Friends in Need

As the old saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed.  Multiply that by dozens of dedicated volunteers, and you get our wonderful Friends of the Ridgefield Library.  With a mission of “serving and supporting” the Library, the Friends are truly a good friend to everyone who enjoys and benefits from our many programs and services. Essential partners in the capital campaign to build our new facility, they remain committed to helping us add new services like 3D printers and technology instruction while maintaining many well-loved programs such as Book Club Corner selections and Summer Reading Programs. If you enjoy free or discounted museum passes, Ridgefield Folk concerts or intensive literary series like our current Jane Austen programs, then you have the Friends to thank.  These and so many other offerings are only possible because of their generous financial and volunteer support.  So, we are pleased to thank and applaud them publicly during this year’s National Friends of Libraries Week (October 15-21).

You can support the Friends, and through them the Library, by shopping at their big fall used book sale this weekend (through Monday), visiting their online store at amazon.com/shops/forl or becoming a member (forms available at the Library Circulation Desk).

Learning a Language Just Got Easier

Pronunciator, an online language learning product that provides instruction for all ages in over 80 languages, is now available to Library cardholders.  With its wide range of features, Pronunciator replaces Mango, our previous online offering, and is made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Pronunciator provides instruction for learners ranging from beginners to those seeking advanced conversational skills. For structured learning, Pronunciator includes eight-week interactive courses at all levels that offer five days of study each week consisting of one to two 30-minute sessions per day.  For those who prefer to customize their own learning, Pronunciator makes it easy to select areas of focus such as core vocabulary, essential verbs or conversational practice along with the flexibility of mastering a language by topics of interest.  When using a microphone-enabled device, feedback on pronunciation skills is available.

Also included are units specifically geared toward both early learners (3 to 6-year-olds) and young learners (7 to 12-year-olds) and for those seeking to master vocabulary targeted toward travel, workplace or English as a second language.   Download lessons with apps for Apple and Android phones and tablets for access on the go.  Pronunciator also offers a wide range of special features such as movies, music and poetry to enhance study.  

Contributed by Dorothy Pawlowski, Head of Adult Services

Congratulations Are in Order

We are pleased to extend warm wishes and heartfelt thanks to the following members of the Ridgefield Library family:

To Ginny Canfield and Kirby Klump, winners of the Friends of Connecticut Libraries Individual Achievement Award for their tireless work fulfilling Internet sales orders for the Friends of the Ridgefield Library since 2014.  In that time, they packaged and shipped 12,521 items that netted over $156,000 the Friends can use to support Library programs and services.

To Circulation Clerk Megan Klein, who has left the Library to finish up the student teaching requirements for her Masters in Library Science; to shelver Fran Walton who has been promoted to take Megan’s place; and to long-time volunteer Anne Kain who has taken up Fran’s shelving duties.

To Bob Whitton and Mary Mann Smith, who are retiring from the Library Board at the completion of two, three-year terms of service.  Each was an invaluable part of the team that made our New Ridgefield Library a reality, and they will be missed.

To Karena Landler and McKinley Walsh, the Library’s 2017 Ridgefield High School interns, and all of their classmates, on their graduation and move onwards and upwards to college, career and other adventures.

Mother's Day @ The Library

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and the Ridgefield Library can help you celebrate.

Sunday the 14^th is the Run Like a Mother 5K Race.  Even if you are not an athlete, we urge you to turn out to support those who are running.  Sponsorship proceeds from the race support the Library’s Noreen L. Papa: Mothers Live your Life fund, which offers informative and inspirational programs and resources dedicated to health and wellness, particularly for women.

The Library Store in the Library’s Bossidy Commons has a selection of gift items such as bound journal books, canvas book bags and decorative magnetic bookmarks, all certain to please the avid reader.

The Friends of the Library book sale starting on Friday the 12^th offers many lovely gift quality books for mom, from miniature volumes of poetry and inspirational quotations to beautifully illustrated coffeetable books on a wide range of topics.

Mom doesn’t need any more “stuff” in her life?  Buy something for the Library in her honor instead.  Our online Wish List catalog includes options such as supplies for children’s craft programs, new audiobooks or popular fiction, refreshments for Books & Breakfast and many more, at various price ranges.

Celebrating Volunteers

April 23-29 is National Volunteer Week, and we have a lot of talented and generous people to thank for their volunteer service to the Ridgefield Library.  Their involvement ranges from one-time help with a special event like Love your Library Day to a multi-year commitment as a member of our Board of Directors. They come to us as individuals, families, students and groups like National Charity League, Boy and Girl Scouts, Lionsheart and the Boys and Girls Club.  They are young people, retirees and people of all ages doing community service.

One very special group of volunteers is the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, who organize popular used book sales, the proceeds of which support many favorite Library services and collections.  Their spring sale is coming up May 5-7 (children’s books only) and May 12-15.  Don’t miss it!

Teens going into grades 6-12 in the fall are invited to apply before June 5th to volunteer with the Summer Reading Program, assisting younger children with logging their reading and claiming their prizes.  Pick up an application in the Ellis Family Teen Center or print one from our website. 

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped us during the past year!

Sharing Across Generations

The Library is one of the few locations in town where residents of all ages come together in the same space, and we have created several programs to encourage positive intergenerational exchange.

On March 11^th, our Teen Advisory Group will be on hand from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to help adults and senior citizens with their technology needs.  Just bring in the gadgets that drive you crazy such as cell phones, laptops and digital cameras and let our teens unlock their secret power! 

Several times a year, we host Reading Is a Family Affair, in which elementary school children and their parents read a selected title together, then come to the Library as a family to talk about it over a pizza dinner, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

2017 is the 4th year of our Books Building Bridges intergenerational literature program with Ridgefield High School.  A book is selected from the English curriculum, adults and students both read it, then come together for discussions led by some of the students.  The different generational perspectives make for very interesting conversation! In November we will be reading “Pride and Prejudice” together as part of an extended commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.

Holiday Help from the Library

So you have survived Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.  You have, we hope, shopped local right here in Ridgefield. And you still have names on your gift list.  Here’s how the Library can help. 

The Library Store offers many small, affordable gifts perfect for readers and writers, all proudly bearing a library brand or theme and particularly suitable for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa goodies and teacher gifts. Can’t decide?  We now offer Library Store gift certificates. Get as many as you need at $5.00 each and let your recipients choose their favorite item.

The Friends of the Library maintain a select display of used books for sale on an ongoing basis in a case in the Bossidy Commons next to the elevator. At this time of year, it is stocked with a wonderful array of nearly new holiday and gift books.

Someone on your list who really doesn’t need or want another “thing” in their life? Choose from our Wish List of programs, materials and other library services and give a gift to benefit the whole Ridgefield Library family in their honor instead.  See the whole catalog of items in different price ranges online at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Hurrah for our Friends!

October 16-22 has been declared this year as National Friends of Libraries Week.  Here at the Ridgefield Library, we think a single week of recognition is not nearly enough. Every day, we give thanks for all the ways in which the Friends of the Ridgefield Library support our library.  Everyone who walks into our building benefits from materials, programs and special services made possible only through the generosity of the Friends, mostly by virtue of their indefatigable efforts as sellers of used books. Twice yearly onsite sales (coming up October 14-16 and October 21-24) have been joined by robust year-round online sales via their storefront at amazon.com/shops/forl. They even hold pop-up sales on the lawn during community events such as Summerfest.  All told, they fund over $40,000 worth of grant requests from the Library administration each year – all for activities that are not covered in the organization’s annual operating budget.  They also have made extraordinary major gifts in support of the Campaign for the New Library and other one-time needs.

You can support their work by patronizing the book sales (onsite and online), becoming a member of the Friends, or volunteering to help with their projects. Learn more about the impact and the activities of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library at http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/about/FriendsoftheLibrary.shtml.

Falling into Fall @ the Library

Sunday hours are back!  Beginning September 11 and running through the school year, the Library will be open on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. 

Registration is now open for fall preschool storytimes and after-school activities, including book discussions, Maker groups, crafts, music programs, and even yoga for youngsters.  Most regular programs begin the last week of September. Sign-up may be done online at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/children/programs/index.shtml.  Stay tuned also for information about “specials” on school holidays and other occasions. And, of course, drop-in favorites like Mother Goose and storytime on Saturday morning continue most weeks.

Seasonal series like the Ridgefield Folk concerts and ARTalk lectures pick up again in the fall.  Check our event calendar at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org so you don’t miss these very popular offerings. Many of these are sponsored by the Friends of the Library, whose fall used book sales are on tap for mid-October.

The Library and Ridgefield High School are looking forward to the 3^rd year of their joint Books Building Bridges intergenerational reading program.  This year’s title is “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey.  Grab your copy, and start reading, or re-reading, this classic and watch for details of book chats, scholarly lectures and more.

Book Club Corner Expands

The Book Club Corner is the Library’s collection of discussion-worthy titles in fiction, memoir and non-fiction available in batches of 10 or so copies for use by book clubs. To help alleviate our current difficulties with inter-library delivery service, this spring we are adding several high-interest titles, including “The Muralist” by B.A. Shapiro, “Fates and Furies” by Lauren Groff and “Circling the Sun” by Paula McLain.

We are pleased to announce that we have recently instituted a Book Club Corner for children and families as well.  Among the first batch of titles are “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “Flora and Ulysses” by Kate DiCamillo, “Starry River of the Sky” by Grace Lin, “El Deafo” by Cece Bell and Jamison Odone’s re-telling of “Alice in Wonderland.”  All have been used to great effect in our Reading Is a Family Affair inter-generational discussion series, and we recommend them for either children-only or parent and child settings. Look for Children’s Book Club Corner selections in the Parent Resource area of the Children’s Library.

Don’t hesitate to ask at the Children’s or Adult Service Desk for assistance in making a selection for your book group and to reserve a Book Club Corner title. Book Club Corner offerings are made possible by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.

A New Look for Museum Passes

We are pleased to announce that we have developed a new packaging system for our popular museum passes.  Colorful and durable plastic pouches have replaced the cumbersome looseleaf notebook binders.  These are a convenient size to tuck into a handbag or pocket and are well-secured with zippers and snaps to keep all the important paperwork secure.

Thirteen popular institutions in Connecticut and New York offer some variety of free admission deal, and another eight offer discounted admission.  The choices range from art museums like the Wadsworth Atheneum and NYC’s Guggenheim Museum, to outdoor activities such as nature centers and parks, to interactive children’s learning experiences. Passes may be borrowed by Ridgefield Library cardholders for two nights on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some museums provide free passes to libraries; others offer special library discounts through a museum pass program organized by the Connecticut Library Consortium.  Here in Ridgefield, the Friends of the Library have generously paid these fees for us since the program started some years ago.

Pick up a brochure at the Library describing all the offerings or visit www.ridgefieldlibrary.org and click on Catalog & Collections, then Other Resources.  Have a great trip, and send us some pictures of your adventures!

It's a Wrap for Summer Reading

Super readers were frequent visitors at the Ridgefield Library this summer.  In Children’s Services, 1309 children signed up for the Summer Reading Program.  They logged a total of 38,867 books read over the summer with many children exceeding the 50 book goal. 

The Library hosted special events for children and their parents that included a magician, a Frisbee demonstration and musical performers. Children had the chance to code like a superhero.  Others had the chance to create fascinating art projects.  Children shined when they displayed their own talents at the library’s talent show.  Those who read 30 books were thrilled to have their picture taken like a superhero. 

The Library would like to thank those who sponsored the reading program.  We could not provide the wonderful programs and incentives without their support.  The Friends of the Library sponsored our special event programs and prizes. Deborah Anne’s Sweet Shoppe donated ice cream cones and The Toy Chest donated $5 gift certificates.  Their support allows us to offer incentives to our young readers.  We would also like to thank the parents who helped their children log the books, bring them to the library, and who spent hours reading with and listening to their children read.  

Contributed by Gayle Pulley, Head of Children's Services

Celebrating your Friends

What perfect timing!  October 19 through 25 is National Friends of Libraries Week and also happens to be the week of the annual fall used book sale held by the Friends of Ridgefield Library. Taking place for the first time on the Lower Level of the new Ridgefield Library, the sale begins on Friday the 24^th and runs through Monday the 27^th, with thousands of attractively priced titles in all categories, from children’s favorites to cookbooks.

Proceeds from book sales allow the Friends to sponsor some of the Library’s most popular activities. During Friends of Libraries Week these include the monthly Poetry Discussion (focusing this month on World War I era poet Wilfred Owen) and the seasonal intergenerational program Reading is a Family Affair.  Children in grades 3 - 5 together with an adult are invited to a very special book discussion following a pizza dinner.  Register at the Children's Services desk and receive a free copy of the book “Because of Winn Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo, courtesy of the Friends. 

Details of the book sale and more about the Friends can be found at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org.  Take a look, come to the sale, and thank a Friend during their special week!

Book Sale Shelf Is Back

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, our stock of ongoing books for sale is back, located next to the elevator in the Bossidy Commons. Offerings for all ages are selected by the Friends from used book donations, and all proceeds go directly to support the Library.  Prices are modest, and you can pay at the Circulation Desk.  Stop here for goodies to take along on vacation or to the beach!

For a larger selection of summer reading, don’t miss the Friends mini-sale on Saturday the 19^th during Summerfest.  Look for these dedicated volunteers and their wares on the wall along Main Street in front of the Library.

Used book donations for the big fall sale are currently being accepted at the Library during open hours.  Collection carts for donated items are located at the Circulation Desk and also in the Lower Level Lobby outside the Friends sorting room.  Please check the donation guidelines on the Friends section of the Library webpage before loading up your car.

Did you know that the Friends also run a very active online sales operation at amazon.com/shops/forl - a great destination for special book purchases in between the semi-annual onsite sales?

Thanks, Friends!

Congratulations and Thanks to Paccadolmi Award Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Paccadolmi Awards, given out at the Library’s dedication ceremony on May 9^th.  For generations of Ridgefielders, Phyllis Paccadolmi personified the Ridgefield Library, and this award honors those whose commitment to the Library exemplifies her spirit and dedication.  This year’s honorees are Philip & Christine Lodewick for leadership and the Friends of the Ridgefield Library for volunteer service.

Philip Lodewick, aided by his wife Christine, served as Chair of the Campaign for the New Ridgefield Library. He coined the slogan Do It Once, Do it Right, Do It Now, and then made it happen just that way.  It is due to his leadership that the Library was able to raise over $15 million privately and to secure bond funding of $5 million from the town at referendum.

The Friends of the Ridgefield Library's commitment of $100,000 in 2006 was virtually the first pledge received for the project, and their further commitment in 2013 was the gift that pushed us well along towards our fundraising goal.  Along the way, they helped out in every possible way.  With total giving of over $300,000 and countless hours of volunteer service, the Friends have been indispensable and inspirational.

Spring Cleaning!

Here at the Library, we are doing a lot of spring cleaning to get ready for our move back to 472 Main Street in April.  We’ll even be having another giant tag sale to dispose of items in our temporary facility we will no longer need.  But we are still able and willing to assist in your spring cleaning efforts in several ways.

The Friends of the Library are happy to accept used book donations for their spring book sale, coming on May 2 through 5 at Yanity Gym.  Items in good condition may be dropped off at the Library’s 21 Governor Street location during open hours.  Please check the donation guidelines at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org and remember to pack your books in boxes that are easy for our volunteers to lift and carry.

The Library can also help you clear off your driveway and make your property look at its spring best by accepting donations of used cars, boats and other vehicles.  It is fast and easy and earns you a tax-deduction, while supporting the Library’s operations.  More information on this convenient program is available at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Now all we need is spring weather!

New Series for Writers

As part of the Library’s mission to help both experienced and novice writers hone their craft, we are presenting a brand new series of workshops and talks aimed at writers of all levels.  The series, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is called Write It! and will continue throughout the year.  

Starting on January 16 Phyllis Ross will return to the Library to present a three part workshop aimed at the beginning writer.  This is strictly for those budding writers who have no prior workshop experience. On February 9 author and editor Adele Annesi will present a program called Life Lines, which will focus on the art of non-fiction writing and then on April 6 she will present a program called The Art of the Essay.  This program will be of special interest to high school students trying to put together that perfect college essay.  Professor Michael White, from Fairfield University, will discuss From Idea to Book on March 6. More workshops are scheduled for the fall, with a workshop on writing for a teen audience and a program on screenwriting in the works.  Also in the fall we are very excited that the New Ridgefield Library will be hosting the second annual Ridgefield Writers Conference. 

Contributed by Adult Program Director Lesley Lambton.

Celebrating our Friends this Week

October 20-26 is National Friends of Libraries Week, and it couldn’t be a more fitting time to celebrate the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.

Friday through Monday October 25-28 marks the Friends annual fall used book sale at Yanity Gym, offering tens of thousands of titles in over 30 categories, all at great prices.  Get the full sale schedule at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org, where you can also find out more about the Friends and the many Library activities they support, including Ridgefield Folk concerts, monthly poetry discussions and Reading Is a Family Affair.  The Friends also make possible such innovations as downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, Great Courses audio and video lectures and Mango and Little Pim language learning programs.

When they are not busy with the book sale, the Friends have taken on the task this fall of assisting the Library staff with “RFID tagging” – placing a special radio frequency tag into each of our 120,000 books and other items in preparation for a state-of-the-art automated circulation system in the new Library.  Anyone interested in volunteering to help with this project should contact me as listed below.

Whether you see them at the sale or around the Library, take a moment this week to thank a Friend!

Museum Pass Updates

Did you know that you can get free or discounted admission to 20 area cultural attractions through the Library’s Museum Pass Program? Whether you are interested in science or art, animals or history, our Museum Passes make it convenient and affordable to enjoy venues such as the Beardsley Zoo, the Wadsworth Atheneum and the Connecticut Science Center.

Participating institutions are as close as The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum right on Ridgefield’s Main Street and as far away as the American Museum of National History in New York City. This fall we are adding two wonderful new locations that bring American history to life – Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts and our own Keeler Tavern Museum.

Please note that we are discontinuing temporarily the Peabody Museum while it is under renovation and its popular dinosaurs are not available for viewing.

Offers vary among the participating museums, so go to www.ridgefieldlibrary.org or pick up a brochure for more information, including pass borrowing rules.  Hours and exhibits change seasonally at many of the institutions, so always check their website before making your plans.

Thanks as always to the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, who have been the sponsors of this program since its inception. 

Have a great trip!