In November and December, 2000, Fairfield Public Library invited residents from various segments of the population to participate in one of six focus groups in order to share their views about the town today and its future.  The groups were comprised of teens, parents of young children, senior citizens, elected officials, the general public and library staff members.  A total of 104 people participated.  They were asked to comment on the strengths of the community as well as its weaknesses and the opportunities and obstacles they see for the future.  This information has been used to plan appropriate library facilities and services which will have a meaningful impact and will be valued.  Following is a summary of their observations and concerns about the town as it exists today.

Focus Group Opinions: Strengths 

·        The historical setting

·        An appealing geography with hills, beaches, harbors and open space

·        Fine educational, cultural and recreational opportunities

·        Proximity to New York, New Haven and Boston

·        Excellent municipal services

·        A well-educated and active citizenry

·        A sense of community in a friendly and safe environment

·        A fine public school system

·        Socio-economic diversity

Focus Group Opinions: Weaknesses  

·        Insufficient recreational programs and activities for teens

·        Need for recreational facilities: ball fields, skating rink, pool

·        The Main Library lacks activity and meeting spaces and has a run-down appearance

·        Inadequate leadership and planning by public school officials

·        Inadequate school libraries

·        Overdevelopment of real estate

·        Scarcity of rental units and affordable housing for seniors

·        Too much traffic and inadequate public transportation

·        Insufficient parking at the train station and the main library 

·        The cost of living is high

·        Increasing incivility in politics

·        Hostility and rudeness by drivers, by university students in beach housing, and in letters to the editor

·        There is too little racial and cultural diversity

When invited to discuss the opportunities they see for improving life in Fairfield during the next ten years, focus groups suggested numerous ideas in many areas, including school management, housing and open space, transportation, recreation, and the development of the downtown area.  These ideas are outlined in Appendix A.  Following is a summary of focus group suggestions which can be addressed through library services.

Focus Group Opinions: Opportunities 

·        A high-tech and beautiful Main Library would be a major asset.

·        The public library should offer films, lectures, clubs, more computer training and small study rooms.

·        A computer lab should be developed at the library to facilitate the teaching of technology.

·        Improve public awareness of local services, events, volunteer opportunities, laws and regulations.

·        A computerized community events calendar is needed.

·        The human and material resources of Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University should be tapped to a greater extent.

·        Interracial sensitivity should be fostered.

·        A program to teach nonconfrontational problem-solving is needed.

·        The town includes large numbers of youths who could help the community in various ways.

·        Children and teens need wholesome recreational programs.

·        Teens need weekend activities.

·        More service projects could be organized.

·        Programs on health-related topics should be expanded.

·        Library should expand the collection of large print books.

·        The physical condition of library books should be improved.

·        The library needs more computers for public use.

·        Main Library should be better organized.

·        Library heating and air-conditioning needs to be improved.

Focus Group Opinions: Obstacles to Progress 

·        Keeping the town affordable for middle-class families and the elderly is difficult in the face of tax increases.

·        Weakening economic conditions threaten projects.

·        Progress is frustrated or delayed by counterproductive behaviors of politicians and special interest groups.

·        Continued residential construction and increases in population will negatively affect the quality of life.

·        Pollution of Long Island Sound and former industrial sites are threats to health.

·        The absence of long-term strategies  and decisive leadership in government delay progress.

·        Negative attitudes on the part of some residents: lack of courtesy, self-centeredness, feelings of superiority and entitlement, non-involvement in local organizations.

·        The BANANA mentality: “Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody.”