June 1 through August 26: Registration for the all-ages Ridgefield Library Summer Reading Program opens on June 1, 2023. On Saturday, June 17 at 2:00 pm Jester Jim kicks off the launch of Summer Reading, followed immediately by a Registration Dance Party for children of all ages. The Summer Reading Program runs through August 26 and this year’s theme – “All Together Now” – explores ideas of community, belonging, compassion and friendship. Activities include special programs, reading logs, raffles, prizes, the downtown Storywalk and more.
The Summer Reading Program will culminate with a Grand Prize raffle drawing awarding a participating child a ride to school with a Ridgefield Firefighter on a firetruck!
Teens in grades 6-12 and adults ages 18 and up are also invited to read and log for rewards and raffle baskets.
Individuals and families can register through the Beanstack app or website: https://ridgefieldlibraryct.beanstack.com/reader365 The Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library with prize support by Books on the Common, Cake Box, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe, and the Toy Chest.
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.
September 30th @ 7:00 pm: For the Love of Books & Ridgefield: A Book Battle. Get your tickets now for this unique fundraiser! Five extraordinary presenters will each champion a book on behalf of their nonprofit. The audience will vote for the most persuasive argument to choose a winning book. This year’s Book Presenters are: Katie Faughnan, The Prospector Theater; Melissa Houston, Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center; Cybele Maylone, The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art; Daniela Sikora, Ridgefield Chorale; and Jonathan Winn, Thrown Stone Theater. This event is presented by the Ridgefield Library and Books on the Common, sponsored in part by Fairfield County Bank. Learn more about this year’s Book Battle.
And on Saturday, October 1st, Library representatives will be around town with members of the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club handing out bookmarks, Library information, and collecting donations at the Early Bird Café, Steve’s Bagels, Stop & Shop and the front lawn of the Ridgefield Library. And don’t miss Danny Magic on the Library Lawn at 11:00 am, and a family concert, Rhythm & Rhyme with Ray, at 2:00 pm in the Main Program Room.
Click here to donate during LYL Weekend.