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Friends of the Ridgefield Library

The Friends of the Ridgefield Library (FORL) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the activities and mission of the Ridgefield Library.

Contact: Ann Jepson, President, 203-438-6494 friends@ridgefieldlibrary.org

Friends Mission Statement

The purpose of this organization is to:

♦ Provide support for the Ridgefield Library
♦ Promote the Library to the public and
♦ Develop community understanding and awareness of the role of libraries in all cultural and educational aspects of community life.

Special Friends Events in September

Fall for the Library- Saturday, September 11, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (raindate September 12th) On the Library Lawn
Special event for preschoolers and their families. See flyer for details.

Barbara DanaPower Girls! Joan of Arc and Emily Dickinson - Saturday, September 11, 10:00 AM - Dayton Program Room
Presented by actress/playwright Barbara Dana, author of two novels, Young Joan and A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson - a portrayal of two strong women from history. Registration requested.

Meet Emily Dickinson - Thursday, September 16, 7 PM - Dayton Program Room
Acclaimed actress and author Barbara Dana presents a preview of scenes from William Luce's The Belle of Amherst, a one-woman play based on Emily Dickinson's poetry and letters, first staged on Broadway in 1976. No registration.

Barbara Dana: The Belle of Amherst- Sunday, September 26, 3 PM - Ridgefield Playhouse
A benefit for Friends of the Ridgefield Library - Barbara Dana brings extraordinary energy to her deft interpretation of Luce's portrayal of Emily Dickinson. Her performance will bring members of the audience to tears and will have them laughing out loud. See flyer for details.

Gold Circle $45, Orchestra $35, Mezzanine $25, Student Tickets $10

To purchase tickets visit the Playhouse website (www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org) or call 203-438-5795.

Other Friends-Sponsored Programs in September

Poetry Discussion with Alan Holder - Friday, September 17, 2 PM. No registration.

Ridgefield Folk Concert - September 19, 2 PM.
Tickets can be picked up on the day of the show starting at 1 PM. Doors open at 1:30 P.M.

Memoir and Imagination - a four-part writing workshop with Phyllis Ross - September 22, 29, October 6 and 13. Register at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org or call 203-438-2282 (ext. 1015 or 1016).

See Calendar to see upcoming events in October.

Be a Friends Volunteer

Volunteers are always needed to sort book donations as they come in; to research and sell books online; serve on the Board and various committees; and work at semi-annual book sales. Volunteering opportunities range from a couple of hours once a year to an ongoing weekly or monthly commitment. Contact Book Sale Chair Joan Laspia at 203-438-8766 or Volunteer Communications Chair Ginny Canfield at vcanfield@comcast.net or 203-438-9890 for more information.

Book Sales

The sale of donated used books is the principal fundraising activity of the Friends. Spring and fall on-site sales under the tent on the Library property are supplemented by occasional specialty sales like the Holiday Boutique and Internet sales. Find out more!

Benefits of Friends membership

Advance notice of book sales
Friends' newsletter 3 times per year
Invitations to " Members Only" book sale preview night receptions and other events
IPride in knowing you are preserving and improving library service in our community

Membership Dues
Membership dues are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are eligible for many corporate matching fund programs.

To join the Friends, complete a membership form and drop it with your check at the Circulation Desk or mail to 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, ATTN Friends membership.

Senior Friend -- $10
Individual Friend -- $15
Family Friends -- $25
Good Friend -- $50
Best Friend -- $100+

Membership dues paid to the Friends are distinct from contributions to the Library’s Annual Appeal. Friends’ dues provide the seed money for book sales and other Friends’ activities, the proceeds of which are used to support specific Library services and programs. Appeal donations made directly to the Library support the Library's annual operating budget.

Friends of the Ridgefield Library Board

Ann Jepson - President
Ellen Darvick - Vice President
Jerry Kiernan - Treasurer
Thea Devine - Recording Secretary
Ginny Canfield- Corresponding Secretary

Gretchen Bishop
Melissa Brady
Georgia Carrington
Jo Fainer
Fay Knapp
Brenda Kane
Joan Laspia
Laura Lechner
Jane Leff
Cam Percival
Barbara Wyman

The Friends Board meets on the first Monday of most months at 10:15 AM in the Dayton Program Room. Board meetings are open to any member of the Friends.