What do I need to log into the website?
You need your library card number and the email address you gave the Library when you registered. If you have forgotten which email address you gave or library card number, please call us at 203-669-5238.
What is my password?
The Library's website does not have a password. Instead, it relies on your library card number and the email address you gave the Welcome Desk when you registered your card. If you have forgotten which email address you gave, please call us at 203-669-5238.
Why can't I login with my username and password from the previous site?
For your convenience, we've changed how you log into your library website account. You will need your library card number and the email address you gave the Library when you registered. The advantage of this new login system is that you can now manage your family member's library accounts through linked account feature — a very popular request!
How do I change my website account settings?
Go to Settings.
How do I change my email address?
Go to Update Your Account Information and enter your new email address.
Can I manage my child or family member's library account?
Yes, simply go to My Account and enter your family member's library card number and the email address they have on record with the Library. Then click on Link Account to finalize the connection.
What are linked accounts?
With a linked account, you can manage other people's library accounts. You can see their checkouts, holds, fines & fees, wishlist items, and checkout history. The person whose account you're linked to cannot see your information in return.
For example, Lucy has linked to her daughter's account. Lucy can see her daughter's checkout history, what she wants to read next (wishlist), and that she has no overdue fees. Her daughter cannot Lucy's account information.
What do you mean by managed?
If you have linked access to someone else's account, you can see their checkouts, items on hold, wishlist, checkout history, and fines. You can then make changes like add money to their library account or remove a book from their checkout history.
How can I keep someone from linking to My Account?
By default, linking account is enabled. To turn it off, go to your Settings and click the button next to Account Linking.
- If it says ON, people can link to your account.
- If it says OFF, no one can link to your account.
Whose accounts am I linked to?
Go to your Settings and click on Linked Accounts. You can see whose accounts you've linked to so you can see their account. As well, you can see accounts linking to you.
I have linked to someone else's account. Can they see my information?
No. If you entered their barcode and email address into your Add a linked account page, you can see their information, but they cannot see yours.
Someone has linked to My Account. How can I unlink it?
Go to your Settings and click on Unlink Account to break the connection.
Can I get a library card?
Sure, it's easy! If you live in Darien, simply bring in something with your Darien address on it (e.g. a piece of mail, your license, a tax bill, or your lease/mortgage agreement). If you work in Darien full-time, bring your pay stub or a letter from your employer verifying your full-time employment. Friends at the $300 level or above are eligible for a Non-Resident Member card.
I don't live in Darien. Can I checkout books here?
Absolutely! Just bring your hometown library card and we will register you in our system. Please note that eBooks and other digital content is only available to Darien residents and Friends of the Library.
What do I have checked out?
View your Checkouts & Holds list. Notice that you can see
- Items Borrowed
- Items on Hold
- Digital Downloads
- Digital Holds
What are holds?
Holds refers to when you "place hold" on an item so it will be taken off the shelf and waiting for you when you come to the Library. However, if the availability of the item says 0 of XX (some number), that means there is no copy right now. So you will be notified via email when your item is ready for pick up.
Where do I pick up my holds?
When holds are ready to be picked up we put them in a special area behind the Welcome Desk on the first floor. You can walk in and pick up your books without any staff assistance. Please note that books on hold still need to be checked out!
Do I have to checkout items placed on hold for me?
Yes, please check your items at the self checkouts.
When are my items due?
View your Checkouts & Holds list to see when your items are due.
Can I renew this item?
Generally yes. Items which have other people waiting on them may not be renewed. You can put another request on it to finish it later. 14-day books (described below) are not renewable.
View your Checkouts & Holds list to see if you can renew the item.
How can I renew my checkouts?
Check your Checkouts & Holds list to see which items can be renewed. If it can be renewed, you'll have a checkbox which you can select. Then click on Renew Selected to renew just that item(s).
To renew all items, click on Renew All.
Where is the book or movie in the Library?
After finding the book or movie in the catalog, you will see an option to Map It on that item's listing. By clicking on Map It, you will then see a map showing the approximate location of the item in the building.
Where are the large type books?
On the Main Level, make a left at the Welcome Desk and walk through the stacks all the way to the fireplace. The large type books surround this comfortable reading space.
Where do I pick up equipment, gadgets, and museum passes?
- Children and Tween items may be picked up in the Children's Library.
- Museum passes are at the Welcome Desk.
- All other technology items may be obtained at the Help Desk on the Lower Level.
What are 14-day books?
14-day books are the hottest items in our collection straight from the top of the bestseller lists! If you think you can read the book in two weeks or less, this is the collection for you!
You'll find 14-days on our Main Level straight across from where you enter the Library from the parking lot.
How do I return items?
Pull into the Library's driveway from Post Road. The 24/7 book drop is located between the Library and the parking lot as you drive around the building. If you drive past the fountain, you've missed it.
If you are coming into the building from the parking lot side, the book returns are in the entry way.
How do I see my Checkout History?
Go to your Checkout History to view everything you have checked out. If you see nothing there, you will need to enable your checkout history.
How do I enable my Checkout History?
By default, Checkout History is enabled. To turn it off, go to your Settings and click the button next to Checkout History.
- If it says ON, your Checkout History will be kept.
- If it says OFF, your Checkout History will not be kept.
How do I disable my Checkout History?
Go to your Settings and click the button next to Checkout History.
- If it says ON, your Checkout History will be kept.
- If it says OFF, your Checkout History will not be kept.
We cannot retrieve your checkout history if you delete items from it. Disabling Checkout History does not erase what you have checked out.
How do I remove items from my Checkout History?
Go to Checkout History and then click the checkbox next to the item you wish to remove. Then click on Delete Selected.
How do I delete my entire Checkout History?
On your Checkout History page, click on Purge Your Entire History. We cannot retrieve your checkout history if you delete items from it.
How do I print my Checkout History?
For Mac users:
- Hold down the Command and P keys together on your keyboard.
- Click Print.
For PC users:
- Hold down the CTRL and P keys together on your keyboard.
- Click Print.
Why do I have a fine on My Account?
Oh no! We're sorry to hear that. Fines are caused by three things:
- Item not returned on time
- Item is lost or returned missing a part (like a CD)
- Item is damaged (this is a replacement fee)
The Library attempts to keep you aware of when your items are due by:
- Offering a checkout slip which lists the due date
- Sending you email reminders
- Listing your checked out items on your website account
If you need a receipt of what you checked out, please see the Welcome Desk.
Where do I pay my fine?
Please pay at the Welcome Desk or online.
What does a fine stop me from doing?
Once you owe $50, you will be unable to checkout items or use a computer. Please get the amount under $50 to resume using the Library's services.
Why don't seniors have fines?
To acknowledge the many years of contribution and service that our senior patrons have made to the Library, we waive overdue fees on items for patrons 65 years and older. Those who still want to pay overdue fees are welcome to make a contribution!
If you want to learn about new programs, book recommendations, and events, sign up for one of our emails!
How do I RSVP for an Events?
When you are on an event listing, click on I Might Attend.
How do I register for an event?
If an event is registered, on the event's page, click on Register Now. Then enter your name or of the person who will be attending the event. Click on Confirm Registration.
Which upcoming events am I attending?
Once you've either RSVPed for an event by clicking on I Might Attend or Register Now, go to My Account. On your library account summary page, you'll see a listing of Your Upcoming Events.
What events have I attended in the past?
Go to My Events and you'll see a listing of all events you have previously attended or ones you are going to in the future.
What are wishes?
Wishes are items you wish to read, listen to, or watch later. You can see your list of wishes by viewing your Wishlist. You can also see the wishlists of accounts you are linked to.
Note: If your account is linked to by someone else, they can see your wishlist and checkout history. If you are the one who linked to their account by entering their library barcode number and email address, they cannot see your information.
How do I add a wish?
When looking at an item in the catalog, simply click on the heart icon to add it to your wishlist.
How do I delete a wish?
Go to your Wishlist and click on the trashcan icon to remove it.
The Library is a busy place with people using the space in different ways. If you want a quiet place to work, our recommendations:
Quiet Study Rooms
Ask the Reference Librarian on the Second Level to schedule you. This is a no-talking space for up to two people.
First Floor Fireplace
In the winter months, relax and enjoy a soothing fire. Find the fireplace behind the fiction shelves to the left when you enter the building from the parking lot.
Magazine, Art, Business Sections, and Classics Room
On the Second Level, head towards the far left side of the building (towards Darien, not the cemetery). Enjoy a whole area devoted to quiet time.
Can I get a study room right now?
If a room is available, of course! All we ask is that you have a library card registered in our system.
Can I get a study room later?
Yes, if you live in Darien, work full-time in Darien, or are a Friend of the Library. Place your request online. If you are a non-resident, you will need to become a Friend to book a room in advance.
What's the difference between meeting rooms and study rooms?
Meeting rooms are available for larger groups to rent out. Study rooms are for groups eight or fewer. View all our rooms
Can I have food and drinks in the Library?
Yes! We even have a cafe on the Main Level for your convenience. The only room where food or drinks is not permitted is in the Digital Media Lab on the Lower Level.
Where is the water fountain?
We have three water fountains located throughout the building. One by the Cafe, another by the bathrooms on the Lower Level, and one on the Mezzanine Level by the bathrooms.
Where do I park if the lot is full?
In the evenings, please park at Thorndal Circle, behind Nielsen's.
Faxes are 25¢ per page and needs to be paid for by coin. You can fax in the Business Center on the Lower Level and on the Second Level.
To make copies, come down to the Business Center.
- 8.5 x 11" and 8.5 x 14" pages: 10¢ B&W or 25¢ Color
- 11 x 17" pages: 25¢ or 50¢ Color
How much does it cost?
Good news: you get 50¢ of free printing a day! After that, the cost are:
- 8.5 x 11" and 8.5 x 14" pages: 10¢ B&W or 25¢ Color
- 11 x 17" pages: 25¢ or 50¢ Color
For banner and poster printing, please see the Business Center.
How do I print?
You can print in three ways:
- Sign onto a Library computer on the Lower Level, in the Children's Library, or on the Second Level.
- Visit the Mobile Print Service page to upload your document.
- Email your document from your laptop or phone to the wireless printer. For black and white prints, send your document to dl-main-bw@printspots.com or send color documents to dl-main-color@printspots.com.
Where do I pick up prints?
If you email or upload your document, you will need to visit the Second Level's Wireless Print Release station. Once you log in and release the document for printing, you can pick it up at the printer.
Scanning is available on the Lower Level in the Business Center and on the Second Level.
Scan to Email
Use the scanners in the Business Center or the Reference Room to scan your documents to email. The file will be sent as a PDF.
Scan Photos
Use a flatbed scanner to digitize your photos. If you have a lot of photos, the Digital Media Lab may be a better option.
Is there a fee for using the computers?
Nope! If you print, then you pay for your print outs.
Where are the computers?
You can find computers on all floors except for the Mezzanine Level. The computers in the Children's Library are only for children and likewise, the computers in the Teen Lounge are only for teens. For adults, go to the Second Level or to the Lower Level for the main computer rooms.
Can I get on a computer if I don't live in Darien?
Yes! Please bring your hometown library card to the Welcome Desk to register it. If you're just stopping in for the day, bring your ID to the Lower Level or the Reference Desk on the Second Level. You will be issued a day pass. After that, please bring your hometown library card or consider becoming a Friend of the Library.
Is there a time limit on how long I may use a computer?
Nope! We only ask that you be considerate of how long you are on a computer during very busy periods. That's usually during power outages elsewhere in the community.
How do I log into the WiFi network?
Do you have your own laptop, tablet, or phone? Then you can sign onto our WiFi network! Just connect to Darien Library. WiFi reaches out into the courtyard, so you can enjoy browsing the web outside on beautiful days.
If you need to log into websites or apps, please use the Darien Library WPA network. The password: lovemylibrary
How secure is the Library's WiFi?
The Library's WPA-enabled WiFi provides an additional layer of security to your online browsing. However, it does not replace end-to-end encryption in the browser or in apps. To learn more ways to help protect yourself online, visit our online security page.
We offer a wide variety of digital content: eBooks, eMagazines, Movies, Music, TV Shows, and Comics. Visit the e-Books & Downloads to learn more.
iPads and other technology gadgets may be borrowed by Darien residents, those who work full-time in Darien, and Friends of the Library who have donated $300 or more per year. iPads are loaned out for 7 days.
Children
Early Literacy iPads from the Children's Library will help your child learn to read. View the list of apps Early Literacy Apps
The Tween Tab iPads are great for older children who aren't quite teenagers yet. View the list of apps Tween Tab Apps
Adults & Teens
Borrow a general iPad from the Help Desk on the Lower Level.
TEA Room
The Children's Library has the TEA Room makerspace for children in grades 3 to 6. It includes a 3D printer. We host librarian-led programs and children may use the room with their grown-up when the room is available. Contact the Children's Library at 203-669-5235 or send an email to make a reservation.
Digital Media Lab
For those 14 and up, the Digital Media Lab is available. The DML is focused on digitizing video tapes, photos, slides, and negatives. You can also record and edit videos and audio. Contact the Help Desk at 203-669-5238 or send an email to make a reservation.
Can I play video games in the Library?
Teens between the ages of 12 and 18 may play the video games within the Teen Lounge. Just ask at the Help Desk to open the cabinet.
Can I borrow video games?
Yes, we have video games for children, teens, and adults. Games for children's are located within the Children's Library. All other video games are on the Main Level. Find a video game
What are 3D printers?
3D Printers allow you to print a digital file into a physical object. You can download designs online or create your own. Learn more about 3D printing at Darien Library.
Can I use the 3D Printer?
Yes! Children in grades 3 to 6 may use a 3D printer directly. Read about your 3D printing options.
Does it cost anything to print a 3D object?*
If you are a child twelve and under, you may print your object for free in the TEA Room.
Can I make a 3D print from a photo?
We wish! The technology isn't there yet.
I have this item that I want a copy of it. Can I 3D print a new one?*
If you bring in something from your house (e.g. a cabinet handle, a toy, etc.) and wish to make a duplicate of it, library staff cannot design the digital file. You may learn how to do that via watching an online course from Lynda.com.
We are proud to host the Fairfield County Minecraft server. Players ages 8 to 17 are welcome to join. Read how to get started.
Children between 8 and 12 may play Minecraft on the Children's Library computers. Teens 12-18 may play Minecraft in the Teen Lounge. You will need your own account.
What does it cost to attend an event?
All events and programs are free to attend. However, special programs like classes, some workshops, and the storytime lottery are limited to Darien residents, those who work full-time in Darien, and Friends of the Library who have donated $300 or more per year.
How do I learn about new events?
We announce our new events in a few different locations. Pick the one that best suits your needs:
- The Library's Events page
- Subscribe to the email newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook or Twitter (not all events are posted on social media)
- The Friday Night Film can be heard on our voicemail each Friday. Just call 203-655-1234
- Digital signs on the Main Level show some upcoming events
- Brochures for select programs are available at the Welcome Desk. A calendar of children's events may be found in the Children's Library
Where do I park if the lot is full?
In the evenings, please park at Thorndal Circle, behind Nielsen's.
How do I propose a program?
Tell us about your idea by filling out the Propose a Program Form.
Storytimes are for babies, toddlers and children up to age 5. The Children's Library offers other programs for children up to age 12. Some programs are registered which is done during an open registration period. Others are weekly Drop-In Programs for anyone to join without prior notice. View Storytime listings
How do I RSVP for an Events?
When you are on an event listing, click on I Might Attend.
How do I register for an event?
If an event is registered, on the event's page, click on Register Now. Then enter your name or of the person who will be attending the event. Click on Confirm Registration.
Which upcoming events am I attending?
Once you've either RSVPed for an event by clicking on I Might Attend or Register Now, go to My Account. On your library account summary page, you'll see a listing of Your Upcoming Events.
What events have I attended in the past?
Go to My Events and you'll see a listing of all events you have previously attended or ones you are going to in the future.
Did we forget something? Click the chat box in the lower right corner to ask us a question whenever the Library is open. Or email us.