April 2023

Message from the CEO

The Ferguson Library has hired New York-based architecture firm HMA2 to conduct a feasibility study of all our facilities to meet the community’s needs over the next ten years. The study will quantify existing space and infrastructure needs in library buildings and suggest how best to reimagine space and improve services and the customer experience. The HMA2 team will evaluate the Main Library as well as the Harry Bennett, South End and Weed Memorial & Hollander branches with input from the community, library boards and staff, and present a detailed report. A key goal is developing flexible spaces at all locations that meet current community needs and anticipate future requirements.  

The project will further the library’s vision of creating welcoming public spaces that foster a strong, vibrant and inclusive community. The study is being funded by the Ferguson Library Foundation and the City of Stamford.

Alice Knapp, CEO

A Novel Affair
April 20

Don’t miss A Novel Affair, an evening of food and festivities to benefit the library April 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. We have a lot of great restaurants on board, including Acuario, Avellino Family BBQ, Sunshine Cuisine and the Boys & Girls Club Stamford Culinary Program. This year we are honoring Polly O’Brien Morrow and Pitney Bowes for their service to the library and the Stamford community.

REGISTER

Our online auction opens April 13. We have a lot of exciting items up for bid: a sunset cruise for six on a 45-foot sailboat, a custom-built closet or home office system from Closets by Design, Yankees tickets and more. 

Many thanks to our major sponsors:

Morrison: Friends of the Ferguson Library:

Du Bois: Pitney Bowes;

Lahiri: Judith Block; Ellen Bromley & Tom Gizicki; Kathryn Emmett & David S. Golub; First County Bank; Amy & Andrew George; Silver Golub & Teitell LLP; Baldwin:  Abate & Abate, LLC; Jane Carlin & Benjamin Gifford; Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey; Connecticut Public; Cummings & Lockwood; Amy & Tony Downer; Garden Homes Management; George Comfort & Sons, Inc.; Harman; Michael & Jennifer Hyman; Sopong Kim & Eunjin Park; KPMG; Point72; Stamford Health; Wells Fargo Advisors; Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky, LLP.     

Please note: The library will close at 4 p.m. on April 20.

For sponsorship information, contact Linda Avellar at [email protected] or 203 351-8208.

Holiday Hours
The Main Library will be closed on Sunday, April 9 in observance of Easter. We wish all who observe Easter a peaceful and happy holiday.

CrimeCONN Returns May 6

Love a good mystery? Don’t miss CrimeCONN, Saturday, May 6 at the Main Library. Presented by the Friends of the Ferguson Library and the Mystery Writers of America/NY Chapter, this popular day-long conference will focus on exploring the future of crime writing.

This year we welcome The New York Times bestselling international thriller writer Joseph Finder as keynote speaker. Panelists include talented contemporary mystery writers and experts in criminal investigation, forensic science and the literary market.

Tickets purchased before April 6 are $40. After April 6, tickets are $60; $45 for Mystery Writers of America and Friends members, seniors and students. Livestream registration is $25. All-day coffee and lunch are included in the ticket price.

Register

Save the Date: Joe R. Sexton Lecture May 11

Author and historian, James M. Scott, will present the Joe R. Sexton Lecture May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Harry Bennett Branch to discuss his book, Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, the Firebombing of Tokyo, and the Road to the Atomic Bomb. Guests are invited to a pre-event reception at 6 p.m. Registration required.

Library CEO Honored for Literacy Work

Ferguson Library CEO Alice Knapp will be honored by the Stamford Public Education Foundation this month with its Leadership in Literacy Award. The award recognizes community leaders who go above and beyond in their support of public education and children’s literacy.

We’re proud of Alice and her work to champion literacy in the Stamford community.

Be Part of the Tiny Art Show

Artists of all ages are invited to pick up a Tiny Art bag that contains everything needed to create two 4x4 inch paintings. Bags are available at any branch starting April 17, while supplies last. Artwork is due April 29. Opening receptions will be celebrated Wednesdays, May 3 at the Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch and May 17 at the Harry Bennett Branch, both from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday, May 10 at the Main Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The art will be on display through mid-June.  

Friends of the Ferguson Library

Literary Competition

Winners of the 38^th Annual Literary Competition will be notified by mid-April and are invited with their families and teachers to an awards ceremony at the library Sunday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. Congratulations to all the talented young writers who entered the competition.

Book Shop News

Don’t miss the Collectible Sale April 29 and 30 at the Harry Bennett Branch. You can find signed copies, special editions of classics for children and adults, and unique publications on art, cooking and history.

Staff Recommends:
Make Every Day Earth Day

Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World by Karen Armstrong

Things You Can Do: How to Fight Climate Change and Reduce Waste by Eduardo Garcia

American Roots: Lessons and Inspiration from the Designers Reimagining Our Home Gardens by Nick McCullough

Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Engaged with Nature by Steven Rinella