December 2022

Message from the CEO

I feel very thankful to live and work in a community that supports its local library. This year, we opened a new branch on Stamford's West Side in the Police Activities League Center. This wouldn't have been possible without stable support from the City of Stamford. There are so many support services we provide that go beyond basic library service thanks to the generosity of the community. For example, we receive a $5,000 donation every year so the Bookmobile can visit parks on summer weekends. Since I check the statistics daily, I know that the circulation of children's books goes up dramatically when we visit a park.

This past year, several partnering organizations (including the City and the Mayor's Multicultural Council) donated to the library so we could give away copies of Darryl McDaniels' (Run DMC) latest children's book, Darryl's Dream. Small and large gifts allow us to purchase books, provide early literacy programs and offer services to those who have recently arrived in Stamford.

Your gift helps make this library a great one! Please consider making a donation before the end of the year.

Thank you for your support!

Alice Knapp, CEO

Holiday Hours

All library facilities will be closed December 24, 25 and 26 for Christmas. The library will also be closed January 1 and 2 for New Year's Day. Have a safe, happy holiday season.

Legendary Chef Jacques Pépin to Visit the Library

Note: New Time and Location

-Sold Out-

Friends Author Series: A Conversation with Legendary Chef Jacques Pépin

Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Iconic chef Jacques Pépin will discuss his new illustrated new book, Jacques Pépin Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef’s Paintings, Stories and Recipes of the Humbled Bird with Valerie Foster, former Food and Features Editor for The Advocate.

This special event, sponsored by the Friends Author Series, will support the library's program and services.

Tickets are $35 and $30 for Friends' members. The event is full, but you can sign up for the waiting list.

Register for wait list

The Purple Bus: Back on the Road
The library's Purple Bus is back in business after a pandemic hiatus. The bus, which was purchased by the Friends of the Ferguson Library, brings school children to the library, some for the very first time. The Purple Bus program began in 1997 with an original vehicle donated by the Friends. We're delighted to be up and running again.

Support for Sunday Hours

Many thanks to Judy Block for her generous gift to support Sunday hours. Her contribution will help underwrite the cost of providing service at the Main Library Sunday, December 11. Sundays are one of our busiest and most important days of the week and we are grateful for her donation. If you would like to help us provide Sunday hours at the library, please contact Linda Avellar at [email protected]. 203 351-8208.

Help Us Reach our Year-End Goal

Give to Your Public Library!

Please remember the Ferguson Library in your year-end giving. Your donation of any amount help keep books and all the things you love at the library free and available to anyone in the community.

Please help us reach our year-end goal of $100,000. Donate securely at fergusonlibrary.org or pick up a donation envelope at any library location.

Thank you for investing in your local library!

Digital Library

Ferguson Library Digital Archive
The Ferguson Library Digital Archive is the first stop to check out all the wonderful materials we have covering Stamford History. You can browse through our various digitized collections like the Carl Lobozza photographs of historic Stamford. Explore what Stamford was like before the early 1960s in the Stamford Urban Renewal collection. The Rosalind Duncan collection highlights the fight to prevent the construction of I-95 through the city. Our latest collection features videos and publicity from the Director's View Film Festival that brought the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to Stamford. Access the archive by visiting fergusonlibraryarchive.org. No library card necessary.

Friends of the Ferguson Library

Book Shop News
Find that perfect holiday gift in the Book Shop. Whether it's music, movies or books, we have it! Stop by and browse at either of our locations--at the Main Library or Harry Bennett Branch. All proceeds support the library.

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 to 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are $5 per person.

Warm for the Winter Mitten Drive

Drop off new or clean, gently used gloves, mittens, scarves and hats for children (any age) and adults at any Ferguson Library location. All donations will be distributed to our neighbors through Person to Person. Donations will be accepted until Friday, January 6.

Staff Recommends: DIY for the Holidays

Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates

Pottery for Beginners by Kara Leigh Ford

Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes by Joi Mahon

Passport Services

Appointments at the Main Library take precedence and are recommended. For more information or to make an appointment, visit our Passports page or call 203 351-8298.

Main Library Passport hours:

Monday – Thursday 10 – 7; Friday 10 – 5; Saturday 10 – 4; Sunday 1 - 4

Harry Bennett Passport hours:

Wednesday 10 – 6

Saturday 10 – 4

(WALK-IN ONLY at Harry Bennett)