Q. Is the Library planning to open a cafe or coffeebar in the new building?

A. No! While the Library Commons on the main level will be furnished with cafe-style tables and other seating where visitors can enjoy a beverage or sandwich, this is conceived merely as a convenience for those who wish to bring in their own. With our Main Street location, our patrons are lucky to have so many delicious sources of food and drink so close to hand, and we encourage them to patronize these great eateries when they come downtown to the Library.

Let us know, newridgefieldlibrary@ridgefieldlibrary.org, if there is any aspect of the project about which you would like to know more.

On Wednesday, February 8th, at 7 pm, in the Dayton Program Room of the Ridgefield Library, there is a workshop: Photos, Home Movies, Memorabilia - Get Organized with Michelle Nahom.

Michelle Nahom, Training Specialist from the Association of Personal Photo Organizers, specializes in teaching people how to organize a lifetime of family photos. Whether you have boxes and bags full of family photos that need to be organized or digital photos all over your computer, Michelle can teach you a method called the ABC's of photo organizing. She will also address how to preserve old home movies, slides, and family memorabilia, and discuss ways to get these precious memories back into your life so you can enjoy them.

No registration is required.

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of a library is simply: a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale.  However, as a life-long devotee of public libraries, I know it is much, much more ~ a place of escape, a place to learn, a place of sanctuary, a place of hope... the possibilities are limitless.

Yesterday, the Ridgefield Library, along with others in State, participated a in grassroots initiative called “Take Your Child to the Library Day,” started by Nadine Lipman of the Waterford (Conn.) Public Library and Caitlin Augusta of the Stratford (CT) Library Association, with the hope of getting young people involved and active in their libraries.

In honor of the day, the Ridgefield Library celebrated with a Storytime/Meet and Greet with Deborah Freedman, author of Blue Chicken and Scribble. She read her books, and participants had some fun scribbling.

This annual event will be on the first Saturday in February.  

Thanks to reader, Lisa Hawkins, for providing the pictures.

Ridgefield: Now We're Talking! celebrating 23 years of live broadcasts, airs its next broadcast on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:00pm, on Educational Access Channel 26. The program topic is "RHS Graduates-Where are they now?" with Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and will focus on the graduates, lessons learned, and what happens after life at Ridgefield High School. All RHS graduates are invited to share their memories at RHS and where they are today, via email at ridgefieldnwt@ridgefield.org, and emails will be shared on air during the broadcast.

RHS Alumni Panel Guests include:

Rudy Marconi, Class of 1966; Bob Tulipani, Class of 1946; Barbara Serfilippi, Class of 1960; Tom Belote, Class of 1965; Jessica Wilmot, Class of 1971; Peter Nichols, Class of 1975; Kim Bankes Welton, Class of 1983; Stephen Consentino, Class of 1985; Katherine McGerald, Class of 1993; Jessica Mancini, Class of 1994; Brett Almstead, Class of 1995; Jim Tarsi, Jr., Class of 1998; Chris Sturges, Class of 2002; Jeff Bonistalli, Class of 2004; andRyan Goldberg, Class of 2004.

The program also features a special interview at the Little Red Schoolhouse- the Peter Parley Schoolhouse on West Lane, with RHS graduates Megan Richiger and Tom Lohse, Class of 2010.

The program will focus on the graduates, lessons learned, and what happens after life at Ridgefield High School.

Parents, students, and community may phone in their questions during the broadcast to the panel guests at 438-3785, extension 1198, or email their questions to ridgefieldnwt@ridgefield.org <mailto:ridgefieldnwt@ridgefield.org>; .

The production team thanks the RHS staff and the Ridgefield PTAs for their support. A special thanks to the Ridgefield Garden Club, and the Ridgefield Historical Society.

Public Hearing on BOE Budget - Tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th at 10:00am Scotts Ridge Middle School

Superintendent Low presented her proposed budget to the Board of Education. Once the BOE votes on the budget, it will presented to the Board of Selectmen and then to the Board of Finance.

The Discovery Center will host an Eagle Viewing event at the Shepaug Dam in Southbury, on Sunday, February 12th, starting at 9:00 A.M. During the winter months, many Bald Eagles gather near the open water found at the Shepaug Dam providing a wonderful opportunity to view these magnificent birds.  All ages are welcome to attend.

Participants should dress for outdoors. The group will meet at the Farmingville Elementary School in Ridgefield and carpool to the site together. Participants will be given the group access code for the Dam upon arrival.

Reservations are required, and space is limited.  The program is free for DC members and $7 per non-member.  Please call 203.438.1063 or visit the DC website www.ridgefielddiscovery.org to make reservations.