Tuesday, April 30th @ 7:00pm: Ridgefield resident Mark Robinson’s second book, Black On Madison Avenue is part deeply personal memoir and part explosive history of what he calls “America’s most un-diverse white collar profession.” Since its release in July 2023, the book has been the recipient of a remarkable six literary book awards. Robinson is a past member of the Multicultural Marketing Leadership Council, a national touring lecturer and an ongoing mentor for the American Association of Advertising Agencies.
Books on the Common will have copies available for purchase and signing.
Learn more and register here.
Saturday, April 27th @ 2:00pm: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ridgefield Recycling with a special presentation about the state of waste in Connecticut.
Our state is experiencing a waste crisis. More waste is generated than we have the capacity to manage. What’s happening to all that waste? Where does it go? Managing waste and knowing what to recycle can be confusing. Come to this family-friendly event to learn where our garbage and recycling really goes. Learn about the State of Connecticut’s universal recycling guide and what happens when you put the wrong thing in your recycling bin. Understand how waste and recycling impacts the environment and how reducing your waste and separating your food scraps can save you money.
Find out what the Town of Ridgefield is doing to be part of the solution. It’s easy to join and Take the Challenge!
Jennifer Heaton-Jones, the Executive Director of the regional governmental solid waste and recycling authority, HRRA, will give a one-hour presentation followed by a half-hour Q & A. You’re guaranteed to learn something new.
Sunday, April 14th @ 2:00pm — A Visit with Verse: Poetry Reading by Ira Joe Fisher. In celebration of National Poetry Month, join us for a reading of Ridgefield Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher’s poems (from his published books and newly composed works) and those from some of poetry’s giants. Bring your love of language! Learn more & register.
More Poetry Programs!
April 19th @ 7:00pm — Online: An Evening with the Youth & Adult Poets Laureate of CT. Don’t miss this special virtual reading and talkback with CT State Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell and CT 2023-24 Youth Poet Laureate Mercuri Lam. The two honored poets will read from recent works, share hopes for their roles as laureates, and answer questions from the audience – and each other. Learn more & register.
May 10th @ 2:00pm — The Multiverse of Poems: Exploring & Explaining Exquisite Words From Exquisite Writers. Ridgefield Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher leads this monthly study group, offering a deep dive into the beauty of poetry and verse. Learn more & register
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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.