Town of Fairfield News
2/26/2021 - 2.26 TOWN UPDATE
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents can visit ct.gov/coronavirus. You can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777. |
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Vaccine Information:
As of the end of today, the Fairfield Health Department administered 9,684 vaccines to those eligible and the department has an additional 4,711 appointments scheduled over the next 4 weeks. We are proud to say that not one vaccine has been wasted or unused since the Health Department's clinics opened in January.
The Fairfield Health Department's vaccine clinic continues to fill up their appointments. The department can only schedule as many appointments as vaccines are provided by the State. Please keep in mind Fairfield residents are able to book appointments at clinics throughout the State.
If you are having difficulty scheduling your appointment through VAMS, here are some links that may be helpful: VAMS Navigation Instructions and How to Create your VAMS Account and Schedule Your First Appointment.
- Yale New Haven Health - If your Doctor is affiliated with Yale New Haven Health you can create an appointment through MyChart.
- Hartford HealthCare - Hartford HealthCare is taking vaccination appointments for their location at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport. For more information, you can find it here.
- Stamford Hospital - You can check your eligibility and schedule an appointment with Stamford Hospital. For more information, please click here.
- While there are no locations in the direct Fairfield area, there are currently 12 Walgreens pharmacies in CT that are accepting COVID-19 vaccination appointments. For more information and a list of these locations please visit their website.
Eligible residents for the COVID-19 vaccinations include all Phase 1a individuals and only those Phase 1b individuals who are 65 years of age and older. Individuals in these groups are the only ones who should be scheduling appointments at this time.
Phase 1a individuals include:
* Healthcare Personnel: all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials.
* Long Term Care Facility Residents: adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
* First Responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their responses to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.
Phase 1b individuals:
*Those who are 65 years old. Proof of age will be required at the clinic.
*Residents and staff of select congregate settings.
If you fall under Phase 1a, you should register through your employer. For those in the Phase 1b category of 65 and older, you should complete the State form below:
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Vaccine Eligibility Schedule:
Monday, February 22nd, Governor Lamont announced that the State will continue with an age-based approach to expanding eligibility to the vaccine. With this announcement, he released a schedule for age-based eligibility for the next several months. By laying out a clear timeline for eligibility for the vaccine, the strategy allows everyone in the State, including essential workers and those with chronic conditions, to know when they will be able to schedule an appointment. The planned schedule is as follows:
- March 1, 2021: Expands to age group 55 to 64
- March 22, 2021: Expands to age group 45 to 54
- April 12, 2021: Expands to age group 35 to 44
- May 3, 2021: Expands to age group 16 to 34
In addition to the age-based eligibility, preK-12 school staff and teachers, and professional childcare providers will be eligible to receive the vaccine starting March 1st. These individuals should receive information from their school administrators or employers on how to register for a vaccine appointment.
If you want to check your eligibility, click on the blue button labeled "CT Vaccination Phases & Eligibility" below:
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Fairfield's COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 203-256-3082.
If you are a Fairfield resident who is currently eligible but does not have the ability to schedule an appointment via the computer, you can call our COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center where a volunteer will assist you in obtaining an appointment.
With thanks to our new Director of the Bigelow Center for Senior Services, Brenda Steele, and the CERT volunteers staffing it each day, the phone line is targeted to provide support and guidance for eligible vaccine recipients. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and voicemails will be returned when calls come in outside the operating hours.
The State Appointment Assistance Hotline is 1-877-918-2224 is available for assistance. Click here for the State Fact Sheet about the vaccine.
We will continue to post the latest information on the Town website, and the social media pages for the Health Department, the Town of Fairfield and my office. For a full listing of those social media pages, click here. |
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Town Data: The Town of Fairfield has had 4,129 cases to date, and 198 of Fairfield residents have sadly lost their lives. Charts and data on Fairfield cases, including daily & weekly changes, age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends, and university statistics, can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. The Health Department updates this page daily.
The Health Department also updates the COVID-19 School Data page, which details the school-related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education also has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org. |
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| Drive-Through Testing Location: Fairfield will have a drive-through COVID-19 testing location thanks to a partnership with Yale New Haven Health. The location will be open for testing seven days a week at the Mill Plain Road Commuter Parking Lot, with an anticipated March 1st opening. You can view other COVID testing locations by clicking the "Testing Locations" button below. |
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FAIRFIELD TOWN GOVERNMENT
Assessment Appeals – February 19th was the last day for appeals to be filed at the Tax Assessor's office. Any resident who filed an appeal by the deadline will be granted a hearing by the Board of Assessment Appeals . For more detailed information on the next steps in the Appeals process, click the "Assessment Appeals Information" button below.
Check back for updates and information posted at fairfieldct.org/taxassessor
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| Community & Economic Development – The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) is requesting the public’s input on the state of the regional economy to help develop goals and objectives for the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. There are two online surveys – one for residents and one for businesses. Please click on the appropriate links below to take the survey. |
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| Fairfield Public Schools – On Wednesday, Superintendent Mike Cummings announced that students, who decide to opt-in, will be returning to the classrooms full time. Elementary students will return in full on Monday, March 8, Grade 6-12 students will return in full on Tuesday, March 9, and ECC/PK and WFC students will return to a five day week starting March 8. For those who who decide not to opt-in, The Remote Learning Academy will continue through the remainder of the school year. To read the Superintendent's announcement in its entirety, please click here. |
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Police Department – The Fairfield Police Department will be relaunching its Citizen Police Academy (CPA) this year. The Fairfield Police Department's Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a 12-week program that aims to provide Fairfield residents with a better understanding of the law enforcement profession and the roles a police officer fulfills within the community. This year’s Academy will be held in the classroom at Fairfield Police Headquarters, beginning April 6, 2021 and will run every Tuesday night from 6PM-9PM for 12 consecutive weeks.
For more information and to apply, visit www.fpdct.com/citizenacademy.
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STATE GOVERNMENT
On Monday, February 22, Fairfield’s Legislators discussed priorities facing the state legislative session at the virtual League of Women Voters Legislative Forum. The forum featuring Fairfield's state delegation can be viewed here:
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LOVE LOCAL E-GIFT CARD PROGRAM 
The Town of Fairfield and the Chamber of Commerce are continuing our buy local initiative with the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card program, which is exclusive to Fairfield businesses only. This is a great gift for Fairfield residents for both holidays and special occasions. More information can be found here.
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It’s Game ON To Help Bring Even More Love to our Small Businesses this February! 
Love Local Bingo, will be ending soon! All entries must be received by March 5th in order to have a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and other great prizes. It’s easy to play: make BINGO on one of two game cards by visiting and making purchases at one of 47 participating Fairfield businesses during the month of February. Once you have BINGO, fill out an on-line entry-form and upload images of your dated stamped receipts at ExperienceFairfieldCT.org/Bingo. For a complete list of contest rules and to download your game board, go to ExperienceFairfieldCT.org/Bingo.
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Elderly and Disabled Homeowners Program Update:
The Governor recently issued Executive Order 10, which includes a provision to eliminate the refiling requirement for those applicants due to refile this year.
If you are due to refile this year, you will not need to reapply and your benefits will continue at the same level. The Tax Assessor's office will be sending you a postcard to confirm this the week of February 8th.
If you are seeking the benefit for the first time, you will need to apply, please contact the Tax Assessor's office at 203-256-3110 and the office will work with you on the process.
The Executive Order did not extend the final date to apply by May 14, 2021. If you cannot apply by this date you will need to request an extension from the Office of Policy and Management by August 13, 2021.The Tax Assessor's office will be able to provide residents the instructions on how to request an extension.
For more information, visit here: fairfieldct.org/taxrelief |
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WINTER WEATHER
Resident Snow Shoveling: Per Town ordinance, Fairfield property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their  property line within 24 hours after the storm and keeping the sidewalk clear of snow and ice. Heavily used sidewalks near schools and public buildings, and the commercial areas are particularly important. Property owners may be fined and/or charged the cost of removal if the property owners do not comply.
I have received calls from residents concerned about sidewalks that are not shoveled. In many instances, those sidewalks are in front of elderly or disabled resident's homes. The town will continue to do our best to remind residents of their responsibility while taking into consideration that it may not always be possible for all residents to shovel within the 24 hour time period.
If you have snow removal concerns or would like to request a street be re-plowed, please enter a Citizen Service Request and select 'Snow Removal Issues' or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177. For more information on Fairfield plowing and snow removal policies, click here.
It is also state law in Connecticut to remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving on roads. When you fail to remove snow and ice from your vehicle you are putting yourself and others at risk. Penalties can be as much as $120 fine. |
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| TREES IN WIRES
If a tree is in contact or close proximity to wires. What do you do?
United Illuminating is responsible for clearing trees or limbs in wires. Please contact United Illuminating at: 1-800-722-5584.
Please have the following information available:
- Your contact information
- Address of tree problem
- Cross street
- Landmark
- Pole number
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2021 BEACH STICKERS
The 2020 Beach/ Transfer Station Sticker expired 12/31/20. Don't wait to buy your 2021 Sticker. RENEW your sticker online for 2021. You can also renew by fax, mail or in person at Parks & Recreation.
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FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREACTION 2021 SPRING BROCHURE
Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Spring...HERE!
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BEACH BUNNY 5K: A Virtual Event
March 27, 20121-April 3, 2021. Registration opens 1/1/21, More information can be found here.
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STRATFIELD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION BRICK CAMPAIGN
The Stratfield Village Association (SVA) is a certified 501 c3 non-profit organization, which aims to preserve, protect and improve the character of the Stratfield Village neighborhood in Fairfield. On January 13th they announced the launch of a brick fundraising campaign to supplement funding to the Four Corners renovation project. Individuals and businesses will be able to  purchase a brick with a customized engraving to be included in the new brick sidewalks that are part of the project.
The engraved bricks will be made available for purchase during two, five-week periods – the first starting Friday, January 15, and the second starting Monday, April 19. There are a limited number of bricks available because of space constraints.
The SVA’s personalized sales page is at bricksrus.com/donorsite/stratfieldvillageassociation. Bricks can be purchased in two sizes – 4”x 8” for $100 with up to three lines of text, or 8”x 8” for $200 with up to 6 lines of text. Lastly, a corporate sponsor may purchase an 8”x 8” brick with 3 lines of text and include a company logo.
The SVA has raised $900,000 of its $1 million goal for the project to date. |
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TAX DEFERMENT
Governor Lamont’s recently signed Executive Order No. 9R which allows towns to again offer deferment for property tax payments. The new Executive Order allows towns to offer deferment for taxes due January 1. The extension will be for a total of 90 days, (an additional 60 days beyond the normal grace period). The revised due date is April 1. Anyone who fails to pay by the new April 1 deadline would have to pay three months of interest added along with his or her existing bill. Escrow accounts are still ineligible for deferment. For more information and eligibility for commercial landlords, visit fairfieldct.org/taxcollector. Please be advised that People’s Bank is unable to accept payments at their branch location for this deferment during the 60 day extension of February 2nd to April 1st. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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BUSINESSESS
On Monday, February 22, the White House announced targeted changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that will provide minority-owned businesses, “mom-and-pop” businesses, and very small nonprofits with access to the support they need.
Businesses and non-profits with fewer than 20 employees will have a two-week exclusive window to apply for PPP loans that started Wednesday, February 24. This period of exclusivity will give lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications and ensure these organizations are prioritized.
Other changes include:
- Self-employed and sole proprietors can now use gross income (versus net income) to calculate the PPP loan amount, increasing potential loan size.
- Business owners behind on their federal student loan payments are now eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
- Clarification that non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.
- Small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions are no longer excluded from applying for PPP loans.
Click here to read the announcement and learn more about the steps that are being taken to promote equitable access to this important program. The SBA website also includes tools to help you get matched with a lender or find lenders in your area.
Unless the federal government extends the deadline, the PPP will expire on March 31, 2021.
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce office is also open. You can reach them at 203.255.1011 or by emailing beverly@fairfieldctchamber.com.
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BLACK ROCK CHURCH HOT MEAL DRIVE-THRU
Black Rock Church will resume its Hot Meal Drive-thru beginning Tuesday, January 12. Each Tuesday through March, between 5:00 - 5:30 PM, individuals and families can receive up to six hot meals for their families, along with a bag of groceries for the rest of the week. Reservations are not required, and the dinners and groceries are free. Black Rock Church is located at 3685 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. For more information please call the church at 203-255-3401. |
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GET INVOLVED! TOWN BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES
Interested in giving back to our community? Want to have a voice in shaping Fairfield? The Town relies on the hard work of citizen volunteers who are appointed to provide guidance and governance on various Boards and Commissions. The list of vacancies for Boards and Commissions are on the Town Website. Be sure to check back often as the list is updated as positions become available. https://fairfieldct.org/vacancies
You can also visit our Boards and Commissions page to learn more about roles and responsibilities: https://fairfieldct.org/boards
To learn about the application process click here: https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess |
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| EMERGENCY ALERTS | WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news from the Town of Fairfield, CT by signing up for the Fairfield Alert system. This system enables us to quickly provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods and other emergency situations.
You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how!
If you were previously registered with us on the CodeRed system, you must sign-up again by following the instructions below, in order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield.
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FEELING IN CRISIS?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, know that there are free options to help you talk through your crisis--and to send help when necessary. Fairfield Social Services is here to help. Call 203-256-3170 for more information.
Being a parent or caregiver during COVID can be extremely stressful. It is perfectly normal to be experiencing varying emotions and feel overwhelmed. No matter what you're feeling, we're here to listen. Parents and caregivers can call the toll-free Talk It Out line to discuss their feelings in a judgement-free environment. Call: 1-833-258-5011 or Visit: www.talkitoutct.com
Resources for Mental Health:
If you or a loved one is struggling:
- CT Information Hotline 211 or go to www.211ct.org for mobile crisis support for individuals and/or children.
- The Hub CT is Southwest Connecticut’s Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization. Check their website for useful resources for mental health, prevention and wellness. https://www.thehubct.org/
- Mental Health Crisis Text Line - Text “SHARE” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Kids in Crisis also has a 24-hour hotline for assistance 203-661-1911.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Please contact your site to see if meetings are continuing in your neighborhood.
- Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. REACH is accessible to anyone, and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance programs. Please click this link to learn more about the extensive range of treatment options available
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Help for Domestic Violence Victims
The Center for Family Justice has hotline numbers to those who are in crisis and  need our free and confidential services.
The hotline numbers are:
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Sexual Violence: 203-333-2233
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BIGELOW CENTER AND SOCIAL SERVICES:
Transportation services to medical appointments and shopping have been suspended. We will reassess in the New Year when it is safe to allow passengers on the buses. If you are unable to get to the market, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunch delivery is available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information about the Mobile Food Pantry or Dial-a-Ride services through Greater Bridgeport Transit: 203-256-3170.
Our Snow Shoveling for Seniors program is not accepting registrations at this time for residents who need assistance. When we have volunteers for shoveling, we will let you know how to register. If you are a student and would like to volunteer to shovel snow for seniors and people with disabilities, please contact Social Services by calling 203-256-3170 or sending an email to socialservices@fairfieldct.org. |
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NEW INTERNET PROVIDER
GoNetspeed has announced their intention to expand to Fairfield in the first half of 2021. This is welcome news for residents who have struggled with internet interruptions. You can read more information here. |
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| FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT |
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What’s your story? What’s your reason?
DO YOUR PART...Wear a mask!
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APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE 
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is for families in need of energy assistance, Fairfield Social Services coordinates with Alliance For Community Empowerment to help to obtain necessary energy services for Fairfield residents in need. To make an appointment to see if you’re eligible, or if you have questions, please call Social Services 203-256-3170. |
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE: 
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working to encourage walking and biking for transportation, recreation, exercise and quality of life.
Working with multiple town departments we have established bicycle routes, installed bicycle repair stations, worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and authored the Town of Fairfield Complete Streets Policy (approved by the Board of Selectman in 2018).
With more and more of our citizens using our roads, we would like to provide you with some important safety reminders for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. View the document here. |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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Help is available to Fairfield small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic. The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that have no more than five full-time employees and that have been adversely affected by the public health emergency. Applications are still being accepted by the Office of Community & Economic Development. To learn more or to apply, please visit the website: www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by clicking below.
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COVID CONTACT TRACING
One of the key tools we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 is Contact Tracing. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents who test positive for COVID-19. Both Universities were trained and assisted by our Health Department to manage their own contact tracing for their respective campuses.
The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community.
Any Fairfield resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and has not received a phone call from the Fairfield Health Department or the Connecticut COVID Tracing system within 24 hours of receiving their result is urged to contact the Fairfield Health Department at 203-256-3022. Calls received after hours or on weekends, will be returned by the next business day. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout Monday-Saturday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Learn more about Library Express service.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding Curbside Pickup at the Main Library and Woods Branch Library. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Visit the Library Event Calendar to find a wide and varied assortment of Virtual Programs.
Be on the lookout for our survey! Fairfield Public Library is updating its Strategic Plan. Help us focus our services on what the community really needs and wants. Your opinion matters! Complete the survey and you may be eligible to win a Fairfield Community Gift Card!
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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| Fairfield Public Library and Community Video courtesy of A2V Media |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library offers curbside pickup and limited browsing hours from 3-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and from 2-4pm on Saturdays. During browsing hours visit us to check out a book or view our display John James Audubon's Birds of America: A Return to Pequot Library, on view from February 4 - May 2.
Outside of browsing hours, enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Sign up for Pequot Library's Digital Digest eNewsletter or contact our Chief Librarian for personalized book recommendations. |
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
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