Reading Is a Family Affair at the Ridgefield Library

Three times a school year, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, we offer students in third through fifth grades and their families a free book, a free meal, and a chance to take part in a book discussion.  The program is called Reading is a Family Affair and it is among the most popular at the Library. The next one will take place on Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30pm.  Families who sign up ahead of time will receive a copy of Jerry Spinelli’s book Loser to read together.  

There is a new policy for signing up. To ensure attendance and prompt RSVPs, we are asking all who register to give us a $5 per person refundable deposit.  The deposit will be refunded when you attend the program, or if you call us by noon the day of, with your regrets.

On February 23, everyone who has registered will gather in the Library’s Dayton Program Room and enjoy a pizza dinner before breaking into small groups to discuss the book.  The program is always enjoyable, as hearing opinions and reflections from several generations makes for a rich discussion.  We hope to see you at the Library this winter!

Contributed by Geri Dioro, Head of Children's Services and Teen Services Librarian

It’s Time to Vote…..for your favorite Nutmeg book!

Voted on by young readers across the state, the Nutmeg Book Awards are Connecticut's premiere honor for outstanding children's literature. Each year, youngsters choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles in two categories: children in Grades 4-6 participate in the Intermediate category, and readers in Grades 7 and 8 select from a list of Teen nominations.

To be nominated for the award, books must be well-written works of fiction which are copyrighted in the U.S., first published no more than five years ago and now available in paperback. 

Students are NOT required to read all ten books to vote, but here at the Ridgefield Library we offer a number of programs to encourage the reading of the nominated titles, including Nutmeg Nibblers and Nutmeg Teen book discussions, as well as author talks.  We also make sure we have plenty of copies, so there are always enough to go around.  

Students can vote once either at their school library or at their public library.  We have ballots and a voting box in Children’s Services should students choose to cast their vote here at the Ridgefield Library.  Voting closes January 31^st, with the winners to be announced on February 14^th.  

Contributed by Children's Librarian Mary Beth Rassulo

Library Delivers to the Homebound

During the winter months, navigating in snow and ice can be especially challenging for those with medical issues, and incapacitating falls are all too common at this time of year.    However, rest assured that if you can’t make it to the Library, we’ll come to you.   Through the Library’s Homebound Delivery Service, library materials can be delivered right to your door.

This service is available on a long-term or short-term basis to all Ridgefield residents.  Whether you are out of commission for a few weeks or have ongoing needs, Homebound Delivery gives you access to books, large print titles, audiobooks, music CDs, and movies from the Library’s collection.  To initiate this service, contact Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski, who’ll meet with you to determine what types of material you want to receive. You’ll be matched up with one of our dedicated volunteer drivers, who will drop off and pick up selections on a weekly basis as needed.   When you are ready for new items, a staff member will be available to make recommendations that match your specific interests.   

If you know anyone who would benefit from the Library’s Homebound Delivery Service, please help spread the word.

Contributed by Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski

Borrow a Kill A Watt @ your Library

As your electric bill increases, have you ever wondered how much your appliances, especially the older ones, are costing you?  The Ridgefield Library can loan you a device called the Kill A Watt, an electricity usage monitor, that can help you calculate the cost of running each one by determining how many kilowatts per hour your appliances use . 

The Kill A Watt works like this. It is plugged into an outlet, and appliances are then plugged into it.  In order to get an accurate reading, the appliance should be plugged into the Kill A Watt for at least 24 hours.  Using an extension cord or power strip for those hard-to-reach outlets makes getting a reading easier.  Included with the device are detailed use instructions and an example of the formula for figuring your cost per year per appliance.

There are several  Kill A Watts available for loan at the Reference Desk thanks to the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment (RACE).  These are checked out like other library materials and may be borrowed for two weeks with one renewal.  Fines are .10 per day.  Borrow one and discover the costs, to the environment and your pocketbook, of running or leaving electronic gear on day and night.

Contributed by Victoria Carlquist, Head of Reference Services