Featured Program

Happening Today!

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Memorial Lecture

with The Honorable Richard A. Robinson,

Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court

Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Chief Justice Robinson will discuss implicit bias in this interactive lecture, Practicing the Pause. Honoring the late Dudley N. Williams, Jr., community leader and former Ferguson Library Board of Trustees Chair. A question and answer session will follow. Teens and adults. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Stamford NAACP.

Friends Author Event

A Conversation with Jacques Pépin

Thursday, October 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The French culinary master returns to the library for a conversation about his latest book, Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking. Fellow award-winning chef Michel Nischan will moderate the conversation at this fundraising event.

Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50 for general admission, $40 for Friends members. Advance registration required here.

General admission ticket includes a Friends membership through December 2023.

All guests will receive a copy of Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Programs

Zully Ramos and The OGs

Sunday, October 1 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Enjoy the music of this tri-state area band, which will perform a set featuring Latin jazz classics, pop and rock hits to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with the Mayor's Multicultural Council.

Marinera Dance by Taller Portal Norteño

Saturday, October 7 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dancers from the Taller Portal Norteño Academy will perform the Peruvian marinera, a partner dance that reenacts courtship through stylized movement and colorful costumes. All ages. Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with the Mayor's Multicultural Council.

Family Programs

Happening Today!

Mayor's Literacy Initiative Kickoff Event

Saturday, September 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

South End Branch

Families are invited to join Mayor Caroline Simmons for a morning full of stories, games, and arts and crafts. The Mayor’s Literacy Initiative is intended to promote literacy and provide resources for parents to encourage their children to read. All ages.

Open Game Night

Monday, October 2 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. All ages.

Mental Health & Wellness Series

The following programs are presented in partnership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine.

Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party

Saturday, September 30 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dance your way to fitness with instructor Pamela Arenas. No excuses! Registration required.

Also on: Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Same location: Registration required.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation

Tuesday, October 3 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.

Lunchtime Yoga

Wednesday, October 4 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. Registration required.

Other Programs

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch Book Discussion

Monday, October 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

The inheritance of a black cake recipe takes a son and daughter on an extraordinary journey exploring legacy, betrayal and the consequences of their late mother's choices. Join the discussion here.

Knit & Needles Knitting Group

Monday, October 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Work on your own knitting and crocheting projects in the company of others. All levels welcome.

English Language Learners

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Conversation groups for English language learners. Registration not required. New students welcome.

Fall Sessions via Zoom

Tuesday, October 3

New students: from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

High beginner: from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.

Low intermediate: from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Advanced: from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 4

High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Evening Sessions: In Person

Practice your communication skills in a group setting at the Main Library and Harry Bennett Branch.

Tuesday, October 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Lower Level Community Area

Harry Bennett Branch

Thursday, October 4 from 6 to 7:00 p.m.

Read with Libby

Tuesday, October 3 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Also on: Wednesday, October 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use Libby, a free app available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices that allows you to borrow e-books, audiobooks and magazines from the library.

Bring your smartphone or tablet, and your library card.

Canasta Club

Wednesday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Come play this fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.

Art at the Ferguson Opening Reception:

Connecting Nature and People

Tuesday, October 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The juried show, presented in partnership with the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists and explores the intrinsic bonds that exist between nature and people. The exhibition continues through January 2024.

Ballroom Dance Workshop

Wednesday, October 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The fourth session in a four-part series with professional ballroom instructor Simone Assboeck who will teach the basics of the salsa and the hustle. Singles welcome; partners will be rotated. No prior dance experience required. Attendance required for all four sessions. Registration required.

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Experienced players are invited to play the popular tile-based game of mah-jongg.

Beginners welcome from 1 to 3 p.m.

Death Cafe

Thursday, October 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom

Discussion about the awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives led by Sahara Farrugio, a licensed funeral director specializing in advanced planning. Join the discussion here.

Note: Death Cafe is a discussion group, not a grief support or counseling session.

Classic Movie Matinee

Friday, October 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Dracula

Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula sleeps by day in a coffin at a London estate and searches for victims at night. Starring Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye and Edward Sloan. 1931. Not rated.

Friday Film Fest

Friday, October 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Beetlejuice

A ghost couple befriends their new tenant's daughter but must call on a devilish spirit for help when her parents start to ruin the place. Starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara. 1988. Rated PG. 

Finances, Career & Technology

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

South End Branch

Free weekly tech help on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices with our experienced bilingual (English and Spanish) experts.

Financial Fitness

Wednesday, October 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

This workshop, led by the investment firm Edward Jones, will cover the basics of investing, college savings, preparing for retirement and more. Registration required.

Basic Microsoft PowerPoint

Thursday, October 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to create and save presentations, design slide shows and insert images and text. Registration required.

Resume Workshop

Thursday, October 5 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams Jr. Auditorium

Learn how to build a resume that highlights your skills and experiences and convert it into ATS format to increase application visibility to potential employers. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Goodwill Careers.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series via Zoom

Thursday, October 5 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Social Media

Giulia Gambale

Gambale, the founder of She So Social and the co-founder of Agents of Branding, has been giving small businesses and nonprofits a big voice for a dozen years. Register here.

Please register before 12 p.m. on October 5. Zoom invitations will be sent by 1 p.m.

Basic Microsoft Excel

Saturday, October 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to create and save a spreadsheet, enter data and write formulas. Registration required.

Coming Soon

An Evening with Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille

Thursday, October 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Meet New York Times bestselling authors Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille, who will discuss their latest book, Blood Lines. It features the return of special agents Brodie and Taylor who are on the hunt for the murderer of a fellow agent. The conversation will be moderated by author Greg Wands. Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books. Registration required.

An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe

Friday, October 13 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Historic re-enactor Campbell Harmon brings the master of the macabre, Edgar Allen Poe, back to life for an evening of mystery and horror. Hear tales about the author's life, legacy and death as well as his poetry and writings. Teens and adults. Registration required.

Ongoing At The Library

We Can Help Your Book Club

Need a suggestion for your book group discussion or help locating copies? We're ready to support your book group with a variety of resources. The library has a well-curated book discussion collection, with multiple copies of each book. We can also get books for you if we don't have the title and share resources about how to have a successful book discussion. And of course, our readers advisory services can help you find your group's next great read.

For book group services, contact Anthony Marrocolla at [email protected].

Digital Navigators 

Do you need technology assistance? Have an issue with your laptop, or a new device that needs to be set up? The Ferguson Library’s Digital Navigators are here to help!

Digital Navigators operate by appointment only. Please call 203-351-8221 to set up an appointment.

Library Resources

Just finished reading an amazing book and don't know what to read next? Complete this form and a librarian will send you three suggestions based on your response. We will reply to your email within 24 hours.

Notary Services at the Library

Notary services are available on a walk-in basis at the Main Library Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays by appointment only. The notary desk at the Main Library is located in the lower level.

Notary services are available at the Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander branches by appointment only. Call 203 351-8290.

Entrepreneurs-in Residence

Starting a new business? Looking to expand your current business? Have an idea and don't know where to start?

Our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence are available by appointment to help early stage entrepreneurs conceptualize and grow their ideas into companies. Book an appointment. For more information, call 203 351-8221. 

Book-A-Librarian

Reserve up to one hour with a librarian for information or technology assistance, including assistance with our virtual resources like e-books, e-audiobooks and movie streaming. Complete this form to make an appointment.

In The Community

Person-to-Person Mobile Food Pantry and Casework

Schedule subject to change

- Yerwood Center - 90 Fairfield Avenue: Mondays from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m.
- Stamford Manor - 26 Main Street: Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Ferguson Library South End Branch - 34 Woodland Avenue: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Quintard Manor - 18 Quintard Terrace: Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
- DOMUS - 82 Lockwood Avenue: Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Building One Community - 75 Selleck Street: Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
- DOMUS - 82 Lockwood Avenue (Subject to change): Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please Note: All clients must wear face masks inside P2P buildings and P2P on Wheels.

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