ECDC Presents: Ridgefield Connect: Brewing up a Business

Join us for the inaugural Ridgefield Connect: Brewing up a BusinessThe Ridgefield ECDC (Economic & Community Development Commission) and the Ridgefield Library are hosting the first networking event for working professionals at Nod Hill Brewery at 5:30PM on Wednesday, M......More

Join us for the inaugural Ridgefield Connect: Brewing up a BusinessThe Ridgefield ECDC (Economic & Community Development Commission) and the Ridgefield Library are hosting the first networking event for working professionals at Nod Hill Brewery at 5:30PM on Wednesday, May 28. Ridgefield Connect will be held quarterly, rotate around town, and center around an engaging speaker or business. Post-pandemic, many people now work from home multiple days a week and may not be able to network with colleagues as they did in the past. These events – for all working professionals but targeted at remote workers specifically -- offer the opportunity to get out of the house and meet peers and colleagues while listening to an interesting speaker about topics that may not be mainstream or what you would hear in corporate settings.The Nod Hill brewmasters and owners will share their unique insights into the business, from how they got started to their brewing process, recipe selection, and even how they come up with the names for their beers. It’s all Made in Ridgefield!So please join us for this inaugural event organized by the ECDC, which brings you Tiger-Shark Tank every fall! Also, if you have ideas for future interesting, unique speakers, we would love to hear from you. When:  5:30 – 7:30 PM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Nod Hill Brewery· 5:30-:600PM – networking· 6:00-7:00PM – intro by ECDC and talk by Brewmasters· 7:00-7:30PM - networking Cost:  The ECDC is covering the cost of food and the first beer, making this an excellent opportunity to network and learn, all for free.The mission of Ridgefield’s Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDD) is to support orderly and planned economic development in keeping with the character of the town. A productive and prosperous community stems from creating a viable economic and residential foundation. Please see ridgefieldct.com for more info.Please register below.

137 Ethan Allen Highway (Rte 7), Ridgefield, CT, 06877, US

Chess Club

Join Coach AJ to learn and practice chess skills in a fun environment! No experience necessary. Registration is required for each session and opens a month to the date of the session.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Baby & Me Playtime

Non-walking infants ages birth to 12 months with a caregiver are invited to drop into this informal group to network and enjoy baby time together. There will be a short introduction by a member of the library staff before each session.No registration. Siblings are welco......More

Non-walking infants ages birth to 12 months with a caregiver are invited to drop into this informal group to network and enjoy baby time together. There will be a short introduction by a member of the library staff before each session.No registration. Siblings are welcome.Preference may be given to Ridgefield Residents as space is limited.Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Slime Science

Children in Grades 3-5 join Kristin Quell-Garguilo to make Citrus Slime! The recipe will be shared and all materials are provided. Please wear clothes that can get sticky and dirty. Registration is required and opens a month prior to the date of the program.Preference m......More

Children in Grades 3-5 join Kristin Quell-Garguilo to make Citrus Slime! The recipe will be shared and all materials are provided. Please wear clothes that can get sticky and dirty. Registration is required and opens a month prior to the date of the program.Preference may be given to Ridgefield Residents as space is limited.Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Using Google Sheets

During this class, we will be reviewing many features of the free cloud-based spreadsheet application “Google Sheets”, which is an alternative to Microsoft Excel. We will discuss using the toolbars and menus effectively, editing and formatting your spreadsheet, using fo......More

During this class, we will be reviewing many features of the free cloud-based spreadsheet application “Google Sheets”, which is an alternative to Microsoft Excel. We will discuss using the toolbars and menus effectively, editing and formatting your spreadsheet, using formulas and functions, and sharing and collaborating. Using this cloud-based program requires some knowledge of storing documents in the cloud, so we will also very briefly discuss using Google Drive (Google's free cloud-based storage capability).This program is funded by the Paul and Johanna Laszig Fund

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Trail Runner Grayson Murphy: “Summits and Setbacks: My Mountain of Balance”

Two-time Mountain Racing World Champion Grayson Murphy will be coming to the Ridgefield Library to talk about “Summits and Setbacks: My Mountain of Balance.” As a professional runner for Saucony, Grayson competes on the road, track, and trails, and will be discussing he......More

Two-time Mountain Racing World Champion Grayson Murphy will be coming to the Ridgefield Library to talk about “Summits and Setbacks: My Mountain of Balance.” As a professional runner for Saucony, Grayson competes on the road, track, and trails, and will be discussing her experience balancing professional athletics and other aspects of her life. The talk will begin at the Ridgefield Library at 7:30 PM on Thursday, May 29th with a Meet & Greet to follow!Interested in a trail run? Meet us at Aldrich Park at 5:30 for a 3-4 mile run through the trails as Grayson discusses how her tactics for trail racing differ from road racing. Offered in partnership with CT Run Co. as part of Noreen L. Papa: Mothers Live Your Life programming.Please register below.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Big Picture

Families with children ages 3 and up are invited to watch short films based on favorite and classic picturebooks. Books related to the weekly themes will be displayed for check out. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration.Programs like this are support......More

Families with children ages 3 and up are invited to watch short films based on favorite and classic picturebooks. Books related to the weekly themes will be displayed for check out. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration.Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Library Closed for Great Expectations Gala

The Library will be closed for our 11th Annual Great Expectations Gala.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Poetry Workshop with Ira Joe Fisher, Group A

Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher will hold poetry workshops twice a month on first and third Sundays, 1:30 to 3:30. Please register for either Group A (first Sunday) or Group B (third Sunday), but not both.Each poet should arrive with one poem in hand for that day. It will ......More

Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher will hold poetry workshops twice a month on first and third Sundays, 1:30 to 3:30. Please register for either Group A (first Sunday) or Group B (third Sunday), but not both.Each poet should arrive with one poem in hand for that day. It will be read and discussed with urged revision (if necessary). The atmosphere is gentle, tactful, encouraging and inspiring. You will leave with ideas and a good, creative feeling.Please be sure to bring six copies of your poem, double-spaced for ease in editingPlease register below for Group A.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

No Children's Programs

There will be no children's programs June 2-6, 2025. Children's programs will resume on Monday, June 9, 2025.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Tweens & Teens Write!

Available for those in grades 6-12 who want to write! Join our teen librarian, Erica, for writing fun including prompts, story ideas, and creative challenges.Writers can work on whatever they choose to, be it a short story, novel, poetry, screen play, or anything else t......More

Available for those in grades 6-12 who want to write! Join our teen librarian, Erica, for writing fun including prompts, story ideas, and creative challenges.Writers can work on whatever they choose to, be it a short story, novel, poetry, screen play, or anything else they can think of.All skill levels welcome!To hear about more of our programs and events, sign up for our monthly Teen Newsletter.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Online: Next Chapter Book Club

Next Chapter Book Club is a unique community-based book club program for adolescents (16 & up) and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our members love books for the same reasons most people do: they enjoy being transported to different worlds where......More

Next Chapter Book Club is a unique community-based book club program for adolescents (16 & up) and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our members love books for the same reasons most people do: they enjoy being transported to different worlds where they meet interesting characters and learn about exciting new things. Taking that journey with a group of friends makes it even more meaningful and fun.This inclusive book club meets most Mondays in Zoom and is open to anyone who enjoys a good story! Non-readers, non-verbal, emerging readers, fluent/avid readers are all welcome and encouraged to participate at their comfort level. Books are provided in advance of each meeting. Next Chapter Book Club is supported by a grant from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop and is offered in partnership with SPHERE.Please contact Assistant Library Director Andy Forsyth for more information and to register alforsyth@ridgefieldlibrary.org or (203) 438-2282 ext 102.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Nonfictioneers Book Group

The title for this month is Covered with Night: A Story of Murder & Indigenous Justice in Early America by Nicole Eustace.In the winter of 1722, on the eve of a major conference between the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee and Anglo-American colonists, a pair of coloni......More

The title for this month is Covered with Night: A Story of Murder & Indigenous Justice in Early America by Nicole Eustace.In the winter of 1722, on the eve of a major conference between the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee and Anglo-American colonists, a pair of colonial fur traders brutally assaulted a Seneca hunter near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. The crime ignited a contest between Native American forms of justice―rooted in community, forgiveness, and reparations―and the colonial ideology of harsh reprisal that called for the accused killers to be executed if found guilty.The Nonfictioneers book discussion group meets in-person on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm (except December) to discuss contemporary non-fiction titles. New readers are always welcome. Please register below.Many of the book discussion titles can be downloaded via the Library's Hoopla or Libby accounts. Check for video instructions on using Hoopla. Personal copies can also be purchased at Books on the Common at a 15% discount.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

A Celebration of the Art of the Picture Book: An Evening with the Maurice Sendak Foundation 2025 Fellows

Join us for a lively conversation about the picture book artform with contemporary author-illustrators Junjun Chen, Marianna Coppo, Rob Dunlavey, and Gracey Zhang. The Maurice Sendak Foundation's 2025 Fellows will share their experiences creating within the picture book......More

Join us for a lively conversation about the picture book artform with contemporary author-illustrators Junjun Chen, Marianna Coppo, Rob Dunlavey, and Gracey Zhang. The Maurice Sendak Foundation's 2025 Fellows will share their experiences creating within the picture book form and their processes for pairing words and art. The evening will be moderated by 2015 Sendak Fellow and Fellowship Coordinator Doug Salati. A Q&A session and book signing will conclude the evening. A selection of the Fellows’ books will be available for purchase through our partner, Books on the Common. To see the Fellows' bios, visit HERE.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Online: Basic French Conversation for Beginners

Join us for this French conversation class for beginners via Zoom.Learned a little French in high school and would like to revisit it? Then why not join Anette Roth at one of our Lunchtime Language workshops.  Through simple texts, poems, songs, videos and more, learn m......More

Join us for this French conversation class for beginners via Zoom.Learned a little French in high school and would like to revisit it? Then why not join Anette Roth at one of our Lunchtime Language workshops.  Through simple texts, poems, songs, videos and more, learn more about the language and culture, improve your basic language skills, and meet new friends.The workshops are aimed at those with a very rudimentary knowledge of the language.  Please be aware that as this is an interactive class you will need to turn on both your video and audio to attend the class.Anette Roth is German and has teaching experience in French, German and English in secondary and higher education. She is a graduate of the University of Mainz, in Germany with a degree in Translation Studies, Linguistics and Cultural Studies. She also obtained her Masters in Translation/Applied Linguistics in French, English and German. In addition, she has taught with the Institut Français for DELF certificate classes. The Ridgefield Library cannot guarantee your security or privacy on third party websites or applications.Please register to receive the Zoom link for the meeting. The link will be in the confirmation email.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Chair Yoga with Liz Wendel

A bi-monthly Yoga class, using a chair (standing and seated) as a prop for support. Chair Yoga makes practicing yoga accessible for all populations, ages and conditions.Chair Yoga classes with Liz Wendel give you the full benefits of any other yoga class: centering, yog......More

A bi-monthly Yoga class, using a chair (standing and seated) as a prop for support. Chair Yoga makes practicing yoga accessible for all populations, ages and conditions.Chair Yoga classes with Liz Wendel give you the full benefits of any other yoga class: centering, yoga warm-ups, yoga movements & postures, concentration & breathing techniques, guided relaxation & meditation.This program is part of the Noreen L. Papa: Mothers Live Your Life series.Please register for the individual classes separately.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Poems from CT's Four Corners

Join us online as we host five diverse and engaging Connecticut poets for an evening of poetry and community. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.Tracy Caldwell’s work has graced stages coast to coast, including at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Formerly a mem......More

Join us online as we host five diverse and engaging Connecticut poets for an evening of poetry and community. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.Tracy Caldwell’s work has graced stages coast to coast, including at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Formerly a member of the CT slam team Verbal Slap, she tackles many social issues in an accessible yet profound manner. Her books are Bare Naked and Exposure.Greg Coleman is a poet and writer, political activist, and master labyrinth designer. After suffering a disabling stroke in 2022, Greg relearned to use his left hand and began writing a poem a day about stroke survivorship.Arlene DeMaris is a freelance writer, poet, gardener and musician (fiddle, accordion). Her poems have been published in Rust & Moth, Tupelo Quarterly, Connecticut River Review and Rattle. She received the 2024 Connecticut Poetry Award. Rhonda Ward served as the inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of New London (2017-2021). Her poems have appeared widely, including in Poetry Magazine as one of four Old Lyme Witness Stones poets and online at the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A-Day Project. Elaine Zimmerman is the author of two chapbooks, Rasp and Era’s End. Her poems have appeared in journals, anthologies, newspapers, and arts and travel magazines. She is the 2024 recipient of the Oberon Poetry Prize.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

In Person: Murder by the Book

The title this month is The Bat by Jo Nesbo.Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad is dispatched to Sydney to observe a murder case. Harry is free to offer assistance, but he has firm instructions to stay out of trouble. The victim is a twenty-three year old Norwe......More

The title this month is The Bat by Jo Nesbo.Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad is dispatched to Sydney to observe a murder case. Harry is free to offer assistance, but he has firm instructions to stay out of trouble. The victim is a twenty-three year old Norwegian woman who is a minor celebrity back home. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Harry befriends one of the lead detectives, and one of the witnesses, as he is drawn deeper into the case.Join us for Murder by the Book, the library's mystery book discussion group, which meets in-person on the first Thursday of the month from January through November at 10:30 am. Participants will discuss a selected book from different mystery authors. For fans of mysteries of all kinds—from cozies to spy thrillers! This book discussion is led by Adult Services Librarian Kelly-Ann Gardella.Many of the book discussion titles can be downloaded via the library's Hoopla or Libby accounts. Check for video instructions on using Hoopla. Personal copies can also be purchased at Books on the Common at a 15% discount.Please register below.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

"Perryberg" Author Randy Becker with Ira Joe Fisher

Join Randy Becker at the book launch for his new novel, Perryberg: An Autobiography of a City, an urban, mosaic history of a Rust Belt city. Not a bland recitation of dates and facts, but rather an engaging weaving of lives, Perryberg engages the reader with people and ......More

Join Randy Becker at the book launch for his new novel, Perryberg: An Autobiography of a City, an urban, mosaic history of a Rust Belt city. Not a bland recitation of dates and facts, but rather an engaging weaving of lives, Perryberg engages the reader with people and lives that might feel real, familiar, and personal. Becker will be interviewed by Ridgefield Poet Laureate, Ira Joe Fisher, who calls Perryberg “a grand read.” Becker is a retired Unitarian Minister turned writer who has also penned The Venice Stories, Reclaiming the Soul of Your Faith, and It’s Always the Little Things.The author lives in Ridgefield with his wife, Jane. Books on the Common will have copies for sale and signing. Please register below.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Explore the Versatility of Watercolor Pencils

Welcome to the vibrant and versatile world of watercolor pencils, a medium that marries the precision of drawing with the fluidity of painting!Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this course will cover everything from the basics of ......More

Welcome to the vibrant and versatile world of watercolor pencils, a medium that marries the precision of drawing with the fluidity of painting!Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this course will cover everything from the basics of working with watercolor pencils as a dry medium to the introduction of water to the drawing, which when dissolved will transform your art into a lush watercolor painting. We will also explore color layering, which adds richness, depth and definition to your work of art.This is a five-class series. Sign up for the first one on May 2 and you will be considered registered for all.Materials:• a set of at least 12 colors of watercolor (not wax-based) pencils. (Castle Arts brand or similar)• 9" X 12" or larger pad of watercolor paper, based on your personal preference, either cold press (lightly textured surface), or hot press (smoother surface for more detailed drawing)• graphite pencil for light sketching• kneaded eraser• hand-held pencil sharpener• 3-piece set of refillable water brush pens, aka aqua-pens (Jokoti or similar)• small travel size box of cotton swabsPlease register below.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

In Person: Caffe Italiano

Join Angela Tropeano one Saturday a month as she goes over some basic Italian vocabulary and grammar to help you get started with the language, improve your basic language skills, and meet new friends.  Following this half hour is Caffe' Italiano, a group that meets and......More

Join Angela Tropeano one Saturday a month as she goes over some basic Italian vocabulary and grammar to help you get started with the language, improve your basic language skills, and meet new friends.  Following this half hour is Caffe' Italiano, a group that meets and speaks Italian for an hour.  You are welcome to stay and join that group too if you like.No registration required.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Wild Things Family Storytime

For families with children of all ages. Celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday by joining Ms. Kathleen for an all-age Wild Rumpus. We'll stomp, sing, and read together! Stay for a chance to take a photo with a Wild Thing mascot and practice your roars together! Registratio......More

For families with children of all ages. Celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday by joining Ms. Kathleen for an all-age Wild Rumpus. We'll stomp, sing, and read together! Stay for a chance to take a photo with a Wild Thing mascot and practice your roars together! Registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome as space permits. Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Wild Thing Photo Op

For children of all ages. Roar your terrible roars and show your terrible claws while taking a photo with a Wild Thing! Our costumed mascot character will be on hand for a meet & greet immediately following our Storytime to celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday. No regist......More

For children of all ages. Roar your terrible roars and show your terrible claws while taking a photo with a Wild Thing! Our costumed mascot character will be on hand for a meet & greet immediately following our Storytime to celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday. No registration.Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Collaborative Cardboard Cake

Let's create a wild Birthday Cake! Children in PK-2nd grade are invited to contribute to this collaborative art project in honor of Maurice Sendak's Birthday! We'll explore multiple mediums and materials in this sensory art project alongside Rosie Snow Voulgaris of Pop ......More

Let's create a wild Birthday Cake! Children in PK-2nd grade are invited to contribute to this collaborative art project in honor of Maurice Sendak's Birthday! We'll explore multiple mediums and materials in this sensory art project alongside Rosie Snow Voulgaris of Pop Art! Kids. Registration is required and opens on May 7, 2025. Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US

Wild Things Theatre

Students in Grades K-5 are invited to join Theatre Director Jacquie Militano and members of the RHS Theatre Department as we celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday by bringing Where the Wild Things Are to life in a theatrical presentation! Every student will have a chance ......More

Students in Grades K-5 are invited to join Theatre Director Jacquie Militano and members of the RHS Theatre Department as we celebrate Maurice Sendak's birthday by bringing Where the Wild Things Are to life in a theatrical presentation! Every student will have a chance to contribute to the story with the guidance of RHS actors. Registration is required and opens on May 7, 2025. Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.

472 Main Street, Ridgefield , CT, 06877, US