The Ridgefield Library - A Wise Resource for Challenging Times

Did you see the recent article in the New York Times about the rise in library use, which featured our own Ridgefield Library (if you missed it, see the online version here)? Along with showing how people are using libraries to save money, it highlighted the evolving role of institutions traditionally looked to as a source of books to borrow and cultural programs to attend. Increasingly, libraries are serving as a “wise resource in challenging times,” taking the lead in helping people address practical issues in their lives, from job loss to living sustainably. In addition to traditional book discussions and storytimes, in recent months Ridgefielders have been able to get hands-on help eliminating unwanted catalogs, find answers to questions about their electronic gadgets, learn about green lawn care and attend one of a continuing series of career workshops. Upcoming are a “Pink Slip Party” networking opportunity for prospective employers and employees and a seminar on “Weathering the College Admissions Process” for parents of high school students. Visit our website for details, where you can also sign up for weekly e-newsletters to keep you informed of all the literary, cultural and practical offerings we have in store.

Share your Desert Island Picks

Here's a request from Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what books would you want to have with you? We’d like to know your all-time favorite titles, fiction or non-fiction books that have had a lasting impact on you. To date, submitted titles include a range from A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm, and Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.

In April, we will be featuring the books selected in displays throughout the Library. In addition, a printed list of recommended titles will be available. We’ll also be discussing “The Best Books You’ve Ever Read” at the Library’s Books & Breakfast meeting on Monday, April 13th. Books and Breakfast is a monthly informal book chat, a forum for library staff and library patrons to share their favorite reads. The April meeting will take place in the Library’s Dayton Program Room at 10:30 AM, and refreshments will be served. We hope you’ll join us.

“Best Books” survey forms are available at any service desk in the Library, or you can e-mail the titles of your favorite books to FictionRoom@RidgefieldLibrary.org.

Tell Us Your Savings Stories

Do you have a story about how your public library is helping you to save money in these uncertain times? Well, we would like to hear about it – and so would Woman’s Day Magazine. Statistics tell us that library usage is on the rise due to the economy, and we want to uncover the human stories behind the numbers. Now through May 18th, women ages 18 and up are invited to send in stories in 700 words or less telling how you are using the library to save money. Submissions should be sent to womansday@ala.org for consideration; up to four stories will be profiled in the March 2010 issue of the magazine. Copy your entry to us at MFRind@ridgefieldlibrary.org, and we may feature it on our website and other local publicity as well (anonymously if you prefer).

This initiative continues an eight-year partnership between Woman’s Day and the American Library Association’s Campaign for America’s Libraries. Previous essay topics have included “how the library has changed my life” and, featured in the March 2009 issue, “how I have used the library to improve my family’s health and wellness.” More details and official contest rules are available at www.womansday.com/ala.