Come Playaway with the Ridgefield Library

 Audiobooks are a popular item at the Library. Being read to is something one never outgrows. Listening to a narrator read you a story is enjoyable whether you are an adult commuting to work, a teenager walking through town, or a child stuck in the middle seat of an airplane on a trip to visit Grandma. 

You may know that the Library offers audiobooks on CD and downloadable files through our website.  But did you know about audiobooks on Playaway? A Playaway is a small (3.5 by 2.25 inches) device with an audiobook digitally saved on it. It comes with a battery, and all you have to do is plug in your own headphones to start listening. The little device easily bookmarks where you leave off listening, so you can pick the story back up again quickly.

The Ridgefield Library has Playways with adult, YA, and children’s fiction and non-fiction titles, and we are getting more in all the time. So if you are in the market for an audiobook by Stieg Larsson, Sandra Brown, Avi, John Steinbeck, Wendy Mass, Diana Wynne Jones, or Jodi Picoult, why not try a Playaway next time you visit the Ridgefield Library?

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

New and Improved Book Drop

 

Good news for those in wheelchairs and everyone else who has had difficulty returning items through our outside book return. A new, ADA-compliant, easy-to-use external book drop has now been installed. It is located on the same corner of the building as the former unit, but just around that corner – follow the sign!

It has been introduced to make it easier for our patrons to meet our request that ALL routine returns, including all types of media, be made at this location, prior to entering the building. Of course, if you wish to pay a fine, report damage or have another problem with a returned item, you are still welcome to come to the Circulation Desk.

Returning will now be a one-handed operation, simply pushing items through the slot – no need to pull the drawer down towards you.  There is also now a separate slot for media items such as DVDs and CDs.

We appreciate the way patrons have responded to our request, which truly makes our job of checking in materials more efficient.  This can only improve as even more of our patrons make use of the simplified arrangement.

Contributed by Trevor Gladwin, Circulation Supervisor

Library Offers eBooks 24/7

Even when the Library is closed, you can still check out a book. Your Ridgefield Library card gives you access to eBooks that are available 24/7.

Whether youʼd like to try this new digital format or are looking to borrow books for an eReader, the OverDrive link on our website offers a growing collection of both current and classic titles. These eBooks can be downloaded to computers and to a wide array of mobile devices including the Nook, Sony Reader, iPad, and many smartphones (sorry, no Kindle at this time). The complete list of compatible devices is online.

Access to eBooks is easy. After a free onetime software download of Adobe Digital Reader, youʼre ready to borrow an eBook. Apps are also available for iPhones and for smartphones running the Android operating system.

We are offering OverDrive in conjunction with the Bibliomation consortium. In order to make the most in- demand titles available on a timely basis, we are also part of OverDriveʼs Library Advantage program. Log in with your library card barcode to find copies of eBooks that can only be checked out by Ridgefield Library patrons.

For more information or for assistance in downloading an eBook, please contact Adult Services Librarian Dorothy Pawlowski at dlpawl@ridgefieldlibrary.org or 203-438-2282 x1003.

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