Record 257 Events Attract 4,151 Attendees
The Fairfield Library Association Inc. held its annual meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025. In attendance were eight of the nine Library Board Members and staff, as well as the City of Fairfield’s Mayor, the Honorable Bobby Nichols, and City Council Member Angela Oglesbee.
Board President Scott Mills delivered his report, expressing sincere gratitude to staff members Robin and Kalyn for their hard work and efforts in making the library an exciting place. He commended the board directors for their active participation and noted that he believed the current board was the best he had seen in his eleven years of service. He also thanked Mayor Bobby Nichols for the continued financial support provided by the City of Fairfield and acknowledged the contributions and support from Freestone County.
Library Director Gary Wiggins presented charts and graphs of trends illustrating a highly successful year for the library. Notably, the library hosted a record 257 events, attracting a total of 4,151 attendees. Physical book circulation also reached an all-time high, with 14,947 checkouts in 2024. Wiggins praised the hard work of the staff and numerous volunteers whose dedication contributed to the library’s success. He specifically commended staff member Kalyn Ethridge for her initiative to create a Young Graphic Novel section featuring popular Manga titles. Additionally, he acknowledged NRG Energy, Inc. for their grant, which funded this project.
Robin Stearns, the Children and Teens’ Program Coordinator, shared her plans for the upcoming summer program. This year’s events will once again feature The Creature Teacher and Texas Snakes & More, which consistently attract large crowds to the library. New additions for this summer include events with the Texas Storm Chasers, a visit from a Master Naturalist, and a docent from Fort Parker. Additionally, 3D printing sessions and various arts and crafts activities are also scheduled.
Mr. Wiggins recommended purchasing a Bamboo Lab P1S 3D Printer, for which the board directors enthusiastically earmarked funds from the Friends of the Fairfield Library’s Book Sale and Festival of Trees events. He said the new multi-color 3D Printer will be a nice upgrade from the small unit the library has been utilizing. Gary, along with the board and staff members present, thanked Mrs. Oglesbee for coordinating the two fundraisers that raised $3,989 for the library in 2024.
In other library business, the Board of Directors renewed the terms of three members for an additional three years. It was noted that the library continues to maintain its accreditation with the State Library and Archives Commission, which is essential for receiving discounts on high-speed internet and other library services. The minutes from last year’s annual meeting were read, and a financial report was presented. Scott thanked all meeting attendees for their participation, with special recognition to Mayor Nichols and Angela Oglesbee. Mr. Nichols expressed his appreciation for the library’s impact on the city of Fairfield.
–Submitted by Library Director Gary Wiggins
