FEATURED PROGRAM
    
An Evening of Music and Spoken Word with Richard "Cookie" Thomas
Friday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch

Celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month as vocalist Richard "Cookie" Thomas performs jazz classics with his trio. This event will include an open mic segment and the audience is invited to share spoken word.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Disney Classic: Coco
Wednesday, June 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Twelve-year-old guitarist Miguel travels to the Land of the Dead to seek the help of his late great-great-grandfather to reverse his family’s ban on music. Starring Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Burns and Benjamin Bratt. All ages. Rated G. Registration required.

PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!
Special Pride Month Event:
Drag Storytime
Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor, New Materials Room

Celebrate Pride Month and everything that makes you special at this interactive event featuring drag performers Tiki Malone, Destiny Harmony and Frankie C. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Presented in partnership with Stamford Pride.

Happening Today!
Bag Sale on Bedford Street
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Friends Book Shop will participate in Arts & Crafts on Bedford with books on sale for kids and adults, as well as music and movies. Fill a bag for just $15.
    
Health Check: Know Your Numbers
Monday, June 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor, Rotary Room

Free blood pressure and pre-diabetes screening, plus height and weight checks.

Presented in partnership with the Stamford Department of Health.

Healing Drum Circle
Monday, June 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
South End Branch

A meditative gathering dedicated to healing the wounds of racism and supporting equity activism. Facilitated by Evelyn Avoglia.

Harry Bennett Branch Book Discussion via Zoom
Monday, June 12 from 6 to 7 p.m.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
An intimate portrait of the larger-than-life cereal heiress known for her advocacy, passion, adventurous spirit and four marriages. Join the conversation here.
    
English Language Learners
Easy English for Beginners
Let's Talk: Conversation Groups via Zoom

Tuesday, June 13
New students: from 12 to 12:30 p.m.
High beginner: from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Low intermediate: from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Advanced: from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 14
High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Evening Sessions In Person

Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Makerspace
Registration not required. New students welcome.
    
Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, June 13 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.

Game Night: Ticket to Ride
Tuesday, June 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

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

Canasta Club
Wednesday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

A fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.

Social Justice Book Discussion
Wednesday, June 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka

This work of historical fiction explores the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II through the experiences of one family.

Ballroom Dance Workshop
Wednesday, June 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Learn to dance like a pro with instructor Simone Assboeck who will cover the basic steps of the salsa and the hustle. Singles welcome; partners will be rotated. No prior dance experience necessary. First of four-part series. Attendance required at all sessions. Registration required.
    
Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, June 15 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.

New Location! Start Reading with Libby
Thursday, June 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Learn how to use Libby, a free app that lets you borrow e-books, digital audiobooks, and magazines from the library. Bring your smartphone or tablet and library card. For Android and iOS devices.
    
Summer in the City Art Exhibit
Opening Reception
Thursday, June 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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
    
Friends Author Series:
A Conversation with Alka Joshi
Thursday, June 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

The New York Times bestselling author will discuss The Perfumist of Paris, the latest novel in The Jaipur trilogy. Join the discussion here.
    
Classic Movie Matinee
Friday, June 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
The Man Who Knew Too Much

A doctor and his wife are drawn into a plot of international intrigue after witnessing a political assassination while vacationing in Morocco. Starring James Stewart, Doris Day and Brenda de Banzie. Rated PG.

Friday Film Fest
Friday, June 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch
M3GAN

A robotics engineer develops a life-like doll to bond with her orphaned niece, but the toy takes on a life of its own with terrifying results. Starring Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald and Jenna Davis. Rated PG-13.

Silent Book Club
Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Read the book of your choice in the quiet company of others.
    
Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Saturday, June 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Master gardener and farmer Mark Gostkiewics will share what is needed to start and nurture a healthy flock of chickens using organic and sustainable practices. Teens and adults. Registration required.
    
Make a Custom Button
Saturday, June 17 from 2 to 3:00 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Makerspace

Make a statement by crafting a custom button that expresses your personal style. Create your own design or choose from materials provided by the library. Teens and adults.

Old Folkies Acoustic Singalong
Saturday, June 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

An afternoon of toe-tapping, finger-snapping delights with Dr. Ev, who will take requests. Refreshments served.

BUSINESS, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY

Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, June 13 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.
    
Intermediate Excel
Thursday, June 15 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.

Registration required.

Budgeting 101
Wednesday, 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Main Library,DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Everything you need to know about budgeting and cost cutting, including spending plans, long-term financial goals and strategies.

Registration required.

COMING UP
    
Friends Author Series:
An Evening with Fiona Davis
Tuesday, June 27
Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
    
Bestselling author Fiona Davis returns to the Ferguson Library to discuss her latest book, The Spectacular, set at New York City's iconic Radio City Music Hall during its mid-century heyday.

Tickets are $10 for Friends members and $20 for the general public. Purchase here.
Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books.

Friends Author Series:
An Evening with Daniel Silva
Wednesday, July 19
Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva discusses his latest thriller, The Collector. CNN Special Correspondent Jamie Gangel will moderate the conversation.

Tickets: $45 general admission and $35 for Friends members. All tickets include a copy of The Collector. Purchase here.

General admission tickets also include a Friends of the Ferguson Library membership through December 2023.
    
A Conversation with Geoff Rickly
Wednesday, July 26
Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The lead singer of the band, Thursday, will discuss his debut novel, Someone Who Isn't Me. The story is a fictional take on Rickly's personal experience with heroin addiction. The conversation will be moderated by Andrew Sacher, senior editor at Brooklyn Vegan, the New York City-based music blog. Light refreshments will be served. Book sale and signing to follow discussion. Registration required to attend in person. Program also available via Zoom.

Presented in partnership with Brooklyn Vegan.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY

The Tiny Art Show
Community artists of all ages have their 4x4-inch works on display at all branches through June 17.
    
Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics
Tuesdays through Fridays through June 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Lower Level Community Area

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 Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays through June 30.
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.
    
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.

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.