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
March 19th @ 7:00pm: Join us this week for a very special Author Talk! On Tuesday, March 19th Gerri Lewis will discuss her latest book, The Last Word (a mystery set in Ridgefield) in conversation with Ridgefield Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher.
Our partner, Books on the Common will be here with books for sale and signing.
Sunday, March 17th @ 2:00pm: The music of The Twangtown Paramours has been called “Sophisticated Americana”, and is a hybrid of the Nashville and Austin music scenes. This Nashiville-based husband and wife acoustic duo is known for their well-crafted and award-winning songs, top-notch lead singing and fine harmonies.
The Ridgefield Folk Concert Series is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
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.
Click here for Key Information for Board Member Candidates 2024.
For a copy of the application and more information on the roles and responsibilities of Library Board members please contact Library Director Brenda McKinley at [email protected]. Completed applications must be received by March 15, 2024 for consideration.
Friday, March 15th @ 6:00pm : SOLD OUT DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND. Welcome Babs Costello back to the Ridge on Friday, March 15th, in conversation with best selling New York Times author and women’s empowerment expert, Fran Hauser. The event will be held at the Library from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Thank you, Babs and Fran for being our featured speakers at the first ever Cocktails & Conversation fundraiser for the Ridgefield Library!
Enjoy sumptuous signature cocktails and delicious light bites by The Benjamin — Each ticket includes a Meet and Greet with Babs and Fran. Fran and Babs’ books will be on sale courtesy of Books on the Common.
Tuesday, March 12th @ 1:00pm: First Selectperson Rudy Marconi and Kenn Devane, President of Mine Tech, will present findings from our 2023 Senior Needs Assessment Survey.
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].
Saturday, March 9th @ 10:30am: For children in grades K-3 and their families. The Stargazer’s Apprentice is a musical comical astronomical review about the wonders of the Universe. Using songs, stories, interactive demonstrations and puppetry, young stargazers are introduced to their place in the Universe. Topics covered include our star the Sun, our solar system, the night sky, constellations and the nature of stars.
Tuesday, February 27th @ 7:00pm: Terry Garcia, former chief science and exploration officer for the National Geographic Society, and author of the new book The Future of Exploration, joins Ridgefield’s David Yaun for an exclusive conversation and book-signing in the Library’s Main Program Room. Hear from a real-life Indiana Jones about his work saving precious antiquities from destructive war lords in active combat zones, the search to find the woman who graced one of the most famous magazine covers ever, and what 30 of the world’s leading explorers think about the future of uncovering and preserving our planet’s history.
Books on the Common will have copies of The Future of Exploration available for purchase and signing.
For more information and to register, click here.