I'm pleased to welcome you to the website of the New Darien Library.

This is the start of a conversation, between each of you and each one of us, and among all the Library's members.

We've designed the website to have a seamless connection to our catalog in order to allow you to join the conversation by writing reviews of your favorite books, and tagging and rating books, movies, and music.  You can create lists of “best books” that interest you, and share them with others. Discuss events, books and community issues with our staff and the rest of the community.

I've written a number of reviews, and tagged some of my favorite books and movies. Many others have, too. I hope you will do the same, and I look forward to seeing what you think.

We plan to redefine the role public libraries will play in their communities during the twenty-first century, with the construction of a new building that will open in January 2009, by changing services so they work for you, and, as a first step, this new online presence.  We hope you believe the Library is the third important place in your life, after work and home.  We want it to be the heart and intellectual center of our community, and the place where you can meet your friends, discuss your interests, and continue life-long learning and enjoyment.  Our new website is all about community, conversations, connections and the library of the future.  It’s yours, and it's for you!

As a final thought, I hope you'll excuse my pride in pointing out that John Blyberg, Darien Library's Head of Technology and Digital Initiatives, has created our website and the connection to our online catalog using open source software, and at his initiative, we are making it freely available to all libraries, as a contribution to strengthening the role of all libraries in their communities.