I'm not sure I fully understand the vision for the new library. With the ubiquitous availability of technology, what is the future role of libraries?

As a longtime member of the Ridgefield community, I feel strongly about the need to develop a proactive focal point for our community. I fully support the concept of “a place to bring people together” but the plan needs to be true to its mission, based on a realistic vision and offers tangible value to the community.

http://www.thenewridgefieldlibrary.org/virtualtour.shtml. While this is a nice design it seems to support the traditional passive role of a library. We need a new vision supported by a new facility. One that emphasizes/facilitates a high level of interaction across our community complemented by extensive knowledge and technology resources. One that embraces active and continuous collaboration for the purpose of building an overall stronger community and more informed/educated/skilled individuals within our community through learning, developing ideas, tapping into resources, mentoring, managing community affairs, workshops, etc.. A place where it all comes together.

Maybe we can start with a new name for the facility– do we really want a new library? Why not something more exciting, like, The Ridgefield Center for Thought Leadership and Innovation? The Center for Community Interaction? Something else? I think this project can define a new model for a community resource – why not go for it?

I do feel that the Library is in need of updating and renovation, but not at the cost of $700 per household. The people of this town do not have $700 dollars to give at this time. I feel if the Library can raise 15 million on its own than get the extra 5 million for private donors and leave the taxpayers alone! To ask for money from people who do not and will not be using this Library is unfair. Let us not forget that we have a possible 7 million for Schlumberger, a 3.26 percent increase for the Board of Ed and the town budget.. Where is all this money going to come from? Where else but the taxpayers!! A new Library ok but not now and not from the taxpayers of this town!!!!

1) Bob suggests we need a facility where people can come together. But how many of these facilities do we need? We have the Rec Center, the Community Center, The Playhouse, various school auditoriums, and now the new Schlumberger auditorium. Enough already.

2) My opinion, I think the new library design is ugly. It looks like a bunch of different mismatched pieces stuck together. Count how many different window styles there are. I find it very disjointed and unattractive.

3) How could the operating budget remain flat in the new space? The new space is twice as large. That means more heat, more cleaning. To me, something doesn't make sense here.

4) If the operating budget will remain flat, does that mean no new programs? Do Ridgefielders understand this point? You will be paying $5 million to get no new programs.

5) $20 million and the library will not be complete. They are intentionally leaving a section unfinished. Who will pay for that? When will the entire building be completed? What will be the real final cost of a new FINISHED library.?

6) The BOS doesn't want to put it to a voter referendum until more info is made available, like the confusion over operating costs. Yet the BOS felt THEY had enough info to vote yes on the $5 million last night. Makes no sense to me. The voters don't have enough info but the BOS does?

7) How could there possibly be enough parking for both the new library and the new movie theater?

I have to agree with Tom, an absolute waste of money. I have 3 kids that have never used the library and as far as I can work out, will never have the need to. With taxes and rents through the roof, who do we think that this space will attract........people who can no longer afford their oil bills and want to stay out of the cold ?

Paul something's got to give. Ridgefield has 10 libraries. Isn't that a bit over indulgent? That's more libraries than any other DRG town.

We have 21 librarians employed. That means there are more librarians than Highway Dept workers. Think about that the next time your road isn't plowed or you hit a pothole.

In the middle of a typical day, there are about twice as many librarians working for us as there are firemen. When you smell smoke, who you going to call ... the library?

Everything I've said is correct, Ridgefield employs more librarians than highway workers. When you are having a heart attack at lunchtime, there are six firemen / paramedics on duty... but there are over a dozen librarians. Who would you like to show up at your door while you're clutching your chest, a medic or a librarian? I think it's a valid comparison because believe it or not, our library is so full-service that they will deliver books to your home.

Look, nothing against libraries, but my worry is that if we spend too much on the library, then other areas of the town, like police / fire / highway, will go without.

Do you have any constructive comments as a counterpoint to what I'm saying?

I have lived in Ridgefield for almost 10 years. When I moved here I had small children, we went to the library maybe 2x a month. Then years went by, there were computers to look up the books I wanted and where to find them, I never had to ask a librarian. Then they installed the self checkout machines so I can check out on my own. Summer reading program was at one point the time we went to the library maybe 2x a week, then guess what, I can log all my books online at home, eliminating the need for me to go to the library. So in the past 10 years they have eliminated the need for a librarian to find me a book, check me out and log my child's reading over the summer and you still want to build a new library for how much???? No way!

@Weber - who do you think reviewed, selected, purchased and catalogued all those books you checked out. Who integrated, promoted, and helped kids select books for summer reading? Who advocated for the greater use of technology to support the library's mission? Whose budget has gotten reduced significantly over the last 10 years? The librarian.
Agreed they don't need as large a paid staff - but are you suggesting none? Talk to seniors in our town. They need the assistance of librarians to do all the things you are able to do easily. Seniors also benefit from the home exchange program. Seniors also use the library because some cannot afford to buy books on a fixed income. Seniors enjoy and use the talks and many of the activities the library offers. Seniors pay taxes. Seniors also vote.
@citizen.... some responses are best left unsaid. I learned that from having children. Suggesting that a school doesn't need a library? And you expect kids to support your social security when you retire? If I were them, when I was old enough to vote - it would be revenge time.

Not expanding the parking or adding a drive-thru drop-box (or pick-up window like Wilton,) is just plain dumb esp. considering it's costing $20M....only in Ridgefield....

@Paul D. You raise some interesting points, but alas i feel that you are fighting a losing battle against technology. While i do not advocate the removing of school libraries, their lack of use is inevitable. The kids tend to use the space do do their homework or update their social networks, either physically or online. A book is rarely the reason for their visit

My concern is the what I consider complete and utter waste of taxpayers money to renovate a dead institution. I love this town and would hate to see its decision makers run it in to the ground.

How about taking the library mobile, spend the money on taking the books and the passionate and skilled people that look after them to the people that want them, our seniors, schools and social clubs, make books modern again.

I assumed, right up to your last line, that we were having a reasonable, adult, conversation.

Any comment on my idea of a mobile library ?

Paul, I think it is a ridiculous stretch to suggest that if Ridgefielders don't kick in $5 million today for the new library, that kids in the future will not be able to pay their Social Security taxes. Ridiculous. I think you are getting desperate.

And you think the kids will enact some sort of revenge against us if we don't give them the money for the library? "Give me your money or else..." There's a word for that. Luckily, I have a better view of our children than you apparently do.

On most subjects, I don't think Tom Falconieri and I could be farther apart, since I am one of those "schoolie liberal dems," however I do agree that 15 million dollars seems like plenty of money to expand the library. Common sense has to prevail sometimes. We can only spend what we have, not what we wish we had. If we didn't have Schlumberger in our heads at the same time, this might be an easier sell. For now, all I can focus on is how much of our money the Town is asking us for at every turn.

Thanks for the bait, but I'll pass.

What I've never understood, why not use the Schlumberger space for the new library? Plenty of space over at Schlumberger. Save on the new construction costs. You'd have even more money available for making a primo library. You could add money to the endowment. You'd have money available for new programs. You realize that under the current plan, we'd be building a new library for $20 million but not adding a single new program. Doesn't that strike everyone as odd? I mean, what's the point again?

So create the library at Schlumberger for $15 million - no tax dollars - and we'd still have extra money to do all sorts of great things.

Paul, I would like you to explain yourself. You want the people of Ridgefield to give money to the library project. And when they don't whole heartedly agree, you insult them. Does that seem like a good approach to winning people over?

I plan to vote no on this (imho) silly $20 million idea. I'm not anti-library. I'm just pro-common sense.

Parents of Ridgefield, I hope you join me in voting no. If you spend this money on the (imho) extravagant library plan, that will make money even tighter for the schools.

@wow... The project has raised $15 million dollars of private money to matched by 25% of the cost to the town. But that's not good enough for some people. They think everything is free. They think they are entitled and everyone else should give more so that they can have the product for free.
Who did I insult? I just read through all the posts and I don't see one insult.

Yeah, apparently $15 million is NOT good enough reason for some entitled people. And when questioned, they suggest moving to Texas. What a load of bull.
WHY EXACTLY is another $5 million necessary? That is what I want to know. Can you explain that without suggesting I leave town?

I have to disagree with you there Mr. Falconieri. I supported the Bundle because my kids went to Ridgebury. At that time, we had 4 portable classrooms and one more for increased capacity could not be sustained by the power plant. Something had to be done. But this is not a new argument about the Bundle. That's water under the bridge.
This discussion contains a question as to why 15 million dollars is not enough for a library that most people agree could be improved. Why another 5mil? Why? And why is the BOS so quick to vote yes on saying its a great thought, but hesitates on putting it before voters?

No vote from me. Let's first see how much Schlumberge is going to cost us. Just like Bennets Farm I'm sure we will be paying multiples of what Marconi has stated.

The library had 150 supporters show up two weeks ago at the BOS meeting. But this past week, only 80 supporters showed up at the Rec Center meeting. What happened? The library sent out an email looking to get 250 supporters for the Rec Center meeting. They never materialized. I think support for this project isn't there.

paul d...gets lots of stuff wrong--then ignores his errors once pointed out. He corrects people constantly---considers people to be self indulgent if they dont ascribe to his theory of how the world should work.
well, paul, you are free to pay for everyone's share of the library that you so emphatically endorse. Maybe you will even say you will. After all, you claim to be a "republican" --in order to further your agenda and appear objective.
Dishonesty in describing who you are or in taking responsibility for errors is not very commendable. And, I see no reason to listen to a word you say-- as I generally dismiss dishonest people's rants. Tom claims to be a lot of people as well--disguises who he is--attacks anyone with differing idea --but also cant admit to his errors.
Here is the bottom line....people who see a justification for updating the library via a public/private partnership are entitled to see it that way. They can point out the benefits to the town, to the community, to various demographics that they perceive will appreciate a more useful library.
Those people who judge the present and future utilitarian value of having a modern library to be wasteful and unnecessary are also entitled to resist paying yet another bill for the groups that decide that the town should move in a direction they dont agree with. Paul and Tom both decide that attacks are the proper prescription for attaining their goal. Both are disreputable.

Paul d.
Here is your assignment. First, do not rely on ridiculing everyone else's beliefs as a way to support your own beliefs.
Instead of saying we should "close all libraries" if people dont want to fork over another 5 million, understand that deciding not to get a subzero refrigerator in a new house, does not allow you to say--"ok, then lets not even build a kitchen."
20 million is a huge amount of money. So, your assignment is to explain to everyone --not who needs the library (we will have a library regardless)--it is to explain why 15 mio is insufficient, and that we really need to spend 20 mio or none at all.
Thanks-- now get to it!

Absolutely positive ... that's why they refer to it as a public/private partnership.

Paul--you forgot to tell me how someone knew that you are paul d.? Dude--what is wrong with you? Cant you just have an honest discussion? Or does everything need to be some sort of deception based on your insecurities about your level of knowledge/intelligence.
Step it up--
No one emailed you. How could they? No one knows who you are.

Paul, I understand your confusion on library maintenance issue. I have repeatedly heard it stated that the town is responsible for the maintenance of the library building. But the fact is, the town is not responsible. I think some officials even get this point wrong. I wish they could take some time to read the contract thoroughly.

I think mis-information is one of Ridgefield's biggest problems. For example, I read some of the "facts" being quoted in the other forum about Schlumberger and moratoriums and I shake my head.

What a funny interaction--
We have 2 guys who just talk and take no responsibility for the b.s. they spew.
Tom is now a plow guy. In the past he has been an electrical lineman (when the power was out) a body shop guy (when the discussion was about kids dying on the road) a Vietnam vet (who earned a purple heart when involved in the Tet) a business owner who moved his business across state lines--an expert gun guy (i believe this one) and who describes his inability to spell things as a "handycap" (im sure he gets handicapped parking pass).
And then paul d. who ridicules everyone, while getting at least 35% of everything wrong--...who lies about who he is and who his friends are-. and takes zero responsibility for anything. (the liberal mantra --everyone else is responsible--Ill just tell them what is right and wrong and how they should follow my ideology-while shirking all personal responsibility myself.)
Guys--just to let you know--you dont have to fake who you are in order to have an opinion. Tom doesnt want taxpayers to pay for an expanded library. Paul does. In fact paul thinks 15 mio is too small an expansion--and the reason is.....??? His mantra obviously is if someone is asking for money to spend--DO IT!! I dont have to know if it makes sense--I just want more spent!!

Luca, Tom, Paul, etc.... wow! And this is the beginning of an election year too. Can't wait to see you guys and gals go at it when Newt is nominated!!!!

Robama, Santorum (look his last name up on Google), and Ron "hold my spittle cup while I try to talk" Paul and you guys need a nice, quiet room together.

Back to the library boys....A great asset to this town. When my kids were younger we were there at least twice a week. Great programs offered to all ages of children AND adults.

Now that the kids are older we go twice a month. While we all have kindles in our home, nothing better than reading a real book.

When I am there the place is always packed. So someone must be using it.

Support the Library! :-)

Another problem I have with the library, on three school nights the library is only open to 6:00 pm. This isn't workable for many parents and children. Reality strikes, we have after school activities and chores. We can't make it to the library and get anything meaningful done by 6:00 pm.

So with the new library, we will spend $20 million and we will get no increase in hours. Think about that, $20 million for a library that many of us can't access.

It's bad enough we can't access the library now, but to spend all that money and have no new hours is plain old silly in my opinion.

Either add more hours at the new space, or don't build it. Why waste the money?

Luca chided another poster (again) saying,

"...who lies about who he is and who his friends are-. and takes zero responsibility for anything.... Guys--just to let you know--you dont have to fake who you are in order to have an opinion....Im asking for honesty in these discussions."

So Luca, have you been posting as Steve in Ridgefield and Joyce in Darien and then using these characters to agree with "Luca"?

One other thing, Tom- what happenned to Ron and Renzo?
they seem to have disappeared?
yet you told everyone in November that you have never been on this sight and if they have a problem with that statement to email you at "ridgefieldstinks@yahoo
So? Im just saying that you are really not a very honest guy. So-- if you want to explain--fine.
If you want to act like you are offended when someone thinks you are lying--the reason is because you lie all the time about who you are. Ok? tom (I know you are not skippy)

Do we see what just happened here? People bickering back and forth about non-library issues, totally deflecting the focus away from the $5 million expense.

People seem to get off on these tangents and I don't think it helps. It's like the conversation going on in the other forum about reworking the library's contract. I think people are completely misunderstanding the intent of the BOS. Everyone should try coming to a meeting to hear all the facts before getting up in arms. You might be surprised why the BOS is thinking of reworking the contract. It's a good thing for the taxpayers.

At times I think people just like to argue and they have no real interest in solving anything.

In the words of Ace Ventura.....Luca is Keleman...Keleman is Luca

Awesome--Im someone else yet again.
Who are you john? sign up just to say that? or someone who has been on using various names?
Does it matter? Its hypocrisy no matter what you say--so why are you bothering?

I miss Steven Fields. Those were the good days.