Temporary Interruption to Inter-Library Delivery Service

Once again, we are experiencing some temporary interruption to Inter-Library Loan availability due to changes at the state level.  From June 19 through mid-July, we will not be able to process any requests for items that are not owned by the Ridgefield Library (i.e. Inter-Library Loans).  The statewide library delivery service is being re-vamped and will not be accepting new items for delivery as the State Library transitions to a new system.  Service is expected to resume later this summer with a new delivery schedule and guidelines.

If you are interested in an item that does not appear in our catalog, please speak to any member of our staff about alternatives – we are here to help you obtain what you are looking for. These may include locating and securing a copy for you to pick up at another library; assisting you in finding and downloading an eBook or digital audio version of a title; or fast-tracking purchase of additional or replacement copies of selected items missing from our collection.

Please note: It is possible that we will receive shipment during this transition period of items you previously requested under the old system, but we will not be able to initiate any new Inter-Library Loan requests. 

The Original Co-Working Space: Your Public Library

I had occasion to visit a new space recently that billed itself as a co-working facility.  The co-working concept basically creates a shared space where freelancers, solo entrepreneurs and others who might work from home can come to find a more work-conducive environment, technology and logistical support, and the creativity and sense of community that comes from collaborating, even casually, with others.  This particular space offered “amenities” including conference and meeting rooms, small private work spaces, free wifi, printers and other technology, and curated programming.

Sound familiar?  The Ridgefield Library makes available all these same amenities, and more. Shared resources include over 100,000 books, periodicals and other materials, including special collections on business and creativity. In addition to wifi and standard printers, we also offer 3D printing, color scanning, outgoing fax service and other creative technologies. We have meeting and study rooms for individual work, group meetings and public presentations. Our programming includes the Skillsbox series to help small and home-based businesses grow and thrive and Maker groups and coding classes to introduce people to new trends and technologies. And we can see idea sharing and collaboration happen all the time, between patrons and staff and among our users. Drop by and take advantage of your co-working space soon!

Passport to Connecticut Libraries

Did you know that you can use a Ridgefield Library card throughout the state?  During the month of April, we will be participating in the Passport to Connecticut Libraries program to encourage cardholders to visit and explore the amazing diversity of the state’s public libraries.

With sponsorship from the Connecticut Library Association, over 120 libraries will be participating.  Starting on April 1st, pick up your passport and the list of participants at any of our service desks. Then take along your passport as you travel to other libraries and receive a stamp and a token gift from each place you visit.

If you have stamps from at least five participants by April 30, you will be entered into a statewide drawing for a chance to win a $150 Visa Gift Card (for adults 18 and over) or a $100 Visa Gift Card for children and teens (under 18).   A total of four winners will be randomly selected from two categories; the first is for those who have visited at least five libraries and the second is made up of those from each library with the most passport stamps.

The second week of April is National Library Week, the perfect time to discover all the doors your library card opens. 

Contributed by Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski

Passport to Connecticut Libraries

From September 2^nd through September 30^th, the Ridgefield Library will be participating in the first Passport to Connecticut Libraries program.  Sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association in support of Library Card Sign Up Month, the program is modeled on the state’s popular Wine Trail Passport Program.

Here’s how it works.  Anytime, on or after September 2, ask for a passport at one of the Library’s service desks.  You’ll also receive a list of the over 80 participating libraries.  Visit any one and show a valid library card to have your passport stamped and to receive a small gift.   At the end of the month, hand in your passport at any participating library to be entered in two drawings, one for Most Libraries Visited and a Random Drawing for all participants.   The drawings will be for two adult prizes of $150.00 and two children’s prizes (for those under 18) of $100.00.

Your Ridgefield Library card can be used to check out items in any of these libraries, plus you’ll have a chance to explore the unique treasures each has to offer.  Any items checked out at another library can be returned to the Ridgefield Library.   For more information visit Facebook.com/passporttoctlibraries. Happy exploring!

Contributed by Dorothy Pawlowski, Head of Adult Services

Things to Know about your Library Card

Things to know about your Library Card. It:
• allows us to access your account at least 14 times faster by scanning than by looking you up (and thereby helps keep any line at Circulation moving along – even more so if you have it ready to present when you approach the desk);
• has two parts if you have the keychain version, and it is important to keep both parts in your possession – for your security, and also you may need the main card to register at some libraries;
• must be current to use self-checkout, borrow from other Libraries, maintain your LibraryELF subscription, and renew items online (you must re-register with LibraryELF if the card expires);
• can be used at any public Library in Connecticut (but not beyond);
• valid for two years (renewal just takes a minute but must be done in person with the card and ID)
• can be replaced if lost for a $1.00 fee if you present ID;
• comes in a special edition for $5.00 if you would like to show your “Ridgefield Library colors.”

Circulation staff will be glad to answer any questions you have!

Contributed by Trevor Gladwin, Head of Circulation

How to Get What You Want @ the Library

Here’s how to improve your success rate in receiving items requested from the Ridgefield Library.

• If you place a reserve on an item our catalog lists as being in, please wait for confirmation that the item has been located and is ready for your pick-up.

• If our copy of something is out, first place a request in our catalog rather than going out to an external source. In most cases, this will automatically trigger a request to our 40 sister libraries in Bibliomation, and the first available copy will be shipped here for your use. The statewide catalog, referred to as iCONN.org or reQuest, only gets updates from many libraries periodically (Ridgefield information is sent once a quarter) so does not accurately reflect our current holdings or availability.

• If you want to reserve a specific number of a multi-part DVD series, ask a staff person to help you. The public catalog interface only allows you to place a request on a title in general, but we can get behind the scenes to select a particular volume.

• Ask for assistance! Our staff is trained in the intricacies of navigating the various catalog and Inter-Library Loan systems, and we are happy to help.

Sunday Hours Resume; Statewide Library Services Saved; Fundraising Events Planned

Starting on September 13^th, the Ridgefield Library once again will be open Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, for the convenience of students, commuters and anyone else who just can’t get enough of the Library during the rest of the week.

You will be pleased to hear that the myriad valuable library resources provided by the state of Connecticut have been reinstated in the budget that was finally passed last week. This includes the many useful databases included in iCONN, the InfoAnytime 24/7 virtual reference desk, support for Inter-Library Loan service, high-speed Internet access for libraries and much more. Thanks to all of you who contacted elected officials to urge support for statewide library services. The message was heard loud and clear that libraries are more important than ever in these challenging times.

Support for local library services also comes from special events, and two great opportunities are coming up to have fun while raising funds. “Murder @ the Library” is a musical murder mystery dinner theater evening scheduled for Friday, October 2^nd. Camp Snooze, the popular sleepover at the Library for 4^th graders, will be held on Saturday, October 24^th. For more on both, visit our webpage or call Leslie at 203-438-2282 x1022.

Keychain Library Cards Now Available

Good news! Keychain library cards are now available at the Ridgefield Library. Effective immediately, everyone signing up for a new library card will actually receive two – one keychain variety for your convenience in using our Library, and one traditional card which enables you to use other libraries around the state.

Those who already have a regular Ridgefield Library card may exchange it free of charge for a keychain set, but be advised that the new cards will have a different barcode number. You will need to update your account with Library ELF, neighboring libraries you frequent and any other location where you have registered your existing number.

Here in Ridgefield, we hope the convenience of the keychain format will make it easier for you to keep your card handy for use at the Circulation Desk, when doing self-service check-out and when logging onto our Public Access Computers or wireless.

If you take advantage of the statewide ConnectiCard system, which allows you to use your home town library card at any Connecticut public library, you will need to present the full-sized regular card, along with additional identification, so make sure to have these with you when you travel out of town.

Help Us Help Your Book Discussion Group

On a regular basis, the Ridgefield Library helps some 50 local book discussion groups choose their selections, find background information and discussion questions and obtain multiple copies for group members. We are pleased to be able to support this popular and worthwhile activity, but we do ask that you follow these guidelines:

• Plan Ahead. You must submit your request a minimum of 3 weeks before the date you need books in hand.
• Check the Publication Date. We are not able to obtain multiple copies of books that are less than 1 year old.
• Confirm your Numbers. Save us time and money by ordering only as many copies as you really think your group will need.
• Pick a Contact Person. Please designate one responsible party to complete a request form for each title and to communicate with group members about the status of your request.
• Stick to your Meeting Schedule. Special arrangements made to accommodate your scheduling needs do not allow us to extend due dates or renew items from other libraries if your plans change.

For suggestions of titles that lend themselves to discussion, ask at the Fiction Desk or in Children’s Services. To request multiple copies of a title, contact Interlibrary Loan Coordinator Karen Kazzi at 438-2282 x1011 or at klkazzi@RidgefieldLibrary.org.

In late June, the General Assembly finally passed and the governor signed a state budget for the coming year. Why should Ridgefield Library users care?

Several key services offered by the Connecticut State Library and related agencies received level or increased funding, ensuring access by Ridgefielders and all state residents to some very useful resources without having to pay for them on a local basis.

Connecticard is the core reciprocal borrowing and Inter-Library Loan delivery service that makes it possible for a Ridgefield library card holder to access free-of-charge materials from virtually every other public library on the state –and have them brought directly to your local library’s door for your convenient pick-up. Support for Connecticard was increased substantially for a second year, helping to better align funding with actual operating costs.

Funding for iCONN, the Connecticut Digital Library, was increased to cover ongoing operation and subscriptions to its dozens of online databases and other resources, all available to every Connecticut library card holder. Among other things, the increase will allow iCONN to continue access to the Hartford Courant Historical archive database, a project that was implemented this past year with contributions from many individual libraries, including the Ridgefield Library.

Have you tried InfoAnytime, the 24/7 virtual reference service that was initiated last year by a group of several dozen libraries (including Ridgefield)? If you have benefited from this superlative source of information and research assistance, you will be pleased to know that the General Assembly added a new budget line specifically for this service and funded it in the amount of $150,000. If you haven’t tried it yet, visit our website at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org and see what creative public/private collaboration can make possible.

If you value any of these services, be sure to tell Governor Rell, State Senator Judith Freedman and State Representative John Frey how much you appreciate their support of Connecticut libraries – including your own.