There. I said it out loud. This Friday, the 21st, will be our final film of our final film series on our final Friday in this building. We are in such a whirlwind of preparation for the move right now, we're wondering when the reality of it is going to hit us.

Let's enjoy our last Friday together with good friends, the best cookies (ever), and an uplifting and spirited film. We'll be showing Hula Girls, a truly enjoyable film. Hula Girls has won several awards, including five major awards at the 2007 Japan Academy Awards -- Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Most Popular Film. I screened this film last year and was determined to secure the showing rights for our series this year. It's such a charmer about change and trying new things (and it's based on a true story!), I thought it the perfect fit for our final film before we embark on an exciting future together.

Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7.

Admission is free.

Stocking up takes on a whole new meaning here during the month of November. We close the doors at Leroy Avenue for good at 6 p.m. on November 26th (that's the day before Thanksgiving)*, so it's time to start thinking about the books, audiobooks, movies, music, electronics, etc., that will get you through the holidays, the cold days, and the too-much-food daze ahead.

Photo at left by Flickr user John P.

Any move usually makes those involved take stock...reflect, reminisce, hope, and dream. It's certainly been the case for us; it's been bittersweet and very exciting, but we know that we're taking with us the best of the best... the best collection, the best technology, the best ideas, and the best staff...in the best community anywhere. (For information about A Fond Farewell, a gathering to say goodbye to our beloved building, click here.)

We know you have questions about the move and what to expect (we feel your pain)...so, we've put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and we'll be adding to it as necessary. Click here to get to the page. We've also been putting lots of thought into trying to anticipate what questions you might have. Recently, Jen wrote from the front lines of the Circulation Desk about what to expect, and Kate took us on a sneak peek of the new Reference/Non-Fiction area of the New Building in her new post. Gretchen reports great news from the Children's Room, including more drop-in storytimes, two dedicated programming spaces, pre-literacy programs, a "Tot Spot," a "Creation Station," and much more!

Sounds great, right? Factor in our GREEN-ness, better parking, abundant natural light, more study rooms, specialty areas, more programs, and the familiar faces of our staff, and it is a recipe for success. There's still plenty going on throughout November right here. Do stop by to say hello (and goodbye...perhaps hum a bar or two of Auld Land Syne?), and enjoy all there is to do at the Library.

*The Grand Opening of the New Library is January 10, 2009.

 Ya' Gotta Have Heart...and Art!

"Heart Flux" is the name of the piece at left, and it is part of The Teachers Art Show which opened today in the Main Reading Room. The exhibition of art by faculty members of the Darien Public Schools Art Department will run until the end of next month...in fact, it will be the final art exhibit in this building. Below, is a photo-montage of some of the works included.  

This new exhibition explores the creative process and the relationship between teacher and student work.  Many of the works were initiated as part of classroom demonstrations.  See the attachment below for a fuller description.