Closed on Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The _Best Books for Preschool Children_ is a recommended reading list compiled by the Darien Library Children's Librarians and made possible by the Phil A. Petit Memorial Fund. Phil Petit was a great storyteller as well as a man of indomitable spirt whose love of life was felt by all who knew him. The collection is dedicated to his grandchildren: * Samantha, Lizzie, and Davy Choos * Alessan ...
This is a booklist which evolved from our Fifty/Fifty Book Group reading of Ta-nehisi Coates' _Between the World and Me_.
Looking to dive into some Scandinavian mysteries (aka Nordic Noir or Scandi Crime)? Here's a good starting point. I highly recommend starting with the excellent Martin Beck series by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö.
Welcome to the Tax Day Edition of _You Are What You Read_. I know, I know. Not even the fact that it’s on a Friday and we really have until Monday to write the check dulls that blow. This week’s Housekeeping includes a special thanks to Map M (not her real name) for the offering of tea and cookies to the You Are What You Read Gods! Thanks Map. You rock! And my low 3:00 blood sugar and work- mates ...
Greetings and welcome to the Disappointment Edition of _You Are What You Read_. The Full Pink Moon, which shall grace our skies this evening is named as such because this is the time that wild phlox begins to bloom. The moon will not actually be pink. So don’t be disappointed by that. It is also known as the sprouting grass moon (yup, have sprouting grass), the egg moon (nope, no eggs), and the f ...
You never know where the road will lead when you get to listen to the memoir of a person of interest!
Greetings and welcome to the Arbor Day Edition of _You Are What You Read_. Today is, indeed, Arbor Day for those keeping score. Originally begun in Nebraska in 1872 by settlers who missed their trees, it became official in 1907 with a proclamation by Theodore Roosevelt. It is in fact, tree pollen making some of us so miserable with grass a close second. I think that if my eyes and throat are to be ...
Greetings and welcome to the Mother’s Day Edition of _You Are What You Read_. We will be taking a break next week, as I will be finishing up 4 days in The Windy City at Book Expo America aka Jen’s Idea of Heaven, where I will have been living, breathing and eating what’s coming up for the next year in Publishing. And you know I’ll share what I learn. With you. When? When I am damn good and ready, ...
Check out the foundation of the modern mystery novel with these classics.
Here are some wonderful memoirs I enjoy recommending to patrons.
Check out this list of great new books for Kids in Kindergarten and First Grade. We shared these books when we visited your school! Can you read them all before the summer is over?
At The Top Of The Hour with ..... .....Laura (!) as Jen is experiencing "book crazy" in Chicago at the Annual Book Expo. She is meeting and talking with publishers, authors and other librarians about what will be the best in new books. Can't wait to hear about her travels next week. We welcomed Jimmy..... ......our Darien High School intern for the next five weeks. He is helping out ...
Check out this list of great new books for Kids in Second and Third Grade. We shared these books when we visited your school! Can you read them all before the summer is over?
Check out this list of great new books for Kids in Fourth and Fifth Grade. We shared these books when we visited your school! Can you read them all before the summer is over?
The books you loved growing up are the ones your parents loved and your child will love them too.
You can find these titles on both the F5 and the Kids Side of the Children's Library.
You can find these books on both the F5 and the Kids side of the Children's Library.
You can find these books by or About Native Americans on both the F5 and the Kids Side of the Children's Library.
You can find these books on both the F5 and the Kids side of the Children's Library
British Library Crime Classics is a wonderful series of old time mysteries that have been popular at the library. If you're looking for gentle intrigue at a British country home, or perhaps a locked room mystery, try this series.
For those readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing to the end.
Books that you want to share with your girlfriends.
Curious about the inner workings of Scientology? Here are some books and films from folks who left the group, or did deep investigation into the secretive organization.
**At The Top Of The Hour with Jen** Happy Days Are Here Again.... ...the New York Times recently printed a good, (....a great!) review by Sarah Lyall on Curtis Sittenfeld's **_Eligible_**. So the vapors have lifted from Jen and Stephanie as the NY Times Book Review crushed the one nitty nay-sayer from weeks passed (whose name will not be revealed). "Many readers, and twitterverse, came to ...
In these books you expect to find everything from dragons to gargoyles.
A collection of Must-Read Mysteries written specifically for teens.
Craving a book written in a Diary or Journal Format? Check out some of the books listed here!
Books that are Light-hearted and leave a warm feeling in your tummy when reading.
These are books from 2009-2007 that were either nominated or won "The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature."
Jen went renegade again..... to New York City (and who can blame her, it was a beautiful day) So I pulled the POPULAR and NEW titles from the Wonderwall: **_32 Yolks: From My Mother's Table to Working The Line_** a memoir; **_Becoming Grandma: The Joys And Science of The New Grandparenting_** by tv journalist Leslie Stahl; **_The Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance_** proof that an iv ...
Welcome to the Memorial Day Edition of _You Are What You Read_. We made it **People**. Break out the coolers, the Solo cups and the white pants! Commence the rejoicing! Here’s wishing you all a lovely long weekend that involves a healthy dose of whatever makes you happy come the Summer. As for **The Traveling Companion** and **myself**, we will be found at our favorite beach one of these weekend ...
Jen didn't have actual books in hand to talk about but..... .... instead told us that next week she is having dinner with Maria Semple (**_Where'd You Go Bernadette_**) at Semple's editor's NYC apartment. Wow, what a dish event!! And then she has another author event, meeting with Amor Towles, (**_Rules of Civility_**) for the launch of his latest book **_A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel_** whi ...
It was our last meeting of the year. So in tribute to our love for books, the group created a list of our favorite summer reads of the past. A little bit of something for all interests: breezy easy reads to deep thought-provoking books. A little bit of everything for many reading interests: **Historic Fiction:** _A Beautiful Place To Die_ and _Lonesome Dove_. **Mystery:** _The Coroner's ...
Overcoming life's difficulties makes for an interesting life.
Behind every good meal is a dedicated and creative chef! Have you ever thought about how a good chef comes into being? Well, with these good books, you will not only be entertained but you will come to appreciate all the hard work, grueling hours, failures, success and rewards of those with a passion for creating and serving that which sustains us...food!
What financial independence can really buy for women.
The Martin Beck series consists of 10 books. The first title, Roseanna was released in 1965, and the first english translation was in 1967. Fans of Nordic crime or series readers may see the influence this series had on later works by other Scandinavian crime writers. If you're looking to get into Nordic Noir, start with Martin Beck. The books explore Swedish culture of the time along with deep ch ...
From cozy to creepy, these female crime writers and their fictional creations use their own particular skills to see that justice is done. I have listed the first in series where possible. I've offered a mix of British, Nordic, and US authors for you to try out.
"Any book worth banning, is a book worth reading." Isaac Asimov A collection of some of our favorite banned/challenge books in honor of National Banned Book Week happening September 25th through October 1st.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read all of the spy novels on this list.
High Quality Stories on a Lower Reading Level (Hi-Lo). Great for children ages 9-12 who struggle with reading "at-level books" due to a reading disability.
High Quality Stories on a Lower Reading Level (Hi-Lo). Great for children ages 9-12 who struggle with reading "at-level books" due to a reading disability.
High Quality Stories on a Lower Reading Level (Hi-Lo). Great for children ages 9-12 who struggle with reading "at-level books" due to a reading disability.
The chill is in the air and the pantry is stocked with just canned, just picked fresh harvests from the garden. It is a perfect month for soup.
John came to visit today and presented two of his favorite titles -- the authors who he says are the ying and the yang of the literary world: Lauren Groff's **_Arcadia_** and Jonathan Franzen's _**Purity**_. And for those in the Halloween mood a quick, fun and dark read is _**Black Rabbit Hall**_ -- John says it is a "gothic Downton Abbey in decay" kind of story. And for the dog lovers out there, ...
These books are page-turners, filled with intrigue and suspense, to keep you reading into the wee hours of the night!
12 Days till Halloween and I gathered a few murder mysteries for the group to savor. A Louise Penny, Margaret Atwood and a collection of the best mystery short stories of 2016 plus others. Our visiting librarian today was Sally and she was breathless discussing Highest Duty by Chesley Sullenberger -- the pilot who safely landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River. "Great page turner, and such ...
Texas westerns and funny novels visited the group this morning. Some "you just fall off your chair laughing" kind of stories, says Pat who presented with Marianne today. Jen visited as well, in hand with the newest titles from the Library's Wonder Wall. Her favorite book, set on the open ranges of the Long Star State, is **_News of The World_** by Paulette Jiles. "The best book I have read in thre ...
Food memoirs combine the best of two worlds; biographies and cook books.
Anna and Elisabeth from the Children's Library presented today. Elisabeth, who is a bit of a "queenafile" (and loving the new streaming TV series **_The Crown_** -- she highly recommends it) presented **_Game of Crowns_** to the group today, raving about the explosive tattle tale tidbit kind of House of Windsor news that they, the Royals, never wanted to be revealed. Fun, interesting and entertain ...
At the top of the hour Jen surprised us with "travel ease!" Also known in librarian language as Simultaneous Lonely Planet Travel Guide Downloads from OverDrive! (She also brought along the first three books in the list below, two good reads and one very fine cook book.) But her raison d'etre at the meeting this morning was travel. So Go! And no longer look like the tourist with paperback tra ...
Every other month, the Library hosts a Business Book Group meeting. We gather to discuss a chosen title, talk about our real-world experiences with the ideas the books suggest, and network. Here are the titles we've discussed since the launch of the group in 2014!
Finish your binge of _Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life_? Still yearning for Stars Hollow and the fast-talking antics of your favorite mother and daughter duo? We've got you covered with some of Rory's favorite reads and some books we think the Gilmore ladies would love. _Image courtesy of [jeffmason](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23412868@N03/5341066529/) on Flickr._
Today everyone met Virginia who introduced the group to the library's latest innovation, "**The Book Matchmaker Station**" which can be found by the Welcome Desk on Main Street. The "**Matchmaker,**" for short, helps take the guess work out of book selections, by actually pairing “read-alikes” to the books, or authors, you have enjoyed in the past. Just a few clicks of the mouse and you have a l ...
Mallory visited the BBTF group today and brought a selection of Young Adult novels that the Library's "Forever Young" reading group has enjoyed. "Our book discussions are very engaging," said Mallory, "there is a connection the adult members have -- from their former childhood growing years to the parental roles they now face with their own children today." "Kill The Boy Band" focuses on teen age ...
Every December, our librarians vote on their favorite books of the year. The ten books that get the most votes have the honor of being our Best Books! This year, the Best Books of 2016 are:
So you think you are the only one with a dysfunctional family? Don't despair, you are in good company. Dysfunctional families prove to be a source of great inspiration for authors. Trust me this booklist will make you feel better about the antics of your own family.
The votes are in! This is a list of books our staff voted for as the BEST books of 2016. Have you read any of these titles?
I honestly don't know what Hollywood would do without the imagination of authors. Here are some incredible books to read before they hit the big screen in 2017.
Library books that bring a sense of style to your home.
Celebrate Black History Month with some of our favorite reads, inspired by some of the most revolutionary voices of our time. You'll find classics alongside some of our newest favorites.
On the hunt for something new and exciting? Looking for a great new author or the next book in your favorite series? Below you'll find a list of brand new children's books available here at Darien Library, published in the second month of 2017. For a complete list of children's books published this month, visit [Publisher's Weekly on-sale calendar](http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-to ...
If you are already obsessed with HBO's series "Big Little Lies," based on the novel by Lianne Moriarty, then you will love the books on this list.
In honor of St. Patrick's Day these books will have you thinking everything Irish. As they say in Gaelic..."Léitheoireacht Shona" or Happy Reading!
Some of our favorite children's poetry books include works from beloved poets such as Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, and Marilyn Singer.
If you loved the podcast S-Town, here are some books to add to your nightstand.
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.
Short and sweet. These books make a big impact in 200 pages or less.
In the world of books, everyone is young at heart. Here is a great starter list of YA crossover fiction.
Are you commuting? Do you want to get lost in a book while doing chores? Borrow an audiobook for hands-free listening!
We think these books are so good that they deserve a second look.
Why not stretch your reading boundaries and try a new genre!
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.
Discover new places through the written word. All of the books on this list take place outside of the U.S.
Ever curious how Mr. Darcy would act in 2017? These authors have adapted our favorite classic tales into modern settings. Which do you prefer?
Surprisingly good celebrity memoirs you won't want to miss!
Will science outpace humanity? Time will only tell.
Wondering what the future will look like?
Generally, I like words more than numbers, but I will make an exception for books that feature a number in their title.
From reality to fiction...sports often provides the perfect backdrop for inspiring tales of perseverance, hard work and triumph.
Laughing has been proven to help heart health so lets make a scene on the quiet car!
Who needs Netflix when the library has so many good series available for people to binge watch for free.
Join us in celebrating National Banned Books Week by reading a banned book during the week of September 24th through 30th. In fact, read a whole slew of banned books whenever you want. Here is a bucket list of banned books spanning everything from children books to YA novels to literary classics. Remember, words have power.
Do you need help to craft your novel? These books look at world building, the craft of writing, and how to cross that finish line to becoming a published author.
Here is a list of great books, both fiction and non-fiction, to learn more about the Vietnam War and this time in history.
Every December, our librarians vote on their favorite books of the year. The five books that get the most votes have the honor of being our Best Books! This year, the Best Books of 2017 are:
Here is a list of books being made into movies in 2018. Don't miss your chance to read the book before the movie is released.
Some essential reads for Women's History Month.
Are you planning a wedding or like me helping your daughter plan a wedding? Here are the books that helped during this wonderful, beautiful time.
Here are a few titles by Australian crime fiction writers.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was started in 1977 via Congressman Representative Frank Horton. In 1992, Congress formally designated May as [Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month](https://dar.to/2IGid51 "Asian Pacific American Heritage Month"). President Barack Obama issued a [proclamation](https://dar.to/2kgB9bM "proclamation") in 2009 which included the new name Asian American and Pacifi ...
These are debuting novels but boy are they good. This is a category in our Adult Summer Reading Challenge!
Add a shiver to your summer with these thrilling mysteries! This is a category for our adult summer reading challenge!
These are what the staff is currently obsessing over! This is also a category for our Adult Summer Reading challenge!
Sparse titles, rich stories. This is also a category for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge!
These books will inspire, enrich, and enthrall you! This is also a category in our Adult Summer Reading challenge!
These fresh reads are for all ages! This is also a category in our Adult Summer Reading Challenge
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human ...
Travel to distant lands through Airline Darien Library. This is also a category for our Adult Summer Reading!
This is what we're LOVING this month! Also, this is a category for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge!
Written by the author, about the author. This is also a category for our Adult Summer Reading Challenge!
We're participating in PBS's challenge to find The Great American Read! From the list we thought these were the best to read in the month of July. Click [here](http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/home/) to cast your vote! This is also a category for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
As the summer kicks into gear, pack an audio book or two, for your family road trip!
Phi Beta Kappa, the worlds oldest Academic Honor Society, just released their Summer Reading List. Join in on the fun!
Its back-to-school time and for many that means it is time to celebrate and/or mourn having an empty nest at home. Whether you are looking for guidance or just a novel to make you laugh, here is a list for all of you empty nesters!
Caught a fall cold? Warm yourself up with one of these stories!
As the air gets crisp and the days get short there is nothing better than a good book.
Gear up for Halloween with these dark, creepy, and down right TERRIFYING books!
Whereas the traditional memoir format leaves it to the reader's imagination to construct a visual for the story, graphic memoirs feature a comic format, most often drawn by the author, to allow you to _see_ what life is like through their own lens. It's a deeper, and often more visceral, reading experience than you'll find with text-only narratives.
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.
Winter is here and so is the final season of Game of Thrones. If you are like me then you are counting down the minutes until April when the season starts. In the meantime, I plan on filling the void with books that capture the fantasy of Game of Thrones. Thanks to O Magazine for the list.
Here's a new selection of adult books coming out in March.
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 ...
Our new Paperback collection features easy-to-carry editions of popular titles, books being adapted for screen and streaming, and current affairs. It's fun to browse the titles and know there are books you can easily take along with you on your travels. The collection lives on the display wall near the Post Road Entrance. We'll be adding to the collection regularly and are open to suggestions if t ...
Looking for a happily ever after? Check out our collection of romance novels.
Read these books before they come out in theaters this year.
Spring is in the air, or should we say “spring releases?” Every week, the Library is receiving a slew of new books, audiobooks, and DVDs you won’t want to miss. For all of you planning Spring Break travel, stop by and check out the Library’s new “Read Well, Travel Light” Paperback Collection located next to the Welcome Desk. ### Mallory Oyinkan Braithwaite’s **_My Sister The Serial Killer_** ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in April.
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in May.
Welcome to the April edition of **_Note to Shelf_**. As the weather gets nicer we’ll be spending more time outdoors but be sure to make some time to read, listen to and watch our new arrivals. MoMA will be closed for extensive renovations from June 15th to October 21, 2019. Take some time to enjoy some of its treasures such as Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Salvador Dali's The Persi ...
What is better than reading a book about books? All of these titles feature libraries, book stores or other books as a major component to the storyline.
These stylish stories are for the fashionistas out there.
Here is a list celebrating mothers in literature...from the good to the very bad.
Inspiration for creating beautiful flower arrangements for any occasion and all the rooms in your home.
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in June.
Welcome to the May edition of Note to Shelf. As we start the countdown to summer, we’re pleased to share the theme for this year’s Adult Summer Reading Program, **_"Reaching For The Stars."_** All of our summer reading programs will blast-off with a kick-off party on Saturday, June 8th at 2 p.m. The all-ages party will feature games, music, face painting, and ice cream! Staff will be there to shar ...
Here are a few titles that take place in space, or help you plan for the voyage.
See what made the bestseller's list this month in _The New York Times_. First up are the top ten fiction print titles and then followed by the top non-fiction books.
Here are some titles set in the sunniest season!
These aren't your garden variety books. Check them out for inspiration!
Love history and fiction? Take a look at these selections.
You can't judge a book by it's cover or it's page count. Take a look at these novels you might just be able to finish in a day.
Have fun getting in on the ground floor by exploring these debut authors.
Summer lifestyles up and down the East Coast.
This is a list of a few books with star in the titles. Can you find more? > “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.“ > – Theodore Roosevelt
Get lost in a new place with these novels set around around the world.
Get out of this world and into the realm of tomorrow with these scifi books.
Do you prefer to listen? Our Readers' Advisory staff recommend these titles to sweep you away.
When you want to learn something new, a non-fiction book won't let you down. No fantasy allowed!
A few of our favorite titles published so far this year.
June is Audiobook Month, so let’s celebrate by listening to books from your favorite authors and narrators. You can check out audiobooks at the Library or borrow [**e-Audiobooks**](https://dar.to/2pI6UOM) through our website. We've compiled our [**favorite audiobooks**](https://dar.to/2Kpsy4M) to inspire you. Happy summer and happy listening! ### Jill "If you liked _[**The Art Forger**]( ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in July.
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in August.
How is it possible that the dog days of summer are right around the corner? Didn’t summer just start yesterday? Where does the time go? It must be all of the summer reading we have been doing that is making time pass so quickly. Speaking of summer reading, don’t forget to participate in our [**Reach For The Stars**](https://dar.to/2si2244) Adult Summer Reading program. One lucky patron has alr ...
Why does it always feel like summer goes by faster than the other seasons? Probably because you are so busy having fun! August days conjure up images of summer carnivals, day trips to the beach, barbecues, farmers’ markets, crickets, fireflies, and vacations. As the last days of August approach, we hope you hold on to the beauty that summer still has to offer by enjoying a good book at the beach, ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in September.
There are a number of nonfiction books that detail the facts around a caregiver's experience, but sometimes you want to understand the lifestyle via a story. Here is a list of novels where caretaking is the underlying theme for compelling plots.
**_"Fall"_** into a good book and / or movie with one of these new titles coming out in October!
In September, we start to think about fall colors. Here at the Library, it also means we are picking up the pace on programs we offer for kids, teens, and adults. To learn what’s going on, we invite you to visit our website to subscribe to additional [**newsletters**](https://dar.to/2pZuw14). ### Jill Karin Slaughter’s newest addition to her Will Trent series,[**_The Last Widow_**](https://dar ...
Prepare for some marathon reading because November is full of some fantastic new titles that will make you want to curl up next to a roaring fire and escape into a book.
We can’t help falling in love with all the new books coming out this month. You can expect great things from bestselling authors like [Jojo Moyes](https://dar.to/2MltB6r), [John Grisham](https://dar.to/2nPCBar), and [Nelson Demille](https://dar.to/2Bhvafp). But you also won’t want to miss out on some newcomers to the adult literary field like _**[Ninth House](https://dar.to/2MxygRA)**_ by Leigh Ba ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in December.
The air is nippy, the leaves are gone, and it’s beginning to really feel like winter. It’s that time of year where you just want to cozy up at home and hibernate with a good book. Lucky for you, there are a ton of new releases coming out during the next few weeks that will have you enjoying these long winter nights. In addition, you might want to check out the wonderful suggestions from our librar ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in January.
What a great decade of books! It would be hard for us to decide our favorites so we put together a list of the twenty most popular items checked out over the past ten years. Starting in 2010, below you'll find the two most checked out fiction titles by year.
What a great decade of books! It would be hard for us to decide our favorites so we put together a list of the twenty most popular items checked out over the past ten years. Starting in 2010, below you'll find the two most checked out non-fiction titles by year.
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in February.
Happy New Year, everyone! The idea of embarking on a new decade has all of us at the Library aiming high with our New Year’s reading resolutions. Luckily for us, 2020 has already produced some great new titles like **_[Dear Edward](https://dar.to/2swowBh)_** by Ann Napolitano, **_[Such a Fun Age](https://dar.to/2u4KxHP)_** by Kiley Reid, and **_[Brother & Sister](https://dar.to/36ZzMVv)_** by Dian ...
Here are some of the new books and movies you can look forward to in March.
Good News! Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day so we’re in for an early spring! What’s on your spring reading lineup? There are a number of exciting upcoming titles, including great thrillers, with which to usher in the warmer weather. Chris Bohjalian brings us **_[The Red Lotus](https://dar.to/38QQ4ks)_**, Greer Hendricks has written **_[You Are Not Alone](https://dar.to/2 ...
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.
These past weeks have been unprecedented. We have experienced cancellations of events, closures of stores and offices, and empty shelves in the grocery store. Also, we’ve embraced a new concept--social distancing! During these challenging days, it’s helpful to show kindness and share gestures of goodwill towards one another. There is some good news….spring is here! You can hear it in the sounds ...
Here are some downloadable Historical Fiction books.
Do you enjoy a good thriller/suspense novel. Here are a few of our favorites available on Hoopla and Overdrive for Libby.
These intriguing memoirs will capture your attention!
Looking for a good read? Check out the library staff picks!
Some of our favorite literary fiction books available to download.
Laughter can be the best medicine during these extraordinary times.
The "first in a series" gets you set up for a killer mystery read!
These hot romance e-Books will add pleasure to your reading life!
Welcome to our second edition of our weekly **[Note to Shelf](https://dar.to/34aBMJe)**. We hope everyone is well. What an unusual time we are experiencing! Even those of us who relish our quiet time may miss the day-to-day interaction with people. Skype, Facetime and WhatsApp certainly help but there is a lot of time to fill. We suppose you could take the opportunity to do a **[Marie Kondo](https ...
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 ...
Sometimes you are just in the mood for something a bit on the lighter side and from a woman's perspective.
This might be the right time to revisit the classics.
Enjoy these high octane reads filled with intrigue, conspiracy, espionage, near death experiences, hide and seek games, car chases, dead bodies and lots of excitement!
Looking for an escape into a different world or just a little of magic? Either way we have the book for you. Check out our collection of science fiction & fantasy titles.
Darien Library continues to shower their patrons with a multitude of on-line resources during these trying times. E-books, movies, magazines, as well as virtual programs provide a welcome respite from the continued news on the pandemic. The Library just launched its latest offering - **[Book Matchmaker Express](https://dar.to/3c3VDNN)**! This innovative online tool connects participants with a ...
You need to stand out from the crowd of applicants. Check your resume and cover letter against these books to make sure you're ready to make a great first impression.
Breadmaking is all the rage during the pandemic. If you're looking for new techniques or just starting out, these e-Books will help get you started!
It's time to think about the Great Outdoors and your garden.
April is National Poetry Month explore some of the worlds leading poets. Enjoy these e-Books to celebrate the reading of poetry.
True life accounts you can enjoy on e-Books and e-Audios.
Let’s celebrate Libraries! National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Susan Orleans wrote in her 2018 book, **_[The Library Book](https://dar.to/34HSukh)_**, “Libraries are what is best about us as a society: open, exciting, rich, informative, free, inclusi ...
While we continue to work from home, we send all the best and hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! If you’re tired of binge watching, or have re-read every book in your favorite series, why not visit some fun websites to help you pass the time? Learn a new language via **[Mango](https://dar.to/3eKldtr)** or **_[Duolingo](https://dar.to/3eJpi0N)_** and wow your friends and family! Check out ...
Can you believe it, we are officially seven weeks into quarantine and we don’t know about you but, somehow our “to be read” pile of books keeps bigger every day. [Hoopla](https://dar.to/2n4vBol) and [Libby by Overdrive](https://dar.to/2rwHAsg) have been the gifts that keep on giving. Through these apps, we have discovered hidden gems of books or revisited our favorite classics. In addition to all ...
It's time to start getting our vegetables and flowers planted to enjoy this summer.
May is **[Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://dar.to/2WoRQEJ)** so join us in celebrating their rich heritages. Whether through literature, art, music or culinary delights, enjoy our Just for Fun section which will take you on a journey which shares the myriad of ways we have been enriched! And check out what are our librarians reading this month! All of these titles a ...
Our world as we know it has changed, but what hasn’t changed is our natural world! Nature awakens in May with the first tree buds turning into leaves, and flowering lilac bushes explode with a sweet, fragrant scent that fills the warm May air. Life returns to our gardens too. The perennials begin to sprout up from the soil and it’s time to pull on our gardening gloves, dig out the shovel, and plan ...
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! First, we’d like to take a moment to recognize, honor, and celebrate those in the military who gave their lives for our country. We thank you for the freedom your service has provided us. It allows us to enjoy this weekend, and honor those who have sacrificed for this country. Traditionally, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer. The white jean ...
Happy June! June is Audiobook Month, the perfect time to celebrate the many ways audiobooks make it possible to combine our love of reading with our favorite summer activities such as gardening, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking in the great outdoors, and driving to vacation destinations. Audiobooks are fun! They bring print books to life with music, sound effects, and character voices; they’re i ...
Recommended reading for anyone looking to deepen their anti-racism work.
Here's a varied list of non-fiction books. There's something of interest for everyone.
Powerful stories of strong people.
We know this has been a tough few weeks. At Darien Library, our mission is to enrich, educate, and inform our community. We are here to assist you and your families as we make sense of the current unrest. The Library has created resources for **[children](https://dar.to/2U12Dof)**, **[teens](https://dar.to/300rGeF)**, and **[adults](https://dar.to/2U8DqrK)** on racial and social justice. We encour ...
The Pride parades are cancelled, but you can still celebrate by curling up with a good LGBTQIA novel.
Pride is here! While we won't be able to gather at Pride in the Park this June, we're still committed to celebrating Pride month with you in a variety of ways. First, we encourage you to check out our **[diverse collection of books](https://dar.to/30x8AgB)** that celebrate LGBTQ+ lives. This collection lets some of our readers see themselves represented, and empowers allies to educate themselves t ...
Check out some of the books our staff are loving this summer.
We are excited to invite you to join us for another year of Adult Summer Reading. Our theme is "It's Always Time For A Good Book" and once again, our program challenges you to explore a variety of books while earning the chance to win fun prizes. This year, you now have the option to participate in the program online or you can pick-up a game card at the Welcome Desk. More information on summer re ...
Some of recently retired Library Director Alan Kirk Gray's top picks!
Can you believe we’re halfway through July? As noted in the Farmer’s Almanac, July is the hottest month of the year; thunderstorms are nearly as abundant as ants at a picnic! Our warm summer days make it the perfect time to celebrate National Ice Cream month. Does your favorite flavor line up with your state’s? **[Check here to discover if it does.](https://dar.to/3fcEHXy)** We are excited to ...
Please join the [**celebration**](https://dar.to/3gwh6kH) on Thursday, July 30th from 2 to 4 p.m. in our courtyard, to honor our Library Director, Alan Kirk Gray, who is retiring at the end of this month. Alan was integral in developing and overseeing the construction of our state-of-the-art, LEED certified building. He is now looking forward to the next chapter in his life. This edition’s feature ...
Sometimes it feels like the dog days of August will never end—but eventually, of course, the heat tapers off. Have you ever wondered why the hot, sultry days of summers are called “dog days”? It has nothing to do with our canine friends. To the ancient Greeks and Romans, the hottest phase of summer was attributed to heat coming from the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. Sirius is part of th ...
It’s not a rumor. The Darien Library is open. If you are a bibliophile, like many of us, you will be happy to learn that our shelves are filling up each week with brand new books. There is nothing that makes us happier than hearing a patron exclaim, “You’re open… I need a book recommendation!” We love connecting you with the right book at the right time. Oh, and many of us have been on a huge ...
Women rock! This past week we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. It granted women the right to vote. However, not all women gained full rights. Further court cases continued and cumulating with the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
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.
Here are some of the new books released in April.
Here are some of the new books released in May.
Summer is here, so it's the perfect time to lounge on your beach chair to enjoy a good beach read!
Check out some great books on Keira's Fall reading list!
September brings with it cooler nights and, this week, a meet-and-greet-with our new director, Kiera Parrott. Stop by the courtyard on **[Thursday, September 17th](https://dar.to/2YxtwCa)** between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to say hello and enjoy a special treat. Get to know Kiera by browsing through a **[list of titles](https://dar.to/2FkHeS9)** she's looking forward to reading this fall. We’re also ...
Here are some of the titles released in August.
Here are some of the new book releases in July 2020.
There is nothing better than a good book when the days start to get shorter and the weather gets chillier. Luckily, there are a ton of new releases coming out in October to help ease the transition into fall.
Another entire season has already slipped by in these unusual times. Autumn officially began on September 22nd, the autumnal equinox, when day and night were each about 12 hours long. But before the chill of winter comes, there’s still time to enjoy the beautiful weather and changing leaves—especially as the summer’s prolonged warm temperatures are predicted to delay peak fall foliage. According ...
Check out all of the book that made the _New York Times_ bestseller list in October. The first ten books are fiction and the second set are non-fiction. Please let us know if we can put something on hold for you!
Here are some of the new books being releases in November 2020.
Ah! November is here with its crisp air, foliage ablaze in rich hues, and mellowing days that have become shorter but are just as precious. As we savor walking in this cool air, hearing the crunch of leaves beneath our feet and enjoying the smell of smoke from fireplaces, we can breathe in the landscape of autumnal beauty. “Autumn is like a glorious woman rich in wisdom and beauty, joyous in her s ...
Since 1950 the National Book Awards have been given to recognize the best writing in America. These are some of the winners for 2020.
We've made it to the end of 2020! With a tough year closing out, we're looking forward to reading in the new year. But first, what awaits us in publishing this month?
Without a doubt, 2020 has been a year unlike any other and it will probably go down as one of the worst in a good long while. But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been joy. As we head into the heart of the holiday season, we want to end the year on a high note and celebrate some inspiring stories from the past 12 months. We met heroes such as 15-year-old [**Valerie Xu**](http://dar.to/36RlcSw), ...
We don't know about you but winter gives us an excuse to stay inside and do some reading. Check out all of the new titles coming out this month that you will help you get through the cold winter nights.
We challenge you to make your first resolution to be to indulge in some self-care! Our Readers' Advisory staff selected our top books to help rejuvenate your mind and get you off to a great start in the new year.
We recognize that 2020 was a challenging year for the majority of us. Yet in the midst of it all, there were silver linings to be found. For instance, this past year has given many of us the opportunity to learn the benefits of technology. Some of us have become proficient with virtual meetings, others have enjoyed online programming fun, and many have become experts at downloading an e-Book or e- ...