Holiday Hours

All library facilities will be closed on Monday, February 20 in honor of President's Day. We will resume normal hours of operation at all branches on Tuesday, February 21. Have a safe and peaceful holiday.

A Novel Affair Registration Is Open!

Join us April 20 for A Novel Affair, an evening of food and festivities to benefit the library. We delighted to honor Polly O'Brien Morrow and Pitney Bowes for their service to the library and the Stamford community. Purchase tickets here.

Programs

Black Resilience: Love & Legacy Art Exhibit

Reception

Sunday, February 19 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The show, curated by Norwalk-based Haitian artist Jean Benoit, is dedicated to recognizing Black excellence, reflecting on the community's historic struggles, and celebrating its many achievements. The exhibition continues through February 24.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

South End Branch, Second Floor Program Room

Free weekly tech help with our experienced bilingual English and Spanish team.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation

Tuesday, February 21 at 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

This 45-minute session will include a 30-minute guided meditation to help reset your nervous system and support your emotional and physical well-being. Please arrive five minutes early.

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Tuesday, February 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

In person

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Tuesday, February 21 via Zoom

New students welcome for English-language conversation groups.

New Students: noon to 12:30 p.m.

High Beginner: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Low Intermediate: 2:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, February 22 via Zoom

High Intermediate: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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

New Day of the Week!

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Come play mah-jongg with us. Beginners to advanced players welcome.

Lawyers in Libraries

Thursday, February 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Second Floor Study Room

Discuss your case with a volunteer attorney. To book a required 20-minute appointment call 203 351-8231.

Supported by the Connecticut Bar Association.

Black History Month Book Discussion

Thursday, February 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

Race Matters by Cornel West

In this essay collection, West, the director of Afro-American studies at Princeton and author of several books, addresses a range of issues, from the crisis in Black leadership to affirmative action, the new Black conservatism, and the strained relations between Jews and African Americans.

Classic Movie Matinee

Bright Road

Friday, February 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

In this 1953 classic a dedicated schoolteacher and an understanding principal help a rebellious student overcome his personal challenges to fulfill his potential. Starring the legendary Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Philip Hepburn and Barbara Ann Sanders. Rated PG.

TEDx Ferguson Library 2023: Renewal

Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Join us for the return of TEDx Ferguson Library 2023, a series of informative talks by local speakers on diverse topics all centered around the theme of renewal. This event will feature TED Talk videos and live speakers with presentations intended to spark deep discussion in small groups. Registration required. This event will also be streamed live.

This independent TEDx event is operated under a license from TED.

Co-sponsored by Connecticut Public.

A Cultural Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, February 25 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

South End Branch

An afternoon of music and arts that highlight the struggles, challenges, and resilience of Black people. Refreshments will be served. All ages welcome.

Business, Careers & Technology

Microsoft Powerpoint Animations

Thursday, February 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to use animations available in MS Powerpoint to make slideshows more dynamic and memorable. Registration required.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series Venture Expert Talks

Cybersecurity

Thursday, February 23 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom

Andre McGregor, a former FBI Special Agent and founder and CEO of ForceMetrics.ai, will discuss cybersecurity.

Registration required.

Support The Library On Giving Day

Fairfield County's Giving Day

Thursday, February 23

Support the library during 24-hours of community giving during Fairfield County's Giving Day 2023. Donate here on February 23 to support programs and services at Stamford's public library.

Library News

Bookmobile News

Our bookmobile needs some repairs and is temporarily out of service. We hope to be on the road again soon!

We've Changed Our Food & Beverage Policy

Library users are welcome to bring food and beverages into the library. Drinks and snacks are still not permitted at library computer stations.

DVDs Have Moved!

New DVDs in the Main Library's collection have been relocated to the third floor of the DiMattia Building. They were formerly located in the first floor New Materials Room.

Coming Soon

A Conversation with Alvin Hall: Author of Driving the Green Book

Monday, February 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

BBC broadcaster and author Alvin Hall will discuss his new book Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance. Here Hall describes his 2,000 miles of travel using The Negro Motorist Green Book, the definitive guide to businesses where Black travelers could safely rest, eat and sleep from 1936 to 1967.

The conversation will be moderated by Janée Woods Weber, a social justice advocate, facilitator, trainer and Hall's fellow traveler. Registration required.

Co-sponsored by Hudson Structured Capital Management LTD.

Civility in America Series: Democracy and the Meaning of Citizenship with Richard Haass

Monday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dr. Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, who has served in multiple U.S. administrations, will discuss his latest book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens as part of the Civility in America Series.

This event will also be available via Zoom.

Registration required to attend in person.

Ongoing At The Library

The library recently expanded its Passport Services to include new hours at our Harry Bennett Branch on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For information and a full schedule of our passport services at the Main Library (appointments and walk-ins) and Harry Bennett Branch (walk-ins only), visit our Passports page or call 203 351-8298.

AARP Tax Assistance

Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Trained tax counselors from AARP will offer help with basic federal and Connecticut income tax returns. For more information, including a list of required documents for tax filing and how to file online visit our Income Tax Resources Page.

This assistance will continue at the Harry Bennett Branch through April 17.

Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic

February Weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Main Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Free Covid-19 vaccines and boosters are available to adults and children from 1 to 5 p.m. No appointment necessary. Please bring your vaccine and insurance cards if you have them. In addition to primary vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna Bivariant boosters will be available. Weekdays through the end of February.

This clinic is offered in partnership with the Stamford Health Department and Griffin Health.

Tell Your Story Project

We have resumed our oral history project, Tell Your Story, an effort to capture Stamford's history through the lives of its residents. If you are a long-time resident and would like to share memories of growing up in Stamford, please let us know. We welcome photos and other memorabilia, too. You can experience the stories we have collected so far by visiting the Ferguson Library Digital Archive at fergusonlibraryarchive.org. If you are interested contact Frank Skornia at [email protected] or 203 351-8220.

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.

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

Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Our notary public is available to notarize your paperwork for free. By appointment only. For information or to make an appointment, call 203 351-8292.

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.

Community Goings On

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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