When are you closing the current Darien Library building?

The doors to the Darien Library at 35 Leroy Avenue will close at 6 P.M. on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. That’s the day before Thanksgiving.

When does the New Darien Library at 1441 Post Road open?

Our Grand Opening is Saturday, January 10, 2009. We’ve planned a big celebration plus lots of tours and special events, so please join us!

Will I still be able to include Darien Library in my end-of-year giving even though you're closed?

Yes. Your support is critical to the ongoing success of the Darien Library! Every year, we rely on the generous donations given by you to purchase new books, DVDs, audiobooks, computers, and other resources. Our website presents the opportunity for you to make a donation or transfer stocks to benefit the Library. You may also call us at 203-669-5220. We appreciate your continued support!

What happens if I have items on loan during the time you’re closed?

Any three-week materials borrowed after November 5 will be due back on January 14, 2009. 

Two-week DVD sets borrowed on or after November 13 will have a due date of January 14, 2009.

Seven-day books and DVDs will have their normal loan period until November 19. Any seven-day books or DVDs borrowed on or after November 20 will be due January 14, 2009.

If you take out an overnight DVD on November 25 or 26, the due date is also January 14, 2009.

What if I have an item on hold? Will I be able to pick it up while you are closed?

Anything that remains on our hold shelf when we close will be waiting for you when we open in the New Building.

Can I submit an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request while you are closed?

New Canaan Library has agreed to do Interlibrary Loans for Darien residents while we are closed.

What about fines?

With the extended loan period in effect, no overdue fines will be assessed until after January 14, 2009. You will not be fined for failing to return materials during the time we’re closed.

Will the book drop be available?

The book drop will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I place reserves during the time that the Library is closed?

Yes, we will accept reserves online for items that already have a waiting list, although materials will not be available for you to pick up until we’ve opened the New Library. We will record online reserves and honor them in the order received. Items with an "On Shelf" status will not be holdable until a few days before we reopen. We will not be able to accept telephone reserves during the time we’re closed.

Do you need volunteer help during the move?

Our staff will be here every day, re-organizing the collection, labeling, boxing, and cleaning out over 50 years of memories from this building. However, as we approach the Grand Opening date, we will be asking volunteers in to "test drive" the New Library. If you are interested in helping us during this trial period, please contact Kate Sheehan at ksheehan@darienlibrary.org or at 669-5242.

While you’re closed, where else can I borrow books, music, and movies/use a computer/read a newspaper or magazine/find children’s programs, and more?

We’ve compiled a list of nearby libraries who will welcome you during the weeks we’re closed. You can bring your Darien Library card* to any public library in Connecticut, register for free, and enjoy the books, computers, and resources there until we’re ready to open our doors again.

*You will need ID and your Darien Library card to register at neighboring libraries.

While you're closed, will I be able to access the Library website?

When we close our doors on November 26th, our website will continue to remain open. There will, however, be an interruption of service as the system is physically moved to the new building.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask!