This is a beautiful library in... well, it may be the middle of nowhere. Call it a scenic drive…read morethere! The building used to be Mark Twain's house, and the property and interior is properly adorned with images of the man himself and characters from his works. They also have a little rotunda exhibiting modern artists of various themes. Although there are books everywhere, it is open enough where it feels comfortable and even homey in some locations.

Amazing libraries never cease. The Wilton Library has a small lot, but appears to have more space…read morein the back. I'm unclear why there are hippos and elephants outside, unless it's just because they're awesome art. The inside is full of awesome art as well - some on permanent display, others seem to be more temporary. There are plenty of places to relax and read, including two outdoor spaces in the middle of the building. There is also an innovation station, where you can work on art like monogram or paper arrangements. The librarians were also very friendly and encouraged quietly seeing how beautiful their library is.

Whenever I come back to Wilton to visit my parents, we always make a point of visiting the library…read more I've loved the Wilton Library for my entire life (I even volunteered here in middle school) and it is a nice touchstone for my visits home. A lot has changed in the past 30+ years and the library is nicely modernized but still keeps a familiar and welcoming feel. A big draw is the children's room. The book and media selection is fantastic, there is a fish tank and puzzles and games, and there are lots of year-round programs offered for kids of various ages. I also appreciate the bargain used books for sale - I always make sure to check these shelves out as several times I've found excellent like-new condition hardcover books for just a dollar or two. Thanks Wilton Library for being such a wonderful part of the town for so many years!

I've heard of the Ramapo Indians but never saw the tribe spelled as "Ramapoo" until yesterday when…read moreI saw that unusual combination of letters on the Ridgefield Historical Marker. The inscription details a fairly in depth story of the town, starting with the Ramapoo, then moving on to the town's historical significance during the Revolutionary War, and its evolution into a prosperous New York City getaway for the affluent. You'll find the marker in front of the Ridgefield Library where Main Street hits Prospect Street. It's a 2-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. There is a different inscription on each side. The marker was dedicated in 1980 and is in excellent condition. The full inscription reads: This town was founded in 1708 by a group of families from Norwalk who purchased twenty thousand acres from the Ramapoo Indians for one hundred pounds sterling. They were aided by John Copp, a surveyor, who explored the land now lying between High Ridge and East Ridge and recommended it as a promising agricultural area, suitable for settlement. In 1777 at the Battle of Ridgefield, Colonial militia fought British and Hessian troops returning from a raid on American military stores in Danbury. They were headed back to Compo Beach on the shore of Long Island Sound. Ridgefield began as a farming community and remained a typical New England village until after the Civil War. Then it became a summer resort town for prosperous New York City families and many large homes were erected over the years on Main Street, West Lane, High Ridge, Peaceable Street, and East Ridge. Since railroad lines had avoided Ridgefield because of its altitude, it remained more rural than other towns near New York City. Businessmen of the town, however, were able to promote and secure the construction of a spur line from Branchville in 1870 to make this community more easily accessible. The families from New York hired Italian and Irish immigrants who built village utilities and became estate managers and gardeners. The descendants of many of these workers attained status in business and civic affairs of the town as time went on. Native sons of Ridgefield who achieved eminence include Phineas C. Lounsbury, Governor of Connecticut 1887-1889, and Cyrus Northrup, President of the University of Minnesota from 1884 to 1911. The expansion of suburban New York began to reach Ridgefield in the 1950's and continues to this time. Despite this, much of the town retains its true small-town New England flavor. Erected by Town of Ridgefield, The Ridgefield Preservation Trust and the Connecticut Historical Commission. 1980. Five stars for its excellent condition, two sides of an interesting inscription, and the Ramapoo!