HELP US PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
    
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 for the library of the future. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration appreciated.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

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.

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

Happening Today!

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

Saturday, August 26 from 12 to 2 p.m.
South End Branch

Viewings 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 for Main Library screening.

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.
    
Make Your Own History
Wednesday, August 23 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

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

Saturday, August 26 from 12 to 2 p.m.
South End Branch

Build your own African American history book using stickers that depict dozens of courageous fighters for civil and equal rights as well as pioneers in government, science and technology, business, the arts and more. Registration required for Main Library 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.

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

PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!

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.

Happening Today!
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.
    
Women's Self--Defense Workshop
Sunday, August 20 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

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

Club Kung Fu of Stamford will lead a workshop focusing on setting boundaries, assessing threats and fighting back. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

Knit & Needles Knitting Group
Monday, August 21 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Work on your own knitting or crocheting project in the company of others. All levels welcome.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, August 22 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.
    
Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, August 23 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 23 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.

Play Dungeons & Dragons
Thursday, August 24 from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Be part of an imaginary band of heroes who brave dangerous situations with swords, spells and wits while playing Dungeons & Dragons. New players welcome. Ages 18 and older.

Registration required.

GameDevCT Mixer
Saturday, August 26 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Annual showcase for game developers to demonstrate their work and attendees to test the games. Ages 18 and older.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY
    
Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, August 22 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.

COMING SOON
    
Ferguson Library Passport Services
25th Anniversary Celebrations
Wednesday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor Lobby

Saturday, September 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

We're celebrating 25 years of offering U.S. Passport services to the community. Join us for refreshments, music and prizes for those who submit passport applications during these events.

Friends Author Series:
An Evening with Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee
Tuesday, September 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

Meet the Pulitzer Prize-winning and The New York Times bestselling author Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, who will discuss his latest book, The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human.

The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Siobhan Dolan, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stamford Health.

Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books. Light refreshments will be served.
Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35 for general admission, $25 for Friends members. General admission ticket includes a Friends membership through December 2023.
All guests will receive a copy of The Song of the Cell. Advance registration required here.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY

Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Exhibits & Displays
    
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.

Reflection Room: Eyes on the Prize
Through Saturday, August 26 during library hours

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Rotary Room &
Harry Bennett Branch

Continuous screening of the PBS documentary, Eyes on the Prize, the definitive story of the civil rights era from the point of view of ordinary men and women whose extraordinary actions launched the civil rights movement.

1963 Lincoln Memorial Program
Through Saturday, 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.

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