Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 16th at the front desk, and we'll provide you with an instruction packet and reading list that will have you staking your claim on a chaise lounge and reaching for the SPF. We've got some grand prizes to die for, including sunglasses from SPECS and a gourmet picnic basket, and our lucky weekly prize winners will receive a canvas tote complete with beach towel, water bottle, and some books to get you started. The only thing you'll need to do is decide where you want to take your warm weather escape!

Luckily, and just in time for summer, the concierge-style website TripAdvisor has published its online list of The 2008 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards. Ranked by millions of travelers, the list includes the top 100 world destinations and top 25 destinations for the U.S., Canada, Europe, South American, Africa, Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Clicking on any of the locations will link you to information for planning before you go - such as transportation, health and safety, what to wear - as well as what to do once you arrive, including hotel stay, dining, and activities. You can even set up a profile to receive travel agent-type service tailored to your personal travel preferences.

Quickly browse the U.S. list, and you'll notice that six of the top ten destinations are located in California. Not surprising, considering the weather, scenery, and activities you'll find in the golden state. But perhaps we'll find one of the top destinations a bit closer to home next year!

It's never too early to start planning a vacation. So take a look at some of our recommended travel websites, check out the 900s for our collection of hundreds of travel handbooks, guidebooks, and DVDs, and tell us - where will you be reading this summer?

We are all totally in love with the new Martha Stewart’s Cookies. So far? 5 copies ordered amongst the staff and you know when we feel the need to own something this is speaking volumes (book joke!) about how passionately we feel.

In the beginning of the book the cookies are broken down into their various textures. Not only the two mentioned above but, also light and delicate or crumbly and sandy, or perhaps soft and chewy are what is being called for. The Desketeers are not only big believers in the right book at the right time, but also we believe in the proper cookie in its proper place (which is usually the counter in the Circ Office decorative plate optional!).

The photography in this book is spectacular and so full of delicious cookie goodness you will be begging for your cookie beverage of preference, be it a glass of milk, or a cup of coffee or tea, a soft comfy chair and a good book to nap with.

They want to know what I am thinking over this one. Does what a man reads affect the way you think of him as a person if you yourself are a reader?

Well, I am thinking plenty.

Look, if you are a guy and you don’t read at all: I am talking even the Sport’s Section of USA Today, a woman who reads really will not want to have anything to do with you. For some men this seems to be ok. They like a woman who seems a bit vague.

I would think that this would get boring. I want nothing to do with it.

As for those who do read, what you read DOES make a difference. Sorry. But it does. If I see a man who has a bunch of touchy feely self help books or anything with Mars and Venus in the title on the coffee table I am running like the wind.

However, there is nothing worse than the Pretentious Reader. We have all bumped into this guy. He will read nothing that is not sanctioned by The New York Review of Books. God forbid that anything should be enjoyable or fun. This man loves the dry, dusty and boring. You know that you have been trapped by him at a cocktail party pontificating on the latest rave review. Chances are he has not even read the book. Just the review. And you are praying while he lectures that your glass is bottomless so you can make it through.

I myself like an across the board reader. Someone who will enjoy the latest W.E.B Griffin book, but, at the same time, he doesn’t cringe at the idea of picking up the latest McCullough history, or rereading a classic..

This is how I tend to read and maybe that is what the point is. Like always looks for like. In love and in reading.

Well if so, here is your chance to establish your very own personal library. How you may be asking? Simply come and join us on June 21st – 24th for our summer book sale! There you will find many of your favorite authors and titles, as well as DVDs, books on CD, etc.

June 21st: and 22nd all items are regular price (TBA)
June 23rd: all items are half price
June 24th: $1/bag
June 25th: first thing in the morning all leftovers are FREE!

If you can’t remember these dates and may never look at this blog entry again, feel free to grab a book mark at the front circulation desk, complete with book sale times and dates.

What can possibly be a better deal than this? Now that I have answered everyone’s burning question, I hope to see you all there! Bring the whole family there is something for everyone!

It is truly one of those stories that once you start reading it, not much else is going to get done in your life. This story of farm life in the Mississippi Delta in 1946 is told in alternating voices, each one separate and distinct in telling the story of two families, one black and one white and what happens when their worlds intersect with one another. It addresses weighty issues such as racism, war, and the meaning of friendship.

We are very happy to announce that Hillary Jordan will be here for our Adult Summer reading Wrap-Up Gala on August 13th at 7:00. Be sure to keep your eye out for the Adult Summer Reading sign up at the end of June!

http://www.darienlibrary.org/programs/beach-reads/index.php#finale

Blaine feels flattered that casting agents find him thin enough to play all of these depraved addicts.

We feel however that he is selling himself short. He is super talented and deserves everything good that is coming his way.

We could not be prouder of him if we tried. Yeah Blaine!

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