general public. You can listen to Dr. Parry's talk by by clicking here. For more information, contact Judy Sgammato at 655-1234 x136 or at jsgammato@darienlibrary.org.
Posted by JudyS at 09:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 28, 2008
...in the evening...ain't we got fun?
And bliss?
Last night, NPR Correspondent Eric Weiner was here to talk about his book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World. What a great program! He was interesting, engaging, and funny...just like his book.
Here are some photos from the scene at our location, which judging from the audience, was a pretty happy place last night.
In case you missed this great event, we recorded it. Click here to listen.
Oh.
P.S.
Posted by BarbaraT at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 20, 2008
Where is your bliss?
That's the question we're asking as we get closer to our next Meet the Author event.
Eric Weiner, author of The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World will be here next Thursday, the 27th at 7.p.m.
Eric Weiner
We've devoted our display case to this blissful event and are asking, "Where is your bliss?" We've gotten some fabulous responses. Come by and add yours, or click on "comments," below and let us know that way.
Whatever you do, you won't want to miss this wonderful program!
We are of the mind that no matter where you find your bliss, there's no place like home...therefore, we will be serving all home-made goodies that night. (Hint: leave LOTS of room (and calories) for dessert. Talk about bliss!)
Eric, a correspondent for NPR, was nice enough to have us turn the tables (and microphone) on him when he agreed to an interview with me and Janet. We talked with him earlier this week and you can listen to the interview by clicking right here.
Posted by BarbaraT at 07:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 12, 2008
A Gray and Sunny Sunday
The weather was great on Sunday, we had extra daylight, and we had an extraordinary program here...a book tour launch! It was a fabulous event...News 12 even covered it! Ed Gray, co-author of In Nixon's Web: A Year in the Crosshairs of Watergate was here to talk about the book he wrote with his father, L. Patrick Gray III. Here are some pictures from the event and an audiorecording of the event.
Posted by BarbaraT at 12:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 27, 2008
Shades of Gray = (Now) Black & White
Ed Gray
On Sunday, March 9th at 5:30 p.m., we'll welcome the author Ed Gray, who co-authored In Nixon's Web: A Year in the Crosshairs of Watergate with his father L. Patrick Gray III, Acting Director of the FBI during the height of the Watergate scandal. It's a first-person account, and it offers a unique view into the scandal -- including revelatory tape transcripts, third-party accounts, and excerpts from previously secret documents.
In Nixon's Web: A Year in the Crosshairs of Watergate comes out next Tuesday, March 4th, and we, in fact, are the first stop on Ed Gray's book tour! (Excuse us while we preen.)
Janet and I had the opportunity to speak with Ed earlier today, and our interview with him is now available as a podcast, right here. Please, have a listen, and then, don't forget to join us here on the 9th! It's going to be a great program!
Posted by BarbaraT at 02:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 11, 2008
"Welcome to the Youniverse."
That's a term from Lee Siegel's new book Against the Machine: Being Human in the Age of the Electronic Mob. Yes, it's a pun, but it's not meant to be cute or funny. It reflects his opinion that the internet isolates, devalues knowledge into information, is the enemy of originality where private and public fuse, where every cultural experience is about "you." Hence, the "Youniverse."
Lee Siegel
One of the authors in our Outside the Box series, Lee's going to be here on Thursday, March 6th at 7 p.m. to talk about this provocative new book. It really is a must-read. Trust me. He will make you think. And think. And think about this issue we must.
Janet and I talked for over four hours yesterday about this book, and we chatted with Lee today for a brief interview. He was smart and thoughtful in his remarks; interesting and engaging and oh, so nice. We can hardly wait for his IRL* appearance. Click here to listen to the podcast of that interview.
We still have lots of questions to ask. Luckily, we'll all have the chance to listen to him speak, and ask questions when he's here next month.
(* In Real Life)
Posted by BarbaraT at 05:02 PM | Comments (1)
February 07, 2008
A True Gentleman
Michael Gates Gill
On Tuesday, Janet and I interviewed author Michael Gates Gill, author of How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else. In my introduction, I said that he'd attended Harvard. I was mistaken. He went to Yale. Oops.
He did not correct me. He did not break into an impromptu refrain of Boola Boola, nor did he bestow upon me a Skull & Bones-type nickname. He ignored my gaffe. He was a true gentleman and I thank him for that. (We like him already!)
How Starbucks Saved My Life... is such an interesting and inspirational read; I'm glad that you'll have the time to read it before Gill comes here to talk about his book on February 28th at 7 p.m. in the first of two Outside the Box author talks. His talk is sure to be a good one. If you need proof, you can listen to a podcast of our interview by clicking right here.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
A book signing will follow the presentation and there will be a drawing for prizes.
Refreshments will be served.
Coffee courtesy of Darien Starbucks.
Posted by BarbaraT at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)
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)
October 18, 2007
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)
July 18, 2007
"Faces of Light (TM)" Opens
...and Ben and Trudie Larrabee opened up to us in an interview for podcast. Our Art on View through August 20th, Faces of Light (TM): Stories from Breast Cancer Survivors went up on Tuesday morning in the Main Reading Room and this exhibit is even more stunning and powerful than I'd imagined it would be. This art show is more than just a photography exhibit (though no exhibit is just anything (except extraordinary) when Ben Larrabee is the artist). You must come by and experience it for yourself.
Ben and Trudie Larrabee
Recently, Ben and Trudie met with Janet and me for an interview and you can listen to the podcast by clicking right here. You'll note that the recording seems to start mid-interview...it actually started pre-interview at Ben's suggestion (and, after all, he is the creative genius(!)).
(link)
Kimberlee Kiner (below) is one of the "Faces of Light(TM)."
Posted by BarbaraT at 09:08 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2007
Don't Forget to Remember
On May 27th, from 2-4 p.m., the Library will be hosting Remember the Vets: Yesterday's Heroes, presented by Darien Continuing Education and co-sponsored by Darien Bank and Trust.
Everett F. Gidley, Jr.
(link)
This special program offers the opportunity to listen to local heroes, Everett F. Gidley, Jr., Jim Benham, and Rawle Deland, all veterans of World War II, in what's certain to be an extraordinary experience. Janet and I met with Mr. Gidley the other afternoon for an interview as a preview for this program and were rapt. Not only is he a hero, he's an excellent storyteller and eager listener. We've got the interview right here as a podcast. Have a listen...then remember to mark your calendars for 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 27th when we will be honored to see and hear Mr. Gidley, Mr. Benham, and Mr. Deland speak.
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:37 PM | Comments (0)
May 04, 2007
Spotlight on Dot
Dot Kelly
Thanks to Dot Kelly for agreeing to meet with me and Janet for an interview for podcast about the new building! We met yesterday and I can't help but think how lucky we are to have Dot in our town. Dot is a Darien resident, mother of three, an environmental specialist, and consultant. She enjoyed an 18 year career at CIBA-GEIGY (for whom she still consults), and brings her passion and enthusiasm to Darien. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Darien Land Trust, and Friends of Woodland Park. She’s a former RTM member and served on the Public Safety Commission of the RTM...trust me...the list goes on and on! As I said, Darien is very lucky...and so is the Library. Dot oversaw the environmental remediation at the future site of the Darien Library and she serves on the Library’s Board and Building Committee. Among other things, Dot discussed the remediation of the contaminated soil from the building site, LEED certification, and the benefits of the geothermal heating and cooling systems that will be in the new building.
Click here to listen to the podcast. This was the first in a series of interviews about the new Darien Library, so remember to check back here for more news and interviews.
Posted by BarbaraT at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2007
If you missed it...
This past Tuesday, we hosted the first of three sessions on Caregiving and Alzheimer's Disease, CARING FOR LOVED ONES WHEN MEMORY FAILS. In case you missed it, we've recorded it and you can listen to Session One of UNDERSTANDING THE CLINICAL PICTURE OF DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE by clicking on the links below.
Caring for Loved Ones When Memory Fails: Session One: Part I
Caring for Loved Ones When Memory Fails: Session One: Part II
CARING FOR LOVED ONES WHEN MEMORY FAILS is an important 3-part health program that we will be hosting at the Library on Tuesdays. Rosemary Mc Intyre, who is the Program Director for the Special Care Unit for Alzheimer's and dementia patients at Darien Health Care has organized an excellent program that addresses the needs of the caregiver.
Try not to miss the next two informative sessions. However, if you do, plan to check back here for the links to our podcasts of these talks. Here's what's coming up:
II. Session Two: April 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
CAREGIVING FOR LOVED ONES WHILE CARING FOR YOURSELF
Speakers:
Rosemary Mc Intyre, MSW, MPH: A Professional’s Experience of Working with Caregivers
Annette Nieves, CRT: Experience of a Family Caregiver At Home and
in a Nursing Home
III. Session Three: April 24, 2 – 3 p.m.
LEGAL ISSUES OF CAREGIVING
Speakers:
Attorney Stephen Keogh, Esq.: Advice Regarding Assets From An
Elder Care Attorney
Staff of Darien Health Care: Resources for Caregivers
Posted by BarbaraT at 05:09 PM
Before "After This"
Professor Jordon Pecile
After This by Alice McDermott will be the discussion book this Sunday, April 15th as our Spring Book Discussion Series continues here at the Library.
Janet and I sat down with Jordon last Friday and had a wonderful chat about the Series and also encouraged him to speak some about himself. Fortunately for us, he obliged (thank you, Jordon!). Click here to listen to a podcast of this interview. You'll be charmed, I'm sure.
Posted by BarbaraT at 04:21 PM
January 26, 2007
Planting the Book Discussion Seeds for Spring
Groundhog Day is one week from today, so we don't know yet if we can (maybe) expect an early spring, but we can go ahead and poke our heads out to tell you that our Spring Book Discussion Series will begin on Sunday, March 4th (exactly) at 2:30 p.m.
Jordon Pecile (pictured above) will once again be our fearless (and charming) discussion leader. Jordon met with Janet and me earlier this week to discuss the upcoming Series. Click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.
This spring's discussion theme is Endings and Endurings: Reading About Ourselves in Our Time.
Here are the books that we'll be discussing:
March 4
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
March 25
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
April 15
After This by Alice McDermott
May 6
Everyman by Philip Roth
Put us on the calendar and join us for some lively and creative discussions!
Posted by BarbaraT at 12:41 PM
December 04, 2006
Ending the Year on a Good Note (and in Harmony)!
If you were able to attend our Holiday Program yesterday, it is very likely that you're still smiling (and maybe even humming) after the lively and fun performance by Acabella. What a treat! They delighted the large crowd with a great repertoire, tremendous talent, and engaging personalities. Here are some photos from the evening's entertainment.
If you missed the event, click on the links below to listen!
Click here to listen to Acabella Holiday Concert Part I
Click here to listen to Acabella Holiday Concert Part II
Click here to listen to Acabella Holiday Concert Part III
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
Posted by BarbaraT at 01:56 PM
November 21, 2006
The Holiday Spirit Visits
IN HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Our Holiday Program will be on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30 p.m.
The featured perfomers will be the entertaining and popular a capella group, Acabella.
Acabella
Acabella is an extremely talented vocal group made up of 16 young women from lower Fairfield County. Janet and I found out this morning, just how engaging they are when two of their members stopped in for a bit to chat with us. Heather Raker and Carolyn Woodberry delighted us with an interview and we're fortunate to be able to share that interview with you. Click here to listen.
Treat yourself and join us on the 3rd for this festive and fun event!
Check back here next week for an Acabella preview when we'll be adding a couple of their musical numbers to our podcast blog!
Posted by BarbaraT at 07:02 PM
November 03, 2006
Evidence of a Wonderful Evening
Our Annual Meeting was this past Sunday. The photographs below offer confirmation as to what a great evening it was. We extended tremendous thanks to departing Trustees and we welcomed new. We heard from (outgoing) Board President George Wyper and from Louise, and had the prodigious pleasure of hearing our featured speaker, Bob Spitz, author of The Beatles: The Biography share some great stories and a wealth of information. (Janet and I had the added thrill of Bob inviting us to the podium to interview him (as we'd done last Friday; click here to listen) in front of the crowd!)
If you missed the meeting, you're in luck! We've recorded this, too and it's available as a three-part podcast:
Annual Meeting, October 29, 2006 Part I: Business
Annual Meeting, October 29, 2006 Part II: Speaker, Bob Spitz (part 1)
Annual Meeting, October 29, 2006 Part III: Speaker, Bob Spitz (part 2)
Posted by BarbaraT at 05:00 PM
November 02, 2006
Interview with Bob Spitz
How fitting that our first podcast should be of an interview with Bob Spitz about one of the seminal bands in the history of rock-and-roll!
The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Darien Library took place last Sunday night, and Mr. Spitz, the author of The Beatles: The Biography, was our guest speaker. We enjoyed a blast from the past, and got to see the interview in action.
Listen to the interview: Janet and Barbara interview Bob Spitz (25 minutes, 22 MB).
Posted by Kim at 10:47 AM
