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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Fairfield library receives ‘How to Build Community’ sign
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
FAIRFIELD – A new public art installation outside the Fairfield Public Library is offering a fresh reminder of the many simple, powerful ways we can build stronger community ties.
This week, a third motivational sign in the “How To Build Community” series was installed on the northwest corner of the library’s exterior, thanks to a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the Fairfield Public Library. The sign, which lists everyday acts of kindness and connection, includes one particularly fitting directive for its new location: “Visit the Library.”
The signs are part of a larger community-wide initiative led by Shanaz Kreider, director of Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Inspired by a donated poster that originally hung in the ReStore, Kreider launched the project to bring the poster’s timeless message to public spaces across Fairfield. The original design, created by Syracuse Cultural Workers in 1996, offers simple suggestions for strengthening community—among them, “Honor Elders,” “Help Carry Something Heavy,” “Fix It Even If You Didn’t Break It,” and now prominently, “Visit the Library.”
After seeing the impact of the first two installations—one at the entrance to Chautauqua Park and another on the west side of the Fairfield CoLab—Fairfield Public Library Director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas reached out to Kreider with a request to bring the message to the library.
“Our library is already a gathering place for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds,” Schmidt-Mickunas said. “Having this sign here reinforces what we already know: that community is built in shared spaces like ours, one visit, one conversation, one idea at a time.”
The library’s installation, like the others, was produced with support from Fairfield Hy-Vee, which generously funded the cost of production and installation. Fairfield artist Chad Starling designed the artwork, giving it a vintage yet fresh feel that ties into the town’s character.
The Fairfield Public Library has long served as more than just a place to check out books. With its free programs for children and adults, public meeting rooms, computer and internet access, and welcoming atmosphere, the library functions as a civic cornerstone—offering resources, education, and a sense of belonging.
The project has received strong support from multiple local partners, including the Fairfield City Council, Fairfield CoLab, Fairfield Cultural Alliance, and the Fairfield Volunteer Center.
With the new installation now welcoming visitors at the library, the message is clear: community begins with small actions—and sometimes, with simply stepping inside a building filled with stories, ideas, and neighbors.
