Expanded Passport Services

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.

Programs

Happening Today!

Documentary Series: Making Black America

Saturday, February 4 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

South End Branch

Screening of the final episode of the PBS documentary series Making Black America: Through the Grapevine, hosted, produced and written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This four-part series chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and four Black people.

Black History Month Musical Performance by the Old School 203 Band

Sunday, February 5 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Sing and dance along with the Old School 203 Band as they perform Motown & R & B classics by African American recording artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, James Brown and more. All ages welcome. Registration required.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Book Discussion

Monday, February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female doctors in the United States and rich with historical detail, Kaitlyn Greenidge's new novel resonates in our times and is perfect for readers of Brit Bennett, Min Jin Lee, and Yaa Gyasi.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, February 7 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 7 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 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

In person

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Tuesday, February 7 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 8 via Zoom

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

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

New! Social Justice Book Discussion

Wednesday, February 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

An introduction to this new book club. The club's goals will be discussed and recommendations are encouraged.

New Day of the Week!

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, February 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

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

Spanish Book Discussion

Niebla by Miguel Unamuno

Thursday, February 9 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor, Ann M. Sexton Board Room

Set in 1914 at the onset of the Great War, this tragic comedy by Miguel Unamuno explores romance and existential themes.

Classic Movie Matinee

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Friday, February 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

An affluent white couple's liberal views are put to the test when their daughter brings home her fiance, a Black doctor. Starring Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and Katharine Houghton.

An Evening of Love Songs with Juan David Corrales

Friday, February 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.

South End Branch

Feel the love during our Valentine's Day celebration of music featuring a performance of romantic songs in Spanish by pianist and singer Juan David Corrales. Refreshments will be served.

Mini-Golf at the Harry Bennett Branch

Fun for the whole family! Mini golf returns to the Harry Bennett Branch Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are $5 per person, per round. Ages 3 and under play for free. Refreshments at the "19th hole." Many thanks to all our sponsors, especially our title sponsor, First County Bank. Advanced registration encouraged for February 11 and February 12, but walk-ins are welcome.

Business, Careers & Technology

Happening Today!

Understanding Personal Credit

Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn about the price of credit, how a credit score is calculated and the difference between good and bad credit.

Registration required.

Intermediate Excel

Wednesday, February 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to work with entered data, sort and filter data, use conditional formatting for data analysis, and apply keyboard shortcuts and templates. Must be familiar with Windows and be able to use a mouse a keyboard. Basic Excel experience required. Registration required.

Note: This week's program reflects a presenter change

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series Venture Expert Talks

Thursday, February 9 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom

Brenda Lewis, Principal, Transactions Marketing, Inc.

Brenda Lewis has 40 years of experience in positioning and strategic marketing for tech ventures as principal of Transactions Marketing, Inc. (TMI.)

Registration required.

Library News

We've Changed Our Food & Beverage Policy

Effective immediately 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.

Ongoing At The Library

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.

Black Resilience: Love & Legacy Art Exhibit

February 1 - February 24

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.

Join us for a reception celebrating the exhibition on February, 19 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

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 will be available to adults and children from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library. 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. Clinics will continue on 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  

Need help accessing health or banking information online? Want to get up to speed on Google tools or help your children succeed in school? 

Our Digital Navigators can help you with all this and more. Don’t be left behind in a digital world.

Appointments are required, and are available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Call 203 351-8221 to book a time at the Main Library or the South End Branch.

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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