Dear Friends,

It is a very exciting time for the Ridgefield Library! With the help of many of you, a referendum was passed securing a town contribution of $5 million for completion of the New Ridgefield Library. We have raised over $14.17 million of our $15 million private fundraising goal, and additional support comes in each week.   This means our project is well under way!  

Perhaps, like many others, you are curious about when and how the next steps will take place.

Along with our soon-to-be neighbors, the Prospector Theater, we are proceeding through the Planning and Zoning approval process and are completing the architectural work necessary to send the project out for construction bids very soon.  

We are currently accepting applications for the job of Owner's Representative. This expert will guide our staff and Board through the complexities of the construction process.

At this time we anticipate that demolition and site work will begin sometime in July. Construction is scheduled to take 16-18 months from the time the shovel goes in the ground.  

Before this can happen library operations must pack up and move to a temporary site. We will have a location and a moving date to announce very soon. Rest assured that library service will continue throughout the construction period (although we may be closed for a short time for the actual re-location). Some things will be different during interim operations from what you are used to, but we are looking forward to offering an exciting and satisfying range of services.

In the meantime, you will find us in business at 472 Main Street until moving day arrives.    

We are busy getting ready for our Summer Reading Program, which will begin a little later than usual, on July 9th, but run a full 6 weeks.  

We invite you to join us on Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd, for a pair of special events to celebrate the memories we all have of this building and to look forward to the New Ridgefield Library.

Friday evening we are hosting a "Last Hurrah" Party, featuring libations, hors d'oeuvres and live and silent auctions, with auctioneer extraordinaire Ira Joe Fisher. Admission is $100 per person.   Print or share an invitation. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets today online or by calling 203-438-2282 x1022.  

On Saturday, join us for a Community Open House from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Activities include crafts, face painting, stories, music, poetry, a visit from The Wild Thing and tribute to Maurice Sendak, presentation of the Paccadolmi Awards for volunteer service, and much more. See and share a full description. All day - all ages - all free!

We always welcome your calls or emails with any questions, comments and ideas. Stay tuned for further announcements, and check our website at www.thenewridgefieldlibrary.org for the latest.