Share Your Thoughts About the Library
Monday, August 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
South End Branch

We are working with New York-based architecture firm HMA2 to conduct a study of all library spaces to meet the community's needs over the next decade. This study will quantify existing space and infrastructure needs in library buildings and suggest how to best reimagine space and improve customer experience. We are especially interested in the views of people like you who are frequent library users. Join us for one hour to share your thoughts on the possibilities for the library of the future. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration appreciated.

FEATURED PROGRAMS
    
Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Opening Ceremony
Sunday, August 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

This celebration will feature a screening of the digitally restored 1964 James Blue documentary The March, memories of the march shared by special guests and a performance by the Union Baptist Church Choir.

Registration required.

Screening & Family Discussion: March On!
by Christine King Farris
Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Viewing of the animated video March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World, based on the 2008 picture book by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's late sister. Discussion to follow. All ages.

Registration required.

Presented in partnership with 100 Black Men of Stamford; Domus; Fairfield County (CT) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut; the Mayor’s Multicultural Council; Stamford Community; and Stamford NAACP.

Visit our website for a full schedule of August events honoring this historic anniversary.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Back-to-School Giveaway
Saturday, August 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Millennial Mom Money Magnet hosts its third annual back-to-school event featuring kids activities, free school supply and backpack giveaways and more. Families are invited to enjoy performances by DJ @MoneyMarv5 and artist Tonee Marino. Giveaways available to students in grades K-12 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with iHeartRadio.

Event sponsors include Playtime with Selena and Carla, Pop Me Creations, Staples, Stop & Shop and Gap.

Community Giveback Day
Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 4 p.m.
South End Branch

Enjoy live music, kids' activities, gift bags, free books, health and wellness information and a special reading by Mayor Caroline Simmons. All ages.

Presented in partnership with the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut. Co-sponsored by Power Health Tours and Organized Youth.

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dance yourself into fitness with instructor Pamela Arenas. No excuses!

Registration required.

Happening Today!

Silent Book Club
Saturday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Read the book of your choice in the quiet company of others.

Registration appreciated.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch Book Discussion
Monday, August 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash

As German bombs fall on 1940s London, a working class family sends their daughter to live in safety with an affluent American family. Their decision will have lifelong implications for both families. Join the conversation here.
    
Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, August 16 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. Teens and adults.

Registration required.
    
Learn a Language with Pronunciator
Wednesday, August 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use this free app created for people who want to hold a conversation in another language. Bring a smartphone or tablet. Teens and adults.

PROGRAMS

Health Check: Know Your Numbers
Monday, August 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Second Floor Study Room

Free blood pressure and pre-diabetes screenings, plus height and weight checks.

Presented in partnership with the Stamford Health Department.

Healing Drum Circle
Monday, August 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
South End Branch

A meditative gathering dedicated to healing the wounds of racism and supporting equity activism. Facilitated by Evelyn Avoglia.
    
English Language Learners
Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

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

Summer Sessions via Zoom
Tuesday, August 15

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 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 16

High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Evening Sessions: In Person
Tuesday, August 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Thursday, August 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, August 15 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. Teens and adults.

Trivia Night: Pop Culture 1980s to 2000s
Thursday, August 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Take a jog down memory lane while testing your knowledge playing Decades of Trivia, created by host David Plaue. Ages 21 and older.

Registration required.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

Friday, August 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch

This commemoration includes readings and presentations by speakers who will reflect on slavery's legacy of racism through transformative education. The event will feature guest speaker Frantz Antoine-Leconte Ph.D, a history professor and author, and performances by multilingual singer Ayanna Doreste and musician James Moss. Teens and adults.

Presented in partnership with the UNESCO Center for Global Friendship.
    
Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Saturday, August 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor New Materials Room

Master gardener and farmer Mark Gostkiewics will discuss what's needed to start and maintain a healthy flock of chickens while using sustainable and organic practices. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

Old Folkies Acoustic Singalong
Saturday, August 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

An afternoon of acoustic delights with Dr Ev, who will perform a special program celebrating the anniversary of the March on Washington.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY
    
Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, August 15 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.

Excel for Business Part 2: Human Resource Management
Thursday, August 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how small businesses and startups can use Excel to keep track of employees and salary information, vacation days, absences, start dates and more.

Registration required.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY

Exhibit: Who Can Vote?
A Brief History of Voting Rights in the United States

Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor

This exhibit examines voting rights with an emphasis on the role of the U.S. Constitution and the interplay between the states and federal government in determining who has been allowed to vote throughout history. This display, which continues through August 21, is part of the library's commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

1963 Lincoln Memorial Program
On display through Friday, August 26 during library hours
Main Library, First First Floor Lobby
Harry Bennett Branch & South End Branch
View a display of the original March on Washington program.

Presented in partnership with 100 Black Men of Stamford; Domus; Fairfield County (CT) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut; the Mayor’s Multicultural Council; Stamford Community; and Stamford NAACP.
    
Summer in the City Art Exhibit
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The juried show, curated by the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists. On view through September 21.

Pictured: Scene from the Met Steps by Susan Hirsch

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 and appointment.

By registering for programs, you may receive occasional emails about  upcoming events at the library. You can opt out at any time.

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.

[More information]

Library Hours

Main Library, DiMattia Building
96 Broad Street, Stamford

Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch
115 Vine Road, Stamford

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South End Branch
34 Woodland Avenue, Stamford

Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 am. to 2 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch
1143 Hope Street, Stamford

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday 12 to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.