National Friends of Libraries Week October 17-23

Fairfield, Conn. -  The Fairfield Public Library will be spending the week of October 17-23, 2021 celebrating its Friends of the Library organization as part of the 16th annual National Friends of Libraries Week. 

In existence since 2003, The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the partnership between the Fairfield Public Library and the community, and advocating for quality library service for all of the people of the Town of Fairfield. 

Over the past eighteen years, The Friends have provided over $450,000 to the Library to support special programs, services and resources not included in the operating budget, including a commitment to fund the Library’s museum pass program with $10,000 a year for 10 years.

Acting Town Librarian Jan Fisher said, “We could not do what we do without the generous support of the Friends of FPL. Their dedicated service and advocacy provide a wealth of opportunities and resources for the community. We are lucky to have such good Friends!” 

For the past fourteen years The Friends have sponsored the Soundwaves Concert Series featuring the internationally acclaimed Lions Gate Trio in performances at the Library in the spring and fall. The Friends also manage the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery at the Main Library, where a new art exhibit is presented every 7-8 weeks, together with an opening reception featuring intimate presentations by the artists and light refreshments.  

After the temporary closing of the Kershner Gallery, as well as a year-long suspension of the Soundwaves Concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Friends are thrilled to announce the re-opening of the Gallery as of Thursday, October 7 with the current exhibit “Behind the Scenes,” and a Soundwaves Concert scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2pm in the Main Library’s Memorial Room. 

As part of their fundraising efforts, The Friends oversee the ongoing sale of gently used books, tapes and CDs in the Twice REaD Room at the Main Library, and offer a Bookplates as Gifts program which allows people to honor or remember a loved one with a bookplate placed in a new book to be added to the Library’s collection. Funds raised from these programs directly benefit the Library. 

To commemorate National Friends of Libraries Week, tables will be set up at both Libraries, Sunday through Saturday, with Friends brochures and materials. Patrons are encouraged to join and learn more about what the Friends do. 

The Friends will be offering a free book from their Twice REaD Room to anyone joining the organization at the Main Library’s Ambassador Desk during the following hours: Monday, Oct. 18, 10am-2pm and 3-5pm; Tuesday, Oct. 19, 10am-6pm; Wednesday, Oct. 20, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm; Thursday, Oct. 21, 10am-12pm and 2-5pm; Friday, Oct. 22, 9-11am, 12-2pm and 3-5pm; and Saturday, Oct. 23, 1-3pm.

For more information about the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library, please visit http://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/our-community/friends-of-fairfield-public-library/.

All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free.  For more information about Library programs, visit us online at:  www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. Follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook: www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.