Ridgefield Answer Book: Public Services

Where is the library and when is it open?

The Ridgefield Library (438-2282) is at 472 Main Street. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 to 6, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 9, Saturday 9 to 5; and Sunday 1 to 5 (Labor Day to mid-June). It is closed for some holidays. The library’s Web site is ridgefieldlibrary.org.

How many books does our library have?

The library has more than 125,000 books, DVDs, audio books, videos, recorded music, and magazines.

What does the Ridgefield Library offer besides books and magazines?

The library offers numerous online services, including specialized databases and an online catalog connecting Ridgefield with libraries across the country. Additional reference services include periodicals and other research materials on microfiche and microfilm and the Ridgefield Press archive in microfilm and electronic format (depending on date). The lending collection includes audiobooks on cassette and CD and available for download; feature, children’s and documentary films on VHS and DVD; music CDs; educational CD-ROMs, and video games for PlayStation 2, XBox, and Game Cube. The library also offers Internet access, personal productivity software and children’s multimedia educational software from more than two dozen computer stations, as well as wireless Internet access for those with laptops. Reference help is available 24/7 through the library’s Web page, ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Can I access the catalog from my home?

The library’s Web address is ridgefieldlibrary.org. The site gives information about the library, its collection and programs; access to the catalog; and to many of its online database services.

May I borrow books from other libraries with my Ridgefield card?

Your local library card may be used at most public libraries in Connecticut. Books borrowed at other libraries in Connecticut may be returned here, and the library will send them to the proper library. You may also borrow items through an interlibrary loan.

Are there any library activity groups?

Children’s Services offers a range of activities for young people, from newborn through high school. For young children there are drop-in storytimes and Friday Flicks, Mother Goose movement and music, and special programs from time to time. For school age children there are book discussion clubs; a summer reading program with components focusing on art, drama, and music; classical music programs; reading to therapy dogs; crafts; Scrabble games; and special events such as PJ Storytime and talent shows. A Teen Services librarian organizes special programs for young adults in middle and high school, including a book discussion group, a film series, and special events. For registration information, call 438-2282.

Adult programs include movies, discussion groups, lectures, seminars, concerts, poetry readings, special events, and clubs such as the Shutterbugs photography club, a memoir writing group, and the Writer’s Guild. Many programs take place in the Dayton Program Room, which may also be rented for private or business functions. Call 438-2282 for details or pick up the Biblioevents newsletter at the library.

Does the library use volunteers or need books for book sales?

The Friends of the Library is a volunteer organization that supports the library in many ways. Its principal fund-raising activities include numerous used book sales each year, for which it accepts book donations (subject to certain conditions). For upcoming sale dates and information about donating books, call the library at 438-2282.

For information about volunteering with or becoming a member of the Friends, get in touch with Bob Leavitt, president, c/o the library. Volunteers are also used extensively by the library directly to assist staff with library operations and special programs. Community service volunteering opportunities are available. For information, call Assistant Director Mary Rindfleisch at 438-2282.

What is the Ridgefield Community Center?

The Ridgefield Community Center in the historic 1896 Lounsbury House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a vital component to the history of the town. The property is owned by the Town of Ridgefield, but is operated by a separate 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, is self-supporting and receives no tax money. The house offers an elegant and sophisticated setting for weekday and weekend rentals available for meetings, corporate events, private parties, weddings, anniversary celebrations, fund-raisers and other occasions.

Memberships are available. Benefits include members-only events, reduced rental rates and special prices on ticketed events.

The Ridgefield Community Center is at 316 Main Street, and can be reached by calling 438-6962. Office hours are typically 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, but are subject to change. It is suggested to call ahead. Appointments for viewing are strongly encouraged. The Web site is lounsburyhouse.com.

How can the town social worker help me?

The Department of Social Services (431-2777) offers information and referrals and helps people apply for local, state, and federal benefit programs. Through its director, Mary Ann Baldwin, who is also the Municipal Agent for the Elderly and the town’s ADA Coordinator, the department helps families and non-disabled adults, including senior citizens. Carol Konner, the Municipal Agent for the Disabled helps disabled people access specialized services such as Medicaid, Social Security Disability, transportation, fuel assistance, and more.

Specific programs, such as the Friendly Shopper Service Program and Latchkey Kid Program are detailed under Senior Citizens and Children & Teens in the Answerbook.

Does the town have a food bank?

There is a non-perishable food pantry at town hall. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 11:30; and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday  from 2:30 to 4. People who wish to use the food pantry must check in on their first visit with the Department of Social Services. Donations of non-perishable food and personal care and household products are appreciated and may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 to 4. For information or large donations by the truckload, call 431-2754.

Meals on Wheels provides a daily meal for those who cannot get out or are unable to cook. It is staffed by volunteers; call 438-8788 or visit online at mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/ct/ridgefield.htm.

Local churches and synagogues organize food, clothing, and toy drives in response to need. There are always places to contribute before Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Contact the organization of your choice.

What is Family & Children’s Agency?

Family & Children’s Agency, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, family service agency, which offers a wide range of comprehensive services, including individual, family and addiction counseling; international and domestic adoption; support services for seniors through HomeCare Plus and Lifeline; family support services; youth development and mentoring; and community education programs. For information, call 855-8765 or visit online at familyandchildrensagency.org.

Are there any charitable organizations in town?

The Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs is a charitable organization that will act as a receiver of donations to the town. For example, if someone wanted to donate money for the acquisition of open space, they could do so through this entity. For details, call Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi at 431-2783.

The Ridgefield Emergency Fund, consisting entirely of donations, helps needy Ridgefielders with food, utilities and other basic needs. You may donate by sending a check, payable to Ridgefield Emergency Fund, to the Social Services Department, Town Hall, 400 Main Street.

As its name implies, the Evelyn C. Peeler Children’s Holiday Gift Fund helps the less fortunate children of Ridgefield through a variety of programs including holiday gifts and back-to-school supplies. The group operates under the auspices of the Ridgefield Clergy Association and is fiscally sponsored as a non-profit organization by the First Congregational Church. Contributions may be sent to:

For information call Sue Ferguson at 431-4546 or Nancy Sampson at 431-0910.

How can I help the Salvation Army or Goodwill?

Donations for Goodwill may be brought to its trailer near the Recycling Center on South Street. There is a manned Goodwill Donation Center at the All Seasons Shopping Center, 231 Ethan Allen Highway, open Monday through Saturday from 8 to 7; and from 10 to 4 on Sunday.

Items for the Salvation Army to resell may be brought to its thrift store, 129 Main Street, Danbury (792-9799). Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 to 5.

Is there a van service for public use?

Keller Williams Realty offers a 14-foot closed van for use by anyone in the community as well as church groups and civic organizations. There is no charge, but a $25 donation to KW Cares, a philanthropic organization, is asked. For information, call Keller Williams at 438-9494.

Where are burial plots? How would I get one?

Burial plots are available in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mapleshade Cemetery, Fairlawn Cemetery, Ridgebury Cemetery, and Branchville Cemetery. Each is independently owned. To contact the owners or for more information about the sites, call Kane Funeral Home (438-6597) or Bouton Funeral Home (544-8461).

Is there a fine for littering?

Yes, a big one. Littering carries a $219 fine. Throwing objects from a motor vehicle can cost you $375.

Are there any short-term rentals available?

Ridgefield Apartments offers apartments and single-family homes available for rent by the week or month. Call 431-0143 or visit ridgefieldapartments.com.

What can I do with a worn-out American flag?

The Ridgefield detachment of the Marine Corps League collects worn American flags for proper disposition. Flags that are torn, faded or otherwise unserviceable should not be thrown away. They may be brought to specially marked red containers at the transfer station or the Marine Corps League building at 25 Halpin Lane. The Marines will periodically burn the flags in accordance with proper flag protocol. For information, call 438-4333.

Is there a community calendar of events?

The Chamber of Commerce calendar lists yearly events as well as other announced events. This calendar is not complete because not everyone notifies the chamber of events. The Ridgefield Press’s Date Book column lists special events in town. The Arts & Leisure Section of The Press gives detailed descriptions of upcoming events, both in town and in the region. Both are posted online at TheRidgefieldPress.com.

Where can I get help with my income taxes?

Any Ridgefield taxpayer who meets income and simple tax return criteria may receive free assistance in filling out federal and state tax forms through the seasonal AARP Tax-Aide Program. The program begins in February and continues through mid-April. Call Peter Massagli at 438-2755. The Internal Revenue Service has various help lines: federal tax information, 800-829-1040; Tele-Tax (recorded tax info), 800-829-4477; Problem Resolution Office, 800-829-1040; or the Hearing Impaired TV/Tele-TTY, 800-829-4059.