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.

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]

The Library’s Museum Pass Program offers free or discounted admission to over 20 premiere educational and cultural institutions in Connecticut and New York. Passes are located at the Circulation Desk. They may be borrowed for two nights and are available on a first come, first served basis only (no reservations).  The Museum Pass Program is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.

For more information, call the Circulation Department at 203-438-2282 x202 or email the Circulation Desk.

Save the Date for the Ridgefield Library’s Annual Great Expectations Gala, Saturday June 1, 2024.

The 2024 Annual Great Expectations Gala, which celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the “new” Ridgefield Library, will honor Marcie and Peter Coffin with the Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award for their years of leadership and service to the Library’s vision and mission.

Marcie, EVP Risk Management at Fairfield County Bank, and Peter, AIA and principal of Doyle Coffin Architecture, have strong ties to the Library. They raised their two sons in Ridgefield and spent countless hours participating in children’s programming and in summer reading contests. Peter served on the Board of Directors for a decade, including seven years as Board Chair. Most recently, the Coffins were co-chairs of the successful 2023 Great Expectations Gala. Each summer, the Coffins compete with a team of stalwart Library supporters in a local charity Bocce Tournament.

“It is fitting to honor Marcie and Peter on the 10th Anniversary of our beautiful Library,” says Brenda McKinley, Library Director. “We are grateful for their long history of commitment and dedication, especially for the lasting impact of Peter’s vision and professional counsel during the process of building our new Library.”

Following his years of Library Board leadership, Peter’s contributions included serving in an advisory role, through every phase of the development process for the new Library, from negotiations with the town, through the design, construction and the opening of the new Library in May 2014. Peter continues to offer his professional guidance to the Library, most recently with the completion of the Miller Terrace outdoor space.

For information on supporting the Ridgefield Library through sponsorship of the 2024 Great Expectations Gala on Saturday June 1, 2024, contact Jane Lindenburg, Development Director, 203-438-2282 extension 104, or [email protected]

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.

Learn more and register here.

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].

Learn more & register here.

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.

Learn more and register here.

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.