Reduced Library Hours Announced In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Beginning next week, the Fairfield Public Library — the Main Library and the Fairfield Woods Branch Library — will reduce hours of operation because of reduced staff and lack of a state budget, First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Interim Town Librarian Nancy Coriaty announced in a press release. In response to the town’s need to reduce expenses because of the state’s fiscal crisis and failure to pass a budget, the Fairfield Public Library Board of Library Trustees recently made the difficult decision to reduce hours, according to the press release.

The Fairfield Public Library is one of many public libraries across the state reducing hours in response to anticipated budget constraints, officials said. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Fairfield prides itself on having one of the top library systems in the state,” Tetreau said. “Despite the unfortunate reduction in hours, our libraries will continue to remain a vibrant asset to our community. The change in hours is just one of the consequences of the state’s financial crisis that is negatively impacting Fairfield, and every other town in Connecticut. I’d like to compliment our library management team for their approach in making sure either the Branch or the Main Library stays open regular hours during the week while the other is closed.

“Fairfield did its part, we passed our budget, set our mill rate and we continue to effectively manage our town in a fiscally conservative manner. We now face the unenviable task of filling a budget hole created by the state. We will meet the challenge with the least possible impact on our residents.”

Effective Aug. 14, the new hours are as follows:

Main Library:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: Remains closed until further notice

Branch Library:

• Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: Remains closed until further notice

“Despite this time of budget shortfalls and reduced staffing levels, the library continues to provide services and programs to the entire community,” Interim Town Librarian Nancy Coriaty said. “Overall operations remain the same due to strong management, a dedicated staff, finding efficiencies and working together. There is strong leadership at the library and an active and dedicated group of advocates among the Board of Library Trustees and Friends of the Fairfield Public Library who will help us ensure we continue to meet the needs of our patrons.”

The Fairfield Public Library will post signage at both libraries and update its website and Facebook page to communicate the new changes. The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library will also share the changes with its members. The new hours remain in effect until otherwise noted.

“We reviewed the current patterns of use and previous reductions in hours to determine the new schedule,” Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees Sonal Rajan said. “We realize that with every cut in our schedule it means less access to all the learning opportunities our town’s library provides. However, the reduction in hours demonstrates Fairfield Public Library’s willingness to help where it can in the town-wide effort to reduce the budget and save money. We ask the public to recognize the vital need for our town’s public library, and to help maintain essential services by making a financial donation to the Fairfield Public Library today by visiting http://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/supporting-the-library/.”

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