Town's Library Ushers Residents Into the Future

Not only does Karen Ronald love books, but she loves writers. February marks Ronald’s first anniversary as the town librarian, a position she took after her predecessor, Maura Ritz, retired. Ronald, who has been with the main branch library for about three years, is steering the thriving operation into new territories. Last year, circulation surpassed 1 million for the first time and will easily surpass that again in 2011. The sour economy of the last few years has led people to rediscover Fairfield's three libraries and its resources, much to her delight.

Joining Ronald for the discussion is Dawn La Valle, who took Ronald’s former slot as assistant librarian, and is excited by the vitality of Fairfield Woods Branch Library.

One point of pride is that Fairfield’s library is looking ahead, embracing new technologies and new ways to deliver services to residents. Recently, the library introduced people to their Technology Petting Zoo, offering everyone a chance to check out eReaders and tablets plus Leapster and Leap Frog for children. This allows people to actually check out the devices for a test drive before making any personal commitments.

Ronald notes the library continues to purchase books not only as print editions, but also as downloadable eBooks, audio books, CDs or even single-use playaway MP3 players. “We’re very careful buyers,” she said. “We’ve always been cautious with our budget but we need to move with the community.”

As a result, old-fashioned media, such as cassette tapes, will be among the next types of book to vanish. “I like traveling with an eBook, but curling up on the couch with a book. Librarians have been adaptable through the years and that won’t change,” she said.

Similarly, Merry Uk is hosting “Mid-Days with Merry” where she offers “a quick-and-dirty introduction to social networking,” Ronald adds. People can get familiar with computers, the Internet, social networking and similar technological uses through this popular program. The staff continues to be trained in the emerging technologies, keeping them conversant with the needs of the community.

La Valle’s first major contribution was creating an English as a Second Language program using Skype to allow patrons to communicate with a facilitator in China. The oversubscribed program will continue and be expanded to include other languages.

New programs continue to arrive with surprising regularity such as a new health series to address concerns about aging. Plans are afoot to apply for a grant to create a series on teaching money management and even basic investment strategies to people. Should the funds be obtained, they will likely partner with Sacred Heart University to offer the series.

The community outreach continues with new programs offered for home schoolers or being conducted at atypical locales including Operation Hope, a local agency that helps the homeless; the Fairfield Senior Center; Burr Mansion; churches and synagogues. Over the last few months, the library has worked on an outreach program that has already issued 1,000 new cards. “Many people continue to be surprised by how much we have to offer,” Ronald says.

“I love the staff’s desire and willingness to think and expand; embracing what futurists tells us to do to stay viable. People want to come here and see a forward vision implemented,” La Valle says.

What surprised La Valle, who previously worked in White Plains, N.Y., was seeing that senior administrators were working in circulation areas and interacting with patrons. “It’s one of the job’s greatest pleasures. It keeps her fingers on the pulse of the town.”

Ronald concurs, noting this was a town tradition but whereas others worked at the reference desk, she works the main circulation desk. “I love doing that Tuesday afternoons. I get to talk to people about books! I love the exchange and think it is invaluable.” She also points to the ESL program coming from La Valle’s one-on-one discussion with patrons during her first few months on the job.

One thing being discussed these days is the operational audit’s recommendation to convert part-time hours into full-time roles and hire two new staffers. Ronald applauds the recommendation and agrees it’s something she’s discussed with First Selectman Ken Flatto, but is realistic that economic pressures may not let that happen this year. “We lean on the part-timers in our two buildings, providing 130 hours of service a week. We make our case and hope for the best,” she says.

As for the Fairfield Woods Branch, the infrastructure continues to need seriously attention.  With its leaky roof and non-Americans with Disability Act facilities, the building needs an overhaul.  Nancy Coriaty, deputy town librarian-Branch Services, and Ronald have been studying the space, figuring out what state guidelines might suggest. The Board of Trustees has decided to invest some of their endowment funds toward hiring an architect to study the space and offer up a variety of options for consideration. When the time comes, a well-researched proposal can then be made to town boards in hopes of approval.

At the same time, they’re also thinking of revamping the main branch’s Teen Library, to better use the space.

Ronald, with her impish grin, continues to dream of turning the library into a true haven for not just readers, but writers. Currently, they are hosting a writing contest and envision using local authors to help mentor budding writers. She continues to hope for a time when they can create their own imprint and help authors get their works into print, both in paper and in digital formats.

Ronalds considers herself lucky to be so often thinking the exact same way as La Valle and Coriaty, making it easier to chart a course for the library’s future. Her overriding feeling is that the buildings not only have books and media to entertain and educate, but also are a “crucible for creativity.” Who can argue with that?