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.
Saturday, September 7th @ 10:30 am: Dance and sing along with Robert the Guitar Guy in this musical program featuring traditional favorites and contemporary songs. This program is best for children 5 and under. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Click here to learn more.
Friday, August 23rd @ 2:00 pm: Tall Poppy String Band is a new Old Time trio featuring fiddler George Jackson, guitarist Morgan Harris and banjoist Cameron DeWhitt. Drawing from the deep well of American string band music, Tall Poppy String Band approaches tradition with playful curiosity; each performance more a discussion than a statement. Whether they’re chasing the elusive downbeat of a source recording, playing with the pronouns in a bluegrass standard, or challenging the assumed roles of their instruments, Tall Poppy String Band endeavors to prove that tradition is still being written.
Click here for more information and to register.
This program is part of the Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program and is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
Tuesday, August 20th @ 7:00 pm: One unidentified skeleton. Three missing men. A village full of secrets. The best-selling author of The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna discusses her sparkling new novel about a young American woman turned amateur detective in a small village in Southern Italy.
For a full description, visit https://www.julietgrames.com/
Books on the Common will have copies for sale and signing.
Click here for more information and to register.
Thursday, July 25th @ 6:00pm: Come join us, and a local group of square dancers, and experience the joy of one of America’s oldest traditions! During this free session you will be introduced to a number of basic dance steps and will be dancing in a square within ten minutes. By the end of the evening you will be enjoying your newly acquired skill as you comfortably dance to contemporary music. Dress is casual. Singles and couples of all ages are welcome. No experience is necessary, as it is quite easy to learn. It is simply walking to music. Smiles are guaranteed!
Click here to learn more and register.
Friday, July 12th @ 6:00pm: Join us for our 21+ adults-only tabletop gaming experience. Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages provided as well as a ticket for one beer or glass of wine included. Tabletop games mean anything from card games to dice games, board games to strategy games.
You are welcome to bring a game and play, learn a new game, borrow a game from our collection to take home, or just observe! Library staff will be on hand to facilitate a variety of games. If you have a specific game that you are interested in teaching, please let us know so we can put a table aside for you. Larger groups of 6 or more can also email to request a table be set aside.
All attendees must be 21 or older. Registration is recommended.
Tuesday, July 9th @ 1:00pm: The Ridgefield Commission on Aging and the Ridgefield Library will continue their monthly Senior Voices series with a special look at the programs and services available at the Library for Ridgefield seniors. Library Director Brenda McKinley and Head of Adult Services Rita Covelli will provide an overview of the wealth of resources available at the Library, with a closer look at services in the Donofrio Family Technology Center presented by Technology/Innovation Librarian Kathy Pickle, and a review of online offerings by Senior Adult Services Librarian Christie Mitchell. There will be time for Q & A after the presentation. Senior Voices is a free event and hybrid program. Individuals may attend in person or register to attend via Zoom through the Library. Participants are invited to enjoy light refreshments and conversation following the program.
This is a hybrid program which can be attended in person or as a webinar.
Tuesday, July 2nd @ 4:00pm: Teens who are rising grades 6-12 are invited to meet up in front of the Library, then go across the street to Ballard Park to clean up any trash, dropped items, etc. We will provide trash bags and gloves. Teens will get volunteer hours for attending this program.
Please wear closed-toed shoes, and, if it is sunny, sunscreen and a hat. We also encourage you to bring a water bottle.
Click here for more information and to register.