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Friends of the Ridgefield Library

The Friends of the Ridgefield Library (FORL) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the activities and mission of the Ridgefield Library. Through well-attended traditional book sales, online book sales operations and other activities, it raises funds that make possible many of the Library's most popular programs and collections for all ages, as well as other crucial services and support that would not otherwise be funded. In 2004, the Friends of the Ridgefield Library were named Outstanding Friends Group of the year by the Friends of Connecticut Libraries, an honor for which they were nominated by a grateful Ridgefield Library staff and Board.

Contact: Ann Jepson, President, 203-438-6494 friends@ridgefieldlibrary.org

Friends Mission Statement

The purpose of this organization is to:

♦ Provide support for the Ridgefield Library
♦ Promote the Library to the public and
♦ Develop community understanding and awareness of the role of libraries in all cultural and educational aspects of community life.

Book Sales

The sale of donated used books is the principal fundraising activity of the Friends. Spring and fall on-site sales under the tent on the Library property are supplemented by occasional specialty sales like the Holiday Boutique and Internet sales. Find out more!

Join the Friends

Benefits of Friends membership

Advance notice of book sales
Friends' newsletter 3 times per year
Invitations to " Members Only" book sale preview night receptions and other events
Infinite pride in knowing you are preserving and improving library service in our community

Membership Dues
Membership dues are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are eligible for many corporate matching fund programs.

To join the Friends, complete a membership form and drop it with your check at the Circulation Desk or mail to 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, ATTN Friends membership.

Senior Friend -- $10
Individual Friend -- $15
Family Friends -- $25
Good Friend -- $50
Best Friend -- $100+

Membership dues paid to the Friends are distinct from contributions to the Library’s Annual Appeal. Friends’ dues provide the seed money for book sales and other Friends’ activities, the proceeds of which are used to support specific Library services and programs. Appeal donations made directly to the Library support our annual operating budget.

Be a Friends Volunteer

Volunteers are always needed to sort book donations as they come in; to research and sell books online; serve on the Board and various committees; and work at semi-annual book sales. Volunteering opportunities range from a couple of hours once a year to an ongoing weekly or monthly commitment. Contact Book Sale Chair Joan Laspia at 203-438-8766 or Volunteer Communications Chair Ginny Canfield at vcanfield@comcast.net or 203-438-9890 for more information.

Friends of the Ridgefield Library Board

Ann Jepson - President
Ellen Darvick - Vice President
Jery Kiernan - Treasurer
Thea Devine - Recording Secretary
Ginny Canfield- Corresponding Secretary

Gretchen Bishop
Melissa Brady
Georgia Carrington
Jo Fainer
Fay Knapp
Brenda Kane
Joan Laspia
Laura Lechner
Jane Leff
Cam Percival
Barbara Wyman

The Friends Board meets on the first Monday of most months at 10:15 AM in the Dayton Program Room. Board meetings are open to any member of the Friends.