Message from the CEO

In addition to our many compelling programs such as author visits and book discussions, the library also offers less visible, but equally important services. For example, last year we saw a surge in the number of people visiting the library for Wi-Fi usage, as well as visitors looking to reserve rooms for private study, Zoom calls, or small meetings. We have noticed that people who work remotely often come to the library for community or work space. While the newsletter mentions our Digital Navigator program, did you know that we offer similar assistance for those seeking to re-career? We also offer passport services at the Main Library and Harry Bennett Branch and notary services at the Main Library, Harry Bennett and Weed branches. People are aware that we lend out sewing machines (they are always checked out) but did you also know that we circulate microscopes and a telescope? The Ferguson is a great place to find books, movies, and magazines but there are many more reasons to stop by for a visit.

--Alice Knapp, CEO

Author Talks

The Friends Author Series welcomes chef Jacques Pépin back to the library Thursday, October 5 to discuss his new book Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking. Four-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michel Nischan will moderate the conversation at this fundraising event. General admission tickets include a Friends membership through December 31. Tickets are $50; $40 for Friends members. All guests are invited to a pre-event reception and will receive a copy of Cooking My Way. Purchase tickets here.

On Thursday, October 12 New York Times bestselling authors Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille 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. This program is free. Register here.

A book sale and signing will follow both events.

Save the Date: Chef, author and television personality Lidia Bastianich will visit the Main Library on December 14. Details to follow.

Civility in America
General David Petraeus October 22

General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts will discuss their book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, a sweeping analysis of warfare and what we might learn from the past to navigate an increasingly perilous world. The program, to be held Sunday, October 22 at 4 p.m., will be moderated by Gerard Baker, Editor at Large, The Wall Street Journal. It is part of our Civility in America Series and is co-sponsored by the Dilenschneider Group in conjunction with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. The presentation will also be available via Zoom. A book sale and signing will follow. Register here.

Authors Barry Woods and Allan Houston

Two-time NBA All-Star Allan Houston, author of The Fundamentals of Life: Life in 3D, and Barry Woods, author of Reasons Why Youth Don’t Give a Damn Anymore!, will visit the library Tuesday, October 24 at 6 p.m. to discuss their books on how to raise resilient kids who care about themselves, their futures and their communities. Register here.

Pictured: Allan Houston and Barry Woods

Art Exhibit Opens October 3  
    
Our fall art exhibit, Connecting Nature and People, launches October 3 at 6 p.m. with an opening reception in the Main Library Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium. The juried show, curated by the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists. The exhibit will be on view through January 18.

Pictured: Growing by Franklin Silva

Join a Book Discussion       

The Ferguson Library has book discussion groups for just about every interest. In addition to our long-running monthly book groups at the Harry Bennett, Weed and South End branches, we have added two new monthly discussion groups at the Harry Bennett Branch: short story books and books focused on social justice. Also at Harry Bennett, we launched a Silent Book Club chapter, where you read a book of your choice in the quiet company of others. On top of that, we offer a Spanish language book discussion at the Main Library and a virtual Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror book group. Check our calendar for details. Some groups meet via Zoom or have a hybrid option.

Digital Library: PressReader

Interested in current newspapers and magazines from the United States and around the world? Try PressReader. This exciting collection of more than 7,000 of the world’s leading publications in a variety of languages includes a Featured Section where you can read the latest headlines or search by category to learn more about your favorite topic. PressReader is available to Ferguson Library cardholders with no monthly limits and no waiting. Download the PressReader app to your phone or tablet, or simply read on your computer. To learn more, visit the library’s Download & Stream webpage.

Friends of the Ferguson Library

Save the Date for the Pub Crawl

The Friends Literary Pub Crawl is November 15. It’s a fun evening of food, conversation and literary-themed entertainment at downtown restaurants. We’re delighted to partner with Bar Rosso, Hudson Social, Towne Parlor and ZAZA Italian Gastrobar. Registration opens soon.

Book Shop News

Lots going on at the Book Shop this month. October 7 is donation day at the Harry Bennett Branch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring one bag or box of your gently used books. On Saturday, October 14 stop by the Book Shop table downtown during the rescheduled Arts & Crafts on Bedford. We’ll have big beautiful arts, crafts, gardening and kids’ books for sale.

And don’t miss the Bag Sale Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harry Bennett Branch. Fill a bag with books for $15. Includes all books and media.