BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME
    
Annual Back-to-School Book Giveaway
Through September 30
All Branches

Kick off the school year with free books! Drop by any of our branches and get two free books for your home library. while supplies last. Grades pre-K to 12.

MAKEFEST 2023

Happening Today! MakeFest 2023
Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building

The library's annual celebration of makers and creators features engaging programs for families and teens. Join us for the daylong series of events listed below.

STEM Storytime
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Stories that introduce science, technology, engineering and math. After the stories, take a selfie with our throwback instant camera. Ages 4 and older, with families.

Registration appreciated.

Make a Custom Button
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
First Floor Lobby

Make a statement with a custom button that expresses your personal sense of style. Create your own design or choose from materials provided by the library. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Retro Video Gaming
11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Lower Level Makerspace

Play retro games like Donkey Kong, Tetris, Pac-Man, Missile Command and more. Teens and adults.

Unleash Your Creativity
12 to 1 p.m.
Third Floor Technology Center

Artist, writer, coach and TEDx speaker Alfonsina Betancourt share strategies on how to unleash your creativity. Teens and adults.

Give Ballroom a Whirl
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Lessons with professional ballroom instructor Simone Assboeck that will get you on the dance floor in no time. 45-minute sessions begin at 12:30, 1:15 & 2 p.m. Individuals and couples welcome. Teens and adults.

Drop-In STEM Craft
2 to 4 p.m.
First Floor New Materials Room

Join the maker movement by making a STEM craft with us. Ages 4 and older with families.

Documentary Screening: Handmade Nation
2 to 4 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dive into the world of modern crafting, where people turn from the digital world to making things by hand, forging a new economy and lifestyle. Teens and adults.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Open Game Night
Monday, September 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Play a game from the library's collection or bring your own game to play with others. All ages.
    
National Hispanic Heritage Month Program
Movie Screening: The Book of Life
Friday, September 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

In this animated feature, Manolo embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds. Starring Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum. Rated PG. Ages 6 and older.

KIDS' PROGRAMS

Bennett Babies
Tuesday, September 12 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

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

Registration required.
    
New! Preschool Movie Matinee
Tuesday, September 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Enjoy picture book videos of beloved children's classics. Ages 18 months to five years.

New! Afternoon Storytime
Wednesday, September 13 from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Listen to stories and sing songs while building early literacy skills. Ages 2 to 6 with an accompanying caregiver.

Registration required.
    
Spanish Story & Activity
(Cuentos y Actividades)
Thursday, September 14 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 accompanying caregiver.

Cuentos y Cantos Bilingual Storytime
Friday, September 15 from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Interactive readings, songs and activities in English and Spanish. Ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying caregiver.

Registration required.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Game Night: Munchkin
Tuesday, September 12 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor New Materials Room

Play a game from the library's collection, or learn how to play this month's featured game, Munchkin. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

Open Lab: Resume Assistance
Thursday, September 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Job seekers are invited to to use our technology lab for one-on-one help creating, formatting and proofreading a resume. Bring a written or digital copy of your current resume. Teens and adults.

Registration appreciated.
    
T-MAD Meeting
Thursday, September 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Teens Making a Difference (T-MAD) advisory program, where you can learn about upcoming events, share reading suggestions and make a difference in the community. Participation counts as volunteer work. Pizza and snacks will be served. Grades 6 to 12.

Registration required.
    
The Art of Face Painting
Saturday, September 16 from 12 to 2 p.m.
South End Branch

Learn how to paint faces with artist Rene Soto.
This program offers teens the creative skills to entertain children at community events and parties. Ages 12 to 17.

Registration required.
    
New! Teen Film Club
Percy Jackson & The Olympians. The Lightning Thief
Saturday, September 16 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Join us to view and discuss the film adaptation of the book by Rick Riordan. Percy discovers he's the descendant of a Greek God and sets out to settle an on-going battle between rival gods. Starring Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Abel and Sean Bean. Rated PG. Refreshments will be served.

COMING UP

Teen Banned Book Discussion
Thursday, September 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

In the Newbery Medal-winning book, Bod Owens is adopted and raised by the supernatural occupants of a graveyard after his family is murdered. The graphic novel adaptation of this book was challenged in 2015 for its imagery. Grades 6 to 12.

Registration required.

IN THE COMMUNITY

StoryWalk®
Mill River Park
1010 Washington Boulevard

The library's new Storywalk® features Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. This sweet story about overcoming your fears features a boy who is almost ready to take a leap off a diving board with encouragement from his patient father. Walk the park and read the story through September.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY
    
Earn Volunteer Hours by Reviewing Books

The Ferguson Library offers 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.