Pequot Library
🏢 Fairfield Public Library · FAIRFIELD, Connecticut
Pequot Library
Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Ave in Southport is a National Register Romanesque Revival landmark founded in 1887, housing over 105,000 circulating titles alongside rare treasures including a Shakespeare First Folio and Audubon's Birds of America — and free to all.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 720 PEQUOT AVE., FAIRFIELD, CT 06890
Phone: 2032590346
Website: fairfieldpubliclibrary.org
📖 About Pequot Library
<p>Pequot Library was founded in 1887 and opened in 1894 as a memorial to Frederick Marquand, funded by his family and designed by architect Robert Henderson Robertson in the Romanesque Revival style. The building at 720 Pequot Avenue in Southport village has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. True to its founding motto — "Free as air to all" — the library operates as an independent association library supported by the Town of Fairfield and private donors, serving Fairfield, Southport Village, and beyond. Its circulating collection numbers over 105,000 items, complemented by approximately 30,000 special-collection pieces: highlights include a Shakespeare First Folio (one of 235 known to survive), Audubon's double-elephant folio of <em>Birds of America</em>, medieval manuscripts, and rare Early Americana maps and atlases. The library offers professional reference services, study and work spaces, an Interlibrary Loan program, cultural events ranging from literary luncheons to Broadway summer camps, and annual antiquarian book sales.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- 1894 Romanesque Revival landmark on the National Register of Historic Places (added 1971)
- Shakespeare First Folio — one of only 235 surviving copies worldwide
- Audubon's double-elephant folio <em>Birds of America</em> and medieval manuscripts in Special Collections
- Over 105,000 circulating items plus ~30,000 rare special-collection pieces
- Free and open to all — supported by the Town of Fairfield and private donors
📱 Free with a Fairfield Public Library Card
Fairfield cardholders borrow, stream, and research free with Connecticut's shared digital collections.
📍 More Fairfield Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pequot Library free to use?
Yes. Pequot Library operates on the principle of being "free as air to all." It is an independent association library supported by the Town of Fairfield and private donors, open to residents and visitors without a membership fee. Professional library services, borrowing, and most programs are provided at no charge.
What makes Pequot Library's special collections significant?
Pequot Library holds one of the 235 surviving copies of Shakespeare's First Folio (1623), Audubon's double-elephant folio of Birds of America, medieval manuscripts, and an Early Americana collection documenting exploration, the colonial era, and the early republic. Access to the special collections is available for research by appointment.
When was the Pequot Library building constructed?
The Romanesque Revival building at 720 Pequot Avenue was designed by architect Robert Henderson Robertson and opened in 1894, two years after the library association was formally founded in 1887 as a memorial to merchant Frederick Marquand. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.