FEATURED PROGRAMS

Documentary Screening: Remembering the Family Store
Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

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

A chronicle of downtown leading up to the urban renewal of the late 1960s and the families and small businesses that helped make Stamford what it is today. Not rated. Teens and adults. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County.

Italian Heritage and Culture Month Program: The Story of Italian Catholics in Stamford
Thursday, October 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
First Floor New Materials Room

As Sacred Heart Church observes its centennial celebration, a panel will explore the significant contributions the Roman Catholic parish and the city’s Italian American community have made to Stamford’s political, religious, cultural and business life. Dr. Albert Fusco will moderate a conversation with panelists Anthony Socci, Mary Lou Rinaldi and Kim Harke Sushon. Registration required.

This event will coincide with an exhibit of Sacred Heart parish historical memorabilia, which will be displayed in the library’s lobby through November 4.

Presented in partnership with UNICO, Stamford chapter.

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAM

Latin American Film Festival
Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

Tortilla Soup

In this 2001 comedy, Mexican-American chef Martin is slowly losing his sense of taste but the widower insists his three grown daughters join him for Sunday dinners. Then, a family rift develops over their various romantic entanglements. Starring Hector Elizondo, Jacqueline Obradors, Tamara Mello, Elizabeth Peña and Raquel Welch. Rated PG-13.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

Day of the Dead Craft
Saturday, October 14 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
South End Branch

Enjoy music and food while creating traditional headpieces in preparation for a Day of the Dead celebration to be held November 4. All ages.

Open Game Night
Monday, October 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Play a game from the library's collection or bring your own to play. All ages.

Ukulele Singalong with The CUkes
Saturday, October 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Sing along to popular tunes played on ukuleles by The CUkes. Bring your own ukulele and join in. All ages. Registration required.

Full! Woodworking Workshop: Build a Stool
Saturday, October 21 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Master woodworker Mark Andreas will teach basic techniques needed to assemble a footstool using pre-cut pieces of wood.

No prior experience necessary. All supplies will be provided. One footstool per family. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SERIES

The following programs are presented in partnership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine.
    
Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

Dance your way to fitness with instructor Pamela Arenas. No excuses! Registration required.

Also on: Saturday, October 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Same location: Registration required.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, October 17 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.

Managing Anxiety & Stress
Tuesday, October 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

Licensed clinical social worker Tracey Masella will offer advice on how teens and adults can manage stress and anxiety to lead their best life.  Registration required.

Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, October 18 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. Registration required.

Find Health Information Online
Thursday, October 19 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to use the internet to find trustworthy health information, including treatment options and health management. Registration required.

Old Folkies Acoustic Singalong
Saturday, October 21 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

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

OTHER PROGRAMS

Easy English for Beginners: Side by Side Part 2

Monday October 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Learn language and life skills by reading, speaking and writing. Registration required.

English Language Learners

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Conversation groups for English language learners. Registration not required. New students welcome.

Fall Sessions via Zoom
Tuesday, October 17

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 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 18

High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Evening Sessions: In Person

Practice your communication skills in a group setting at the Main Library and Harry Bennett Branch.

Tuesday, October 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Lower Level Community Area

Harry Bennett Branch
Thursday, October 19 from 6 to 7:00 p.m.

Knit & Needles Knitting Group
Monday, October 16 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Work on your own knitting and crocheting projects in the company of others. All levels welcome.

Social Justice Book Discussion
Monday, October 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch
 
Also available via Zoom
Solito by Javier Zamora

In this moving memoir, Zamora recounts his 3,000-mile solo journey from his small town in El Salvador through the Mexico-U.S. border when he was 9. Register and join the Zoom discussion here.

Please note: This discussion has been temporarily relocated from the Harry Bennett Branch for the month of October.

Read with Libby
Tuesday, October 17 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Also on: Wednesday, October 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use Libby, a free app available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices that allows you to borrow e-books, audiobooks and magazines from the library.

Bring your smartphone or tablet, and your library card.

Canasta Club
Wednesday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Come play this fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.

Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, October 19 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 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Classic Movie Matinee
Friday, October 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

The Invisible Man

A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane. Starring Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Henry Travers and William Harrigan. 1933. Not rated.

Friday Film Fest
Friday, October 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Ghostbusters

A group of unemployed parapsychologists go into business as professional ghost neutralizers. When New York City comes under attack from a host of supernatural demons, the Ghostbusters must step up and save the world. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver and Ernie Hudson. 1984. Rated PG

Silent Book Club
Saturday, October 21 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Read in the quiet company of others. Bring a book of your choosing. Option to join a brief discussion about what you’re reading.

FINANCES, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY

Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, October 17 from 12 to 3 p.m.
South End Branch

Free weekly tech help on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices with our experienced bilingual (English and Spanish) experts.

Introduction to ChatGPT
Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Also available via Zoom

Computer consultant Rich Malloy will demonstrate how ChatGPT works, why it's controversial and how it could change the way we use computers.

Registration required.

Make a Will for Free
Thursday, October 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Create your will for free in as little as 15 minutes. No prior experience or preparation necessary. Must be 18 or older and have an email address.

Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Just In Case Estates.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series via Zoom
Thursday, October 19 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Cybersecurity
Sergio Pedro, Cybersecurity Pro

Pedro is a 25-year cybersecurity professional who has direct experience with building and maintaining global organizations dedicated to mitigating corporate information risk for small and large businesses in a wide range of industries.

Registration required.

Please register before 12 p.m. on October 19. Zoom invitations will be sent by 1 p.m.

Intermediate Microsoft Excel
Saturday, October 21 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.

COMING SOON

Civility in America Series: General David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts
Sunday, October 22 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

General Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts will discuss their book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, a sweeping history of the evolution of warfare leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their book offers a penetrating analysis of what we must learn from the past to navigate an increasingly perilous world. The event will be moderated by Gerard Baker, Editor at Large, The Wall Street Journal. Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books. Also available via Zoom.

Registration required.

Presented in partnership with The Dilenschneider Group and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

An Evening with Allan Houston and Barry Woods
Tuesday, October 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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

Two-time NBA All-Star Allan Houston, author of The Fundamentals of Life: Life in 3D, and Barry Woods, author of Reasons Why Youth Don't Give a Damn Anymore!, will discuss their books on how to raise resilient kids who care about themselves, their futures and their communities.

Registration required

Friends of the Ferguson Library Pub Crawl
Wednesday, November 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building

The Friends annual Literary Pub Crawl returns to downtown Stamford for a convivial evening featuring roving visits to local bars and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the library's programs and services. Participants will meet at the Main Library and divide into groups to visit participating restaurants: Bar Rosso, Hudson Social, Towne Parlor and ZAZA Italian Gastrobar.

Tickets are $40 and $30 for Friends of the Ferguson Library members. Registration required.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Stamford NAACP Presents: 2023 Stamford Charter Revision Process Information Session
Monday, October 16 at 6 p.m.

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

A nonpartisan information session about the 2023 Stamford Charter Revision process and the ballot question being considered in the November 7 election.

ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY

Art at the Ferguson
Connecting Nature and People

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

The juried show, presented in partnership with the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists and explores the bonds that exist between nature and people. The exhibition continues through January 2024.

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 an 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 on a walk-in basis at the Main Library Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays 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.