Ridgefield Library

Tuesday, April 30th @ 7:00pm: Ridgefield resident Mark Robinson’s second book, Black On Madison Avenue is part deeply personal memoir and part explosive history of what he calls “America’s most un-diverse white collar profession.” Since its release in July 2023, the book has been the recipient of a remarkable six literary book awards.  Robinson is a past member of the Multicultural Marketing Leadership Council, a national touring lecturer and an ongoing mentor for the American Association of Advertising Agencies. 

Saturday, April 27th @ 2:00pm: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ridgefield Recycling with a special presentation about the state of waste in Connecticut.

Our state is experiencing a waste crisis. More waste is generated than we have the capacity to manage. What’s happening to all that waste? Where does it go? Managing waste and knowing what to recycle can be confusing. Come to this family-friendly event to learn where our garbage and recycling really goes. Learn about the State of Connecticut’s universal recycling guide and what happens when you put the wrong thing in your recycling bin. Understand how waste and recycling impacts the environment and how reducing your waste and separating your food scraps can save you money.

Find out what the Town of Ridgefield is doing to be part of the solution. It’s easy to join and Take the Challenge!

Jennifer Heaton-Jones, the Executive Director of the regional governmental solid waste and recycling authority, HRRA, will give a one-hour presentation followed by a half-hour Q & A. You’re guaranteed to learn something new.

Learn more and register here.

Did you know?  The Ridgefield Library offers these special services for our patrons:

Book-A-Librarian

The Adult Services Department now offers one-on-one appointments where staff can offer specialized assistance on a variety of topics. Some of these topics include, but are not limited to: technology assistance on cellphones, laptops and tablets; tutorials on how to use our databases or conduct genealogy searches; assistance with downloadable materials and tours of the library spaces for new patrons.

Notary Services

To be an accessible and inclusive resource for all in the community, the Ridgefield Library is now offering Notary Services. This includes, but will not be limited to, witnessing signatures on documents, administering oaths and other services. This service is subject to staff availability.  There is a $5 fee for each notarization and two forms of ID are required to perform notary services.

Private Study Rooms

The Library has six private study rooms where individuals can work alone or collaboratively with others. Rooms are available on the Main and Upper levels and can accommodate 4-6 people. Rooms are available on a walk-in basis and for advanced reservation with 24-hours notice.

Proctoring Services

In fulfillment of its mission to be a source of support for lifelong learning, the Ridgefield Library offers proctoring for tests and examinations. Exams are proctored by the Adult Services Department during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday, and appointments are subject to staff availability.

To learn more about these services or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Adult Services Department, either by calling (203) 438-2282 ext. 201 or emailing [email protected]

Sponsorships and tickets are now available for the Ridgefield Library’s Annual Great Expectations Gala, Saturday June 1, 2024.

The 2024 Annual Great Expectations Gala, which celebrates the 10^th Anniversary of the opening of the “new” Ridgefield Library, will honor Marcie and Peter Coffin with the Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award for their years of leadership and service to the Library’s vision and mission.

Marcie, EVP Risk Management at Fairfield County Bank, and Peter, AIA and principal of Doyle Coffin Architecture, have strong ties to the Library. They raised their two sons in Ridgefield and spent countless hours participating in children’s programming and in summer reading contests. Peter served on the Board of Directors for a decade, including seven years as Board Chair. Most recently, the Coffins were co-chairs of the successful 2023 Great Expectations Gala. Each summer, the Coffins compete with a team of stalwart Library supporters in a local charity Bocce Tournament.

“It is fitting to honor Marcie and Peter on the 10^th Anniversary of our beautiful Library,” says Brenda McKinley, Library Director. “We are grateful for their long history of commitment and dedication, especially for the lasting impact of Peter’s vision and professional counsel during the process of building our new Library.”

Following his years of Library Board leadership, Peter’s contributions included serving in an advisory role, through every phase of the development process for the new Library, from negotiations with the town, through the design, construction and the opening of the new Library in May 2014. Peter continues to offer his professional guidance to the Library, most recently with the completion of the Miller Terrace outdoor space.

Click here to support the Ridgefield Library’s 2024 Great Expectations Gala on Saturday June 1, 2024, or contact Jane Lindenburg, Development Director, 203-438-2282 extension 104, or [email protected]

The Ridgefield Library is thrilled to announce a collaboration with The Maurice Sendak Foundation and the vision of Ridgefield artist Cynthia V. Meyers for the creation of the Children’s Mural to be located in the Philip and Christine Lodewick Children’s Library.  The Children’s Mural is a permanent installation Library fundraiser comprised of 120 named glass tiles of original artwork by Cynthia V. Meyers and featuring the art of Maurice Sendak.  Ms. Meyer’s whimsical line drawing illustrations on each 8-inch by 8-inch tile are a Love Letter to Ridgefield, an ode to children’s literature and an homage to the magic of childhood.  Due to the special nature of this unique donation opportunity, tiles are expected to sell out quickly.  Stop by the Children’s Library to see an exhibit of sample mural tiles.

The Library is grateful to the Maurice Sendak Foundation for their partnership on this project. Special thanks to founding sponsor USAlliance Financial whose support is given in memory of Simon R. M. Walton and to the Friends of the Ridgefield Library for their support.  Please go to https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/Mural for more information and to purchase a tile, or contact the Library’s Development Director, Jane Lindenburg, at [email protected] or call (203) 438-2282 ext. 104.

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.

Sunday, April 14th @ 2:00pm — A Visit with Verse: Poetry Reading  by Ira Joe Fisher.  In celebration of National Poetry Month, join us for a reading of Ridgefield Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher’s poems (from his published books and newly composed works) and those from some of poetry’s giants. Bring your love of language! Learn more & register.

More Poetry Programs!

April 19th @ 7:00pm — Online: An Evening with the Youth & Adult Poets Laureate of CT. Don’t miss this special virtual reading and talkback with CT State Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell and CT 2023-24 Youth Poet Laureate Mercuri Lam. The two honored poets will read from recent works, share hopes for their roles as laureates, and answer questions from the audience – and each other. Learn more & register.

May 10th @ 2:00pm — The Multiverse of Poems: Exploring & Explaining Exquisite Words From Exquisite Writers. Ridgefield Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher leads this monthly study group, offering a deep dive into the beauty of poetry and verse. Learn more & register

Thursday, April 11th @ 7:00pm: American-born Larissa Babij was at home in Kyiv when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. A Kind of Refugee chronicles the first year of all-out war in Ukraine through vivid dispatches that Babij sent to readers abroad. In cities flooded with refugees and bustling with humanitarian aid efforts, or while supporting an innovative military unit making DIY drones, Babij examines Ukrainian cultures of cooperation. Reflecting on her American upbringing, she ponders the premium that Western societies—shaped by the traumatic history of WW II—place on security. When she returned to Kyiv, sirens, Russian missile strikes and long periods of darkness organized her days. Written with a fierce love for Ukraine and its people, this book is a testament to the courage of ordinary people committed to freedom while defending their homeland.

Babij will be in conversation with Olena Lennon PhD, an adjunct professor of national security at the University of New Haven.

Books on the Common will have copies for purchase and signing.

Click here for more information and to register.

Starting February 15th: 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 8:00-11:00 am from February 15th through April 11th. Assistance is available by appointment only — please call Jon or Barbara Elkow directly at (203) 438-4288 to schedule your session.

Monday, April 8th @ 2:15pm:  The Great North American Eclipse will not be seen in its totality from Ridgefield, but between 3:20 and 3:30 pm, we will experience a 90% partial eclipse!  The Ridgefield Library no longer has “Pre-Eclipse Distribution” of eclipse glasses available. The Library will not distribute any more eclipse glasses until Monday, April 8th at 2:15pm at our Eclipse Viewing Party on the Front Lawn of the Library. We hope to see you then!  Learn more here.

To view a simulation of the April 8th Eclipse, visit Eclipse2024.org