New Fiction Now Circulates for 14 Days

Good news for fiction fans! New fiction may now be borrowed for 14 days, instead of the previous 7-day loan period. You will find the latest selection of new mysteries, romance, science fiction, fantasy, historical novels, literary fiction, chick lit and much more on a special display unit conveniently located by the Circulation Desk. Now you will have twice as long to savor the latest installment in a favorite series or check out that recommended new author. New fiction can be renewed for an additional 2 weeks as long as there is no waiting list. And no need to worry – we are committed to buying enough copies to ensure that the wait for in-demand titles is not increased by this change.

As always, new books that are 500+ pages in length circulate for 28 days, so you can take your time to enjoy a good read.

New selections appear in our catalog as soon as they are ordered, so you can make your reservation even before the books have been released. You can put your name on the list through our online catalog or by asking a staff member to assist you. Indicating your interest is the best way to help us make sure we have enough copies to meet demand.

If you don’t have time to come to the Library and peruse the New Fiction shelves in person, you can still “browse” new and forthcoming titles by subscribing to BookLetters e-mail newsletters. There are editions for bestselling fiction and non-fiction; new mysteries, romance, science fiction and fantasy; business, lifestyles and science titles; and even several categories of children’s and teen books. Along with descriptions, reviews, author interviews and more, each entry links directly to our catalog so you can check availability and place a hold quickly and easily.

Read-a-thon to Support Teen Programs

A special announcement from Teen Services Librarian Geri Dioro

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) of the Ridgefield Library will hold a Read-a-thon on Saturday, November 15 from 11am to 5pm to raise money for young adult programs and services at the Library. Since the TAG was formed several years ago, the level of activity for and by teens has skyrocketed, and it is hard for the Library to keep up with all the good ideas generated by these young people. The TAG members have decided to take action to help maintain the quality of service they are used to finding at the Library. “Teens use the library as much as anyone else and we hope to raise enough money to keep up the programs we can come to.” said TAG member Lana Dubin.

TAG members are seeking pledges from friends and family now, and on November 15^th, they will gather at the Library to read all day, under the supervision of Teen Services Librarian Geri Diorio. Those interested in supporting this effort may make a tax-deductible contribution using the Library’s new secure online donation option on our website at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Since 2006, TAG has met monthly to help serve the Library and to help the Library serve teens better. TAG members have painted the windows of the Library for the Friends of the Ridgefield Library’s holiday book sale, worked to shift and shelve books, stayed inside on sunny summer days listening to little children talk about books for the Summer Reading Program, and have helped out at Library events by selling books, taking tickets and directing people. For more information about TAG or the Read-a-thon, contact Teen Services Librarian Geri Diorio at 438-2282 x1004 or GADiorio@RidgefieldLibrary.org.

National Reading Group Month Celebrated

Here's some news from Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski.

The wealth of active book discussion groups in Ridgefield shows that proclamations about the demise of reading are greatly exaggerated, at least as they apply to our town. October has been designated National Reading Group Month by the Women’s National Book Association, and we’d like to recognize the Ridgefield Library’s long-running book groups, as well applaud those who have formed their own discussion groups in town.

The Library offers three reading groups for adults each month. The A.M. Book Group, which meets the 4^th Wednesday of each month at 10 AM, and the Critics’ Circle Book Group, which meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, both focus mainly on fiction titles. Their selections run the gamut from new contemporary works to the classics. The Tuesday Evening NonFictioneers meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month, and their choices reflect the breadth of topics and titles available in this genre. Become a regular participant or pick and choose from the groups based on your reading interests and schedule. It’s a great way to meet a wonderful group of people who share a love of reading, and drop-ins are always welcome.

The Library is also committed to supporting community reading groups. Three years ago, with the support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, the Book Club Corner began offering resources for book groups and multiple copies of popular book discussion selections. We’re happy to provide the books needed for a discussion either from the Book Club Corner or through inter-library loan. We do ask that you allow at least two weeks to fulfill requests, and please be aware that, regrettably, we can not supply multiple copies of brand new bestsellers. Contact Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski for more information about this service.

Celebrate Teen Read Week @ the Library

Here's an update from Teen Services Librarian Geri Diorio.

You may hear occasional news stories about teens doing bad things. But not all teens are like that, and I wish there were more attention paid to the good things that teens do. One of the places where teens can go and find meaningful ways to spend their time is the library. Teens use the Ridgefield Library for homework and school projects, but also much more. They attend programs like Final Fridays and High School Critics, and they help run the Teen Advisory Group. Local teens know the Library has plenty of magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, and how-to books. We also offer movies, music CDs, video games, CD-ROMs and special programs. We have computers that Ridgefield teens use for homework, to keep in touch with friends and family, and to play games.

I’d like to tell teens who may not be using the Library that they should check it out. There is more to do here than they may think, and there are people here who can help them get their questions answered. A good time to stop by might be next week – Teen Read Week. The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, has designated October 12 to 18 as Teen Read Week. This year’s theme is “Books with Bite,” and we’ll have displays of books that teens can read for the fun of it. There will be books of biting humor, vampire books, bite-sized books of short stories, adventure books where the hero bites the bullet, biting questions of philosophy and sound bites (audiobooks).

So, don’t forget to visit the Ridgefield Library during Teen Read Week. You’ll see plenty of teens here, and I guarantee you that they won’t be doing any of the bad stuff you hear about in the media.

Homebound Delivery Service Now Available

The Ridgefield Library is pleased to announce the launch of a new outreach service to deliver library materials to Ridgefielders who are unable to come to the Library due to disability or health problems. “Despite record-setting numbers of visitors to our facility, we recognize that there are many people in town who are missing out on the delights of the Ridgefield Library because of physical challenges of one sort or another,” says Library Director Chris Nolan. “Now, thanks to community support, we are able to bring the Library to them.”

Homebound delivery service is available to Ridgefield residents of any age and may be requested due to long-term or short-term disability or health problems that make it impossible for an individual to come to the Library. Library staff conduct an intake interview and explain the program guidelines. They also work with each participant to develop a reader preference profile to assist in selecting materials of interest.

Participants call the Library to request a delivery. Any book, audiobook, DVD, large print book, magazine or other item owned by the Ridgefield Library may be requested (there may be a wait for some popular items). All items are loaned for 28 days and most may be renewed for an additional loan period.

Each participant is matched with a volunteer, based on geographical and schedule compatibility. Deliveries and pick-ups may be made once a week, at an agreed upon time.

The Library’s Homebound Delivery Service is made possible by crucial funding from the Friends of the Ridgefield Library and by the generous donation of time by volunteer drivers from the community. Special thanks are due to Melissa Brady, who is serving as volunteer coordinator for the project.

To sign up to receive homebound delivery service or to volunteer for the service, contact Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski at 203-438-2282 x1003 or FictionRoom@RidgefieldLibrary.org.