SPECIAL EXHIBIT

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 through 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.

Presented in partnership with 100 Black Men, the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut, The Links, Incorporated, the Mayor's Multicultural Council, Stamford Community and Stamford NAACP.

FAMILY PROGRAMS
    
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 unique rhythms, instruments, costumes, storytelling traditions and basic dance steps. All ages.

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!
Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, July 29 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Main Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

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

Registration required.

Saturday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Main Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Registration required.
    
Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, August 2 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 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use this free app for people who want to hold a conversation in 164 foreign languages. Bring a smartphone or tablet. Teens and adults.

Classic Movie Matinee
Friday, August 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch
Robinhood Men in Tights

A veteran of the Crusades brings together a ragtag group to do battle against an evil king, and gets help from a surprising source inside the royal castle in this spoof of the Robin Hood legend. Starring Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Rees and Amy Yasbeck. Rated PG-13
    
Friday Film Fest
Friday, August 4 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch
80 for Brady

After decades of dreaming, a quartet of football obsessed octogenarians make a pilgrimage to the Super Bowl for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet their favorite hero, Tom Brady. Starring Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Harry Hamlin. Rated PG-13.

PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Beach-Themed Card Crafting
Saturday, July 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Craft a card illustrating your version of a day at the beach. All supplies provided. Teens and adults.
 
Registration required.

The History of LGBTQ+ Cinema
Tuesday, August 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

Film professor and historian, Dr. Harry Benshoff, will discuss how the portrayal of LGBTQ+ people on film and TV evolved through the 20th century by focusing on key films, leading figures and defining milestones.

Registration required.
    
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 1

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 2
High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Evening Sessions: In Person
Tuesday, August 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Thursday, August 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Easy English for Beginners:
Side by Side Part 1

Thursday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center
Learn English language skills by reading, speaking and writing.

Registration required.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, August 1 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.

Canasta Club
Wednesday, August 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Come out and play canasta with us. All levels welcome.
    
Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, August 3 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.

Death Cafe
Thursday, August 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom.

A discussion about increasing the awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. With Sahara Farrugio, a licensed funeral director specializing in advanced planning. Join the discussion here.

Note: Death Cafe is not grief support or counseling.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY
    
Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, August 1 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 UP

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.

Presented in partnership with Alianza Internacional de Capellanes and Nosotras CT.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY
    
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 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.