Summer 2012

www.thenewridgefieldlibrary.org

We're Moving Forward – Right Down the Street!

See You Soon in Our Temporary Quarters

The lease is signed, minor renovations are underway, and we are packing our boxes to move down Main Street! The library is pleased to announce that our temporary location during construction will be the former HayDay/Balducci's store. We expect to close altogether sometime in late August for the move, with a re-opening 2 to 3 weeks later on Governor Street. Exact dates will be announced shortly but, in the meantime, we are open for business as usual at 472 Main Street.

We expect to be in the interim space for 16 to 18 months and to offer many of the materials and services you have come to rely on, albeit with a few twists. You can find a complete listing of what’s available, and where, on our project website at www.thenewridgefieldlibrary.org.

The New Ridgefield Library: Honoring
the Past, Embracing
the Future

Ridgefielders often ask: What's going to happen to the original Morris Memorial building in the plan for the new library? We are pleased to report that this beautiful historic part of the library will be kept intact and restored to its 1903 elegance. Even better – the front doors opening onto Main Street will once again be an active entrance to the library, enhancing our connection with our neighbors and with the busy activity of downtown Ridgefield. You can view a selection of artist's drawings and ground plans at www.thenewridgefieldlibrary.org.

You can share your thoughts about what the Library as we know it has meant to you in the Memory Book located at the Circulation Desk, or send them to us via email at mfrind@ridgefieldlibrary.org.

"It was in a library, the soul of society, that my imagination and my life were colored and forever changed. As a child, I felt that books were holy objects, to be caressed, rapturously sniffed, and devotedly provided for. I gave my life to them."
—Maurice Sendak

Remembering Maurice Sendak: Artist, Author and Friend

The Ridgefield Library had special cause to regret the passing on May 8, 2012, of Maurice Sendak, the beloved children's book author and illustrator who generously agreed to lend his support and his name to the Campaign for the New Ridgefield Library as Honorary Chair. You can read more about his life and work in a tribute compiled by library staff.

Through the generosity of his foundation, Mr. Sendak earned a place on our Wall of Donors in the new library. It’s not too late for you to join this list of major supporters of the Campaign for the New Ridgefield Library. Click here to learn more.

With a Little Help from Our Community Partners

Good news! As word has spread of our impending move, numerous organizations in town have stepped up to offer their help as hosts and co-sponsors of many of our popular programs for children, teens, and adults. Parks and Recreation, Keeler Tavern Museum and The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum are just a few of the places where you will find us in the coming months; other collaborations are in the works. Details of program times and locations are available at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to get the latest updates.

Special thanks to the Wadsworth Russell Lewis Trust Fund for support of Ridgefield Library programs in the community during the transition period.

472 Main Street  •  Ridgefield, CT 06877  •  Tel: 203.438.2282