LearningExpress Library

LearningExpress Library is an online resource providing comprehensive test preparation, academic skills improvement resources, and career and occupational information for students in grade 4 through adult learners. It offers practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want at school, at work, or in life.

·         Boost academic skills in core subjects such as math, reading, writing, vocabulary and social studies and more.

·         High school students have access to practice tests for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Tests are timed and scored with correct answers provided. Tutorials are recommended based on your score. Other exams include CLEP, ACCUPLACER, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and PCAT.

·         Learn about careers and prepare for occupational exams such as the PSI Real Estate Salesperson exam, the Praxis and ParaPro Assessments for teaching, EMT, Firefighter and ASVAB exams. Also included are exams for air traffic controller, civil service, commercial driver’s license, cosmetology, culinary arts, dental assisting, Homeland Security, law enforcement, nursing, pharmacy technician, physician assistant, plumber, veterinary technician, and more.

Start at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org then click on Research & Reference, then Databases A-Z. Log in with your Ridgefield Library card. For more information, please contact Adult Services.

Contributed by Adult Services Librarian Christie Mitchell

New Card Designs for the New Library

The Ridgefield Library now offers an array of colorful designs from which card holders may choose.  The newest styles were drawn from the design contest held by the Library in anticipation of the opening of its new building. The winning designs were selected by leaders of the town’s arts community from 80 total entries in five age and experience categories.  The designs have been adapted from the original artwork to fit standard library card specifications and all come with a convenient accompanying keychain card. You can see the choices at the Library or on our website at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org.

The five winners are: Hailey DeWalt (K-5^th grade); Catherine D’Jay (Middle School); Sandra Carpenter (High School); Elizabeth DiSalvo (“Adults”); and Michelle Fisher (Professional Artists). Congratulations to all, who were recognized at a special ceremony at the Library in December.

Those getting new cards may choose any of the new or existing styles at no charge.  Existing cardholders may switch to one of the new designs for a nominal $1.00 charge. The "red bird" card designed by Jamison Odone is also still available, at the new price of $1.00. Please bring your existing card with you if you wish to transfer your account to one of the special edition cards. 

Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

Whatever your resolutions for the New Year, the Ridgefield Library is here to help you fulfill them. 

Improve your computer skills.  Our Atomic Training web-based instructional programs offer video training on hundreds of the most commonly used applications from Microsoft, Apple, Google, Adobe and more.  All you need is your Ridgefield Library card number to sign on and improve your job or personal productivity skills. 

Take care of yourself so you can take better care of your family.  The Noreen L. Papa “Mothers Life your Live” Fund brings to the Library programs and resources promoting women’s health and wellness.  Check our event calendar for upcoming activities.

Read more.  With 5 monthly book discussion groups focusing on genres from mysteries to poetry, the Library can give you the incentive needed to pick up those books you have been meaning to read. New readers are always welcome!  Or check out Books & Breakfast, the monthly gathering where Library staff and patrons share what they have been reading recently. 

Get more out of reading with your children.  Our new Conversational Reading initiative offers hands-on workshops and take-home kits to help you get the most out of time spent reading together with the youngsters in your life.

What’s New for the New Year @ Your Library

We are always on the lookout for fresh ideas to keep your library experience exciting and relevant.  Here are just a few of the new things you can look forward to at the Ridgefield Library in 2015.

• ·         Acceptance of passport applications, starting later in the winter – don’t forget to pick up a travel guide while you are here doing the paperwork!
• ·         The Library will serve as a meet-up site for a new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on art history – a follow-up to our very successful experiment with the Fiction of Relationship course last year.
• ·         New classes on CAD programming and 3D printing, plus availability for patrons to bring their own designs and projects to the Library for 3D printing.
• ·         A three-part series called Law through Film that uses award-winning films and expert moderators to stimulate conversation about important social and legal issues
• ·         Wireless printing capability from laptops and other devices
• ·         More drop-in programs for youngsters.  Look for Nature Explorers for ages 3-5 and Music & Movement for ages 2-5 on Wednesdays starting in January.
• ·         New reading lists for many of our monthly book discussion groups.

Have a Happy New Year, and stay tuned for details of these projects as the seasons unfold.