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Ferguson Library Happenings for the Week - January 14, 2024

Schools and Libraries

January 13, 2024

From: Ferguson Library

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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

  • Yerwood Center - 90 Fairfield Avenue: Mondays from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m.
  • Stamford Manor - 26 Main Street: Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Ferguson Library South End Branch - 34 Woodland Avenue: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Quintard Manor - 18 Quintard Terrace: Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • DOMUS - 82 Lockwood Avenue: Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  • Building One Community - 75 Selleck Street: Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
  • DOMUS - 82 Lockwood Avenue (Subject to change): Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: All clients must wear face masks inside P2P buildings and P2P on Wheels.

[More information]

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.)