Here's the lineup for this year's Summer Film Series:

July 11

The Bucket List

July 18

Charlie Wilson's War

July 25

The Other Boleyn Girl

August 1

Definitely, Maybe

August 8

Penelope

August 15

The Bank Job

August 22

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

A few of us from Darien Library recently gathered with others from other area libraries and attended a Programming Roundtable discussion at Fairfield Library. We love the comfortable back-and-forth of the Roundtable and the sharing of ideas; it's such a valuable experience. One of the panelists, coincidentally, was Rosemary Harris, who will be one of speakers here on July 9th at 7 p.m. It'll be the first of our "Meet the Author" special events -- part of our Adult Summer Reading Program.

Rosemary talked about her personal efforts in promoting her well-received book, Pushing Up Daisies (now in its second printing(!)), her advertising background, and her foray into writing. So, since we were already excited about the upcoming program, now after meeting Rosemary and hearing her speak, we really can't wait! (Remember...it's Wednesday, July 9th at 7 p.m.)

The "Meet the Author" event will also feature fellow mystery writer Jane Cleland. This is going to be such fun! It's on my calendar -- you'll want to put it on yours.

We'll be showing movies at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays for 7 weeks, beginning on Friday, July 11th. Doors will open at 7 p.m. (as usual) and refreshments will be served (as usual). Admission is free (as usual), and we can't wait to see you (as usual!).

Click on the images below to watch the trailers for the upcoming films.

July 11

The Bucket List
Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean P. Hayes
Rated PG-13; 97 minutes; 2008
Cranky hospital designer Edward Cole finds himself terminally ill and in a hospital bed next to mechanic Carter Chambers with the same fate. The unlikely pair decides to check off the items on their wish list known as The Bucket List before each kicks the bucket. They head across the world to jump out of planes, race cars, eat at the best restaurants and eventually become true friends.

July 18

Charlie Wilson's War
Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated R; 97 minutes; 2007
This film is based on the true story of Charlie Wilson, an alcoholic womanizer and Texas congressman, who persuaded the CIA to train and arm resistance fighters in Afghanistan to fend off the Soviet Union. This effort was a success but the unintended result was an emboldened and empowered Taliban that still impacts the world to this day.

July 25

The Other Boleyn Girl
Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana
Rated PG-13; 115 minutes; 2008
In this sumptuous and sensual tale, the two beautiful Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the powerful King Henry VIII. Both women will share his bed but only one will ascend to the throne in a brief reign that ends with the most storied swing of the executioner's sword in history.

August 1

Definitely, Maybe
Abigail Breslin, Ryan Reynolds,
Rachel Weisz, Isla Fisher
Rated PG-13; 112 minutes; 2008
Will Hayes is in the midst of a divorce when his young daughter, Maya, starts to question him about his life before marriage. Will tells Maya his story of relationships with three very different women but leaves it up to Maya to determine which one is her mother. Their conversations force him to come face to face with his past actions and present predicaments.

August 8

Penelope
Christina Ricci, James Mcavoy, Peter Dinklage, Reese Witherspoon,
Richard E. Grant, Catherine O'Hara
Rated PG; 89 minutes; 2008
A lonely heiress has spent her entire life trying to break a strange family curse that left her with the nose of a pig. She meets an aristocrat who seems to see beyond her looks. She learns that loving herself is more important than breaking the curse.

August 15

The Bank Job
Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows,
Stephen Campbell Moore
Rated R; 110 minutes; 2008
In this true story of a 1970s London bank heist, a group of burglars tunnel through to the basement of a bank. The police respond but do not catch them and they end up stealing the contents of the safety deposit boxes which contain compromising photographs and other evidence of wrong-doing by major politicians and business people.

August 22

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, Shirley Henderson
Rated PG-13; 92 minutes; 2008
In this 1939-set film, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. Taking a chance with a new job as a social secretary, she finds herself immediately caught up in the dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer. She tries to help her charge navigate a love life and career, both of which are complicated by the three men in her life in this delightful comedy.

And we are ready! We've got information packets, suggestions, prizes, and look(!)...we're all dressed for summer!

Beginning today, you may register at the Front Desk. Submit a Grand Entry Prize entry form for every book that you read, and qualify for our weekly drawings and for our Grand Prize drawing! (The more you read, the more chances you have to win!) For more information, click here.

Enter our doors, and enter to win! Let's get started!

Robert H. (Bob) Patton

Bob gave an interesting and enlightening presentation, answered questions from the audience and later, mingled at the reception and book signing. Here's a video-short of photos from the program.

On Sunday, June 8th, at 5:30 p.m., we continue our "Meet the Author" series. Robert H. (Bob)Patton will be here to discuss his new book, Patriot Pirates: The Privateer War for Freedom and Fortune in the American Revolution.

The book came out on May 20th and Bob came into the library that morning for a brief interview. He's got a great way of humanizing his historical subjects, and given the topic, the book is quite an adventure.

Please join us for what's certain to be a great presentation. There will also be a reception and book signing.

Refreshments will be served.

(Copies of Patriot Pirates will be available for purchase.)

Bob Patton

Bob will be our featured speaker on Sunday, June 8th at 5:30 p.m. as part of our Meet the Author Series. The book is great; Bob does a terrific job of humanizing his Revolutionary subjects. The timing couldn't be better -- coming after so many of us have already been swept away by the excellent John Adams series on HBO, it is more than welcome to those of us ready for more. The book is getting great reviews and Bob is such an enthusiastic and engaging speaker...if it's not already on your calendar, be sure to add it now. You won't want to miss it!

In the meantime, click here to listen to the interview.

When Bob Spitz got divorced, had his heart broken, was nearly destitute, and turned 50, what did he do? He fled to Europe and embarked on a culinary adventure. Hmmm. Let's see. I had my heart broken, got divorced, was nearly destitute, and turned 50...what did I do? I bought a practical car and got my ears pierced. Bob's is definitely the better story, and he tells it in his new book The Saucier's Apprentice: One Long Strange Trip through the Great Cooking Schools of Europe. It's a wonderful book and he was here yesterday afternoon to talk about it.

The book really is a great read...fantastic stories, recipes, and laughs. He's got a wonderful way with words and tells a great story -- we'd be happy for him to come speak here anytime, but given that we were the first stop on his book tour, we were thrilled!

Pardon us while we show off a little; here's a video short of photos from the event:

(By the way, is this good jitterbug music????)

Bob stopped in this morning to chat with me and Janet and it was, as usual, a delightful experience. The link to the podcast of that interview is right here.

From here, he heads out to California (the same night!) to begin his tour.

The Norwalk Hour had a great story about Bob and the book in yesterday's edition. And(!) we must make sure to be on the alert for the August issue of Oprah magazine where a story about Bob cooking with his daughter will be featured. We can't wait!

...and we can't wait for Sunday to hear more from Bob. Please join us!

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

Thank you to all our Snuggle knitters!
There's still time to participate. We'll be collecting Snuggles until June 1st.

Click on the arrow to see what a good time we had at the Knit-A-Thon.

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."

SPECIAL MOVIE SCREENING AT DARIEN LIBRARY!

Roll out the red carpet for us next Friday, May 9th! We're on the big screen and we'll be showing it on our screen! Show time is at 7:30 p.m.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FOG WARNING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The film, written and directed by local television and film writer Christopher Ward, is a suspense-thriller...a horror movie...with a vampire premise...and we are in it! What better place is there to do research???? Chris said that he had our Library in mind when he wrote the scene. The filming took place here last July. Click here to read more about it.

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."

Susan Howe

Susan Howe is the author of several books of poems and two volumes of criticisms. For more than 30 years, she has written with insight of the lives of wayward pilgrims and spiritual wilderness, and she has received two American Book Awards from the Before Columbus Foundation.

She is a Professor of English at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2000, she was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets.

A reception will follow the reading. All are welcome.