I love this library! The Lane Public Library system itself is great but this location in Fairfield…read morehas some really cool features and is pretty large compared to its Hamilton location. So I know the library isn't responsible for these things BUT the odds are pretty high that you can exit out the back, books in hand and walk directly out onto the cute little park with water features, statues and bridges and happen upon a farmer's market or a band playing or something else going on. That's happened to me several times by accident and I sat down to read feeling like Belle in Beauty and the Beast or something (You can probably google what days things are happening at the park if you don't want to leave it up to chance). If you're there when nothing's going on fear not! Out the back door there are benches and tables with overhanging vines and classical music piped through outdoor speakers they've kindly set up. You may be thinking, What?! Have I been transported to some fancy European park?! Nope, you're in Fairfield, but pack a picnic or some coffee and you sure can pretend because I've never seen anything like that at another library and I think it's amazing.
Anyways, ahem, about the library:
The best part is that all their items are free and they have a good and ever expanding collection of the newest and greatest books. You can check out books, DVDs, magazines, CDs, electronic books, books on CD and probably stuff I'm not even aware of. If you need to use a computer they have a large selection too and that is off to the side so they aren't blocking the books or anything like at other libraries.
The kid's section is nice and separated from the adult's collection in a different room. It's adorable, has a good selection of materials, some educational toys in the middle, a separate staff member, and some tables to do fun things like draw and read.
If you can't make it inside, for whatever reason, you can order your books ahead of time, the library will notify you when they are ready for pick up, and you can either pick them up inside at the counter OR use their convenient drive-thru window. The drive-thru is perfect if you are sick, short on time, you have an addiction to books and can't trust yourself to not check out EVERY BOOK that looks amazing (there should be a bookaholics anonymous), you have wailing infants or you just really enjoy the novelty of a drive-thru window at a library.
Also!!! They always have some fun and free events going on. Lots for kids and babies but also for adults too. I happened to stumble upon their Fall kid's day and they had games, a hay ride around the park, a band, apple cider and free mini pumpkins to decorate. It was so cute and all the little kids loved it. Check on the website for future events, save your cash, feel rooted in the community and enjoy the library!