Schools and Libraries
January 13, 2024
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The library will close at 6 p.m. January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
PROGRAMS
Documentary Screening: Owned: A Tale of Two Americas
Saturday, January 13 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
South End Branch
Directed by Giorgio Angelini, this PBS documentary exposes how the American housing policy market has been manipulated for years in discriminatory ways. Presented in partnership with the Stamford MLK Committee.
Harry Bennett Branch Local Author Series: Gregg Sulzer
Saturday, January 13 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
Gregg Sulzer, author of 27 Questions to Make You Sweat: A Workout Guide for the Soul, will deliver his lecture, Finding Your Inner Yogi. Sulzer’s talk will touch on themes found in his book, a collection of meditations that will guide you to consider your life in new ways. Registration required.
Intro to Dungeons & Dragons
Saturday, January 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
ML, Lower Level Community Area
Join an imaginary band of heroes who brave dangerous situations. This session is for beginners only. Ages 18 and older. Registration required.
La Tertulia Book Club
In Spanish
Sunday, January 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Main Library, Ann M. Sexton Board Room
Lectura y discusión de Solito por Javier Zamora.
Screening of Selma
Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 15
Harry Bennett Branch: 1 to 3 p.m.
Main Library: 3 to 5:15 p.m.
*Note: No 5:30 screening
Selma, the 2014 award-winning biopic, chronicles Dr. King’s campaign to secure equal voting rights through an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. Starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo and Oprah Winfrey. Rated PG-13. Teens and adults.
Open Game Nights
Cancelled
Monday, January 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
ML, Third Floor Technology Center
All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
English Language Learners
Let's Talk: Conversation Groups
Conversation groups for English language learners. Registration not required. New students welcome.
Fall Sessions via Zoom
Tuesday, January 16
New students: from 12 to 12:30 p.m.
High beginner: from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Low intermediate: from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Advanced: from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday, January 17
High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Evening Sessions: In Person
Practice your communication skills in a group setting at the Main Library and Harry Bennett Branch.
Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area
Harry Bennett Branch
Thursday, January 18 from 6 to 7:00 p.m.
Canasta Club
Wednesday, January 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
Come play this fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.
Find Your Next Read with NoveList
Wednesday, January 17 from 1:30 to 2:30
Harry Bennett Branch
Learn how to use this free database to get book recommendations. Bring a smartphone or tablet and your library card.
Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, January 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
Play the popular tile-based game of mah-jongg. All levels welcome.
Friday Matinee: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Friday, January 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic but things go dangerously awry. Starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith and Sophia Lillis. Rated PG-13. Teens and adults.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Silent Book Club
Saturday, January 13 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
Read the book of your choice in the quiet company of others. Registration required.
Social Justice Book Discussion
Wednesday, January 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch and via Microsoft Teams
Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. Registration required.
Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Book Discussion
Wednesday, January 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom
Neuromancer by William Gibson. Teens and adults. Join the discussion here at the scheduled time.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SERIES
Presented in partnership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine.
Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, January 16 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Main Library, Ann M. Sexton Board Room
A brief discussion about meditation practice followed by a guided meditation with a chance to share and reflect. Please arrive five minutes early.
Suicide Prevention Workshops: Question, Persuade, Refer
Tuesday, January 16 and Monday, January 22 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
ML, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
Presentation of Question, Persuade, Refer, a bystander intervention training program designed to teach how to step in and help someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs, identify if someone needs help and how to take action.
Presented in partnership with the Stamford Department of Health and Human Services. Registration required.
Ballroom Dance Workshop
Wednesdays, January 17, 24, 31 & February 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
Dance like a pro with instructor Simone Assboeck, who will cover the basics of the Rumba and Swing. Singles welcome; partners will be rotated. No prior dance experience necessary. Attendance required for all sessions. Teens and adults. Registration required.
Teen Yoga
Saturday, January 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Main Library Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
Instructor Ngan Nguyen will lead a yoga class exclusively for teens in the Hatha style. Registration required.
FINANCES, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY
Personal Finance & Budgeting
Thursday, January 18 from 4 to 5 p.m.
ML, Third Floor Technology Center
Learn how to make informed and effective decisions regarding personal finances and money management Register.
TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series
Thursday, January 18 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom
Patents and Trademarks
Wesley W. Whitmyer Jr., Founder, Whitmyer Group
Register by 12 p.m. on program date. Zoom invitations will be sent by 1 p.m. Register.
ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY
Affordable Care Act Insurance Enrollment
Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Second Floor Study Room
Representatives from Access Health CT will be at the library weekdays through January 12 to enroll members in the health insurance marketplace. No appointment necessary.
Presented in partnership with Access Health CT.
Art at the Ferguson
Connecting Nature and People
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
The juried show, presented in partnership with the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists and explores the bonds that exist between nature and people. The exhibition continues through January 25.
We Can Help Your Book Club
Need a suggestion for your book discussion group or help locating copies? We're ready to support your book group with a variety of resources. The library has a well-curated book discussion collection, with multiple copies of each book. We can also get books for you if we don't have the title and share resources about how to have a successful discussion. And of course, our readers advisory services can help you find your group's next great read.
For book group services, contact Anthony Marrocolla.
Digital Navigators
Do you need technology assistance? Have an issue with your laptop, or a new device that needs to be set up? The Ferguson Library’s Digital Navigators are here to help!
Digital Navigators operate by appointment only. Book an appointment here or call 203-351-8221.
By registering for programs, you may receive occasional emails about upcoming events at the library. You can opt out at any time.
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Just finished reading an amazing book and don't know what to read next? Complete this form and a librarian will send you three suggestions based on your response. We will reply to your email within 24 hours.
Notary Services at the Library
Notary services are available at the Main Library Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment call 203 351-8221.
Notary services are available at the Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander branches by appointment only. Call 203 351-8290.
Entrepreneurs-in Residence
Starting a new business? Looking to expand your current business? Have an idea and don't know where to start?
Our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence are available by appointment to help early stage entrepreneurs conceptualize and grow their ideas into companies. Book an appointment. For more information, call 203 351-8221.
Book-A-Librarian
Reserve up to one hour with a librarian for information or technology assistance, including assistance with our virtual resources like e-books, e-audiobooks and movie streaming. Complete this form to make an appointment.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Person-to-Person Mobile Food Pantry and Casework
Schedule subject to change
PLEASE NOTE: All clients must wear face masks inside P2P buildings and P2P on Wheels.
Library Hours:
Main Library, DiMattia Building
96 Broad Street, Stamford
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
115 Vine Road, Stamford
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
South End Branch
34 Woodland Avenue, Stamford
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 am. to 2 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch
1143 Hope Street, Stamford
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday 12 to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
West Side Branch
245 Selleck Street, Stamford
Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Phone Service
Main Library Borrowers Services: 203 351-8261
Main Library Adult Services/Reference Desk: 203 351-8221
Youth Services: 203 351-8242
Harry Bennett Branch: 203 351-8292
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch: 203 351-8285
South End Branch: 203 351-8280
Online Chat (Look for the Chat with us button on our website.)