Sunday, October 6th @ 2:00 pm: Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Pat Wictor makes his home in many worlds. An American citizen born in Venezuela, an expatriate through his teens, and a traveler all his life, he is used to mixing unusual combinations of ideas and experiences into a seamless whole. Grounded in rural blues and gospel traditions, Wictor’s lean, poetic songs and expressive guitar playing are seasoned with jazz, pop, improvisational surprise, philosophy and social commentary.
The Ridgefield Folk Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
Click here for more information and to register.
Tuesday, October 1st @ 6:30 pm: All candidates on the ballot for the CT State Legislature representing Ridgefield have been invited to attend the Forum. Those candidates participating will answer questions and share their views on important topics with voters. Co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield. All participants and attendees are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and treat all those present with respect, empathy and civility.
Click here to register.
Tuesday, October 1st @ 1:00 pm: What is Medicare and how do you make sure it is working best for you? Do you know all of your options? Karen Gaudian, Ridgefield’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly, will explain what Medicare is and what it can do for you in a manner we can all understand.
Open enrollment is fast approaching and runs from October 15th to December 7th. Once a year during this time period, you can review your coverage and make changes for the coming year. Insurance companies change their coverage each year, which is why it is important to review your coverage and make sure you have what you need for the coming year. This year it is especially important going into 2025 because of the impact the Inflation Reduction Act will have on healthcare costs.
Senior Voices is a free event and a hybrid program. Individuals may attend in person and online. 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.
Tuesday, September 24th @ 7:00 pm & Thursday, September 26th @ 10:30 am: Parents and caregivers of children ages birth-three years are invited to join Lauren Pambianchi APRN, CPNP for an overview with evidence-based information on introducing your child to solids, food allergies, and suggestions for picky eaters. Lauren is a pediatric nurse practitioner passionate about establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits for children.
Sunday, September 22nd @ 2:00 pm: Join two celebrated, award-winning songwriters as they come together to share original songs with heartfelt and joyous musical connection.
Michele Gedney has been writing songs since she was seven years old and spent the last 23 years as one half of the award-winning duo Open Book with her late husband, Rick Gedney. The duo released four albums which received national airplay and critical acclaim. Michele released their final album, Leaning In, following Rick’s passing. The album has been on the Folk Alliance International charts since its release. Michele is a co-founder and teacher at Dar Williams songwriting retreat, entering its 13th year.
Louise Mosrie began writing songs after college while working in Knoxville’s TV and radio scene. She moved back to Nashville in 2004 to co-write in country, bluegrass and folk and has numerous rave reviews on the Folk DJ charts while winning top awards at folk festivals and songwriting contests around the country. Her latest album, Lay it Down, is a collaboration with folk-rock songwriter/producer Cliff Eberhardt featuring minimalist arrangements that highlight the power of song. She’s currently in the studio working on her next album.
The Ridgefield Folk Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
Click here to learn more and register.
Saturday, September 21st @ 10:00 am: Learn about the “No Excuse” absentee voting initiative that is on the ballot in November; early voting; voter registration; same day registration and voting ; and how to vote absentee in 2024. Laura Smits, the Director of Communications for the League of Women Voters CT will talk about these topics and more.
Ms. Smits, a member of the League of Women Voters CT since 1999 was an active member of the Weston LWV where she also served on the Weston Board of Education from 2001 – 2005 and a Registrar of Voters from 2008-2016. She has held two major roles in the state League of Women Voters, as President and prior to that, VP of Voter Services. She is currently a member of the Norwalk League and a certified Elections Moderator for the city of Norwalk.
Click here to learn more and register to attend.
Tuesday, September 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: The Library is pleased to co-sponsor this annual voter registration drive with the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield (LWVR). If you know someone who is new to the community or a Ridgefield resident who needs to change their address, name or party affiliation, tell them to stop by the Library and the League will be happy to help. No registration is required, just come to the LWVR table in the Library’s Main Lobby.
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]
Tuesday, September 10th @ 1:00 pm: Seniors – protect yourselves and your money from scams and crimes. The Commission on Aging and the Ridgefield Library will host a talk by Detective Victoria Ryan of the Ridgefield Police Department. Detective Ryan encourages everyone, particularly seniors, to be vigilant at all times regarding scams and fraudulent activity. In particular, Detective Ryan will address:
• Computer scams classified as: romance scams, grandparents scams, pop-up scams, phone scams and email and text scams
• Utilities scams
Detective Ryan will also talk about commonly seen local crimes such as mail and car theft. There have also been some local incidents of pickpocketing.
We will learn to be aware, and how to spot and report scams.
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]
Please click here to register to attend.
Thursday, September 12th @ 7:00 pm: As the opening keynote for our fall Scholarly Series, The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery, join us for an evening with Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr., Scientist, Philanthropist, Explorer, National Security Expert and Inventor. Rudy will share the role curiosity has played in his career that has had him at the forefront of national security affairs, high-speed computing and international strategic relations. Through curiosity and a love of lifelong learning, Rudy will share how asking the question, Is it stimulating, rewarding and worthy? has taken him to the ends of the earth.
Rudy currently serves as Adjunct Professor and Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees of the J. Craig Venter Institute. Throughout his career, Rudy has been posted and worked in multiple countries, including China, Iran, Algeria and Australia during more than 40 years working in national security and intelligence services. He was elected a Fellow Member of the Explorers Club in 1980. His expeditions have included travel to the North Pole, the Antarctic, tropical rainforests and an 8,500-foot dive in a Russian deep submersible to study mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vent field biodiversity. Further, he has flown MIGs in Russia and lectured at the U.S. Army War College. He was a Senior Associate Physicist in IBM’s Research Labs and a Strategic Planner at IBM’s Corporate Headquarters. He served as President at the Hudson Institute and has received numerous awards, and academic honors. Rudy served in the U.S. Army, Combat Engineers.
Rudy has lived in Ridgefield for over 50 years.
This program is part of the Library’s Scholarly Series, The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery, made possible by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.