New & Now @ the Library

After a little reorganization of shelving units in the Bossidy Commons, our "New & Now" collection is now front and center.  Here is where you will find multiple copies of the hottest new adult books and DVDs, available for the taking on a first come, first served basis - no waiting lists, no reserves, no renewals. Books go out for 1 week and DVDs for 3 days;  fines are $1.00 per day.  You never know what you'll find, but it is well worth the time to browse for a lucky find.

Don't forget to visit the Upper Level for more new adult fiction and non-fiction, the Ellis Family Teen Center for new materials for middle and high school students and the Lodewick Family Children's Library for the latest in books and more for children.  And if you don't want to take your chances with New & Now, you can always request to be put on a waiting list for any title.

The Richardson Terrace Is Now Open for Business

Now that construction on the adjacent Prospector building is nearing completion, the terrace space between the Library and the theater is now available for use by the public. On the Library side, this space is known as the Richardson Terrace, in recognition of the support of the Anne S. Richardson Fund for the Campaign for the New Ridgefield Library.

We invite you to use this path to enter the "campus" from Prospect Street.  You may also enter the Library from this level through doors into our program room level; just push the handicapped door operator, and the door will swing open.  You may find this particularly convenient if you are attending an after hours program.  Bicyclists should also note that there is a bike rack located on the terrace for your convenience.

As additional seating and other outdoor furniture is installed, we hope the terrace will become a popular destination for visitors to both the Library and the Prospector.

Where Is the Dayton Program Room?

Many people have noticed the "Dayton Program Room" listed on our event calendar as the location of meetings, book discussions and other activities.  Some have been confused, asking "Wasn't that the name of the community meeting space in the old Library?"

In the new Library, we have two spaces for programs on the Lower Level, and we have chosen to designate one of them as the Dayton Program Room, in ongoing recognition of the generous donors who gave the money to create the original Dayton room in 1990. The addition of this space completely transformed the Library's capacity for programming for adults, which jumped from virtually nothing to 3,294 participants in 1995.  By 2012, when we vacated the space, yearly adult program attendance had grown to over 11,500. With the expanded program facilities in the new building, we expect to see that number continue to grow.

Looking for the silver lining!

It has been in use for barely two weeks, and our drive-up book return box met with an accident today, when a delivery truck backed into it.  It is bent out of shape, to say the least, and cannot be used at present.

While not a wished-for occurrence, this does give us the opportunity to remind people that we would actually prefer all returns to be made through the drop slots in the wall of the building if possible.  The freestanding box is intended principally for the convenience of those not wanting to get out of their cars.

If you are parking or getting out of your car anyway, please take your items to the wall-mounted returns, where you can feed them directly into our new materials handling system, which checks them in and sorts them for shelving automatically.  This saves a lot of time for the staff and gets items back to the shelves or to the next person on the waiting list faster and more efficiently.  There is a return slot in the outside of the building, to the right of the main doors from the parking lot and also one inside the main lobby.

Thanks for your cooperation.  We will let you know as soon as the drive-up return box is back in action.

Where is the bike rack at the new Library?

From the Frequently Asked Questions File: What about Bike Racks?

There is a bike rack installed in the terrace space between the Library and the Prospector, with access off Prospect Street. Unfortunately this is not accessible until the theater construction is complete and that area is opened to the public (in July).

We are also looking into installing a second rack on the parking lot side of the building.  Director Chris Nolan has found a delightful rack that spells out the word BOOKS. You could help make this a reality with your contribution through our Wish List at http://librarywishlist.com/wl/WishList_home.cfm?x=989 

What's Up with the Locked Bathroom Doors?

From the Frequently Asked Questions File: What's Up with the Locked Bathroom Doors?

Our apologies for the inconvenience of the locked bathrooms in the Commons and in the Children's Library.  It was not our intention to have these doors permanently locked from the outside, requiring users to ask for a key like at a service station on the highway!  These 4 doors (of the dozens in the building) were shipped from the factory with the wrong lock set.  We are awaiting replacements and hope to have this problem eliminated very soon.  Thanks for your patience in the meantime.

Library Tours Available

Haven't had a chance to become familiar with the new Ridgefield Library yet? Guided tours led by the Friends of the Library will be offered several times a week for the rest of the month. Check ridgefieldlibrary.org to see the schedule; sign up required.

Today's the Day!

The countdown is complete and we have reached Opening Weekend!  Check out the full schedule of activities for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at  http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/about/giveto_library/OpeningWeekend.shtml

T-1: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

We’ve all waited a long time for this: It’s now one day until it all happens. Please join us for the start of Opening Weekend tomorrow. Thank you, Ridgefield.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-2: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Most new adult fiction and non-fiction books can be borrowed for two weeks.  But we make an exception for those really long books!  Look for “28-Day New” spine labels on tomes by the likes of Ken Follett and Stephen King and take your time to savor them.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-2: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Most new adult fiction and non-fiction books can be borrowed for two weeks.  But we make an exception for those really long books!  Look for “28-Day New” spine labels on tomes by the likes of Ken Follett and Stephen King and take your time to savor them.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-3: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

The Ridgefield Library first opened its doors on Main Street in 1903. In three days you’ll get to walk through that same set of doors, beautifully reimagined (along with the rest of the Library).

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-4: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

There are four self-serve checkout stations in the new Library, including three on the main floor and one right inside the newly re-opened Main Street doors.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-5: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Did you know the Library hosts five monthly book discussion groups for adults – AM Book Group, Critics’ Circle Book Group, The Nonfictioneers, Murder by the Book (for mystery lovers) and the Poetry Discussion Group?

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-6: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

With our new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, patrons will be able to check out up to six books at a time, with no searching for barcodes or struggling with scanners.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-7: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

The new Ridgefield Library will offer seven study rooms for small meetings, group study or quiet concentration.  Some may be reserved in advance and others will be available on a drop-in basis.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-8: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

The 2013-2014 Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce membership directory lists eight banks, ten attorneys, five beauty salons – but only one public library. Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-9: Countdown to Opening Weekend

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 9th, the start of Opening Weekend for the new Ridgefield Library. The community dedication ceremony will kick off a full weekend of activities and celebrations including a volunteer-manned Book Brigade that will transfer the remaining few volumes from their temporary location over to the new library.   

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-10: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Attention youngsters and parents!  There will be ten brand new LeapPad 2 multimedia educational tablet computers in the Children’s Library – a great upgrade from the old “games ‘puters” we used to have!

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-11: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Eleven employees of the Ridgefield Library hold a Masters of Library Science or comparable advanced degree, ensuring a high level of professional knowledge and service for our patrons.  Others have extensive education and experience in early childhood development, technology and other related fields. 

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-12: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Twelve Ridgefielders with health or mobility limitations welcomed volunteers from the Library’s Homebound Delivery Service last year, who brought them books, audiobooks and even DVDs specially selected for them by Library staff.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-13: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Ridgefielders borrowed thirteen library items for every man, woman and child in town during 2012-2013, well above the state per capita average of 8.6. 

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-14: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

There are fourteen digits in the barcode number on your Ridgefield Library card – an indispensable tool for using convenient self-check, logging into online resources and taking advantage of reciprocal borrowing at libraries across the state.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-15: Countdown to Opening Weekend

Sign up today for one of fifteen e-newsletters that alert you to new releases and reading recommendations from our staff.  Choose from topics such as New Fiction, Teen Scene, Romance, Business, and Nonfiction Bestsellers, and get periodic updates, complete with links to our catalog so you can check availability of anything that catches your eye.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-16: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

May 16th is the day for Great Expectations, the Library’s new annual signature event, where Nancy and Larry Bossidy will receive the inaugural Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award. Make your reservations at ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-17: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Seventeen library-based and community book groups held discussions of The Grapes of Wrath and related books during The Big Read in 2010.  Co-sponsored by the Library and the Ridgefield Playhouse and featuring activities presented by 17 town organizations, this project of the National Endowment for the Arts engaged hundreds of Ridgefielders of all ages in exploring the impact of John Steinbeck and his masterwork.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-18: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Eighteen individuals and groups have received the Paccadolmi Award, given out by the Library each year since 2007 to honor extraordinary leadership and volunteer service.  This year’s honorees, Christine and Philip Lodewick and the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, will be recognized at the dedication ceremony on May 9th.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-19: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Nineteen new titles have been added in the past year to the Book Club Corner, our collection of multiples copies of titles selected for their suitability and interest for book discussion groups.  Over 60 fiction and non-fiction titles are now available, from the brand-new releases like Transatlantic by Colum McCann to classics like Elie Wiesel’s Night.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-20: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Twenty hardy readers completed the Library’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offering during the 2013 Summer Reading Program for adults, finishing 10 major works of literature in 10 weeks and attending weekly video lectures and in-person discussions.  Several dozen more participated as time allowed, and all were at the cutting edge of library programming nationwide, as the Ridgefield Library’s MOOC program was one of the first of its kind.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-21: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

In 2012, Ridgefield Library operations moved to our temporary location at 21 Governor Street while the new building was being constructed. And we’re now 21 days away from saying goodbye to that space. We’ll miss it (a little).

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-22: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

The Library’s Museum Pass Program, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, offers free or discounted admission to 22 wonderful cultural institutions, from NYC’s Guggenheim Museum to Old Sturbridge Village.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-23: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

The Dayton Program Room hosted thousands of adult programs in the 23 years following its opening in 1990, from book discussions and concerts to author talks and art exhibits.  While the physical structure was demolished last year to make way for a much expanded, sate-of-the-art program room suite in the new Library, a portion of this complex will retain the Dayton Program Room name in recognition of this rich history.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-24: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

Through the portal of ridgefieldlibrary.org, Ridgefield Library cardholders have 24/7 access to dozens of authoritative, up-to-date reference databases such as Literary Reference Center Plus and EBSCO’s Health Source Consumer Edition.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-25: Countdown to Opening Weekend

“Storytime” is the name of the life-sized bronze sculpture by Glenna Goodacre of a woman reading to a child that has graced the Library since 2001, when it was given by an anonymous donor to honor Anita Daubenspeck’s retirement after 25 years of service as Library Director.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-26: Countdown to Opening Weekend

Twenty-six current and former Ridgefield residents are represented in the Authors’ Corner on the Community Mural, allowing their books to have a permanent place on the “shelves” of the Library.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-27: Countdown to Opening Weekend!

2014 will be the 27th year of our popular Summer Reading Program, generously sponsored for all that time by the Friends of the Library. We started in 1988 with school-age readers, expanded to include teens and then adults, and this year will be adding a component for pre-school youngsters as well.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-28: Countdown to Opening Weekend

The new Ridgefield Library will feature 28 Public Access Computers with highspeed Internet access, a comprehensive menu of reference databases, and in-demand personal and business productivity software: ten near the adult reference desk, eleven in the Donofrio Technology Center, six for homework use in the Lodewick Children’s Library and one equipped with assistive technology for users with special needs.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-29: Countdown to Opening Weekend

Questions about February 29th and leap year are among those asked frequently at the Library’s  Reference Desk, along with inquiries about triskaidekaphopbia (fear of the number thirteen), the symbolism of the number 8 in Judaism and other fascinating facts about dates and numbers.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

T-30: Countdown to Opening Weekend

It was 30 years ago, in 1984, that the Ridgefield Library was one of the first libraries in our area to introduce an automated circulation system as part of the Bibliomation consortium.  In 2014, we are moving even further into the future, with the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification technology and an automated materials handling system to make check-in and check-out even more convenient, efficient and accurate.

Want to learn more about Ridgefield and our Library?  Visit our beautiful new building starting May 9th.  If you can't wait that long, you can go to ridgefieldlibrary.org today.

Ridgefield Library On the Move!

We're closing operations at 21 Governor Street Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 PM. We will re-open with full service at 472 Main Street Saturday, May 10th at 9:00 AM.

Find out what this means for you.

Living In...Ridgefield

If you are thinking of living in Ridgefield, according to the New York Times Real Estate section, you'll definitely want to check out the new Library.

Read the full article about "Americana With an Upscale Twist" at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/realestate/ridgefield-conn-upscale-americana.html?ref=realestate&_r=0

Take a Second Look!

From this angle on Main Street, the front of the Library looks a lot like it used to, but there are some important differences.  How many can you spot?

The Fence Is Coming Down!

The fence around the construction site at 472 Main Street is being removed today!  The job trailer will be removed in a day or two (construction office will move into the building for the duration of the work).  This means final landscaping can be done (after this week's snow!) and the site can be cleaned up and made ready for Opening Weekend. 

There are lots of last details being attended to inside the building as we work our way through myriad inspections and approvals, so the site remains off limits to the general public for now.  Please restrain your curiosity!  There will be plenty of opportunities for tours on Opening Weekend and in the weeks afterwards.

Library service will continue to be available at our 21 Governor Street location until further notice. 

Something to Look forward To

There will be a lot of things for many different people to enjoy in the new Ridgefield Library. One thing that has the Library staff very excited is the new technology we will be able to offer in the program rooms and also in our new Technology Resource Center. Just this week, our A/V vendors finished installing whiteboards for presentation and instruction and overhead projectors for showing films or for broadcast from a laptop.  There will also be an assistive listening system for the hearing impaired in the main program room, a 3D printer and many more goodies.  We are looking forward to being a truly 21st century Library!

The New Ridgefield Library in the News-Times this Weekend

Did you see the article about the upcoming Opening Weekend, complete with pictures, in the Danbury News-Times on Sunday?  If you missed it, you can check it out online at http://www.newstimes.com/default/article/Larger-Ridgefield-Library-set-to-open-in-May-5321128.php

We're getting excited - are you?!

Timeline for New Library Opening Announced

Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 9-11 for Opening Weekend of the New Ridgefield Library!  More details will be announced shortly.

The Library will close for a brief period in April for the move from its temporary quarters on Governor Street back to its home at 472 Main Street.  Exact dates are dependent on satisfaction of life/safety and building code occupancy requirements and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.  The Library staff hopes to restore some services on a limited basis during the weeks preceding the Opening Weekend, as they settle in and get the many new systems and services up and running.

It's Official!

Peter Coffin, Chair of the Ridgefield Library Board of Directors, is very pleased to announce that the official Opening Weekend for the New Ridgefield Library has been set for May 9-11^th.   “It has been more than 10 years in the works, and has taken the generosity and hard work of nearly 1,300 people, including planners, designers, volunteers, Friends, staff, Board and donors to bring to fruition, but the time is finally here,” says Coffin. “We invite the entire community to join us on the afternoon of Friday, May 9^th (exact time TBA) for ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremonies, to be followed throughout the weekend by performances, demonstrations, games and more to help visitors discover the many delights of the New Ridgefield Library.”

More details will be posted shortly.

Putting It Together...Piece by Piece

To steal a line from Stephen Sondheim in "Sunday in the Park with George," the crew is putting the New Ridgefield Library together piece by piece.  Just a few of the things that happened on Tuesday: the wood floors in the Library Commons were finish (and look gorgeous), parking lot lights were installed and are now working, and new energy-efficient refrigerators for program room kitchen and staff breakroom were delivered, courtesy of our friends at GE. 

Now Hiring Shelvers for the New Library

The Library is seeking applicants to re-fill several Shelver positions that have been left empty during our temporary relocation.  Shelvers have primary responsibility for maintaining the physical organization and condition of the Library’s various collections, especially the return of all borrowed materials to their proper shelf location after use.  $9 per hour for 8-12 hours per week. Year-round position (no summer only applicants, please). Start date: late March 2014.  Full job description.

All applicants must complete an Employment Application, available at the Circulation Desk at the Library’s temporary location at 21 Governor Street, Ridgefield, or by clicking here.  Completed applications must be received by Monday, March 10, 2014 in person at 21 Governor Street, by mail to 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT  06877 or by email to tngladwin@ridgefieldlibrary.org.

It's beginning to look like a real library!

A huge shipment of boxes was delivered to 472 Main Street on Friday, each full of a different component of the shelving for the New Ridgefield Library.  There are boxes of flat shelves, boxes of the vertical supports they hook onto, boxes of built-in bookend mechanisms, boxes of "endcaps" - the flat panel at the end of each aisle that can accommodate book displays, posters, catalog computers and other useful things.  It is going to be like putting together a giant Lego (TM) creation for the next couple of weeks!

Teen Library Service in the News

Last month, the News Times in Danbury ran an article about the release of a research report about services for teens in public libraries.  Several local libraries were mentioned, but not Ridgefield.  In response, our Library Director Chris Nolan sent a letter to the editor outlining what will be in store for Ridgefield teens in the New Ridgefield Library.  Her comments were finally published in the paper and online this week.

Link to Chris's letter:   http://www.newstimes.com/default/article/Ridgefield-Library-to-offer-dedicated-Teen-Room-5222313.php

Link to the original article:   http://www.newstimes.com/default/article/Libraries-urged-to-increase-teen-services-5136804.php

Computer Delivery!

ALL of the computers for the new building have arrived! That is some big pile of boxes - all full of equipment waiting to be configured and installed.  Opening day is getting closer!

It's peaceful on the outside...

...but inside the building at 472 Main Street, it is a beehive of activity.  People keep asking, "What is going on over there?  Why are there so many cars?"

In a word, what is going on is "Everything!"  On any given day, the building is swarming with workmen and -women: carpenters hanging door frames and installing acoustical ceiling tiles, painters priming and finishing walls on all three floors, plasterers at work on restoration of the Morris Memorial rooms, electricians and A/V technicians running electrical, cable, data and phone lines in an amazing spider's web connecting every part of the building.

Saving Money and Resources

Library Executive Assistant Leslie Vuilleumier is always on the look-out for ways to save money and resources. While a lot of the furniture that had been in use in the old library was truly falling apart after years of hard use, Leslie was able to identify several dozen chairs and tables that could still be useful with a little TLC.  Then she called Correctional Enterprises of Connecticut, a state program that trains prison inmates in several useful trades, including high-quality furniture re-finishing and re-upholstery.  CEC supervisors came and collected our items and brought them back mere weeks later, looking like new.  And the charge was a fraction of what new purchases would have cost.  Thanks, Leslie!

Before: Dark and dirty after years of hard use

After: Clean and re-finished to match newly purchased furnishings

Drive-Up Book Drop on Tap

Many people have asked whether we can have a drive-through book drop at the New Ridgefield Library.  A full drive "through" option would take up more parking spaces than we want to lose, so we have planned a drive "up" alternative.

A return box will be positioned to the left of a designated parking space at the front of the building, so people can pull in, load their returns into the box through the driver's side window without getting out of the car, then back out and continue on their way. Fast and easy!

The outside book return box has already been purchased, and we are putting it to good use at the temporary library on Governor Street!