Darien Library is ranked as one of the top 10 public libraries in the country for its size, according to Hennen's American Public Library Rating. Darien Library holds itself to the highest possible standard of customer service. We pride ourselves on providing a fulfilling and enriching experience to all who visit us either in person or on the web. We consider hospitality to be a core component in all we do and always look forward to seeing you at the library.
One third of our operating budget comes from donations. All of our books, movies, computers, magazines, books on CD, information resources, and programs are paid for by private donors. By becoming a Friend of the Library, you are supporting the purchasing of new materials and programs.
Watch the trailer for Darien Library: The Great Good Place to learn more about us.
Save the Date for our 9th annual Darien Library Mini Golf event! Players of all ages will putt their way through the Library on an 18-hole miniature golf course and enjoy a free hot chocolate, courtesy of Michael Joseph's Catering. Purchase your…
Read More »The Winter 2024 Storytime Lottery is now open! This winter we are hosting our popular registered storytimes. Attendance at these events is determined through a lottery with a two-week signup period between Monday, January 8th through Monday,…
Read More »Hello, Americantowns! This year brings a new look to our Note to Shelf emails. From one reader to another, we wish you a very Happy New Year filled with exciting new chapters. Are you ready to begin your 2024 reading journey? Join our Winter…
Read More »Darien Library and Sterling Care present Safety First: Building a Go Bag for Peace of Mind. From a sudden medical emergency to a natural disaster, it’s important to be prepared! Join us on Thursday, January 11th at 10 a.m. for as Nationally…
Read More »Percy Jackson Party Friday, January 26th at 4 p.m. Celebrate the finale of the new Percy Jackson TV series with a party at Darien Library. We will have blue snacks, trivia, crafts, games, and more to enjoy as we discuss all things Greek Mythology.…
Read More »Join us on Saturday, January 6th for a series of special activities for children and families at our annual McGraw Family Day! Sing along at a live performance with Kate and Jake Goldbas at 11 a.m. and enjoy crafts and games after the concert.…
Read More »Don't miss your last chance to celebrate the holidays with Darien Library's Lit Tree Lane. Enjoy this festive celebration of holiday trees, each one representing a beloved book and decorated by local community members. The trees will remain on…
Read More »Darien Library invites you to join us in our first ever Winter Reading Challenge starting December 18th and running through February 26th. It’s easy to play and there is something for everyone! Whether you want to cozy up with a good book…
Read More »Monday Night Movie: "Fremont" Monday, 12/18 at 6:30 p.m. Community Room Tech Help Tuesdays Tuesday, 12/19 at 2 p.m. Research Room Wrap and Yap 2023 Tuesday, 12/19 at 6 p.m. Conference Room Holiday Author Event: Every Cocktail Has a Twist!…
Read More »Daytime Readers Book Group Tuesday, 12/12 at 11 a.m. Small Conference Room Tech Help Tuesdays Tuesday, 12/12 at 2 p.m. Research Room Women and Money Roundtable: How to Make Sense of Today's Financial Markets Wednesday, 12/13 at 1 p.m.…
Read More »DIY Teens: Levitating Lanterns Wednesday, December 27th at 4 p.m. Let your scientific side shine with this DIY STEM levitating lantern craft! Make a lantern that appears to defy gravity and light up your room with your own personal touch. Choose…
Read More »Attention foodies! Darien Library welcomes acclaimed author, award-winning restauranteur, and celebrity chef Eric Ripert, in conversation with Dorothy Kalins about his new book, Seafood Simple: A Cookbook. Come join us on Wednesday, 11/29 at 7 p.m.…
Read More »Your insider's guide to the items our librarians are loving or in some cases — not loving — at the moment. Jump to... - Staff Reviews - New Books This Month - November Spotlight Hello, Americantowns! November marks the end of…
Read More »Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that's all about love, comfort, and delicious Italian-American recipes? Look no further! Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore are thrilled to host Dan "Grossy" Pelosi and his amazing mother, Jackie, on…
Read More »The President of the Darien Library Board of Trustees invites you to a fascinating exploration of the right to free expression in the United States on Tuesday, November 7th at 7 p.m. Led by guest speaker Beau Breslin, we’ll examine the words…
Read More »UPCOMING EVENTS LEGO Free Play Mondays, 4 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of free play where you can build with LEGOs to your heart's content. We provide the LEGO pieces and you can provide the imagination. Ages 5 to 12. Children under the age of…
Read More »Calling all true crime fans! Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore are excited to welcome award-winning author Sarah Weinman to discuss her new book, In Evidence of Things Seen. Cast light on 14 unknown stories and explore the future of the true…
Read More »Darien Library, The Garden Club of Darien, and Barrett Bookstore, are proud to present author Lindsey Taylor. She joins us on Thursday, October 26th at 10:30 a.m. to talk about her new and gorgeous book, Art in Flower: Finding Inspiration in Art and…
Read More »Darien Library is excited to welcome Princeton University's oldest a cappella ensemble and the fifth oldest collegiate group in the country: The Nassoons. For over 65 years, the Nassoons have been touring domestically and internationally, and Darien…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Darien Library News - October 9, 2023"
Read More »Darien Library is so excited to host Michael Alimo on Wednesday, October 11th at 7 p.m. for "Building a Lasting Legacy: Essential Estate and Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement," a course on how you can protect your hard-earned resources for the…
Read More »Note: We will be closed on Monday, October 9th in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day. If you need help registering for a program, email us or call us at 203-669-5235. Upcoming Events LEGO Free Play Mondays, October 2nd, 16th,…
Read More »Make Your Own Guacamole! Wednesday, October 11th at 3 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making delicious and authentic guacamole, led by Ms. Maria from our very own Children's Library! We will supply all of the ingredients, so come…
Read More »Caught the Pickleball Bug? Join us on Wednesday, September 27th at 7 p.m. for a special talk by Stamford Health on how to play safely and avoid Pickleball-related injuries on the court and off! Events Calendar Events for Adults Monday Night…
Read More »National Hispanic Heritage Month begins this week on September 15th and runs through October 15th. The intention of beginning a heritage month on the 15th of the month is significant for many. September 15th is the anniversary of independence for…
Read More »Open House this Sunday, September 17th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meet your friendly neighborhood Librarians and learn about the special events, resources, and programs that are available to you at Darien Library. Events Calendar Events for…
Read More »Learn the ins-and-outs of Darien Library on Sunday, September 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. for our Open House and join us later that day at 5:30 p.m. for the Annual Meeting of the Friends of Darien Library. Events Calendar Events for Adults Author…
Read More »Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome Kate Storey, author of White House by the Sea: A Century of the Kennedys at Hyannis Port. Swing by on Sunday, September 10th at 3 p.m. for an illuminating afternoon of history, family, and an American…
Read More »UPCOMING EVENTS Little Artists: Doughnuts Wednesdays, September 6th, 4 p.m. Become an artist this hands-on project with Miss Maria! Caregivers may need to provide some hands-on assistance with their child's projects. Ages 3 to 6. Team STEAM…
Read More »Teen Lounge Back to School Party! September 5th through September 7th from 3-5 p.m. Calling all 6th – 12th graders! Are you new to the area or new to middle school? Or do you just want to hang out and see what the Teen Lounge is all about?…
Read More »The Whiffenpoofs Tuesday, August 29, 2023,4:00pm - 5:00pm 114 years after their founding, The Yale Whiffenpoofs make their ‘23-‘24 season debut at Darien Library, singing a mix of classic and contemporary favorites! The Whiffenpoofs,…
Read More »Dive into history and discover the true story of J. Robert Oppenheimer at our special screening of the award-winning 1981 documentary: "The Day After Trinity." We'll be playing the movie on Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. …
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Darien Library News - August 14, 2023"
Read More »Indulge in the playful this week with an all-star cast at the Summer Reading Movie Night: "Night at the Museum" film showing. We'll be playing the movie on Wednesday, August 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the Library parking lot. Register to save your spot.…
Read More »A bouquet of dahlias each week. Darien Library is partnering with Bear Creek Farm again to bring award-winning dahlias to you through their farm share in September! These dahlias are an exhilarating array of vibrant blooms and come in an…
Read More »Now Available: Darien Times Darien Library is excited to share that at-home access to the Darien Times newspaper is now available to Darien Library cardholders. The online version looks just like the printed one you would receive at home! How to…
Read More »What are some of the most pristine and glorious public and private gardens in Connecticut? Author Caryn B. Davis will share photos and stories on gardens of all kinds. Discover the work of legendary figures like Frederick Law Olmsted, Gertrude…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Events for Teens at Darien Library - August 2023"
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "This Week at Darien Library from July 22 - 30, 2023"
Read More »Meet Local Author: Laurence Jurdem Teddy Roosevelt's rapid rise to the U.S. presidency would not have occurred without the support of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Laurence Jurdem, Ph.D.'s book, The Rough Rider and the Professor, explores how…
Read More »Do you know the story behind this Connecticut castle? Author Stasha Healy does! She has compiled 84 fascinating places and stories in her book, Secret Connecticut: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Join us to hear some of those unusual…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Darien Library News - July 10, 2023"
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About "This Week At Darien Library: July 1 - July 9,…
Read More »UPCOMING EVENTS Coloring Club Mondays, 10:30 a.m. We will provide coloring sheets, colored pencils, crayons, and some relaxing tunes. We can't wait to see what you create! Ages 3 and up with caregiver. No registration required. 3D Collage…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Darien Library News - June 28, 2023"
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About Events for Teens at Darien Library - June 2023
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "This Week At Darien Library: June 24 - July 2, 2023"
Read More »June 20th - August 13th In this year's Summer Reading program at Darien Library, your summer is booked with fun for all ages. Summer reading is for everyone! You can register online or use paper logs to track your reading. The more you read, the…
Read More »Saturday, June 17th through Sunday, June 25th Kick off Adult Summer Reading with an evening of thrills! Bestselling psychological suspense author Wendy Walker will chat about her explosive new book, What Remains, with fellow bestselling suspense…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "This Week At Darien Library - June 10 - June 18, 2023"
Read More »Ready to use Darien Library on the go? Download the new Darien Library catalog app! Find it in the App Store & Google Play by searching for Darien Library. You can search the catalog; manage your borrows, holds, and lists; and more. App Store…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "This Week At Darien Library - June 3 - June 11, 2023"
Read More »The Library will be closed on Monday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. If you need help registering for a program, email us or call us at 203-669-5235 UPCOMING EVENTS LEGO Free Play Mondays, June 5th and 12th, 4 p.m. Join us for…
Read More »Tie Dye Summer Kickoff Wednesday, June 21st at 1pm Nothing says summer like tie dye! Stop by the Courtyard and let your creative side shine. We will provide one tee shirt per teen, but feel free to bring your own white clothes to add to the fun!…
Read More »It's entertaining season! Are you ready to become the most stylish host you can be? With Ted Kennedy Watson and Susanna Salk, you're covered. Join us for a virtual conversation with two all-star designers who will show you creative ways to pull off…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Celebrate Darien Library On Our 129th Anniversary"
Read More »Join us in celebrating Darien Library's 129th anniversary on 1894 Day! On Wednesday, May 24th, we will launch our Fifth Annual Day of Giving. We'll have exclusive giveaways for every donor, balloon art, face painting, an ice cream truck, and…
Read More »Get outside with the Children's Library! Enjoy the fresh air, sing songs, dance, play, and listen to a story with your little ones in our upcoming outdoor storytimes. Parents, caregivers, and children ages birth to 18 months are invited to our…
Read More »Meet music history's ultimate power couple: Robert and Clara Schumann. When Robert could no longer perform his virtuosic works, Clara — widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the century — was both his muse and interpreter. …
Read More »May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a national celebration honoring the contributions, legacy, and cultural impact of Asian American and Pacific Islanders throughout American history. This yearly celebration encompasses a…
Read More »At Harvard University in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cecilia Payne, Annie Jump Cannon, and a group of women known as the “Harvard Computers” overcame prejudice, denigration, and opposition to change the course of modern…
Read More »Monday Night Movie: "Turn Every Page" Monday, May 1st at 6:30 p.m. Community Room Writer Robert Caro, at the age of 86, is working to finish the final volume of his opus: The Years of Lyndon Johnson. His longtime editor, Robert Gottlieb, 91, is…
Read More »Children's Library Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Library will be closed on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day. If you need help registering for a…
Read More »What's better than an outdoor concert on a beautiful spring evening? Stop by the Courtyard to hear the musical stylings of the Jake Goldbas Quartet, whose soulful sounds will bring new life to songs you know and love. Bring your family and…
Read More »In 1889, renowned environmentalist John Muir and editor Robert Underwood Johnson ventured to Yosemite Valley to discover a shocking vision of a once-beautiful landscape: predatory mining, tourism, and logging made the environment unrecognizable. …
Read More »Click here to View the Information About This Week At Darien Library - April 7, 2023
Read More »Saturday, April 1st through Sunday, April 9th Discover a new way to garden! Educator and farmer Mark Gostkiewics will share the magic of no-till gardening and sustainable organic practices that will make gardening a joy for the whole family.…
Read More »Feeling lucky? Join us for a game of chance! Left Center Right is a fun and fast-paced dice game. At tables for four players, each player starts with six chips. Players roll the dice to determine where they pass their chips, going left, right,…
Read More »It's planting season! Start gardening with new seeds from Darien Library. The Seed Library is back open on Friday, March 17th! Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore your green thumb, our Seed Library offers you…
Read More »What makes a song "work?" Listen and learn with Gil Harel! Gil will discuss the origin of the "Lied" (Art Song), which flourished in the 19th century in the very capable hands of composers such as Franz Schubert and Gustav Mahler. He will then…
Read More »Saturday, March 11th through Sunday, March 19th Did you know that Vermont has six seasons? Take a sweet and savory tour through them all with celebrity chef Gesine Bullock-Prado, author of My Vermont Table, and Barrett Bookstore's Page…
Read More »Darien Library is proud to present a powerful and thought-provoking staged reading. Former Darien High School English teachers Nancy Herman and Linda Sorensen created Words from the Front, a one-act performance, from a collection of actual text…
Read More »Tiny Food Explorers Tuesday, March 7th, 11 a.m. Come and explore new flavors and textures with a registered dietitian while playing games all about food! Participants will make yummy snack in this engaging class. Ages 3 to 5 with caregiver. …
Read More »Kristen Orth Knowledge and Learning Services Librarian Darien Library March is Women’s History Month in the United States, an opportunity to recognize and honor the ways women have shaped the nation and its culture. Formal recognition…
Read More »If you need help registering for a program, email us or call us at 203-655-1234 Registration is a lottery. Register using the links below or by clicking Darien Library - Storytime Lottery Each child can participate in one registered program…
Read More »DIY Teens: Crochet Cute Critters Wednesday, March 8th at 4 p.m. Have you wanted to learn how to crochet but don’t know how to begin? Come to the Library to crochet a cute animal following easy instructions, leave with beginner crochet…
Read More »Say hello to Darien Library's newest collection! Darien Library is proud to announce a new and exciting collection of accessible items for people with visual, reading, and physical disabilities. As of today, Darien Library is officially a hub…
Read More »Could your home use some decluttering? Learn how to make space for yourself and your happiness with author and decluttering expert Tracy McCubbin! She'll share her seven-step process as outlined in her book, Make Space For Happiness. Learn how…
Read More »Looking for a fun activity to do with the whole family during Winter Break? Sign up for one of our Family Movie Night Boxes! Each box includes: movie Bingo cards, a popcorn recipe card, yummy microwaveable popcorn, family discussion questions, and…
Read More »Your insider's guide to the items our librarians are loving or in some cases — not loving — at the moment. Jump to... -Staff Reviews -New Books This Month February Spotlight Hello, Americantowns! February is the shortest month…
Read More »Are you looking to retire soon, but not sure how taxes will impact you? Learn how effective planning and timing can alter the outcome of your retirement, current tax law, potential changes to tax law, the effects of inflation, and strategies to…
Read More »Uncovering the History of Seneca Village with Sara Cedar Miller Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m. Community Room Did you know that the first and largest community of Black landowners in New York City was located within what we know of today as…
Read More »Mini Golf is back! Putt your way through the Library on an 18-hole miniature golf course. Join us on Saturday, February 11th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 12th from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A face painter will be at the Library from 11 a.m.…
Read More »Kiera Parrott Director Darien Library February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926, when…
Read More »Valentine's Day Party & Anti-Valentine's Day Party Tuesday, February 14th at 4:00 P.M. or 5:00 P.M. Do you prefer to celebrate Valentine's Day like Enid or Wednesday? We're hosting two programs back-to-back for whichever way you want to…
Read More »How do writers get their books on the big screen or on streaming services? Best-selling author Carola Lovering and Darien resident Paige Kyle will discuss Carola's book, Tell Me Lies, which has been adapted into an intoxicating drama series on…
Read More »Calling all art lovers! You're invited to the sunny shores of Miami as Darien Library welcomes New York-based art consultant Ronnit Vasserman to deconstruct all that happened at the world-famous Miami Art Week. Art Miami is one of the largest…
Read More »The Storytime Lottery is open! This winter, we are hosting two sessions of our popular registered storytimes. Attendance at these events is determined through a lottery with a two-week signup period between Monday, January 9th through Monday,…
Read More »Darien Library presents a new weekly program: Monday Night at the Movies! The first movie we're featuring is "The Duke," starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. This movie tells the real-life tale of 60-year-old Kempton Bunton, who, in 1961,…
Read More »Children's Library Monthly eBlast: January 2023 Children's Library Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you need help registering for a program, email us or…
Read More »Warmest Wishes for the Holidays from Darien Library Hello! On behalf of the entire staff and Board of Trustees, we would like to thank all of our Friends who have supported the Library this year. Our achievements are the direct result of the…
Read More »Not sure what to do with your winter break? Stop by the Library for a holiday movie marathon! We'll be showing four classic holiday and seasonal films in the Community Room next week from 2 to 4:30 p.m.: Tuesday, 12/27: "An American Tail"…
Read More »Warmest Wishes for the Holidays from Darien Library On behalf of the entire staff and Board of Trustees, we would like to thank all of our Friends who have supported the Library this year. Our achievements are the direct result of the…
Read More »This Week At Darien Library - December 16, 2022 Come enjoy the sounds of the season with professional harpist Eilidh McRae! Pick up some new reads while you take in festive and classical music on Main Street. You may just get into the holiday…
Read More »Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday. Your insider's guide to the items our librarians are loving or in some cases — not loving — at the moment. Jump to... Staff Reviews New Books This Month November Spotlight Hello,…
Read More »It's always a good time to learn some self-defense skills! Learn from Sifu Elliot Leung of Stamford's Club Kung Fu as he teaches students the basics of Women's Self Defense. Learn how to effectively use your hands, elbows, and knees to escape…
Read More »Discover the history behind a well-loved holiday poem. "A Visit from St. Nicholas," the classic poem by Clement C. Moore that many of us know by heart, is celebrating its 200th year! Explore the cultural traditions and customs that Moore drew upon…
Read More »Edible Architecture Tuesday, December 20th at 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Bring your family (or a group of friends!) to this holiday program where you can collaborate on building the gingerbread structure of your dreams. Gingerbread, decorations, and…
Read More »Upcoming Events Sew Much Fun: Jane Austen Edition Thursday, December 8th at 4 p.m. In honor of Jane Austen's birthday families are invited to create lavender sachets using basic sewing techniques. For this project, kids are required to have an…
Read More »Have some festive fun in these holly, jolly programs. Mail Merge with Google Docs – Just in time for the holiday cards! Monday, 12/5 at 10 a.m. Virtual Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem with Author…
Read More »Learn something new about two science topics chosen and presented by our very own Darien High School Science Honor Society students! Next week's Science in the Stacks, a bi-weekly presentation on fascinating science topics, is all about brain…
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