Thursday, October 24 @ 7:00 pm:  The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launched on Christmas Day 2021 and began gathering data in July 2022. In this very special presentation, Dr. Heidi B. Hammel, one of NASA’s six Interdisciplinary Scientists for JWST, will describe the telescope and what it was designed to do. She will highlight some of the most exciting scientific results from JWST’s first two years, ranging from discoveries about our nearest neighbors in the Solar System to the spectacular deep space images of the most distant galaxies, and everything in between. Dr. Hammel will finish with a look ahead not only for JWST, but for the future of astronomy.

This program is part of the Library’s Fall 2024 Scholarly Series, The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery, made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Interested in working at the Ridgefield Library? We’re looking for an energetic, creative, detail-oriented individual with strong communication and multimedia technology skills to begin year-round part-time employment as our Adult Programming Assistant.  Click here to learn more.

October 11th -14th:   Don’t miss the Friends of the Ridgefield Library‘s multi-day Big Book Sale!  Great choices for readers of all ages and interests.

FRIDAY October 11th   10 am – 6 pm (10 am – noon $20 entry.  Free to members of the Friends)

SATURDAY October 12th  9 am – 6 pm

SUNDAY October 13th   12 pm – 5 pm

MONDAY October 14th  8 am – 6 pm  ($5/grocery bag – Bring Your Own Bag)

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 RidgefieldAll 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.

Click here to register.

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.