Books on the Common was established in 1984 by Bob and Sally Silbernagel in a tiny 450 sq. ft. space on Danbury Road, realizing their life-long dream of owning a bookstore. Within a year, they became one of the first tenants in the new Copps Hill Common on Danbury Road, leasing 1,000 square feet at the rear of the new building. Just a few years later, they doubled that space and expanded into the adjacent space. Sadly, on May 16, 1991, Bob lost a long battle with cancer and passed away at the age of 49.
Sally kept the store going on her own with the help of new staff. The store faced fierce competition from the opening of nearby chain stores during those difficult years. The growth of online shopping and e-books added even more stress to the independent bookstore environment, forcing many to close.
Through it all, Books on the Common thrived, thanks to the loyal support of customers, who have supported the store all these years because they want to talk to other readers about books, to seek recommendations from a human being, not a computer program, and to browse among real, not virtual, bookshelves.
After 20 years in business, Sally retired and sold the store to Ellen Burns and Darwin Ellis – two long-time Ridgefielders and avid readers. Ellen and Darwin maintained the friendly, comfortable atmosphere of the store while bringing it up-to-date by computerizing the store operations. In 2009, Books on the Common relocated 404 Main Street, a charming 120-year old building in Ridgefield’s historic downtown.
Now celebrating our 35th year in business, Books on the Common continues to serve our customers and support the greater Ridgefield area through the volunteer efforts of its owners and staff, contributions to local non-profit organizations, and providing a place for people to come together to discuss books, local politics, world affairs or anything else on their minds!
