All the children's librarians would like to thank everyone who participated in the summer reading program this year at Darien Library. You all have done a tremendous job with reading this summer, as well as completing the quests in the summer reading passports. It was awesome to see so many new and familiar faces this summer in the Children's Library. Congratulations!!

Here are some remarkable facts from this year's program:

- Over 1160 kids signed up for the Summer Reading Program.

- Holmes Elementary School had the most participants this year.

- We counted a total of 1331 raffle entries for July and August, which means over 2662 books were read by the Summer Reading Club members.

- 1000 books were read by the Read to Me Club members.

A big thank you to author Gordon Korman for visiting the Library last evening for the Summer Reading Club Finale Party! Each attendee received a signed copy of Swindle by Gordon Korman, which is a 2011 Nutmeg Book Award Nominee.

Catch a glimpse of the summer reading fun by viewing this animoto video!

Nutmeg Book Group (ages 9 -12) met this week to discuss Swindle by Gordon Korman, one of this year's CT Nutmeg nominees. 

We really got into discussing the merits of the main character's actions.  Does he deserve to "take back" the baseball card he from a store owner who swindled him out of it? Does he even have a right to call it "his" baseball card?  After all, he found it in an old house about to be demolished so a town museum can be built on the land.

The plot had so many exciting twists and turns that it could have ended a variety of ways. 

Watch our voicethread with alternate endings.  The first slide has a plot summary, the second slide has the inventive endings.

The Darien Library is very lucky to have Mr. Korman as the finale author to this year's Summer Reading Club.  Write two reviews and earn a party pass in the Children's Library to attend.

Last week, we had a podcasting camp here at Darien Library. The kids brainstormed plots, characters, conflict and got inspiration from radio greats such as "Who's On First?" by Abbott and Costello. They wrote and recorded a script of their own creation right here in the Library and I am so proud of the cast for their creative comedy!  I hope we can continue podcasting. Kids, if you are interested in participating in the next installment of KidCast Playhouse, please comment below and we'll get another group together!

Kidnapping on a Summer's Eve

Written and performed by Darien Library's KidCast Playhouse July 2010

http://www.darienlibrary.org/2010/07/12/kidcast-playhouse-presents

Cast (in order of appearance):

Bob:  Tyler

Miss Butterman: Morgan

Mom:  Katie

Police Officer 1:  Zach

Police Officer 2:  Olivia

Random Person:  Tyler

Chloe:  Olivia

Jeter:  Zach

Derek:  Anir

Sam:  Katie

Epilogue:  Morgan & Tyler

This summer the Children's Library is co-sponsoring programs with the Darien Historical Society, the Darien Nature Center, and the Darien Parks and Recreation Department. Join us both at the Darien Library and at other locations in Darien. See you at the beach! 

Colonial Games

An afternoon of games that do not require batteries! Learn about colonial games such as Skittles and Hoops from members of the Darien Historical Society.

Monday, July 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Grades K to 5

 photo courtesy of flickr user david haygarth

Darien Nature Center

Did you know that some sea turtles can live up to 100 years of age? This summer the Darien Nature Center will visit with a selection of animals that have long lifespans.

Tuesday, July 13 from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Ages 3 to 6 and caregiver

photo courtsey of Flickr user Oakley Originals

Stories by the Sea

Join in a family storytime for all ages at Darien's Weed Beach in the picnic area. This program is co-sponsored by the Darien Parks and Recreation Department.

Thursdays, July 15 and July 29 at 10 a.m.

*Rain dates will be July 16 and July 30

All ages

photo courtsey of flickr user myangelg

Stories by the Pond

Join in a family storytime for all ages at Darien's Tilley Pond. This program is co-sponsored by the Darien Parks and Recreation Department.

Thursdays, July 22 and August 5 at 10 a.m.

*Rain dates will be July 23 and August 6

All ages

photo courtsey of Flicr user mriggen