‘Grab and go experience’ Fairfield library open for browsing by appointment

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield Public Library is now open for limited browsing, one step closer to being fully open and perhaps a sign that things are returning to normal.

Fairfield Public Library Director Rebecca Johnson said this is the first week patrons have been able to enter the library to browse its shelves since last spring when COVID forced the library to close. Patrons must schedule their visit in advance, and may only browse for 30 minutes.

'It's kind of a grab-and-go experience,” Johnson said.

The library asks patrons to wear a mask when browsing. They can receive hand sanitizer at the entrance. Under the current protocols, up to 10 people can browse at the same time. After their 30 minutes are up, library staff spend the next 30 minutes disinfecting the building before the next group of browsers is allowed in.

The library is allowing members of the public to use the six computers in its meeting room. That, too, requires an appointment.

'People can come in with masks and do their printing, copying or work on a computer,” Johnson said. 'We have six more tables that are 6 feet long, so a person can bring their own laptop or just sit and read if they want to.”

Johnson said Mike Schill from the Natel broadband company donated his time and expertise to setting up the network in the meeting room.

The library continues to offer its curbside delivery service for patrons to check out books over the phone or online. Johnson said the library processes 61 items per day through curbside delivery.

The library's hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, closer to its pre-COVID hours.