June 10th through August 5th

This year, we are serving up a food-themed summer reading program for you to devour! You'll want to order everything on this menu, from our scrumptious reading challenge to renown author talks to catered book pairings by our Librarians, there is something for everyone to feast upon!

How to Play

Sign up on June 10th and play through August 5th. Record all your activities on Beanstack to win epic raffle prizes to savor.

Prizes

This year’s prizes include a decadent cooking class, a delicious home chef-catered meal, a charitable donation to Person to Person, and our grand prize is a Le Creuset Sauteuse to make your next delicious meal in.

All prizes come with a new book pairing! Play online.

Are you hungry for a good book yet? Good luck and happy reading!

Where do I sign up?

Create or log in to your account on the Beanstack app or online and register for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

What are my prizes for signing up?

After you have registered your account, come to the Welcome Desk to pick up your Darien Library sunglasses—they've very "Risky Business" stylish! You'll also receive your choice of an Advanced Reader Copy book.

What types of activities can I do?

Your Summer Reading activities can be completed by reading physical books, e-Books, listening to audiobooks, or joining us for a Library event.

Record each book or activity on Beanstack when you complete a challenge.

How do I use my raffle tickets?

• Record your activities through your Beanstack account and enter your raffle tickets for the prizes of your choice! Ask a Librarian if you need help with Beanstack.
• All activities (called badges on Beanstack) must be completed by August 5th to be eligible for the raffle drawings.

How do I win prizes?

• Sign up for Adult Summer Reading and receive fun prizes to be picked up at the Welcome Desk.
• Play Book Bingo on Beanstack and every activity you complete earns you one raffle ticket to enter to win a delectable prize of your choice!
• When you complete four activities in a row (across, down, or diagonal), you are then entered into our grand prize drawing for a Le Creuset Signature Round Sauteuse with a new book pairing.
• If you complete every activity on your Bingo card, you will receive a bonus entry for the grand prize!

Author Event: Renato Poliafito, Dolci!

In conversation with Casey Elsass

Tuesday, July 16th at 7 p.m.

Kick-off Summer Reading with a sweet evening with cookbook author Renato Poliafito. Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome the James Beard Award–nominee Poliafito to discuss Dolci! His book features molto delizioso baked goods from both sides of the Atlantic.

Poliafito will converse with esteemed food writer, Casey Elsass. Don't miss this delightful evening for all food enthusiasts.

POSTPONED: Ruth Reichl, The Paris Novel

Foodies, fashion, and fiction fans: are you ready for a "mouthwatering” (New York Times) adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980's Paris? Darien Library, along with Barrett Bookstore, welcomes author Ruth Reichl who will discuss her new book, The Paris Novel.

The book is a feast for the senses and is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.

Unfortunately, this event has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date shortly!

Family Night Bingo!

Sunday, June 23rd at 5:30 p.m.

Kick off Summer Reading with a fun night of Bingo! Win tasty treats and enjoy an evening with our bookish community! All ages are welcomed to play.

Monday Night Movie: "Julie & Julia"

Monday, July 1st at 6:30 p.m.

Author Julie Powell shared her journey of making Julia Child's recipes and in the process, transformed her life and introduced a new generation to the magic of French cooking.

Daytime Readers Book Group: Black Cake

Tuesday, July 9th at 11 a.m.

Feast on a great read with us as we devour Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake. Two siblings delve into their mother’s hidden past—and how it all connects to her traditional Caribbean black cake.

Book Chat on Main Street

Thursday, July 18th at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this casual hour of sharing your favorite books. This month, we'll discuss books related to our Summer Reading theme of food with cookbooks and recipes.

Summer Reading: Book Swap

Wednesday, July 24th at 10 a.m.

Book Swap, more like Book Tasting! Sample a variety of genres and authors, just like a gourmet buffet, to find your next favorite read! Come to our Book Swap and exchange your used books for something new to you and take home all your chosen literary leftovers to enjoy later.

Monday Night Movie: "Chocolat"

Monday, August 5th at 6:30 p.m.

Vianne creates mouth-watering confections that almost magically inspire the straitlaced villagers to abandon themselves to temptation and happiness. When a handsome Irish Roma arrives in town, Vianne is finally able to recognize her own desires.