Fairfield Public Library

Join us tonight's free Community Block Party hosted by the Fairfield Resilient Action Network (FRAN) with games, snacks, activities for all ages, and a chance to connect with neighbors from across Fairfield.

📅 Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30–8:30 pm
📍 Olson Amphitheater, MIU Campus

Everyone is welcome. Bring a lawn chair and come hang out!

Photos courtesy of Andy Hallman/Fairfield Ledger

The Story of Ferdinand, written by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson, was first published in 1936 and has become a beloved American classic, selling more than 4 million copies in the United States.

Ferdinand is a bull who is taken to Madrid to fight in the bull fight there, but he has no interest in fighting. He would rather “sit just quietly and smell the flowers.” When Ferdinand refuses to fight, much to the disappointment of his captors, he is returned home.

During Franco’s rule in Spain, Ferdinand was banned, while in the United States it was criticized and challenged from opposite political directions—some saw it as a pro-fascist story, while others viewed it as pro-communist. Its history is a reminder that the same book can be interpreted very differently depending on the political and cultural moment—and that attempts to control what others read can come from different directions.

That’s one reason libraries matter. Libraries give readers the freedom to encounter books for themselves, explore ideas they may disagree with, and make their own judgments. The next time you visit your library, check out The Story of Ferdinand—and while you’re here, take a look at our display highlighting the 11 most challenged books of 2025.

Today - 10/5/26 at 3:30 in the meeting room.

The New York Times recently took an in-depth look at the changing role of libraries in American communities—from the challenges they face to the many ways they continue to serve their communities. Some of what other librarians and library workers across the country shared resonates with us here at FPL.

The article is a thoughtful look at why libraries remain so important, and why supporting them matters. Take a look at the article and consider what your library means to you and to our community.

Don't have access to the NYT Online? All FPL cardholders have free unlimited access. Simply navigate to www.fairfield.lib.ia.us > Digital Library > Newspaper Digital Editions > New York Times Online.

Read the New York Times article: The State of Libraries

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/10/01/books/state-of-libraries-librarians.html

Forget the Shushing. Librarians Have a Whole Lot to Say. We asked dozens of them about America’s libraries — what they provide, what they need to survive. Here’s what they told us.

📚 Banned Books Week is here!

Every year, the American Library Association tracks attempts to challenge or remove books from libraries, schools, and universities. In 2025, the ALA documented 4,235 unique titles that were challenged or banned—the second-highest total ever recorded.

Here are the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025:

Sold — Patricia McCormick
The Perks of Being a Wallflower — Stephen Chbosky
Gender Q***r: A Memoir — Maia Kobabe
Empire of Storms — Sarah J. Maas
Last Night at the Telegraph Club — Malinda Lo (tie)
Tricks — Ellen Hopkins (tie)
A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas
A Clockwork Orange — Anthony Burgess (tie)
Identical — Ellen Hopkins (tie)
Looking for Alaska — John Green (tie)
Storm and Fury — Jennifer L. Armentrout (tie)

Banned Books Week is a reminder that one role that public libraries serve is to protect your freedom to read, to explore new ideas, and to encounter stories and perspectives different from your own. At Fairfield Public Library, we believe everyone should have the freedom to choose what they read.

Let books be. Protect the freedom to read. 📖

Learn more about the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025 from the American Library Association: ALA Banned Books

https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

FPL October Monthly Newsletter During Banned Books Week 2026, October 4–10, Fairfield Public Library celebrates our right to read and our responsibility to protect intellectual freedom. In 2025, the American Library Association documented 4,235 unique book titles challenged across the United States—a reminder of why libraries...

Monday, 10/5/26 - It's Pokémon Club day at FPL!

🎃 📖 October is a month for storytellers! 📖 🎃 No matter what you like - creepy, silly, or stories that touch your soul - you can record them in the Storytelling Studio at FPL!

📅 Wednesdays in October
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 FPL Meeting Room
Led by Miss Praema of Pathfinder Micro School

Storytelling Studio is presented in partnership with Pathfinder Micro School. This program is designed for kids ages 8 and up interested in voice acting. Participants can read a book of their choice, their own writing, or talk about a favorite book. 📚 Sign up for a slot with friends for even more fun!

💚 FREE to attend
🖱 Click the Sign up Genius to reserve your spot
🎙 Recording is more fun with friends - sign up as a group!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DAFAF28A4FFC34-65544737-storytelling