Ridgefield Library Close to Reaching Goal for New Facility
The Ridgefield Library’s board reportedly plans to raise another $2 million privately before asking town officials to bring a request for the remaining $5 million before voters in a referendum early next year.
The Ridgefield Library is reportedly close to raising the $15 million it needs to construct a new facility where the current one stands.
According to published reports the Campaign for the New Ridgefield Library has so far raised $13.6 million in private donations from more than 900 contributors for the approximately $20 million project. The Library’s board reportedly plans to raise another $2 million privately before asking town officials to bring a request for the remaining $5 million before voters in a referendum early next year.
Meanwhile library officials are reportedly working on plans to temporarily move “scaled down” library operations to the former Hay Day Market building on Governor Street. The library will temporarily move to the location for a period of 14 to 16 months during construction, according to a report in the Ridgefield Press.
Providing it passes in the referendum, the project will involve demolishing and replacing most of the current library. The original 1903 Elizabeth W. Morris memorial building will be incorporated into the new facility, according to the Ridgefield Press report.
The project still needs to gain approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning & Zoning Commission.
Ron orson
9:23 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2011
Let me get this straight. The Library is a private entity. And the town has nothing to do with it. Is this correct or not??? So why in gods name do the TAX payers have to give them MONEY. This is beyond me. So build your library with your donations and leave us TAX payers alone. I like the library as it is or how it would be without one dime from me. Simple i dont use it it is a private entity and i for one have never darkened the doors of the place for the 65 yeas i have been here. Great build your Library by your selves and leave the Tax payers and residents alone. And further more anyone willing to vote for it should write a personal check. I am tired of seeing my taxes squandered on pet projects like the library i do not use or care to use it and never will.