Message from the CEO

The Ferguson Library Board of Trustees has voted that the library become a book sanctuary and Mayor Simmons has taken the additional step of declaring Stamford a book sanctuary city. This extraordinary move follows the lead of the Chicago Public Library and the city of Chicago. Our board took this action because of the dramatic increase in book challenges this year (for the first six months of 2022, over 1600 unique titles were challenged nationwide).

What does being a book sanctuary mean? The Ferguson Library is committed to collecting and protecting endangered books, making them accessible to the public, hosting book talks, events, and conversations about diverse characters and stories, and educating others on the history of book banning and burning. This has always been part of our mission, but in this era of rising book censorship and attacks on freedom of speech, this work takes on new, vital importance.

We are proud to stand with the city of Stamford to protect intellectual freedom and the right to read.

--Alice Knapp, CEO

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed January 1 and 2 for New Year's Day holiday. On Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Jr., Day, the Main Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The branches will operate on their regular schedules.

Alvin Hall, Author of Driving the Green Book
February 27

Award-winning broadcaster Alvin Hall visits the library February 27 to talk about his new book, Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance. From 1936 to 1967, millions of Black Americans relied on The Negro Motorist Green Book, the definitive guide to businesses where they could safely rest, eat or sleep. In his book, Hall recreates this journey, driving from New York to Detroit to New Orleans, visiting motels, restaurants and stores where Black travelers once found a friendly welcome. Registration opening soon.

Save the Date
A Novel Affair
April 20

The Ferguson Library will hold its major fundraiser, A Novel Affair, Thursday, April 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. The library will honor Polly O’Brien Morrow and Pitney Bowes for their service to the library and the Stamford community.

A Novel Affair is the Ferguson Library’s signature benefit, raising funds to help support Stamford’s public library. Early registration opens March 1.
Thank you to our major sponsors to date:

Morrison: Friends of the Ferguson Library
Lahiri: Judith Block; Ellen Bromley & Tom Gizicki; First County Bank; Amy & Andrew George
Baldwin: Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey; CT Public; Amy & Tony Downer;  Garden Homes Management; Harman; Michael & Jennifer Hyman; KPMG; Point72; Stamford Health

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

Mini-Golf is Back!

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 three and younger play for free. Refreshments at the "19th hole." Many thanks to all our sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor, First County Bank. Separate registration required for the February 11 and February 12 events.

There's Still Time to Give to Our Annual Appeal

If you’ve already donated to the Library’s Annual Appeal, Thank You! If not, there is still time to help. Your donation of any amount helps keep books and vital services like technology training, English-language learning and children’s early literacy programs free and available to all.       

You can make a secure online donation at fergusonlibrary.org. Thank you for supporting your public library.

Give Now!

Digital Library
Morningstar

Are you an investor or business student? This database will help you jump-start your research with comprehensive analysis of thousands of stocks, mutual funds and ETFs. Also included are market update reports, videos, and commentary on the current investment climate. In the Planning and Education section you’ll find special access tools to develop a hypothetical portfolio or calculate college or retirement costs. For access, just grab your Ferguson Library card and visit our A to Z Resources page.

Friends of the Ferguson Library

2023 Literary Competition is Open

Entries for Stamford Literary Competition are due February 10. The Literary Competition celebrates excellence in student writing and is open to Stamford students in grades 3 to 12. We are accepting online entries only.

Book Shop News
Don't miss the Friends' big winter sale! Everything in the Book Shop is 40% off through January 14. Friends members take an additional 10% off. All proceeds support the library.

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.

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)