About US

 We were founded in May of 1949 when Mrs. Gordon Lamont of  Darien conceived the idea of sending good reading material to share the  American way of life with war-torn Europe.  Gathering some friends together and with the  help of Ambassador John Davis Lodge and other government officials and generous contributions from Darien residents, Darien Book Aid Plan was formed.   Book collection containers were placed in stores, schools,  and churches in Darien. The Red Cross, school children, and the Kiwanis Club  helped with the collections. The women first worked in an old school building with no  heat or facilities. By wearing gloves, sweaters, and ski suits they persevered.  After stints in several makeshift quarters, they purchased the old Noroton Fire House in 1959. Book Aid has been at 1926 Post Road ever since.   For many years, we enjoyed financial support from the  government -- first from the State Department and then from the Peace Corps. Currently  we have no government or other organization affiliation. We depend on private contributions to pay our shipping costs.  Darien Book Aid started as a women’s volunteer group; men were  invited to join in 1986. They have been a vital part of  the organization ever since.  The four boxes shipped in 1949 are now 20-30 boxes each week.  Between 16 and 20 tons each year go to 190 countries and all 50 of the United  States.