Public Services – Darien Answer Book

Where is the library and when is it open?

The Darien Library (655-1234 or 669-5239) recently moved into a new building at 1441 Boston Post Road. It is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 9, Fridays from 9 to 6, Saturdays from 9 to 5, and Sundays from 1 to 5. The library is closed on major holidays. The library maintains an extensive Web site at darienlibrary.org. The library director is Louise Berry, who may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How may I get a library card?

At the library, Darien residents will be issued a card immediately. You may also apply for a card online at darienlibrary.org. Your library card is accepted for borrowing materials at any of Connecticut’s 163 libraries, including Darien Library.

What holdings does the library offer?

Darien Library has more than 155,000 books and 5,000 books-on-CD and downloadable audio books. The library subscribes to more than 340 newspapers, magazines, and periodicals. There are 12,000 DVDs, including many classic films and an extensive foreign film collection, nearly 5,300 CDs, as well as CD-ROMs, downloadable and pre-loaded audio books, MP3 players, laptop computers, wireless network cards, digital cameras, GPS devices, LCD projectors, USB drives, video camcorders, and Kill A Watt meters (that measure the energy consumption of electrical appliances) that may be checked out.

What special services does the library offer?

The library offers an array of special services that run the gamut from cultural programs for the entire community to individual tutoring sessions on research techniques and technology. Upcoming library events, new services, and new materials are previewed in Connections, the library’s monthly eNewsletter, which consists of several relevant and informative blogs that are updated frequently. Audio podcasts from some of the library’s programs can also be found on the Web site.

• IM Reference allows patrons to use instant messaging to ask a reference question in a live online chat session using AIM, Yahoo!, or MSN. Contact IM Reference at Darien Library on AIM or Yahoo! at DeweyDarien, or on MSN at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 
• The Technology Education Series offers classes for adults on popular software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Photoshop Elements.
• The Small Office/Home Office (SoHo) Office Center on the Library's lower level offers high-capacity photocopying, laminating, banner printing, and photo printing.
• The library has seven staff members who serve as notary publics and are available to notarize documents for library patrons free of charge.
• By appointment, the library’s technology staff and/or the reference librarians are available for one-on-one sessions for research assistance using the library’s online resources and Web site, setting up e-mail accounts, finding information online, or other specialized informational technology needs.
• Throughout the year, Darien Library hosts book discussion groups, Poet’s Voice, an Adult Summer Reading program, book sales, author talks, a Friday night film series, a summer film series, a foreign film series, and booktalking at the Darien Senior Center. 
• The library also offers an annual holiday concert.

What are the library’s special activities for children and teens?

The Darien Library offers storytimes for children who are newly born and up to six years old. Special music and movement classes are also available for toddlers. Elementary students are welcome to attend book, craft, and interactive programs for 7, 8, and 9 year olds, as well as book discussion groups, technology classes, and gaming programs for 9 to 12 year olds. Special programs for all ages are offered throughout the year and have included performances such as storytellers, puppet shows, musicians, movies, and science exploration.

The Children's Library staff provides reader advisory and reference services to children, their families, and educators. Ask staff to help pick books for all occasions and tastes!  Visits to all five elementary schools, the middle school, and Pear Tree Point School take place each year to discuss new books. Each summer, over 800 students sign up to participate in the Read-to-Me, Summer Reading Club, and Teen Summer Reading Programs.     

The teen room is located on the Library's lower level and provides teens with popular fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, and audiobooks. The space also contains teen-only computers and a flat-panel television for playing video games and watching DVDs. Programs such as author visits, book groups, craft programs, TV and movie viewing parties, and gaming tournaments occur throughout the year. Various volunteer opportunities are available to teens, including helping with technology programs and joining the teen advisory board.

Are there employment opportunities for high school students at the library?

The Shelver position at the library is for students who are at least 14 years of age. The library hires shelvers to work either in the Children’s Room and Teen Room or in the Main Reading Room. Shelvers sort books alphabetically or numerically. Once books are sorted, they are shelved in the correct section. Students receive paid training in job duties specific to the department in which they work. Hours vary between three and 10 hours per week.

What art is displayed at the library?

The library exhibits artwork in its Art Gallery on the lower level. Exhibits are the province of the Art Committee of the Darien Library. For information on the submission process, call 669-5220.

Does the library use volunteers?

The library welcomes volunteers. One of the library’s more popular volunteer programs is Adopt-A-Shelf, in which volunteers agree to organize shelves in an area of their choice at least once a month. For information on this or other opportunities, call the information desk at 669-5236.

Is the library a municipal organization?

The library receives tax money from the town for personnel and operating costs. The library is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to the Annual Campaign fund all books, software, other materials, and programs. For information on making a donation to the Annual Campaign, call 669-5230 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Does anyone accept used books?

Darien Book Aid is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that attempts to build a foundation of peace, understanding and friendship through the free distribution of books donated to them. They send books all over the world to Peace Corps volunteers, teachers, libraries, schools, prisons, and hospitals. The most-requested books are children’s books, classics, English dictionaries, English readers and grammar books, how-to and craft books, health, science and math, agriculture and ecology books, encyclopedias on CD-ROM, and paperback editions of recent novels. Clean, non-highlighted text books not older than 10 years and National Geographics from the last five years are also welcome.

Hours are Tuesday 2 to 4, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 to noon, Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 10 to noon. For information, call 655-2777 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The group’s Web site is dba.darien.org. Don’t make any donations without calling first.

What is the Darien Community Matters Blog? 

The Darien Community Matters Blog is an online, non-partisan forum for discussion of issues of interest to Darien’s citizens. Citizens may use the blog to communicate with each other about local happenings. Visit the blog at darien.org/communitymatters/blog/.

Participating is simple. To comment on one of the topics, click the comment button, fill out the form, and click “post.”

Does the town have a social worker?

Olive Hauser (656-7328) is the town’s social services director. Her office can assist people with information on housing, home care and nursing home placement, financial aid for home heating, the loan of convalescent equipment, and rides to doctors and the senior center.

Ms. Hauser is also the municipal agent for the elderly. In addition to their office in town hall, staff members are available once a week at the senior center and senior housing. She can be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Is there affordable housing?

The Allen-O’Neill Homes is a moderate rental family housing project that includes 41 homes and 12 apartments on Noroton Avenue.

Clock Hill Homes on LeRoy Avenue is a moderate-income condominium development.

Old Town Hall Houses is for elderly residents (see the Senior Citizens section). The Housing Authority (655-0866)  owns and manages the Allen-O’Neill Homes and Old Town Hall Houses and manages the waiting list for Clock Hill Homes.

In addition, Avalon Darien has 45 or so income-restricted one- and two-bedroom rental apartments on Hollow Tree Ridge Road as part of its larger complex. Call 655-6800 for information.

What is Person-to-Person?

Person-to-Person (655-0048/p2pdarien.org) offers emergency services to low-income families in the greater Stamford area in the form of food, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance (loans or grants for rent, utilities or security deposits) as well as eviction mediation. Person-to-Person welcomes cash donations and in-kind giving. Donations of seasonal clothing in good condition are welcome. Bring items on hangers or in small bags. Items always needed include car seats, baby and children’s clothing, large-sized clothing, linens, blankets, towels, dishes, glasses, pots and pans, non-perishable food, silverware, and small appliances. 

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 to 4, Thursdays until 6, and most Saturdays during the school year from 9 to noon. Person-to-Person is at St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Road. The group’s Web site is p2pdarien.org.

Where are burial plots available?

There are two cemeteries in town. Spring Grove (655-0682) is on Hecker Avenue. St. John’s Catholic Cemetery (655-0455) is on Camp Avenue.

Families may arrange for burial plots either through a funeral director or by calling the cemetery office directly.

There are many cemeteries in neighboring towns.

What funeral homes serve Darien?

Lawrence Funeral Home (655-6127/lawrencefuneralhome.com) at 2119 Post Road is Darien’s only funeral home.

What is the Community Fund of Darien?

The Community Fund of Darien works with more than 30 area agencies to help people in need in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford all year long by providing funding, organizational guidance, and volunteer support.

The Community Fund of Darien also has a Human Services Planning Council, which brings together social service professionals and town leaders to assess needs, evaluate services, and identify and pursue solutions. Current initiatives include: CARE Darien, Aging in Place in Darien, and Creating Connections: A Directory of Mental Health and Support Services.

The office is at 701 Post Road. Executive Director Kiki Karpen may be reached at 655-8775 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Web site is communityfunddarien.org.

What is Infoline 211?

Infoline 211 is a free community service that is a public/private partnership between the state and Connecticut United Ways. It is a single source for information about community services, referrals to human services, and crisis intervention, accessible by dialing 211 from anywhere in Connecticut 24/7. Multilingual call specialists and TDD access is available.

Specialists help callers with such issues as substance abuse, gambling, domestic violence, suicide prevention, and financial problems. It also offers information on health care, unemployment, child care options, housing, and volunteer opportunities. A searchable database is on the Web site at infoline.org or 211.org.

What is Family & Children’s Agency?

Family & Children’s Agency, Inc. in Norwalk is a private, nonprofit, family service agency, which has been serving the community since 1942. It offers a wide range of comprehensive services, including individual, family and addiction counseling; international and domestic adoption; support services for seniors through HomeCare Plus; family support services; youth development and mentoring; and community education programs. For information, call 855-8765 or visit familyandchildrensagency.org.

What services does the Red Cross provide?

The Darien office of the American Red Cross, Darien/Stamford chapter, is at 39 LeRoy Avenue. It is staffed Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 4:30 and Friday from 8:30 to 3, but available for Armed Forces Services communications and disaster emergencies 24 hours a day.

The local Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The organization also offers CPR and first aid courses; health courses such as Managing Stress, Back Injury Prevention, and Your Heart Matters; disaster preparedness; works with youth in the Red Cross Action Team; responds to single-family fires; runs blood drives; teaches a teen babysitting program and has a corps of volunteers who drive senior citizens to medical appointments. For information, call 655-2586 or visit dsredcross.org.

What is Family Centers?

Family Centers (655-0547/familycenters.org) is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. Its services focus on early childhood education, families in crisis, healthy aging for senior citizens, workplace resources, and helping low-income people and those with long-term mental illness live independently.

There is an office at 590 Post Road in Darien.

What is the Center for Hope?

The Center for Hope offers individual counseling and support groups for adults and children facing life-threatening illnesses and bereavement. It also offers community education programs and programs for caregivers. The Center for Hope, a division of Family Centers, is at 590 Post Road in Darien. For information, call 655-4693 or visit centerforhope.org.

What is the Beautification Commission?

As its name suggests, the Darien Beautification Commission is charged with finding ways to maintain and improve the overall physical appearance of Darien. The commission meets monthly to review current projects and plan new ones. Projects under the commission’s purview include 30 islands along town roadways, 24 planters along the Post Road, Adopt-A-Spot, and daffodil plantings.

Is there a community calendar of events?

The Darien Times publishes upcoming events each week. Events are also posted on the town’s Web site (darienct.gov), and at darien.org.

Where can I get help with my income taxes?

The Internal Revenue Service can help. For general information, call 800-829-1040.

Seniors and those with moderate incomes can get free help with their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, offered Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays during tax season at the New Canaan Public Library, 151 Main Street. Simple federal or state returns only. Appointments are required; call 594-5003.