A month of Sundays

My first month at the Darien Library has been amazing! There's been danger, well the threat of a derecho, that just turned out to be a ton of rain. There's been sweat: I have taken over two very active programs: Toddler Tales and Come on Everybody, which is an all ages program. And you’ve guessed it tears: from laughing so hard at reading Mr.and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire by Polly Horvath.

Picture from Good Reads

Story time got colorful as Claire Moore (Assistant Head of Children’s Services) and I performed our version of Pete the Cat: I love my white shoes by Eric Litwin for Storytelling at the Pond, which was rained out(derecho,again)and moved inside.

Picture from Good Reads

I also filmed a video for the library as a way to introduce myself to the community. It can be seen here:

Another highlight was a RA (Reader's Advisory) workshop hosted by the children’s library for the Darien staff, as well as local library professionals. This was a great chance for other departments within Darien library to get a chance to experience and learn about the RA interview that happens in the children’s library and for the local libraries to get together and discuss their methods. Content discussed included the three foundation questions,reading levels, clear communication and the just right book. A fun part of the workshop included the role playing exercises (who can resist the role of kid at the library), that afforded the participants the chance to use their newly acquired skills.


Every staff member has been so welcoming and highly professional. The children's staff have really shown me the ropes this first month. From opening and closing procedures, RA, Early Literacy Ipads, to small things like the location of the restroom (highly important) and the best Whole Foods popcorn.

This month has been jam packed with learning tons of new names, staff and patrons, navigating a wonderful small town and finding my way, not just to the restroom but into the library profession.