Overdue Books? Darien Library Wants Your Blood

Five things you'll probably want to know and maybe some places you may want to go this week, Aug. 26-31:

• You haven't forgotten, have you? School starts Monday, so be careful, kids are on the sidewalks and roads, and don't pass a stopped school bus with lights flashing.

• On Monday, the Darien YMCA scheduled maintenance openings and closings conclude with the opening of the Men's Steam Room, the Play Room and the large and small swimming pools.

• And speaking of Darien Y schedules, earlier hours start next week, right after Labor Day. Starting Tuesday, the YMCA's hours will be: Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m to 6 p.m.

• Classically trained pianist Bonnie Leidner will be at the Darien Senior Activities Center on Edgerton Street from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday for your listening pleasure during lunch, according to the senior center's event listing on Darien Patch.

• It's not even Halloween yet (although Costco has had the costumes out for at least a week), but Darien librarians are out for blood about those overdue library books, so either pay up or blood must flow. Just kidding! Actually the library has announced they want to promote a blood drive and they're willing to absolve you of your library fines if you'll just donate a little blood to the American Red Cross on Wednesday afternoon, with appointments from 1 to 6:15 p.m. The absolution only applies to fines, not bills for items that you've lost and can't return (you're not going to get out of it that easy -- that's gonna require a pound of flesh nearest your heart. Just kidding! Just kidding!). Dr. Nosferatu will see you, now, in the American Red Cross van in the parking lot.