Ridgefield Voters Approve $20M Library Renovation With $5M From Town

It came down to 262 votes. A small margin.

The special referendum held yesterday for the contribution of $5 million from the town to the $20 million plan for a library renovation passed 2,040 to 1,778.

In what was a relatively large turnout at over 3,800 voters in a special referendum, library officials were especially pleased.

"I believe this will be an outstanding improvement to our community," said Christine Nolan, library director. "This is an overwhelming 'yes' considering the way this town votes on economic issues."

Construction for the new library is set to break ground in July. In the meantime, the campaign for the library, headed by Philip Lodewick, rests on $14.1 million with an obligation to reach $15 million.

"It was a democratic process," Lodewick said. "Everybody had a chance to digest the facts and cast their vote."

Throughout the day, voters streamed in and out of Yanity Gym, their opinions varying greatly.

"I voted 'yes,'" said Carolyn Balmer, a librarian at Ridgebury Elementary School. "There's a lot of coordination between the school libraries and the town library, and this is the right thing to do."

Others felt the town was looking to spend too much on the project.

"The town should make an effort to bring down the debt instead of spending more," said Kevin Barr, a Ridgefielder of 45 years. "We're not happy with this decision, and we voted 'no.'"

But the library renovation will continue, despite some dispute over the timing of the special referendum -- town officials, including members of the Board of Selectmen -- argued that the vote would be better suited to the budget referendum in May as opposed to standing alone as its own item.

"I'm very much in favor of the expansion of the library," said Betsy Thompson. "I'm disappointed it had to happen as a special referendum because it sets a dangerous precedent, but otherwise it's really a great thing."

Ellen Darvick of the Friends of the library beamed as she said, "I'm very happy we won."