What comes to mind when you imagine a library? Perhaps the opportunity to check out books of all kinds, summer reading programs, or internet cafes come to mind. Not everyone realizes, though, how limited this impression truly is. Newly renovated and situated in Connecticut’s first Cultural District, the Ridgefield Library is a prime example and goes so far beyond the basic services everyone expects that they really are an essential hub of the community. With full handicap accessibility, and spaces that can transform to meet any event needs, the library partners with over 80 organizations per year and offers a huge variety of events and services.
One event that helps bring all of this together is the Great Expectations Gala that began in 2014. Each year they have honorees; philanthropic people in the community who support the mission of the library. It has really become quite a prestigious gala in this area, and the award itself, the Hope A Swenson Visionary Award. This year, the honorees to receive the award were Rudy and Peggy Marconi.
“The 2022 Great Expectations Gala was a magical night that brought together so many in our community to honor Peggy and Rudy Marconi with the Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award for their dedicated service to Ridgefield and beyond,” said Brenda McKinley, Ridgefield Library Director. “The Gala is also the Library’s biggest fundraising event of the year and it was a huge success enabling the Library to continue to bring exceptional service to our community.”
Award is prestigious due to its namesake, in honor of Hope H. Swenson (1937–2010) who lived in Ridgefield for nearly 40 years and was closely associated with the town’s Library for all of that time. Her passion was evidenced in her work on the Library Board for more than 35 years, her enthusiastic participation in library events, and her knowledge of and support for the staff. It was her vision that sparked the ambitious renovation of the space which was completed in 2014. Anyone who receives this award is seen to embody that philanthropic spirit.
“Rudy and Peggy Marconi have shown leadership in the community for many years, but over the last two years of the pandemic they were especially supportive,” said Laureen Bubniak, former Directof of Development at the library. “They support every local business and non-profit in the community.”
The Great Expectations Gala was a meaningful night for Bubniak as well; it was her last gala before her retirement in July from over 12 years of service.
“It has been my honor and great pleasure to serve Ridgefield in such a meaningful way — raising funds for a truly valuable organization with a stellar staff offering important services, programs, and collections for all members of the community in a beautifully maintained building,” she said. “I am proud of the success we have had over the years meeting and exceeding our financial goals with the help and support of our generous donors, tireless volunteers, partner organizations and the Town of Ridgefield. The highlight of my career was working on the Great Expectations Gala each year, honoring such incredible members of the community — Larry and Nancy Bossidy, Anita and Nick Donofrio, Philip and Christine Lodewick, Rudy and Sally Ruggles, The Couri Family – Elaine and John & Chris and Megan, Paul and Dewey McNamara, Eileen and Jay Walker; and of course this year Peggy and Rudy Marconi.”
Due to the success of the gala, and continued generous donations throughout the year, Ridgefield Library can continue to offer their unique events and essential services, which include events for kids, art talks, author signings, services for seniors, a contemporary tech center, early literacy initiatives for young readers, a versatile space for indoor and outdoor study, and so much more.
Ridgefield Library is not the only community hub. The Mark Twain Library in Redding is a beautiful asset to their community and is a sight to behold, let alone its historic significance, and the Wilton Library centrally located in Wilton also offers an immense variety of events and services for all backgrounds as well as a beautiful space to relax and spend your time. •
