The Ridgefield Library will present the Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award to Eileen and Jay Walker at its virtual Roaring 20s-Themed Great Expectations Gala on Saturday, May 22. The Walkers were chosen for their embodiment of the Library’s vision and mission in their lives as well as their work and philanthropy.
You can purchase live stream tickets to enjoy the evening (dinner is sold out) which includes a Roaring 20s music performance by the RHS Jazz Combo and the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and an exclusive private virtual tour of the Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination by Jay Walker. Support our amazing literary hub and honor two incredible, philanthropic residents. Click HERE.
The Walkers know well the importance of philanthropy, and they also know the importance of libraries - their Ridgefield home houses the Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination, curated by Mr. Walker. In speaking about the Ridgefield Library, Ms. Walker wrote: "The Library understands that humans, at our essence, are 'life-long learners. We are curious by nature, and the Library supports and nurtures that in our community. And, the inclusiveness of the Ridgefield Library in its philosophy and design is notable and should be celebrated."
Andy Forsyth, Assistant Director of the Ridgefield Library, could not agree more. “The Library’s mission and vision align so closely with Eileen’s statement,” she said. “This is the place where everyone can satisfy that basic curiosity and enjoy the adventure of lifelong learning.” “Everyone” is key. One of the Library’s values is “to be an accessible and inclusive resource for all”. That means reducing all kinds of barriers, including physical. As more services and collections have become available digitally, the Library has been helping patrons expand their understanding of technology and how to use it to their benefit, thus overcoming another kind of barrier.
Adult services librarians created tutorials. The use of YouTube expanded greatly. Programming for kids, such as Story Times and Kitchen Science, and adult programs, like ARTalk and Author Talks, were natural fits for YouTube. The Library, which partners with 80 local organizations, joined Compassionate Ridgefield in a program on dealing with stress during the pandemic. From the day the Library closed to June 30 (2019-2020 fiscal year-end), it created 177 virtual programs, with over 4,700 in attendance, and that was early in the pandemic.
“The response was tremendous,” said Ms. Forsyth. “We found new audiences – people who don’t like to drive at night for adult programs, for example. We are now looking at hybrid programming so that we keep that new audience.” As the pandemic wore on, the Library gradually increased services according to its Safe Steps Forward plan. In its first Safe Step, taken in June, it implemented contactless lobby pick-up service, and by August more hours and services had been slowly added. By the first week in May 2021, it was open 44 hours, and the last of the staff that had been working from home was returning to the building.
“Last year tested our ability to meet the needs of the public in the face of a pandemic,” said Brenda McKinley, Library Director. “Thanks to our dedicated and creative staff, we maintained a busy schedule of book discussions, workshops and classes, story times, instruction, lectures and wellness programs, much of that while the building remained closed. We are so pleased that the Great Expectations Gala will celebrate the Walkers, who are such strong supporters of the Library. Let’s also celebrate the Ridgefield Library and its performance during a challenging year. “
Caption: Laureen Bubniak (left), Ridgefield Library Director of Development, and Connie Marsala, Development Associate, share in anticipation of the May 22 virtual Great Expectations Gala.