From the Director
Dear Friends,
One of the things I love about being a librarian is that every day is different—you never know who is going to walk through the doors and how the day may unfold. At our Welcome Desk, community members stop to chat about what they’re reading and to fill us in on their lives. Little ones skip joyfully into the Children’s Library, eager to attend storytime. Our reference librarians assist community members on a wide variety of topics—from job searching to genealogical research to tax help. There are regular patrons who, for one reason or another, are unable to venture outside, so they call our librarians to chat for a few minutes each week and get a bit of human connection. At the HelpDesk, patrons get hands-on guidance on everything from iPhone apps to photo editing. Throughout the school year, our Teen Lounge—as well as almost every available working space on each floor!—is filled with high school students studying for exams and collaborating on projects. Then there’s the volume and rich variety of programs offered each week.
This past year, Darien Library hosted 1,260 free events. One of the most heart-warming and well-attended new initiatives was the debut of Lit Tree Lane, a literary-themed holiday celebration that began the Friday after Thanksgiving and lasted through January 2. Over 500 people came out for the opening party to see the meticulously decorated holiday trees. Throughout the month, hundreds more community members stopped by to stroll Lit Tree Lane and vote for their favorites.
Public libraries are unique institutions. We are not motivated by profitability, ideology, or politics. Our aim is simply— and powerfully—to keep our community educated, informed, entertained, and connected. The Library is a place where people of all ages and stages come together to learn, explore ideas, play, craft, and meet their neighbors.
None of this would be possible without the Friends of Darien Library. Donations are the sole source of funding for all of our books, digital materials, research databases, technology, programs for all ages, and capital improvements. Our longstanding partnership with the Town of Darien, in the form of an annual grant from the Board of Selectmen, funds the salaries and benefits for our exemplary staff as well as the annual maintenance of the Library building and grounds. We are so grateful for the support of our taxpayers, elected officials, and our generous donors. You truly fuel the heart of Darien! As you’ll see in the following pages, it has been a fantastic year, filled with creative new programs, initiatives, and high usage. From all of us here at the Library: thank you for making it all possible. I look forward to seeing you in the Library soon!
With Hope and Gratitude,
Kiera Parrott
Director
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