September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Fairfield Public Library is marking the occasion with a lineup of programs, activities, and resources for readers, families, and lifelong learners, according to a press release from the library.
Throughout the month, the library is encouraging both new and longtime patrons to make the most of their library card. Anyone who has misplaced a card can receive a replacement at no charge during September, and patrons who renew their library card this month will be entered for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.
Library Director Alecs Schmidt Mickunas summed up what a library card offers. “Whatever brings you in — a good book, a new language, or a reason to get outside — your library card is the key,” he said.
Language Learning Circles
The library’s Language Learning Circles bring together native speakers, advanced students, and beginners for informal conversational practice and are open to all ages and experience levels. The English Learning Circle meets Mondays from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m., the Spanish Learning Circle meets Wednesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m., and the Japanese Language Circle meets Thursdays from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
Book Treks
Book Treks combines audiobooks, fresh air, and community, with participants meeting Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Chautauqua Park to listen to the audiobook of their choice while walking. Each month, Fairfield Public Library also selects an audiobook through the Libby app that library borrowers can access with no wait. Book Treks is co-sponsored by the Fairfield Department of Parks and Recreation.
Sticker Swap — September 22nd
Young collectors can bring their favorite stickers to the library on Tuesday, September 22nd from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. for a Sticker Swap. Open to ages 4 and older, the event gives participants a chance to show off their collections and trade stickers with other enthusiasts.
Free Screening of “Parsons” — September 25th
Fairfield history takes center stage on Friday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m. with a free screening of Parsons, part of the Fairfield History Series. The film explores the unprecedented growth and sudden demise of Parsons College through accounts from former students, faculty members, and educational leaders. The screening is presented in partnership with Fair Field Productions, Fairfield Media Center, and the Carnegie Museum.
Retracing Iowa’s Dragoon Trail — September 28th
Historian and author Kevin Mason will visit the library on Monday, September 28th at 7:15 p.m. for a presentation titled “Tracing the Dragoon Trail,” exploring the 1835 U.S. Dragoons expedition across Iowa. Drawing from his book Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa and his own 371-mile journey following the expedition’s route, Mason will share stories of travel, settlement, and environmental change while examining how the historic expedition helped shape Iowa.
Featured Resource: AtoZ Databases
September is also a good time to explore one of the library’s business and career resources. AtoZ Databases provides access to millions of business and residential listings and can be used to research companies, explore employment opportunities, create mailing lists, and identify potential customers. The resource is available at no cost through a Fairfield Public Library card.
Fairfield Public Library is located at 104 W. Adams Ave. in Fairfield. Please note the library will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. For more information about September programs and additional library events, contact the library at 641-472-6551 or circ@fairfield.lib.ia.us.
