Library Board of Directors

The Ridgefield Library is operated by the Ridgefield Library Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to ensuring excellent library service to the community. The Board’s major responsibilities are to set policies and directions for the Library; manage its financial and intellectual health; and provide oversight to the administration of the Library.

The Library Board is seeking new members: More information is available here.

From the Board Chair

As I begin my 2nd year as Board Chair, the Ridgefield Library is celebrating 120 years on Main Street!  Our Library has been a community destination since 1903 when James Morris gave the E. W. Morris Memorial Library to the town, in memory of his wife Elizabeth. The lovely Morris Building is still a part of the Library, but over the years the building has expanded and evolved to meet your needs.  Today, the Ridgefield Library proudly resides in the heart of Ridgefield’s Cultural District.

Library Director Brenda McKinley and her staff welcome hundreds of patrons every day. Patrons come for the books, the programs and the services; or just a quiet place to work, read or study.

The Ridgefield Library partners with more than 130 other community organizations to expand its programming and outreach.   Through these partnerships the Library provides an ARTalk series, Author Talks, STEAM programs, Health & Wellness programs and much more.  It also provides services to the disability community, homebound seniors, home schoolers and adults with memory loss.  

In addition to continually updating the collection of physical and digital books, and managing over 300,000 annual checkouts, the Library offered 1,500 programs this past year. These programs were designed to enrich the lives of people of all ages across our community.

While the Town of Ridgefield provides significant funding, the Library needs to raise funds to cover approximately 30% of its annual budget.  Whether you are new to town or the Library has long been part of your charitable giving, we need your help.   Your donation supports the development of impactful programs and ensures the maintenance of our beautiful building and substantial collections.  Please consider donating to the Library’s Annual Appeal.

On behalf of the Ridgefield Library Board of Directors, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and thank you for your support.  It is with your generosity that the Ridgefield Library continues to be a beloved community destination.

Carrie Wells

Ridgefield Library Board of Directors

Photo of Ridgefield Library Board in front of a fountain
Back L to R: Gary Rapp; Jennifer Crowl; Paul Mellinger; Brian Egge; Carrie Wells; Marc Vigliotti; Art Leaderman.
Front L to R: Anne Marie Squeo; Marge Davidson; Kim Welton; Nicole Agius; Dave Smith; Tom Main; Bill Magill.

2023-2024

Carrie R. Wells, Chair

David B. Smith, Vice-Chair

Paul S. Mellinger, Treasurer

Marjorie Davidson, Secretary

Nicole Agius

Jennifer B. Crowl

Brian A. Egge

Arthur Leaderman

William H. Magill

Tom Main

Danielle J. McGrogan

Gary R. Rapp

Jeet Sandhu, MD

Anne Marie Squeo

Marc R. Vigliotti

Kimberly Welton

Tom Madden, Friends of the Ridgefield Library representative

Carroll W. Brewster, Emeritus

Peter T. Coffin, Emeritus

Barbara Dobbin, Emerita

The Library Board meets on the 4th Monday of most months at 7:30 p.m. in the Library’s Dayton Program Room. Click here for FY 2023-2024 Meeting Schedule.

Library Board meetings are open to the public. Anyone requiring special accommodation due to disability is asked to contact the Library Director at 203-438-2282.

Board Meeting Minutes

2024

January

February

March

April

May

June

August

September

October

November

December

2023

January

February

March

April

May

June

August

September

October

November

December

2022

January

February

March

April

May

June

August

September

October

November

December

For Library Board minutes from earlier years, please contact Brenda McKinley, Library Director at [email protected] or 203-438-2882 x101

Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan 2021