1. Fairfield Public Library Katherine Meyrick ILS 506

2. History The Fairfield Public Library was founded in 1876, with only 677 books in its collection. The library opened its own building in 1903 on the corner of Old Post and Post Roads. The library opened the Fairfield Woods Branch in 1967, though it had been in existence since 1939.

3. The Fairfield Public Library is a town library that is open to the general public. Fairfield is known for being a “family town” so the library strives to support its user through educational programs.

4. Children’s Department Fairfield Public Library has a beautiful children’s department for ages birth-12.

5. Children’s Department Continued The children’s department holds the juvenile collection as well as resources for parents and teachers. It is structured to resemble a “town” complete with a farm, general store, puppet mansion, country store, railroad station, and a light house to make it appealing to young children. The department holds story hours and special events geared towards children.

6. Teen Room The Teen Room is located on the first floor of the library, with a young adult collection. The teen room is on Facebook and has its own blog. It holds a chess club, gamers nights, and a music collection.

7. Rooms of The Library The library hosts a periodical room, new and large type book area, several quiet reading and study rooms, reference area, and three meeting rooms for conferences.

8. Harold B. Harris Computer Laboratory The Harold B. Harris Computer Lab holds fifteen computers with full internet access. Portals and wi-fi are scattered throughout the building. The library regularly holds computer classes to the public.

9. The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery hosts art exhibits of several different mediums.

10. OPAC The library’s OPAC is powered by SirsiDynix, through the gateway iBistro. Through the OPAC, patrons can connect with iConn, reserve and renew materials, even pay fines. SirsiDynix version GL3.1.3 is what the library uses to power its OPAC. The library uses OCLC exclusively for cataloging purposes, and organizes its collection through the DDC using AACR2.

11. Challenges The library is working on overcoming challenges to better serve the public. The library has very inadequate parking, making planning events difficult. The library lacks publicity. FPL is currently working on increasing programs for underserved populations. They are also working on increasing multilingual programs. The are working on programs to help citizens through this recession.

12. THANK YOU!