Darien Library Plans To Open For Curbside Service On June 15

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Library will reopen for curbside pickup of books and other materials as soon as June 15, Director Alan Kirk Gray announced on Tuesday. Darien's library has been closed for several weeks due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and it is joining the libraries in Westport, Weston, Ridgefield and New Canaan in offering curbside service beginning on the 15th.

"We've received a wonderful response from the Darien community for the services our staff have provided while we have had to be closed," Gray said. "But we know our patrons are anxious to have access to books and DVDs again, and we've been planning how to do that, while at the same time assuring the health and safety of our staff and the community."

During the closure, the library's digital resources have been available at all times online, including e-Books, audiobooks, streaming music and movies, storytimes with favorite librarians, author talks, and more, according to officials.

Darien Library is one of the state's busiest, averaging more than 1,300 visitors per day when it is open, and it boasts a collection that includes 125,000 books and 300 newspaper and magazine subscriptions, officials said.

Gray said that the library will release detailed plans on its website (darienlibrary.org/reopening) once the state furnishes guidance on reopening and all approvals have been granted.

In the meantime, patrons are urged to continue visiting the website to enjoy its digital resources, services and programs.

"We look forward to beginning this first phase of the Library's reopening," Gray said.