Darien Library

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Children's Theater Workshop: Groundhug Day

Friday, January 28, 4:00 PM

Valentine's Day Beer and Dessert Pairing

Thursday, February 10, 7:00 PM

Site Pages Show Site Pages Only

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Last Updated 3 weeks ago

Blog Posts Show Blog Posts Only

Bookworms at Home: "A Bear Called Paddington"

Welcome to Bookworms at Home--the online version of Miss Maria’s popular Bookworms program, our book + craft club for kids ages 4 to 7! Each project is designed to be done with common household items, but feel free to substitute items for anything you might not have--your craft will be uniquely yours!

Last Updated 1 year ago
Catherine Stricklan

Homeschool Play: Water Cycle

Welcome to the first of many Homeschool Play posts, a new resource for you to use to entertain and teach kids during this time of social distancing! ### The Water Cycle Today's post celebrates the water cycle! April showers bring May flowers, right? But what’s the science behind all those April showers? Introduce your kids to the water cycle with a few fun activities! ...

Last Updated 1 year ago
Catherine Stricklan

Family Art Party: Watercolor Eggs

We are so excited to introduce you to Family Art Party--the online version of Miss Maria’s popular Preschool Art Party program! Each project is designed to be done with common household items, but feel free to substitute items for anything you might not have--your craft will be uniquely yours!

Last Updated 1 year ago
Maria Magallanes (Children's)

Homeschool Play: Cafe

Merge pretend play and math practice in this fun family activity! Turn a play kitchen (or imaginary food!) into a cafe complete with a menu, servers, and play money for a morning of family fun that doubles as math time. To start, I prepped some play money--green construction paper turned into $1, $5, and $10 bills, but I used real coins to add an air of seriousness to our play.

Last Updated 1 year ago
Catherine Stricklan

Homeschool Play: Insects and Arachnids

Hello again from the front lines of homeschooling! If you’re looking to engage a multi-age group of young kids, we have a fabulous series of activities today that will interest and excite your small crew. ### Insects and Arachnids Do you ever find yourself, a grown adult, feeling confused about the difference between insects and spiders? Well, prepare to learn along with your childr ...

Last Updated 1 year ago
Catherine Stricklan

Is This Real Life: Realistic Fiction Recommendations

If you’re struggling to find enough books to satisfy your voracious reader, Darien Library’s still got you covered! Kate and Miss Mia are sharing new booklists on OverDrive and the library’s website weekly to highlight more digital content your child/teen is sure to enjoy. This week, be sure to check out our realistic fiction list for 4th and 5th graders:

Last Updated 8 months ago
Amanda L. Goodman

Family Art Party: Watercolor Fish

Welcome back to Family Art Party--the online version of Miss Maria’s popular Preschool Art Party program! Each project is designed to be done with common household items, but feel free to substitute items for anything you might not have--your craft will be uniquely yours!

Last Updated 1 year ago
Maria Magallanes (Children's)

Introducing Little Library Box

Experience the joy of the Children's Library at home! Our themed boxes have been curated by the Youth Services librarians to bring the experience of a library visit to your home. Every Little Library Box includes a new book to add to your personal collection along with two to ...

Last Updated 1 year ago
Storytimes Children's

Lists Show Lists Only

Funny Girl

When life starts getting a little bit too real, pick up a book by one of these remarkable women. Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, or at the very least, help you find a smile when you need it.

Last Updated 3 years ago
(14 items)

Beyonce's Reading List

Can't get enough _Lemonade_?

Last Updated 5 years ago
(10 items)

Thrill Ride

For those readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing to the end.

Last Updated 5 years ago
(8 items)

Girls Night Out

Books that you want to share with your girlfriends.

Last Updated 5 years ago
(9 items)

Orange is the New Black Reading List

Buzzfeed Books compiled a [list of all the books](https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/all-the-books-referenced-on-season-4-of-orange-is-the-new-bl?utm_term=.haXjbKlwBn#.npylD73bwB "Orange is the New Black booklist") seen on the fourth season of _Orange is the New Black_. You can borrow some of them from Darien Library by putting them on hold below!

Last Updated 5 years ago
(41 items)

Books for fans of S-Town

If you loved the podcast S-Town, here are some books to add to your nightstand.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(8 items)

Connecticut: A Very Talented State

Connecticut serves as home to a whole slew of literary talent. Why not try one of these books by authors who have ties to our beautiful state.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(11 items)

Little But Mighty

Short and sweet. These books make a big impact in 200 pages or less.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(9 items)

Young at Heart

In the world of books, everyone is young at heart. Here is a great starter list of YA crossover fiction.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(8 items)

Second Look Books

We think these books are so good that they deserve a second look.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(8 items)

Novel Novels

Why not stretch your reading boundaries and try a new genre!

Last Updated 4 years ago
(11 items)

First In Series Across Genres

You might be surprised to learn just how many folks love to go deep with a character by reading a series. We've offered up a list of first in series titles that should contain something for anyone and everyone.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(10 items)

Read Your Way Around The World

Discover new places through the written word. All of the books on this list take place outside of the U.S.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(10 items)

Binge Worthy Series

Who needs Netflix when the library has so many good series available for people to binge watch for free.

Last Updated 4 years ago
(11 items)

Sharpen your images with Photoshop

Looking for help to edit and publish your images? Look no further! This great selection of Photoshop books will give you all the tips and guidance you need to perfect and publish amazing graphics!

Last Updated 3 years ago
(6 items)

Staff Favorites of 2018

Cue the drum roll. It is time for the most anticipated booklist of the year: Darien Library staff's favorite books of 2018! So without further ado, here are the top thirteen titles we loved this year.

Last Updated 3 years ago
(13 items)

Note to Shelf: February Edition

We are so excited to introduce **_Note to Shelf_** our brand new monthly newsletter. So what can you expect? Our goal with **_Note to Shelf_** is to inform, excite, and educate our adult patrons about the items we are loving or in some cases…not loving at the moment. The majority of the newsletter will be dedicated to our staff reviews on books, audio books, and DVDS. Note to Shelf will also featu ...

Last Updated 2 years ago
(6 items)

The Outdoors Are Open

Nature can soothe the soul in trying times so we have created a list of books that celebrate being outside and the miracles that nature can create. While the Library is closed, please borrow these titles as e-Books or e-Audiobooks through our **[Hoopla](https://dar.to/2v0aCWq)** and **[Libby for Overdrive](https://dar.to/2rwHAsg)** digital collections.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(9 items)

Book Matchmaker Express: Humor

Laughter can be the best medicine during these extraordinary times.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(16 items)

Note to Shelf: April 6th Edition

Happy Monday! This week is all about connection. Recently, there was a meme going around that said, “Introverts check on your extrovert friends… they are not doing ok.” At first glance it made us laugh, but it is a good rule of thumb. We should be checking in on each other. Just because we are physically distant doesn’t mean we have to be emotionally distant. And for the most part the world has st ...

Last Updated 1 year ago
(11 items)

Staff's Early Fall Favorites for Adults

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and pumpkins are everywhere...it must be time for a good book. Here are some of our staff's most anticipated books that we are looking forward to reading this fall.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(11 items)

Voting is a Superpower

Voting is a superpower - so make sure you exercise your right to vote this year! Below are Darien Library's picks for the best books on the history, power, and importance of the vote for adults, children, and teens.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(22 items)

An Appetite for Books

This November, awaken your appetite for books with these delicious reads featuring recipes and food stories. There's food for the whole family!

Last Updated 1 year ago
(32 items)

Nature in Winter

Some of our favorite Winter nature books, selected just for you.

Last Updated 1 year ago
(14 items)

World Elephant Day

Celebrate World Elephant Day by checking out a book about these amazing, intelligent animals!

Last Updated 5 months ago
(10 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Newborns

Reading is one of the very best ways to improve a child's vocabulary, and babies start learning words almost as soon as they're born! Very young infants do best with books with bold colors, photos of other babies, or stark black and white. These images are easier for their developing eyes to see, and will catch their interest more. Once your baby can grasp, board books are a great way to le ...

Last Updated 4 months ago
(4 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Older Babies

As your baby grows, they will interact more with you while you read together. Hold your child in your lap and encourage them to explore the book that you are sharing. They might put the book in their mouth, turn the pages, or point at objects. Sturdy board books are perfect for this hands-on exploration and are easier for tiny hands to hold. Children this age enjoy pictures of real faces and ...

Last Updated 4 months ago
(9 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Toddlers

At this age, your toddler is likely very active! They enjoy books with lots of movement and actions. Continue reading while your child plays as they are often still listening. Toddlers may have favorite books and songs that they enjoy listening to again and again. This repetition is great because it helps your child build an understanding and master new skills.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(10 items)

1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Preschoolers

During your child's preschool years, they start to develop a longer attention span. Try reading books with longer plots and simple concepts such as letters, numbers, colors, and opposites. Children at this age often become more talkative, express themselves creatively, and try to be more independent. Encourage them in these behaviors to develop their growing self-esteem.

Last Updated 4 months ago
(10 items)

New Releases: Film Collection

These titles were added to the library film collection over the past few months. Get the popcorn ready and enjoy the show!

Last Updated 3 months ago
(10 items)

Chills and Thrills: Halloween Reads

There's nothing better than a spine-tingling read in October. As the days get shorter, the temperature drops, and the nights get darker, chose a terrifying read from our collection. We've highlighted our favorite horror reads for adults, teens, and children, with fiction and non-fiction options to chill your bones.

Last Updated 3 months ago
(33 items)

Incredible But Unknown

Have you ever fallen in love with a book and been shocked when it doesn't get the recognition you feel it deserves? We like to think of these as underappreciated gems of the Library. Here you will find a little something for everyone of all ages. The one thing they all have in common is that they are incredible stories that our staff has loved.

Last Updated 3 months ago
(16 items)

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month as the time to celebrate the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of people who were the first inhabitants of the United States. Join us as we kick off the month by reading beloved stories by indigenous authors.

Last Updated 2 months ago
(25 items)

New Main Street Video Games

Check out the latest video game additions to our Main Street collection. Our Mains Street video games are rated Teen-Mature. For video game rated E and E-10+ please check out the [Children's Library collection](https://www.darienlibrary.org/list/984).

Last Updated 1 month ago
(22 items)

New Children's Library Video Games

Check out the latest titles added to the Children's Library video game collection. All games in the Children's Library are rated E and E-10+. If you are looking for titles rated Teen-Mature please check out our [Main Street video game collection](https://www.darienlibrary.org/list/983).

Last Updated 2 months ago
(15 items)

Staff Favorites of 2021: Adult Fiction

We apologize in advance for adding to your "to be read" pile but you won't want to miss our picks for the 2021 Staff Favorites in adult fiction.

Last Updated 1 month ago
(10 items)

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