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April 24, 2007

Once in a lifetime...

Kim Huffard's editorial in last week's papers officially launched the public Campaign for the New Darien Library. We are off to a great start in raising the last $3 million we need to build the new library. In today's mail we received $15,170 in checks and pledges from 24 donors. I loved reading the comments on the pledge cards.

"We love libraries and look forward to our wonderful new Darien Library."
"It's sure to be a terrific improvement for Darien's most-beloved institution."
"Wherever it's located physically--the Darien Library is the heart of this town."
"The Library, including the people who work there, are TOPS. I love when you say that you returned a book, they believe you! :-) Also love the children's room and great selection."
"Libraries rock!!!"

Only $2,984,830 to go!

Posted by louise at 03:18 PM | Comments (3)

April 06, 2007

A Day with Nora Rawlinson

Nora Rawlinson conducts a workshop on buying fiction

We certainly learned a lot from Nora Rawlinson! Currently the VP of Library Services, Hachette Book Group, Nora has an illustrious career in both publishing and libraries, and generously shared her expertise on buying fiction with our book buyers this week. In the new library, self check machines will allow our staff to spend more time as Readers Advisors, out on the floor we're calling Main Street, talking about their favorite books with our readers. Some of the familiar faces you see behind the circulation desk now, checking out books, are becoming our fiction book buyers and are honing their skills. Nora's workshop was informative, practical and extremely useful as our staff learned how to use publishers catalogs as a selection tool to help them predict an upcoming book's popularity, the strengths of various publishing houses, and how to get the most circulation per dollar spent.

Posted by louise at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)