FAQ

FAQ – Children’s Services

When can my child get a Fairfield Public Library Card?

Your child can get a Library Card as soon as you’re ready for them to get a Library Card. Come to the Children’s Information Desk or the Circulation Desk to fill out a registration form. The parent or legal guardian needs to show proof of ID and Fairfield residency, as well as, sign the form to be the responsible party for all materials checked out on the child’s card. Please see the Library Card page for more information about obtaining a Library Card for your child or yourself.

We encourage all the children of Fairfield to get their Library card, so sign up today!

Do you have toys and games in the Children’s Room?

The Children’s Room has been designed to foster imaginative and creative play. With puppets, puzzles, brick building table, and more, the Children’s Room is more than just books. We do ask that these toys and materials stay in the Children’s Room for every child to enjoy during their visit.

What is the Little Farm?

The Little Farm is a dedicated area within the Children’s Room at Main Library for babies and toddlers under the age of 2 years old… 0 months – 23 months. With activity cubes, and board books, this area is especially safe for our tiniest patrons. Parents and caregivers must remain in the Little Farm at all times.

The different neighborhoods are designed to be developmentally appropriate for different aged children. Children who are 3 years old and up can present a hazard to babies and toddlers who are exploring the area. Also, the mats are not made for older, heavier children who are jumping, climbing, kicking and bouncing on them.

If you have an older child/sibling, please understand our policy concerning the Little Farm. Only if the parent or caregiver can ensure that the preschool age child (3 years old and up) can sit next to the adult can we allow them in the Little Farm.

It is up to the judgment of the Children’s Services Staff to decide appropriate or inappropriate behavior in the Little Farm. It is also at the discretion of the Staff to ask parents and/or children to leave the Little Farm and continue their play in other areas of the Children’s Room if their child is not acting in a safe manner around babies and toddlers.

What Children’s Programs do you have at the Library?

The Children’s Room has programs for children ages 0-12. Please see the Events Calendar for specific dates and times of upcoming programs, visit the Children’s Events page for information on weekly programs, or pick up a printed calendar for all seasonal Programs and Descriptions.

What is the difference between “drop-in” and “registration only” programs?

Drop-in programs do not require advance registration.

Registration only programs require advance registration online, in-person, or by telephone before the start of the program. Registration start dates for programs vary by age and program. Please call the Children’s Information Desk or visit the Events Calendar for more information.

How can my child use a computer in the Children’s Room?

A Children’s Library Card is needed to log on to the Game and Internet computers in the Children’s Room. If your child does not have a Library Card, please visit the Children’s Information Desk to obtain a guest pass which will allow your child to log on to a computer. Children under the age of 12 have priority on all computers in the Children’s Room.

If all computers are full, please use the Reservation System to secure a computer for your child.

Oh No! My child had an accident… what do I do?

We understand that children are always learning new skills and sometimes, accidents happen. From learning to walk to potty training to tummy aches, we anticipate a few mishaps along the way! Please notify a Children’s Services Staff Member as soon as the accident happens to ensure proper care is taken in cleaning the area.

Other Children’s Room Rules and Policies

We do not allow food and drink in the Children’s Room.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Children’s Room without parent or caregiver supervision. Please refer to Library Policies for more information.

Please be considerate of others and use inside voices and remember to walk in the Children’s Room.

Children’s Services Staff Members reserve the right to ask any child to correct improper behavior.

Adults who do not have a child with them are welcome to take material from the Children’s Library but are asked not to linger. Please refer to Library Policies for more information.

I’m a teacher. How can the Library help me?

Visit the Educators page for our Menu of Services and more information.

More FAQ’s and answers concerning Fairfield Public Library policies and procedures can be found here.