FAIRFAX'S UNIQUE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

The above photo is one of my file photos taken in 2002 and shows Community Librarian Sharon Horr, far right, and School Librarian Joy Lebaron, far left. They have had continued success with the unique combination of the school and community libraries in one facility housed in Bellows Free Academy Fairfax.

The St. Albans (Vt.) Messenger, Friday, January 21, 2005
Fairfax's unique community library

By DIANE McLUEN
Special to the Messenger
It was a simple act that created the Fairfax Community Library: a first of its kind, and one of the most successful of 12 community libraries in Vermont.

Community librarian Sharon Horr said 31 years ago a former librarian had the idea to combine the community and school libraries, and applied for and received a $25,000 grant from the Vermont Department of Libraries.

The continued success of this unique community library depends on the ability to serve the needs of a diverse patron base, the staff working together to fulfill those needs, and the support of the community. Fairfax's library transcends these expectations.

Prior to 1973, the public library was housed within the school - along with the town clerk's office - in small offices located near the gymnasium. Horr said the school library was about the size of a closet.

Later, using four remodeled classrooms, the library filled the space on each side of a hallway that connected the elementary wing to the junior and senior high schools. Initially, the library housed just 5,800 books and materials.

In 1989 - 1990, the library underwent major reconstruction. Horr said that during this time the library moved temporarily to the basement of the elementary school and operated out of what was known as "the dungeon."

In 2003, this collection grew to almost 36,000 books, audiotapes, compact discs, magazines, maps, and other assorted library materials. In addition, Horr said the library now offers a paperback book trading section, sewing patterns, and books for sale by donation.

This library it not only unique as a community library serving the community of Fairfax, but also because it simultaneously serves all students at Bellows Free Academy from pre-Kindergarten to high school seniors.

"The school is the center of the town," said Horr, which helps make the library a success. She explained that this is not based on the fact that the building is located in the town, but that so many activities occur in the school and the library.

For example, the town votes in the gymnasium; the Fairfax Historical Society holds its meetings in the library; the library also serves as an educational and recreational resource, and is a hub for such things as community meetings, events, workshops, speakers, and concerts.

According to the Web site, www.library.bfafalrfax.com, an assortment of programs are provided at the library, among them are: adult book discussion groups; preschool story hour;
summer ready program; summer story hour/special program; books at senior meal sites; daycare outreach; and Vermont Children's Choice Book awards.

One popular children's event that lasted 10 years, was sponsored by Earl Cyclery and Gadue's Dry Cleaning. These businesses would donate bicycles every summer for reading programs throughout the state. For every book read, children between the ages of six and fourteen could enter their name in the contest. At the end of the summer, one boy's name and one girl's name was drawn.

In 2004, the businesses were unable to continue the tradition., but this did not stop the program in Fairfax. Horr applied for and received a $600 grant from Ben & Jerry's. With this money she purchased two Trek mountain bikes and assorted accessories.

Another unique quality to this community library is the relationship between Community Librarian Sharon Horr and School Librarian Joy Lebaron. They have worked together for 26 and they have never had an argument, Horr said.

Lebaron said both women care about the quality of assistance they provide to all patrons, not just to their respective clientele. For example, Horr received an e-mail about a free preschool computer. Horr responded and in mid-October the school was the recipient of a Little Tykes preschool computer.

About current library trends, Horr said computer usage and web-based usage is on the rise. To answer this trend, In 1995, the library computerized. Lebaron said she approached the town
about authorizing $18,000 in funds to spend on computers.

Horr said this request was met with absolutely no resistance by town officials and the money was supplied in two equal, yearly installments. This system offers Internet capabilities including access to online magazine and newspaper databases and an online catalog system.

With a community budget of approximately $35,000 and a school budget of S125.000 (which includes salaries), there is little money left over for extras. But if Horr had money to spare, her aspirations would not be lofty.

She said she would not hire more staff, or purchase a copier, or add more materials to the library. She would replace two very old rocking chairs that sit in the juvenile area. Horr said these chairs have been re-covered so many times, that they really need replacing.

In the children's section, an enormous bear and a very bright and colorful carpet of the United States, wait for children to sit upon. Lebaron said the carpet was a great addition to the library and the children really enjoy it.

Horr told an interesting story. A retired grandfather would walk from his retirement home a few blocks away to join his grandson for preschool story hour in the children's section at the library. Afterwards, he would walk his grandson to lunch. Where else but Fairfax would this be a common sight?

According to the Web site, the general library purposes are to: promote enlightened citizenship; enrich personal lives; encourage continuous self-education; seek to identify community needs; support the curriculum; assemble and administer books and reliable information; serve the community as a center for reliable information; and provide free service to every resident in the community without discrimination.

In this public school setting, children in about the fifth and sixth grades begin to show interest in adult books. Should a child desire one of these books there are two ways to handle the situation.

One involves the parent signing a permission slip allowing the child to check out the book.

The other involves the five-finger test. Lebaron said if a child wants to check out an adult book, the librarian will ask the child to read a page or two from the book. For every word the child mispronounces or does not understand, the child raises one finger. By the time they finish the page or pages, if they have five fingers raised , the book is not appropriate for them to read.

Labaron said because of the parental and librarian involvement, the facility has never had a book formerly challenged.

Diane McLuen is a student in a journalism class taught by Katharine Bilodeau at the Community College of Vermont in St. Albans.