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.
Thursday, November 9th @ 7:00pm: Look inside the private world of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, one of America’s most iconic couples, in this extraordinary and deeply personal collection of intimate photographs affectionately curated by their daughter Melissa Newman. Their love story is the stuff of Hollywood legend. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman became not only movie stars and stage actors, but also artistic collaborators, political activists and philanthropists whose legacies are expansive and enduringly modern.
This visually immersive oversize book chronicles their romance through the photographs of an impressive list of contributors. These striking images—many rare and some never before published—are accompanied by snapshots, letters, handwritten notes and family treasures. Together they beautifully illuminate the connection between two complex, passionate artists who opened their hearts and minds to each other for over half a century. Head Over Heels: A Love Affair in Words and Pictures is an homage to the possibility and power of love.
Melissa Newman is an artist, teacher, singer and occasional writer, based in Westport Connecticut.
Books on the Common will have copies for sale and signing.
Click here for more information and to register.
Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Ridgefield Library’s Big Book Sales in October! Sales are held on the Lower Level of the Library.
Children’s Book Sale:
Friday, October 13th from 10:00am to 6:00pm (10:00am to 12:00pm is $10 entry; FREE to members of the Friends)
Saturday, October 14th from 9:00am to 5:00pm
General Book Sale:
Friday, October 20th from 10:00am to 6:00pm (10:00am to 12:00pm is $10 entry; FREE to members of the Friends)
Saturday, October 21st from 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, October 22nd from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, October 23rd from 8:00am to 6:00pm (Bring Your Own Grocery Bag, $5 per bag!)
Learn more about the Friends of the Ridgefield Library HERE
Saturday, August 5th from 9:00am to 5:00pm: The Library’s annual RidgeCon celebration of pop culture fandoms returns on Saturday, August 5th for a day full of all-ages fun! RidgeCon 2023 is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
Check here for details about all of the day’s activities and updates to the schedule.
And don’t miss a special RidgeCon Games on Tap Board Game Night for adults from 6:00 to 9:00pm!
Thursday, June 22nd @ 6:00pm: Join us as we celebrate! On June 22nd, the Ridgefield Library will be the location for very special recognitions. After a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen, Ira Joe Fisher will succeed Barb Jennes as Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate. Both will be on hand to celebrate. Additionally, June 22nd is the 120th anniversary of the dedication of the Library’s Morris Building. First Selectman Marconi will mark these occasions with remarks starting at 6:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.
A long-time Ridgfielder, known for his community involvement and support, Mr. Fisher is an Emmy-winning broadcaster, actor, poet and teacher. He currently teaches poetry and creative writing at UConn, Mercy College, and Founders Hall. He is honored to accept the Ridgefield Poet Laureate position and calls poetry the universal language which touches all hearts. Ms. Jennes, an award-winning poet and former teacher in Ridgefield Public Schools, was appointed Ridgefield’s first Poet Laureate in 2020. She found meaningful ways to create connections through poetry during the isolating days of the pandemic and has enthusiastically promoted poetry for the past three years at numerous community programs and events.
The E. W. Morris Memorial Library Building that forms the historic front wing of the Ridgefield Library opened its doors for the first time on June 22, 1903. After 120 years, the Morris Building continues to welcome Ridgefield residents to the Library. In addition to the June 22nd celebration, the Library is planning to commemorate this milestone anniversary in a variety of ways this summer, and the community is invited to share their memories of the Library and its place in their lives. A new project — part of the Library’s “All Together Now” Summer Reading activities – allows residents to create and share materials on a collaborative online platform, the Morris Building 120th Anniversary Community Collection. The submission process is free and easy; submissions can include pictures, old Library cards, programs, flyers, maps, posters and other visual memorabilia. Submission of original written material is also encouraged.
Visit our website to learn more about the June 22nd celebration as well as upcoming activities and programs at the Library, including the celebration of the Morris Memorial Building this summer.
April 1st through May 31st: The Ridgefield Library is pleased to join in the announcement of a local author contest that will accept submissions of adult and young adult fiction, to be recognized as the top indie-published eBooks in Connecticut.
Winners in each category will receive $1,000 as well as:
- Honors at the 2023 Indie Author Day Reception
- Opportunities to promote the winning title at Connecticut public libraries
- Inclusion in a full-page spread in Library Journal, one of America’s oldest and most renowned trade publications for library news
- Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select collection (ePUB format required for eligibility)
The creation of the Connecticut Author Project gives librarians the chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices and an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works. For indie-published authors, the contest is a terrific way to elevate their careers and expand their readership.
Each book that is submitted to the contest must be:
- Independently-published
- In the category of adult or young adult fiction
- Written by a Connecticut resident
- Available in either ePUB (strongly encouraged) or PDF format
The contest will accept submissions from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Authors can submit at https://indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/connecticut/
Stop by the Library’s Lower Level for the Friends of the Ridgefield Library Big Book Sales. Children’s Sale runs May 5-7 and the General Sale is May 12-15. Learn more here.
March 5th @ 2:00pm: Award-winning actor and singer Kimberly Wilson wrote and stars in “A Journey: A Musical One-Woman Show.” In this powerful performance Wilson embodies seven women, whose lives span hundreds of years, telling their stories of faith, hope and sense of calling that truly helped to shape American history.
Love and truth form the foundation of this inspirational performance. The women featured in the show like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks and more had the courage to make their dreams a reality that not only elevated their own lives, but also helped lay the foundation for future generations. Through song, movement and dialogue Wilson brings these characters, and their triumphs and truths to life. Each performance is immediately followed by an audience talkback.
This program is co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield and is offered in partnership with the Ridgefield Historical Society.
Please support the Ridgefield Library’s 2022-23 Annual Appeal. Your gift makes so much possible! Learn more about making a donation to this year’s Appeal.
Interested in other ways to give to the Library? Explore options for support here.
Did you know there’s so much to love about the Ridgefield Library? Take a look at our 2021-2022 Annual Report to find out more about our programs, services, resources and more!
The Friends of the Ridgefield Library invite you to stop by their Big Book Sales this month! Lots of great choices for readers of all ages and interests. Children’s Sale: October 14-16. General Sale: October 21-24. Visit our Events Calendar for details.