What We Do

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about."

- Margaret J. Wheatley

PUTTING YOUR GIFTS TO WORK FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation has committed over $750,000 to the Ridgewood Public Library in its tenure.

Our commitment to providing for today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's drives every decision.

2020 RPLF GIFT

The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation made an additional donation of $10,000 (on top of $15,000 made at the end of 2019) enabling the library to grow its e-book collection to nearly 1,000 titles.

PROBLEM SOLVED

As the COVID-19 health crisis forced libraries around the world to close, demand for our already popular e-books skyrocketed nearly 200%.
Requests poured in for both adult and children e-books resulting in extended wait times for most titles.
Circulation is up 52% and wait times across all areas are down by over 30%.

Despite the curveball thrown at us in 2020, RPLF held true to its mission to ensure the future stability of the library and keep our services in line with the changing needs of our Village.

HISTORICAL GIVING

TECHNOLOGY

Upgraded state-of-the-art technology resources:

iPad Pros, Virtual Reality (VR) goggles, drones, and MakerSpace tools to support STEM programs
Gaming consoles, DJ equipment, smart boards, and whiteboard & Lego tables for youth participation
iPads, laptops and tablets
Additional charging stations and mobile hot spots
3D drawing tablets, Bambu sketch stylus, Intuos art tablets
New microfilm scanner
Wireless microphones and assistive listening devices for hearing impaired

FACILITY

Optimized functional and comfortable spaces to provide best access to library resources:

Upgraded Young Adult Center with new computers, iPads and growing collection of books, magazines, and more
Reconfigured additional small group study and meeting spaces
Improved communal areas with new chairs for adult readers and other furniture upgrades
Painting and improvements in the Art Studio
Partnership with RPL Board on the ReImagine Campaign

SERVICES

Continued support to purchase additional titles in these focused areas.

Digital content - Libby/Overdrive
Large-print books
Text and resources to support Ridgewood High School curricula
World Language and ESL materials
300 bookbags to visiting 3rd graders each year