A NOVEL AFFAIR REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join us April 20 for A Novel Affair, an evening of food and festivities to benefit the library. We delighted to honor Polly O'Brien Morrow and Pitney Bowes for their service to the library and the Stamford community. Purchase tickets here.

PROGRAMS

Happening Today and Sunday!

Mini-Golf at the Harry Bennett Branch

Fun for the whole family! Mini golf returns to the Harry Bennett Branch Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are $5 per person, per round. Ages 3 and under play for free. Refreshments at the "19th hole." Many thanks to our event sponsors, including title sponsor First County Bank. Advanced registration encouraged for February 11 and February 12, but walk-ins are welcome.

Celebrate Lunar New Year

Sunday, February 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

All ages are invited to celebrate the commemoration of the year of the rabbit. Festivities will include dance, music, martial arts demonstrations and a drumming performance.

Presented in partnership with Master Na's Traditional Martial Arts and Club Kung Fu of Stamford.

New! Healing Drum Circle

Monday, February 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

South End Branch

A meditative gathering dedicated to healing the wounds of racism and supporting equity and activism. Facilitated by Evelyn Avoglia.

Harry Bennett Branch Book Discussion

Monday, February 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom

Left on Tenth by Delia Ephron

The bestselling, beloved writer of romantic comedies like You've Got Mail, shares her own late-in-life love story, complete with a tragic second act and joyous resolution.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

South End Branch, Second Floor Program Room

Free weekly tech help with our experienced bilingual English and Spanish team.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

South End Branch, Second Floor Program Room

Free weekly tech help with our experienced bilingual English and Spanish team.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation

Tuesday, February 14 at 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

This 45-minute session will include a 30-minute guided meditation to help reset your nervous system and support your emotional and physical well-being. Please arrive five minutes early.

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Tuesday, February 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

In person

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Tuesday, February 14 via Zoom

New students welcome for English-language conversation groups.

New Students: noon to 12:30 p.m.

High Beginner: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Low Intermediate: 2:30 p.m.

Advanced: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 15 via Zoom

High Intermediate: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Beginner: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

New! Short Story Book Discussion

Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

An introductory discussion about this new book club. This meeting will involve a discussion of the group's goals with feedback and recommendations encouraged.

New Day of the Week!

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, February 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Come play mah-jongg with us. Beginners to advanced players welcome.

Classic Movie Matinee

Carmen Jones

Friday, February 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

This 1954 classic starring the legendary Dorothy Dandridge is an interpretation of the Bizet opera. It features an all-Black cast telling the story of a beautiful young woman who is desired by many men, but only has eyes for an engaged Army officer. Also starring Harry Belafonte, Roy Glenn, Pearl Bailey and Joe Adams. Rated PG.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY

Using Pivot Tables

Wednesday, February 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to dig deeper into Excel data and quickly summarize and analyze large quantities of data. Registration required.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series Venture Expert Talks

Thursday, February 16 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom

Giulia Gambale, founder, She So Social, and co-founder, Agents of Branding will discuss social media strategies.

Registration required.

LIBRARY NEWS

We've Changed Our Food & Beverage Policy

Library users are welcome to bring food and beverages into the library. Drinks and snacks are still not permitted at library computer stations.

DVDs Have Moved!

New DVDs in the Main Library's collection have been relocated to the third floor of the DiMattia Building. They were formerly located in the first floor New Materials Room.

Bookmobile News

Our bookmobile needs some repairs and is temporarily out of service. We hope to be on the road again soon.

Library Lover's Month

February is national Library Lover's Month. We're inviting library users to share some love with the Ferguson Library. Stop by any of our branches between now and February 14 and leave a note about why you love the library. We'll be drawing one of those messages on Valentine's Day and presenting a beautiful gift basket of goodies in appreciation to the winner.

COMING SOON

Fairfield County's Giving Day

Thursday, February 23

Support the library during 24-hours of community giving during Fairfield County's Giving Day 2023. Donate here on February 23 to support programs and services at Stamford's public library. Your support helps us buy books, offer children's storytimes and helps keep our Bookmobile on the road.

A Conversation with Alvin Hall: Author of Driving the Green Book

Monday, February 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

BBC broadcaster and author Alvin Hall will discuss his new book Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance. Here Hall describes his 2,000 miles of travel using The Negro Motorist Green Book, the definitive guide to businesses where Black travelers could safely rest, eat and sleep from 1936 to 1967.

The conversation will be moderated by Janée Woods Weber, a social justice advocate, facilitator, trainer and Hall's fellow traveler. Registration required.

TEDx Ferguson Library 2023: Renewal

Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Join us for the return of TEDx Ferguson Library 2023, a series of informative talks by local speakers on diverse topics all centered around the theme of renewal. This event will feature TED Talk videos and live speakers with presentations intended to spark deep discussion in small groups. Registration required.

This independent TEDx event is operated under a license from TED.

Co-sponsored by Connecticut Public.

EXPANDED PASSPORT SERVICES

The library recently expanded its Passport Services to include new hours at our Harry Bennett Branch on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For information and a full schedule of our passport services at the Main Library (appointments and walk-ins) and Harry Bennett Branch (walk-ins only), visit our Passports page or call 203 351-8298.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY

AARP Tax Assistance

Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Trained tax counselors from AARP will offer help with basic federal and Connecticut income tax returns. For more information, including a list of required documents for tax filing and how to file online visit our Income Tax Resources Page.

This assistance will continue at the Harry Bennett Branch through April 17.

Black Resilience: Love & Legacy Art Exhibit

February 1 - February 24

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The show, curated by Norwalk-based Haitian artist Jean Benoit, is dedicated to recognizing Black excellence, reflecting on the community's historic struggles, and celebrating its many achievements.

Join us for a reception celebrating the exhibition on February, 19 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic

February Weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Main Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Free Covid-19 vaccines and boosters are available to adults and children from 1 to 5 p.m. No appointment necessary. Please bring your vaccine and insurance cards if you have them. In addition to primary vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna Bivariant boosters will be available. Weekdays through the end of February.

This clinic is offered in partnership with the Stamford Health Department and Griffin Health.

Tell Your Story Project

We have resumed our oral history project, Tell Your Story, an effort to capture Stamford's history through the lives of its residents. If you are a long-time resident and would like to share memories of growing up in Stamford, please let us know. We welcome photos and other memorabilia, too. You can experience the stories we have collected so far by visiting the Ferguson Library Digital Archive at fergusonlibraryarchive.org. If you are interested contact Frank Skornia at [email protected] or 203 351-8220.

We Can Help Your Book Club

Need a suggestion for your book group discussion 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 book 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 at [email protected].

Digital Navigators  

Need help accessing health or banking information online? Want to get up to speed on Google tools or help your children succeed in school? 

Our Digital Navigators can help you with all this and more. Don’t be left behind in a digital world.

Appointments are required, and are available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Call 203 351-8221 to book a time at the Main Library or the South End Branch.

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

Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Our notary public is available to notarize your paperwork for free. By appointment only. For information or to make an appointment, call 203 351-8292.

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.

COMMUNITY GOINGS ON

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.

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Library Hours

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

South End Branch

Monday through Thursday 10 – 5:30

Saturday 10 – 2

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday 12 - 7 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Curbside Pickup Available

Curbside Pickup is available for Ferguson Library cardholders.

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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.)