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So, last year, one of my mommy friends from West Hartford moved about an hour away to Ridgefield, Connecticut. We had known each other since our oldest children were babies and our youngest munchkins were brand new (they were born just a few days apart). We were part of a playgroup and any mom that has joined a playgroup that has clicked, knows how powerful those relationships can be. I was sad when she moved away and mad at myself for having not yet taken the simple one hour drive down to Ridgefield to visit her. With our older munchkins in preschool, I decided to make a trip down to Ridgefield with Sweetheart to visit her friend and mine!
Lucky for me, my visit would also turn into a post for the blog because she suggested we meet up at the NEW Ridgefield Library. Perfect!
This new library had been in the works for quite a while. The groundbreaking on the new building occurred in October 2012 and the new library opened its doors just a few weeks ago. I couldn’t wait to check it out!
Below is a picture of the library from the front followed by a picture of the new, modern main building located behind it.
The first thing I noticed (and loved) about this library was that it was located right in the heart of downtown Ridgefield, surrounded by parks, playgrounds, stores and restaurants. We were planning to have a full morning adventure with a visit to the library, followed by a stop at the playground and lunch. It was so nice that everything would be in walking distance for us.
I pulled into the parking lot for the library. It was located on the side of the main building and offered plenty of free parking options. We were visiting on a Tuesday morning and had no problem finding a spot. However, I have no idea what the parking situation is like during busier times.
As we entered the main level, the first thing we saw was the main circulation area. There was plenty of way finding information available and I quickly found the children’s area which was located right past the main circulation area on the right.
We headed through these doors to find the Lodewick Children’s Library.
For our visit, I didn’t bring a stroller, but if you bring one, there is a parking area on the left when you enter. You can also hang up your coat in this space (but who needs coats these days!)
We made our way towards the children’s circulation desk, to see what this new space had to offer.
Of course Sweetheart was quickly distracted by the fish tank located nearby. We stopped for a bit to enjoy the beauty.
The main attraction for this library, of course, were the books, which were plentiful. And don’t forget that if you aren’t a Ridgefield resident and are just visiting the area, you may still be able to use your local library card to check out books and you may even be able to return those books to your local library. If you are interested, just check with the circulation desk.
Right past all the books and near the children’s circulation desk was a play area for the little ones. It was a small play space, but the kids had a great time in this area. It was full of puzzles, toys, games and books for them to enjoy.
The day we were visiting (a Tuesday) they were also having a drop-in Mother Goose program for kids though age 2. The thirty minute class is currently held on Tuesdays at 9:30 am and 10:30 am. The class sounded fun and of course we decided to drop-in and check it out!
Now, I don’t have many pictures of the class in progress as I would have had to get approval from all the class participants to be able to use the pictures on the blog. [There were a LOT of class participants so it just seemed like too much of a headache. I was more interested in enjoying time with my youngest munchkin and my friend, anyways 🙂 ]
But the good news is that there were LOTS of class participants. So many great moms were there spending time with their little ones and enjoying a casual drop-in program. So, if you live nearby and are itching to get out of the house with your little one, not only would this be a great program for your little munchkin, but it would be a great place to possibly make a few new mommy friends.
I did get some (really bad) iPhone shots of Sweetheart and her friend participating in the class.
I also got a few pictures of the classroom between program sessions. It was huge and a great place for the kids to be free and have fun. There was also a restroom located conveniently inside the program room. Great for potty training kids or quick diaper changes.
Speaking of restrooms, you know how we like to check out the restroom options everywhere we go. Well, for the Ridgefield Library’s Children’s section, there were two restrooms (with baby changing stations) located right in the back of the main section.
After we finished the program, we headed back out into the play area. I had to explain to Sweetheart a few times, that this wasn’t part of the toy options . . .
Good thing she is cute, funny and smart because this girl certainly keeps me on my toes.
Before we knew it, the munchkins were getting restless and it was time to head to our next destination. Our morning ended with a visit to Ballard Park and lunch at Prime Burger. But more on those destinations in a future post. Stay tuned . . .
Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Phone Number: (203) 438-2282
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (closed on Sundays during the summer)
Pricing:
- FREE!
Details:
- Stroller Friendly: YES. There is also a stroller parking area right inside the children’s section.
- Coffee Mug Friendly: YES. Beverages in closed containers (like a travel mug) are allowed in most areas of the building.
- Baby Changing Station: YES. A baby changing area is located in the two restrooms in the back of the children’s library.
- Restrooms: YES. A restroom is located in the program room and two are located in the back of the children’s library.
- Parking: FREE parking is available on the side of the main building.
- Food for Sale: NO. Though there are plenty of great restaurants located in easy walking distance of the library.
- Outside Food Allowed: YES. But can only be enjoyed in the main commons area, right outside of the children’s library.
- Cash Required: NO.
- Dress Code: NO.
- Evening/Weekend Hours: YES.
Tips & Things to Bring:
- The children’s library is located on the Main Floor, right past the main circulation desk.
- A variety of children’s programs are offered at the library. Be sure to check their latest schedule for all the details.
- Ridgefield residents can obtain free or discounted entry to many destinations in Connecticut and New York through the library’s Museum Pass Program.
- 4D Vision Gym – A vision training center located in Cromwell, CT where Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD and her staff show members how to utilize Vision Therapy to correct visual issues and make learning and playing easier and more fun.
- The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT this private pre-school, elementary and middle school serves families from over 20 communities.
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