Fairfield Public Library survey finds parking and digital access top community priorities; small subset raises collection concerns

The Fairfield Public Library board on Tuesday heard results of a user‑needs survey conducted by the Center for Social Impact at Fairfield University that underscored three clear priorities among respondents: parking, more digital books/audiobooks and continued strong support for library funding.

Suzanne Marmo, who led the presentation, said the online survey ran from Oct. 17 to Dec. 15 and was promoted via email, the library’s newsletter and social media. ‘‘About 95% of respondents were Town of Fairfield residents,’’ Marmo said, and the largest age cohort was roughly 55–74. She told trustees the top reason people visit in person is to borrow books and materials (82% selected that reason), followed by adult programs (26.9%).

Board members said the repeated mention of parking surprised some trustees. ‘‘Parking. Parking. Parking,’’ Marmo summarized of the open‑ended responses; trustees and staff acknowledged local signage and snow‑removal problems have reduced available spaces and have affected attendance at programs.

Digital access and collections were also prominent. Marmo reported strong demand for more digital books and audiobooks, noting respondents frequently asked for ‘‘more digital books, not just one copy’’ and for improved usability of apps and interfaces. Staff earlier described a negotiated arrangement that allows expanded digital access for the library’s 1 Book, 1 Town program.

Marmo said most respondents view the library positively but that a smaller subset submitted intense written comments about ideological balance and the presence of some materials in children’s and young‑adult sections. She described those as ‘‘high‑intensity’’ but numerically small compared with the overall sample; trustees discussed how to balance those concerns while following collection‑development policy.

The presentation also reported broad community support for the library’s budget: roughly three‑quarters of respondents said they support increased town funding. Marmo recommended trustees use the survey findings to target outreach, sharpen messaging about digital tools and continue monitoring access barriers.

Board members thanked the team from the Center for Social Impact and said the findings will inform upcoming strategic and budget conversations. The board asked staff to continue work on parking and digital‑access messaging and to follow up on catalog/usability issues raised by respondents.