This Week's Events at Ridgefield Library

From Ridgefield Library:

April 11-17, 2016

Ridgefield Library Community Survey

The deadline for participating in Ridgefield Library's community survey has been extended to Saturday, April 30. Library staff invites patrons to add their voice to this effort by taking this survey online or picking up a paper copy at any public service desk.

Job Opening: Fundraising Assistant

A non-profit fundraising assistant (full-time) is sought to be part of dynamic team working to raise funds for Ridgefield Library. Principal duties include database maintenance, donor communications and special events. The application deadline is Friday, April 15.

Get your Passport to Connecticut Libraries

During the month of April, Ridgefield Library will be participating in the Passport to Connecticut Libraries program to encourage cardholders to visit and explore the amazing diversity of the state's public libraries. With sponsorship from the Connecticut Library Association, more than 120 libraries will be participating. Starting on Friday, April 1, patrons may pick up their passport and the list of participants at any of the library's service desks. Patrons will be able to take their passports with them as they travel to other libraries and receive a stamp and a token gift from each place that they visit. Patrons with stamps from at least five participants by Saturday, April 30 will be entered into a statewide drawing for a chance to win a $150 Visa Gift Card (for adults 18 and older) or a $100 Visa Gift Card for children and teens younger than 18. A total of four winners will be randomly selected from two categories; the first is for those who have visited at least five libraries and the second is made up of those from each library with the most passport stamps.

Celebrating Shakespeare!

Ridgefield Library has an entertaining and educational line-up of lectures, films, book discussions and other events scheduled for April and May in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of the Bard. Patrons are invited to see Benedict Cumberbatch star in the National Theatre's "Hamlet" in high definition at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, April 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Online registration is available.

Skillsbox: Digital Media Training

Tuesday, April 12 at 8 a.m. in the Dayton Program Room, patrons are invited to join the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, Hearst Media and the Ridgefield Library for a free seminar designed to help participants learn how to effectively market their businesses in today's digital world. Participants will also learn how digital media can support their marketing efforts to attract and retain new clients in a professional and compelling way. Attendees will be entered to win one of three complimentary full marketing evaluations of their business. Continental breakfast will be served. Online registration is available.

Making STEAM: Virtual Reality, Fold and Sew Bags

Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Donofrio Family Technology Center, patrons are invited to "What Is Virtual Reality?" In this program, participants will gain an overview of what virtual reality is and how it works with an opportunity to try the virtual reality goggles and embark on a virtual tour around the world. The program is intended for patrons at least 13 years of age, and registration is required to attend.

Book Discussions this Week

Monday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Dayton Program Room is "Books & Breakfast." Members of the community are invited to join in on a monthly chat on favorite books. Staff members will share their personal recommendations and listen to the personal reads of other attendees. Beverages and snacks will be provided, and registration is not required.

There will be a Founders Hall book discussion Thursday, April 14 at 3 p.m. on "Shakespeare: The World as Stage" by Bill Bryson.

Friday, April 15 at 1 p.m. in the Dayton Program Room, there will be a poetry discussion group meeting on "new and Selected Poems" by Samuel Menashe. The discussion will be led by retired English professor Dr. Alan Holder. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library. Free copies of the poetry books are available for members of the Friends who attend the discussions. For nonmembers, a limited number of copies will be available to use at the discussions, and some copies will be for sale. Books range in price from approximately $10 to $15 per book. No registration is required to attend.

Parenting Lunchtime Discussions

Tuesday, April 12 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Dayton Program Room, there will be a Brown Bag Lunch discussion open to the public. Patrons are invited to join in on followup discussions of topics raised during the Parenting the Selfie Generation series.

Playwrights Collective

There will be a Playwrights Collective monthly meeting Wednesday, April 13 at 6 p.m. in the Randolph Room. The Ridgefield Theater Barn presents "The RTB Playwrights' Collective." The meeting is free to attend and open to the public, and the Playwrights' Collective welcomes any aspiring dramatist to join the cohort for collaboration, support and "writerly" companionship. Interested attendees must contact (203) 431-9850 for further information.

Metropolitan Opera in HD @ The Playhouse: Roberto Devereaux

Sunday, April 17, the Ridgefield Playhouse joins Ridgefield Library for great stories, told through opera, ballet and drama by the Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre of London. Patrons are invited to learn more about the history of these masterworks and their creators.

Volunteers Sought for Sewing Projects

Thanks to Stitch in Time of Danbury and Darien, the Library now has two sewing machines. Library staff is looking for volunteers with sewing skills to help in offering programs for beginning and experienced sewers. Interested individuals must contact Dorothy Pawlowski via (203) 438-2282, ext. 11003, or dlpawl@ridgefieldlibrary.org for further information.

AARP Tax-Aide

Thursdays through April 14, 8:15 a.m. to noon by appointment, volunteers will offer free help with income tax filing for low and moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older. Appointments may be made by calling (203) 438-4288.

Reading Is a Family Affair Coming Soon

Children in grades 3-5, accompanied by an adult, are invited to a very special book discussion on Wednesday, May 18. Following a pizza dinner, children and their adults will gather into small groups to discuss "Shakespeare's Secret" by Elise Broach.

Children's Special Programs: Harry Potter Book Club

Wednesday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. is a Harry Potter Book Club meeting in the Randolph Room. Muffles in grades 5-8 will read and discuss "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Snacks will be served, and magic may happen. Registration is required to attend.

Weekly Drop-In Children's and Teen Activities

Tuesday, April 12 at 10:15 a.m. in the Leir Children's Program Room, the library will host a Mother Goose program for ages 12 months through two years. Participants will enjoy finger plays, music and movement. There will also be a Baby & Me program Wednesday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. for newborns through 12 months as well as Time for 3s and 4s at 2 p.m. Children may attend alone or with an adult. Drop-in story time will be held Friday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. for children at least three years of age.

Tuesday, April 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the Kellen Family Children's Program Room, the library will host Middle School Critic for children in grades 6-8. Attendees will discuss books, movies, plays, music and games. Snacks will be provided, and no registration is required.

Thursday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m. in the Dayton Program Room, Ridgefield Library will host a Trading Card Game Club meeting for patrons in grades 6-12. Individuals interested in games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are invited to come play on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The club is run by middle school students who are fans of the games. Current players of the games will find people to play against, and those who are interested, but have never played, are welcome to come and learn. This is a drop-in program, and no registration required.

Finally, on Saturday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Program Room, the library will host its Teen Trivia program for patrons in grades 9-12. Participants will form a team and ready themselves to see how much trivia they know. Teams can have three to six people. The library has space for 10 teams. Online registration is available.