Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books.   Being considered a "notable" book means that it is important, distinguished, or outstanding.   They are books that are of especially commendable quality, exhibit venturesome creativity, and reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways.

The Notables list also includes the 2010 Newbery, Caldecott,  Belpré, Sibert, Geisel, and Batchelder Award and Honor books.

Here are the 2010 Notable Books for Younger Readers:

There are two new-ish storytimes in the Children's Library...here's the scoop.  Please join us, they are both drop-in!

Dads' Storytime

Fathers and pre-walking babies are invited to spend time together for stories, rhymes, and songs.

Saturdays at 11 a.m. January 30 and March 6

Grandparents' Storytime

The Darien Library will be co-sponsoring this new storytime with the Darien Senior Center.  Preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome to join us at the Darien Senior Center for stories, songs, and movement activities.  Program is held at the Darien Senior Center on 30 Edgerton Street.

Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. January 20, February 17, March 17

Movie Magic will continue this new year, on Thursdays at 10 a.m.  Ages 3 and up and a parent or caregiver are welcome to watch beloved picture books come alive on the big screen.  Just drop-in!

January 7

Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

January 14

Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin

The Foolish Frog by Pete Seeger

January 21

First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon

January 28

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

Did you know that literacy skills develop in the first five years of your child's life? Our storytimes are classes designed and conducted to teach you how you can make literacy readiness a part of your everyday life!  Based on the feedback you gave us, our winter storytimes series will be broken up into two six-week sessions:

Winter 1 

 Register:  Monday, January 11 – Monday, January 25

Session:  Monday, February 1 – Friday, March 12

 Winter 2

Register:  Monday, March 1 – Monday, March 15

Session:  Monday, March 22 – Friday, April 30

Storytime brochures are available in the library.

Important Enrollment Information -

• Registration is a lottery and participants will be contacted by Saturday January 30th, 2010 for Winter Session 1 placement.
• Registered Storytimes are for children whose parents are Darien residents, employed in Darien full-time, or contributors to the Darien Library Annual Campaign at the $300 level.

Storytimes are for babies, toddlers and children up to age 6. The library offers a variety of other programs for children up to age 12.  

These programs are developmentally appropriate for the stated ages, though we offer a two week grace period for children on the cusp. Parents and caregivers can register infants and 1-year-olds based on their ability to walk. For two-year-olds and up, please register children based on their age at the start of the storytime session.