Books & Authors
Amy Bloom author novelist

Novelist Amy Bloom Discusses Her New Book at Darien Library Wednesday Evening

By |
Download PDF

Novelist Amy Bloom will be at to Darien Library at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, to discuss her new book, I’ll Be Right Here. Registration is required. The novel, which spans from World War II to the 21st century, tackles the complexity and richness of humanity and the often mysterious ways we live as we love, and hope to be loved in return. — an announcement from Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore

Amy will be in conversation with local writer, Page Berger.

Darien Library
Darien Library General 10-13-17

Highlights and Accomplishments in the Past Five Years at Darien Library

By |
Download PDF

Almost a week before the Darien Library Annual Meeting on Sunday, the library emailed a list of highlights and milestones from the past five years. The list seems to reflect part of what Library Director Kiera Parrott will be discussing at the meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14 with reception on the first floor. Following that, the Annual Meeting takes place the nearby Community Room. The event is expected to end at 7 p.m.

Here’s the list from the email:
Highlights & Accomplishments
Over the past five years, Darien Library has seen a transformation of its infrastructure, collections, and services to meet the current needs of patrons.

Darien Library

Darien Library to Hold Annual Meeting to Elect Trustees, Hear About the Past Year and Future Developments

By |
Download PDF

Friends of the Darien Library, an organization that raises funds for the institution, will hold its annual meeting on Sept. 14 to vote on trustees. The Friends of the Darien Library cordially invite you to the Annual Meeting, where highlights of the past year at the library will be presented by Library Director Kiera Parrott. She will also give “a sneak peek at exciting developments ahead,” an announcement from the library said. If You’re Going …

Business
Score Fairfield County logo thumbnail 5-9-16

From Idea to Launching a Business: SCORE Presents a Five-Week Course at Darien Library Starting Sept 8

By |
Download PDF

SCORE Fairfield County presents its new program, Start Your Business Here, a five-session workshop designed to guide aspiring business owners. — an announcement from Darien Library

Through hands-on activities, workshop participants will actively evaluate their ideas and shape them into a real business through critical thinking and planning exercises covered in the series. This program is tailored to those with a business idea who are seeking guidance and coaching on how to launch their business with the most solid foundation possible. Who should attend? Anyone with a business idea ready to take the next step
First-time entrepreneurs seeking guidance and confidence
Creatives, side-hustlers, and career changers
Retirees and professionals exploring new ventures

Session 1, September 8
These are the topics for the five sessions:

Spark Your Idea.

Darien Library

Music Innovations by the Late, Influential Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys: Lecture on Thursday

By |
Download PDF

Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys, revolutionized 1960s pop music with his innovative compositions, intricate harmonies, and pioneering studio techniques (most notably on the groundbreaking album Pet Sounds). His music is the subject of a lecture by Professor Gil Harel this Thursday evening, Aug. 21, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Wilson’s ability to blend surf rock with sophisticated orchestral arrangements influenced countless artists, from The Beatles to modern indie bands, shaping the evolution of popular music. Despite personal struggles, Wilson’s visionary approach to songwriting and production left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Darien Library 2025
Paige Knox art historian

Art Historian to Discuss ‘Sargent and Paris’ Exhibition, 7 PM, Thursday at Darien Library

By |
Download PDF

Art historian Page Knox will discuss the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s blockbuster summer exhibition, Sargent and Paris at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Knox’s talk explores Sargent’s early years (1874-1884) in Paris, then the center of the art world, where the painter created exquisite paintings from the time of his meteoric rise at the Salon and during his travels to Capri, Spain, and Venice. She will also discuss Sargent’s infamous Madame X.

The Metropolitan’s exhibit is filled with classic Sargent portraits as well as work by colleagues and friends that situate him within the period. About Page Knox
Page Knox is an adjunct professor in the Art History Department of Columbia University, where she received her PhD in 2012. She works contractually in a variety of capacities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art giving public gallery talks and lectures in special exhibitions as well as the permanent collection, teaching classes at the museum, and leading groups for Travel with the Met.

Darien Library
Pope Francis body procession

You Can Watch with Others: Darien Library Will Livestream Coverage Surrounding Pope Francis’ Funeral

By |
Download PDF

Darien Library will open the Community Room from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to show a livestream of coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral from the Vatican News channel on YouTube, the library announced. The funeral will take place before the library opens, starting at 4 a.m., Eastern Time (10 a.m. in Rome) but parts or all of it can be expected to be replayed. The video channel may also show related events, interviews and discussions. The funeral Mass takes place in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning and Masses.

Arts & Entertainment
Open Mic Night 2025 squarish fo home page

Registration Open for Open Mic Night Thursday at Darien Library

By |
Download PDF

See recitation of poetry, play music, or dazzle with any other talent at Darien Library’s Open Mic Night, on Thursday, April 10.. — an announcement from Darien Library

“All ages are welcome to perform or to support our creatives as part of the audience,” the library’s announcement says. The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the library. No registration is required to attend, but anyone who wants to perform is asked to register ahead of time.

Brief Announcements 2025
Darien Library General 10-13-17

Some Online Services at Darien Library Will Be Disrupted on Tuesday, April 1

By |
Download PDF

Darien Library has this short notice posted on its website on Monday, March 31:
“Services Interruption

“On Tuesday, placing holds in the catalog or signing into your account will be temporarily unavailable due to an infrastructure upgrade. “Thank you for your understanding.” So it’s not you, your phone, your laptop, your internet service. It’s an upgrade the library is doing.

Books & Authors
Baking Powder Wars book illustration

Author Talk: Hear About How Great Island Has a Connection to the History of Baking Powder

By |
Download PDF

A fascinating dive into a culinary baking staple and how it relates to Darien’s Great Island! Darien Library welcomes author, Dr. Linda Civitello, who will talk about her book, Baking Powder Wars: The Cutthroat Food Fight that Revolutionized Cooking. Smithsonian magazine named Baking Powder Wars one of the “10 Best Food Books of 2017.” What’s the Great Island connection? In the 1900s, Great Island was the summer home of industrialist William Ziegler, one of the founders of the Royal Baking Powder Company.

Parents & Kids
Childrens Library Darien Library

Programs for Parents and Children Coming to Darien Library in April

By |
Download PDF

These are some of the events Darien Library is offering for children in April:

— an announcement from Darien Library
Registration opens two weeks before any scheduled event requiring registration. If you need help registering for a program, email us or call us at 203-669-5235. NOTE: The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 20, in observance of Easter, and on Friday, April 25, for staff training. Parenting with Intention: For Parents of Little Kids: 4th to 7th Grade
Thursday, April 3, 7 p.m.
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your child’s outbursts and emotions? Does fear of judgment or making mistakes keep you second-guessing your parenting? Are you tired of reacting impulsively instead of responding with calm and clarity?

Talks-Panel Discussions-Presentations-Workshops
Boxes Moving Decluttering

Upgrade Your Spring Cleaning With These Three Talks at Darien Library, All Related to Downsizing

By |
Download PDF

Darien Library is offering three talks related to downsizing on the first three Tuesday evenings in April, the library says, “from tips and tricks for decluttering, to getting the right prize for your property, to deciding where to go next.” — an announcement from Darien Library

Each talk is free, each requires registration and takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. There’s no guarantee you’ll save money, time or your sanity from the advice being offered, but your chances may improve. While on the same general subject, the talks are independent of each other, so you won’t miss anything in the talk or talks you’re attending if you just go to one or two,
Downsizing: What’s My Stuff Worth? Have you ever wondered what your antiques, collectibles, or household items are really worth? In this engaging presentation, a professional auctioneer will demystify the valuation process, explain what determines an item’s value, and share tips on identifying hidden treasures.

Darien Library
Movie poster for Wicked

Something ‘Wicked’ This Way Comes to Darien Library This Monday Night, 6 to 8:45 PM

By |
Download PDF

The movie “Wicked” will be shown Monday, May 24, at Darien Library, starting at 6 p.m. — and it’s a long one, lasting until 8:45 p.m.

— an announcement from Darien Library

Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role – Cynthia Erivo, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Ariana Grande, and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures – Original Score – John Powell & Stephen Schwartz. From the Universal Pictures description of the film:

“Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
If You’re Going …