Darien Library — Attraction in Darien

The façade of this building and the inside of this building have absolutely NOTHING IN COMMON! This was my first time visiting the library, so as I drove around the area I kept looking for signage. Something, anything indicating that this was a library.

I don't think they want anyone to know that this is a public building. No street signs saying this was a library, no sign saying the driveways were an entrance to library parking nor a sign outside the building stating that this was a library.

I finally parked my car and decided to go in and ask if this camo building was in fact a library. (An annoying thing to have to do when you walk with a cane, such as myself.) As I got about 50 feet from the entrance I noticed, in a very small font, the name of the library. Woo! Hoo! Victory was mine!

The building is large, gray and innocuous looking enough. But having small, gray lettering above the entrance (which cannot be seen until you're standing outside the front door) was an architectural faux pas.

Enough about the outside. I was ticked off that it was so difficult to get into the edifice. But once I walked into the building I was quite surprised that the interior was so spacious and modern. (Evidently, the money saved on the drab exterior was put to excellent use for the interior!)

Bright, quiet, high tech...I was so impressed! I was helped by a very knowledgeable librarian at the reference desk. She took time to ensure that my questions were answered thoroughly. Then she even walked me to where I needed to go! WHAT LIBRARY OFFERS THAT KIND IF ASSISTANCE?!

Needless to say, once I finally got into the building, it made me appreciate all this institution has to offer. Thank you Darien...

I went to do my taxes at Darien Library, Mike, the tax preparer did a rush job and gave me wrong information. He said I could not claim a loss on my business taxes if I did not earn any income from my business. After doing some research, I learned that was not accurate information. In addition, normally two people would check my taxes for accuracy. I asked Mike when I was there will a second person check my taxes. Mike told me that Diane, head of the Vita program would check my taxes prior to submitting it to the IRS. I thought to myself how she can check my taxes without actually seeing my documents. I contact Diane early the next morning and asked her not to submit my taxes. I did not get a reply. I contacted her again late afternoon, she told me she had already submitted my taxes to the IRS, and I would have to file an amendment. I recommend anyone who get their taxes prepared at Darien Library make sure two people review your tax return along with the actually documents. People do make mistakes, and it can cost...

Such a lovely library! Love the inside, is a great place for studying and I got a lot of group projects done here too. The staff are extremely friendly and were even willing to get books for me! There are designated quiet spaces for people that need this and the outside is wonderful, with a fountain and chairs. There is a cafe inside and this library is complety up to date with their amazing way to return books, you’ll have to see it...