The Good Old Summertime

June 23 to August 13

At the beach, on the plane, in the backyard, or in front of the fan, we're lucky when books are part of what ultimately becomes for us The Good Old Summertime. Please join Darien Library as we launch our 4th Annual Adult Summer Reading Program! It's bigger and better than ever with more events, advice, and fun to help make this summer one to remember!

Read books, write reviews, enter to win fabulous prizes, and attend some excellent programs, including a Staff Recommends presentation, weekly book chats on Main Street, weekly prizes, a short story discussion series, a poetry circle, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, two “Meet the Author” events, a wine and cheese party, and Grand Prize drawings!

Stop by the Welcome Desk to register and pick up your Adult Summer Reading packet, which includes review cards, prize entry forms, and a list of staff recommended summer reading titles.

Review Your Books & Enter to Win Prizes!

Submit a review for every book you read. Each review counts as a prize entry for our weekly and grand prize drawings (all books and audio books from the Library count).You can write your review on our Review/Prize Entry Card or online at darienlibrary.org.

Watch how to write a review online here.

Read how to submit a review online here. 

If you review your books online, don't forget to still fill out your name and email address on the Prize Entry Card and drop it off at the Library. The more you read, the more chances you have to win!

Events
 

The Kick-Off! Staff Recommends Goes LIVE!

Tuesday, June 23 at 11 AM
We know how powerful word-of-mouth is when it comes to our books, and we know that you love our recommendations. Come hear about the books that we are most excited to read this summer and begin creating your own list of must-reads! Refreshments will be served.

Meet Us on Main Street 

Tuesdays at 11 AM
Join us for coffee and book talk on Main Street every Tuesday morning at 11am. Tell us what you've been reading and we'll keep you up-to-date on what's new each week! 

One Page Poetry Circle

Wednesday, July 1 at 7 PM Poetry & The Past
Wednesday, August 5 at 7 PM Poetry & Rhyme
The One Page Poetry Circle encourages reading, appreciation, and discussion of poetry. Bring a single page of poetry by an established poet plus enthusiasm, thoughts, questions, and curiosity about the poems that others bring. The discussion will be led by Madge McKeithen, author of Blue Peninsula: Essential Words for a Life of Loss and Change and a faculty member of The Writing Program at The New School. Refreshments will be served.

Short Stories for Long Days

Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 from 3 - 4 PM
Classic short stories and some stories by contemporary authors will be discussed - focusing on content and themes, on characters, and how they relate to our own experiences. The discussion leader will be Darien resident Carroll Stenson, who has conducted several short story discussion groups at the Library and has established other similar and popular programs in the community. Copies of the short stories to be discussed will be provided. Refreshments will be served.
 

Meet the Author!

Jayanti Tamm - author of Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult
Thursday, July 16 at 7 PM
Jayanti Tamm, author of Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult, will visit Darien Library to speak about her unforgettable life story. Born and raised in the cult of Sri Chinmoy and declared "The Chosen One," Tamm lived within the guru's inner circle for over 25 years. Cartwheels in a Sari is the fascinating account of the struggle to make sense of two opposing worlds and the decision that ultimately leads to a new life. A book signing will follow the presentation and refreshments will be served.
 

Classics 2.0

Thursday, July 23 at 11 AM
The good old summertime is the perfect time to kick back with an old favorite. Why not consider a literary classic? Darien Library has an entire room filled with brand new copies of these timeless goodies, and we'll show you how they are remarkably relevant to today's world. Learn about what constitutes a classic, the meaning of this special collection to Darien, and how your favorite modern-day bestsellers in print, music, and film have deep roots planted in the past. Refreshments will be served.

Woodstock Weekend

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26
This summer marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, the most famous music concert in modern history. Join us as we celebrate with festivities all weekend. Check our website for updates on all of the events taking place this weekend. But make sure to mark your calendar so far for...

Saturday, July 25 at 7 PM
A screening of the Academy Award-winning film Woodstock.
Live introduction by Bob Spitz, author of Barefoot in Babylon: The Creation of the Woodstock Music Festival, 1969.
(Bob Spitz is also the author of Dylan: A Biography, The Beatles: The Biography, and The Saucier's Apprentice: One Long Strange Trip Through the Great Cooking Schools of Europe.)

Grand Finale with Author George Dawes Green!

Thursday, August 13 at 7 PM
As we conclude our Adult Summer Reading Program, join us for a wine and cheese party, the Grand Prize drawing, and meet George Dawes Green, author of the critically acclaimed novels The Caveman's Valentine and The Juror. He will speak about his brand new book Ravens. Green is also the founder of the non-profit storytelling organization The Moth. Now in its 11th year, The Moth has been featured widely on television and radio.

To Submit an Online Review:

• Create an account on the Library’s website here. Or, if you have already created an account, you can just log in.
• Type the title of your book in the search field at the top of the page. When you click “search,” a list of results will appear.
• Click on the title of the book you would like to review. The book’s record will appear.
• Click on “Item Reviews” tab at the top of the record.
• Next, click on “Write a review!” and begin typing away!
• Don’t forget to hit “Submit” and then fill out your name and address at the bottom of the Prize Entry Cards that were included in your packet. Drop them off the next time you visit the Library, and you’ll be entered into our prize drawings!
   

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