Thursday, March 6th @ 7:00 pm: Join Dr. Blaine Langberg as he shares his thrilling adventures hiking Mt. Whitney and Mt. Kilimanjaro, featuring a captivating slideshow of his experiences. He will also screen an inspiring movie, by local cinematographer Alex Lugones, about his trek to Everest Basecamp. To conclude the event, Dr. Langberg will engage the audience with a reading from his book, Conquering Whitney: A Mountain of Misadventure.
Conquering Whitney: A Mountain of Misadventure is a rollicking mix of travel narrative, humor, and a search for self-discovery. Jacob’s inspirational odyssey is set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, burgeoning friendships, raving raptors, and an epic hunt for ice cream sandwiches-truly something to satisfy every appetite! Books on the Common will have copies for sale and signing.
Click here to learn more and to register.
March 10th, April 14th, May 12th & June 9th: Memory cafés are essentially social gatherings where individuals with memory impairment and their adult caregivers come together in a supportive environment, share conversation over a cup of coffee, or participate in fun, simple activities with the group. It’s an opportunity to meet with others for support, companionship and fun!
The programming provides structured activities to promote reminiscing, cognition, and engagement for those with dementia, while offering caregivers an opportunity to make new friends and build strong, supportive, social connections.
This free series is offered in partnership with the Library, Ridgefield Parks & Recreation and Ridgefield Station Assisted Living & Memory Care and will be held on the second Monday of the month in January, February and March from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the Charter Oak Room at the Ridgefield Recreation Center. Caregivers and their loved ones should both register for and plan to attend all three dates to allow for continuity and a more personalized experience.
Registration is available online, in person at the Ridgefield Recreation Center, or by calling 203.431.2755 (press 1).
Click here to learn more.
Tuesday, March 11th @ 1:00 pm: The Town of Ridgefield Commission on Aging and the Ridgefield Library present Karen Facini, VP Branch Manager and Frederick Bambico, Teller at M & T Bank in Ridgefield, who will present a special talk on Identity Theft as part of the monthly Senior Voices series.
It’s important to learn how to identify the signs of identity theft and fraud in order to protect yourself. Karen and Frederick have combined approximately forty-three years of experience in the banking industry, including first-hand experience with customers who have had their identity stolen. In most cases (95% of the time) you do not get your money back. Fortunately, most banks will assist victims. Come learn about red flags, digital payment apps, phishing, verification codes and when not to “Click”.
Senior Voices is a free event and a hybrid program. Individuals may attend in person and on-line. Light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, please contact the Commission on Aging at [email protected].
Click here to learn more and register.
Starting February 13th: The Ridgefield Library is again providing space for AARP Tax Aide, a free tax preparation service for low and moderate income taxpayers, especially those age 50 and older. AARP Tax Aide will be offered on Thursdays from February 6th through April 10th on the following schedule:
February 13th through March 27th — 8:15 am to 12:15 pm
April 3rd & April 8th — 10:15 am to 2:15 pm
April 10th — 8:15 am to 12:15 pm
Assistance is available by appointment only, no walk-ins — please call (203) 438-1654 directly to schedule your session.
The Ridgefield Library Association is seeking applications from Ridgefield residents for membership on its Board of Directors. Self-nominations are encouraged. The three-year term begins on July 1.
The Library Board is a working board, with up to 16 members who are responsible for the organization’s fiduciary oversight, strategic planning and policy-setting. Board members take an active role in helping the Library raise the nearly 30% of its annual operating budget that comes through fundraising, donations and gifts.
The Board seeks diverse, broad and balanced representation of people, skill sets and experience from the community. Examples of particular skills in demand for new members include, but are not limited to, finance, development/philanthropy and technology. Board Members are expected to serve on two subcommittees and be willing to assume a leadership position as needed. Library or nonprofit board experience a plus. We encourage all interested parties to apply.
Completed applications must be received by March 21, 2025 for consideration. For more information on the roles and responsibilities of Library Board members, and to apply, please contact Library Director Brenda McKinley at [email protected]
Saturday, March 1st @ 2:00 pm — Ridgefield art collector Joel Third will present a talk, Just Audubon: Birds & Animals, to coincide with the special exhibition of his extensive collection of Audubon prints, on view in the Library’s Gallery through April 9th. There will be a reception with refreshments and conversation following Third’s talk.
Click here to learn more & register.
Sunday, March 2nd @ 2:00 pm: Join us for a documentary film screening of “Alien: American Dream Denied,” hosted by the Library and Ekta Community Center. This film spotlights the emotional journey of highly-skilled, documented immigrants as they seek permanence in a country that benefits from their talent, but denies them a home.
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Director/Producer Vidyut Latay, Immigration Attorney Ekta Dixit and Raman Sehgal, moderator and Modern Minorities Podcast Host .
Founded by people of Asian Indian heritage, the mission of Ekta Community Center is to nurture and promote public interest in Indian and Indo-American culture. As a secular, nonprofit organization the goal is to serve as a hub for community building, enrichment, volunteering and support services.
Click here to learn more and to register.
Did you miss the CT Legislators’ Housing Forum held on Saturday? View the recording here on the Library’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/pAB8FkWxkTI
Please note that the recording of the February 22nd Housing Forum is unedited and starts with Rep. Berger-Girvalo’s welcoming remarks, followed by introductory remarks by each of the CT Legislators on the stage. Public questions start at 27:27 and continue through the end of the meeting at 1:23:09.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 9:00 am: The Ridgefield delegation of elected state officials and Majority Leader Jason Rojas invite you to join their discussion about current housing laws, as well as proposed housing legislation for this year’s session. No registration required. All participants and attendees are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and treat all those present with respect, empathy and civility.
The Housing Forum will be recorded and made available for viewing on the Library’s YouTube channel.
Wednesday, February 26th @ 11:00 am: Ridgefield First Selectperson Rudy Marconi will give a “State of the Town” presentation and talk about current issues facing Ridgefield. A question and answer period will follow.
This is an in-person, free event, open to the public co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Library.
Click here to learn more and register.
The Library’s Museum Pass Program offers free or discounted admission to over 20 premiere educational and cultural institutions in Connecticut and New York. Passes are located at the Circulation Desk. They may be borrowed for two nights and are available on a first come, first served basis only (no reservations). The Museum Pass Program is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
For more information, call the Circulation Department at 203-438-2282 x202 or email the Circulation Desk.