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 on the possibilities for the library of the future. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration appreciated.

FAMILY PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!

End of Summer Fair: Bomba Music & Dance Workshop

Saturday, August 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Celebrate the end of our our kids' summer learning club with face painting, lawn games, refreshments and a workshop about Puerto Rican bomba music. You'll learn about its rhythms, instruments, costumes, storytelling songs, costumes and basic dance steps. All ages.

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, August 5 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.

Saturday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

Registration required.

A Concert for Peace: Find Your Cultural Voice
Sunday, August 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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

En Vivo con Maricarmen and the library present an afternoon of music and dance performances featuring Connecticut State Troubadour Kala Farnham; the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater company; Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Nathaly Palacios; composer and musician Paco Godoy; and INTEMPO Youth Ensemble. The concert, part of our Adult Summer Reading Program, will be followed by an international food tasting. All ages.

Registration appreciated.

Thanks to event sponsors Stamford Arts & Culture Commission, Mayor's Multicultural Council, La Voz Hispana de Connecticut, Ladi's Beauty Salon and the Friends of the Ferguson Library.

Lunchtime Yoga

Wednesday, August 9 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 9 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.

Spanish Book Discussion

Thursday, August 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Ann M. Sexton Board Room
Gótico by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

After receiving a mysterious letter from her newlywed cousin suggesting impending doom, the glamorous Noemi Taboada heads to the Mexican countryside to attempt a rescue.
    
Classic Movie Matinee
Friday, August 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch
Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Detective Eddie Valiant seeks to clear the name of a toon rabbit framed for murder in this 1988 film that combines live action with animation. Starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer and Kathleen Turner. Rated PG.

Friday Film Fest
Friday, August 11 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch
Book Club

This 2018 comedy features four lifelong friends whose lives are forever changed after reading the provocative 50 Shades of Grey. Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen and Alicia Silverstone. Rated PG-13.

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.

PROGRAMS

Knit & Needles Knitting Group
Monday, August 7 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.
    
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 8

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 9

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

Evening Sessions: In Person
Tuesday, August 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Thursday, August 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, August 8 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.

Game Night: Azul
Tuesday, August 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor New Materials Room

Play a game from the library's collection, bring your own, or learn how to play this month's featured game, Azul. Teens and adults.

Registration required.

Canasta Club
Wednesday, August 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Come play canasta with us. All levels welcome.
    
Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, August 10 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 the first Thursday of each month.

Dungeons & Dragons
Thursday, August 10 from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Bring your imagination for an exciting night of adventure playing Dungeons & Dragons. You'll join a band of fantastical heroes who brave dangerous situations with swords, spells and wits. New players welcome. Ages 18 and older.

Registration required.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY
    
Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, August 8 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 1: Human Resource Management
Thursday, August 10 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.

COMING UP
    
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.

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

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.

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.

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 by appointment at the Main Library Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 203 351-8221 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Weekend service is available 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.