FAMILY PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Back-to-School Giveaway
Saturday, August 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Millennial Mom Money Magnet hosts back-to-school event featuring kids activities, free school supply and backpack giveaways and more. Families are invited to enjoy performances by DJ @MoneyMarv5 and artist Tonee Marino. Giveaways available to students in grades K-12 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with iHeartRadio.

Event sponsors include Playtime with Selena and Carla, Pop Me Creations, Staples, Stop & Shop and Gap.
    
Family Storytime
Wednesday, August 16 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

A participatory storytime featuring songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Ages 18 months to 5 years with accompanying caregiver.

Registration required.

Community Giveback Day
Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 4 p.m.
South End Branch

Enjoy live music, kids' activities, gift bags, free books, health and wellness information and a special reading by Mayor Caroline Simmons. All ages.

Presented in partnership with the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut. Co-sponsored by Power Health Tours and Organized Youth.

Screening & Family Discussion: March On!
by Christine King Farris

Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Viewing of the animated video March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World, based on the 2008 picture book by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's late sister. Discussion to follow. All ages.

Registration required.

Presented in partnership with 100 Black Men of Stamford; Domus; Fairfield County (CT) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut; the Mayor’s Multicultural Council; Stamford Community; and Stamford NAACP.

KIDS' SUMMER LEARNING CLUB
    
Outdoor Family Storytimes
New! Monday, August 14 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Commons Park at Harbor Point

Tuesday, August 15 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Latham Park, Corner of Bedford and Forest Streets

Themed storytime that features songs, fingerplays and movement activities. Ages 18 months to 4 years with an accompanying caregiver, weather permitting.
    
Build with Lego
Tuesday, August 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Makerspace

Do one of our building challenges and create anything you want using the library's Lego® collection. Creations cannot be taken home. Grades K to 5.

Registration required.
    
Spanish Story & Activity
(Cuentos y Actividades)

Thursday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
South End Branch

A Spanish-language experience featuring stories, music, movement and fun. Ages 1 to 4 with an accompanying caregiver.

Babytime
Friday, August 18 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Songs, rhymes, stories and more for babies up to 18 months with an accompanying caregiver. Siblings welcome.

Registration required.

TEEN PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dance yourself into fitness with instructor Pamela Arenas. No excuses!

Registration required.
    
End of Summer Cruise
Sunday, August 13 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Departure from Boccuzzi Park, 200 Southfield Avenue

Celebrate the end of summer on a two-hour sail of Long Island Sound aboard the SoundWaters schooner, where you'll learn about sailing and the Sound's marine ecology. Grades 6 to 12.

Registration required.
    
Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, August 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

A brief discussion about meditation practice followed by a guided meditation with a chance to share and reflect. Please arrive five minutes early. Teens and adults.
    
Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, August 16 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Yoga instructor Ngan Nguyen will lead a class in the Hatha style. Please bring a mat and water. Teens and adults.

Registration required.
    
Learn a Language with Pronunciator
Wednesday, August 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use this free app for people who want to hold a conversation in another language. Bring a smartphone or tablet. Teens and adults.
    
16 Handles Taste-Off
Wednesday, August 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Sample all the frozen yogurt flavors currently available at 16 Handles and then vote for your favorite.

Registration required.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition
Friday, August 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch

This commemoration includes readings and presentations by speakers who will reflect on slavery's legacy of racism through transformative education. The event will feature guest speaker Frantz Antoine-Leconte Ph.D, a history professor and author, and performances by multilingual singer Ayanna Doreste and musician James Moss. Teens and adults.

Presented in partnership with the UNESCO Center for Global Friendship.
    
Red Cross Babysitter Training & Certification
Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Ann M. Sexton Board Room

Earn a Red Cross Babysitter Certification during this daylong program, where a Red Cross instructor will teach what it takes to be a babysitter, including how to find jobs and take care of sick children. Participants must attend the full day to earn certification. Grades 6 to 12.

Registration required.

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Saturday, August 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor New Materials Room

Master gardener and farmer Mark Gostkiewics will discuss what's needed to start and maintain a healthy flock of chickens while using sustainable and organic practices. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

COMING UP
    
Women's Self-Defense Workshop
Sunday, August 20 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Club Kung Fu of Stamford will lead a workshop focused on setting boundaries, assessing the threat and fighting back. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

IN THE COMMUNITY

StoryWalk
Mill River Park
1010 Washington Boulevard

The library's Storywalk  features award-winning author Yuyi Morales' picture book Dreamers, in which she recounts her own immigration story. The story will be on display at stations in the park through mid-August.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY
    
Earn Volunteer Hours by Reviewing Books

The Ferguson Library is offering volunteer hours to teens in grades 6 to 12 to write book reviews. Reviews will be featured on the library's Youth Instagram page and displayed with reviewed books at the library.

Teens may submit up to two book reviews per week. For each review approved by a librarian, teens will receive one hour of volunteer credit.

Reviews may be edited for clarity and will list the reviewer's first name, last name initial, and grade, unless the reviewer specifies anonymity. Questions? Call 203-351-8242.

By registering for programs, you may receive occasional emails about upcoming events at the library. You can opt out at any time.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Youth Services Page

Check out our Youth Services Page with information for kids, teens, parents and educators. You'll find information about our digital books, movies and music, Linked Libraries, digital resources and more.

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 a.m. 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.