HOLIDAY HOURS

The library will be closed Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4 for the Labor Day holiday.

MakeFest 2023
Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building

The library's annual celebration of makers and creators features programs for families, teens and adults. Join us for the daylong series of events below.

STEM Storytime
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Stories that introduce science, technology, engineering and math. After the stories, take a selfie with our throwback instant camera. Ages 4 and older, with families.
 
Registration appreciated.

Make a Custom Button
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
First Floor Lobby

Make a statement with a custom button that expresses your personal sense of style. Create your own design or choose from materials provided by the library. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Retro Video Gaming
11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Lower Level Makerspace

Play retro games like Donkey Kong, Tetris, Pac-Man, Missile Command and more. Teens and adults.

Unleash Your Creativity
12 to 1 p.m.
Third Floor Technology Center

Artist, writer, coach and TEDx speaker Alfonsina Betancourt will share new strategies on how to unleash your creativity. Teens and adults.

Give Ballroom a Whirl
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Lessons with professional ballroom instructor Simone Assboeck that will get you on the dance floor in no time. 45-minute sessions begin at 12:30, 1:15 & 2 p.m. Individuals and couples welcome. Teens and adults.

Drop-In STEM Craft
2 to 4 p.m.
First Floor New Materials Room

Join the maker movement by making a STEM craft with us. Ages 4 and older with families.

Role-Playing Tabletop Game
2 to 4 p.m.
Lower Level Community Room

Bring your imagination and join a band of fantastical heroes who brave dangerous situations. Ages 18 and older. Registration required.

Documentary Screening: Handmade Nation
2 to 4 p.m.
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

This documentary explores the world of modern crafting where people turn from the digital world to make things by hand, forging a new economy and lifestyle. Teens and adults.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SERIES

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

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation
Tuesday, September 5 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.
    
Lunchtime Yoga
Wednesday, September 6 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.

Ballroom Dance Workshop
Wednesday, September 6 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 lead the first session of a four-part workshop covering the basic steps of the salsa and hustle. Singles welcome; partners will be rotated. Attendance required for all four sessions. Registration required.

Zumba Dance Party
Saturday, September 9 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.

PROGRAMS
    
Happening Today!

Ferguson Library Passport Services
25th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

We're celebrating 25 years of offering passport services to the community. Join us for refreshments, music and prizes for anyone who submits a passport application during the event.

Happening Today!

Book Donation Day
Saturday, September 2 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Support the library by bringing your gently used books to the Friends Book Shop.
    
Canasta Club
Wednesday, September 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Come play this fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.
    
Watch with Kanopy
Wednesday, September 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use Kanopy, a free, on-demand streaming video platform for libraries that offers movies, TV shows and documentaries. Bring your smartphone or tablet, and your library card
    
Mah-Jongg Club
Thursday, September 7 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 this week.
Death Cafe
Thursday, September 7 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 conversation here.

Note: Death Cafe is not grief support or counseling.

Friends Book Shop Sale
Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Outdoor Plaza

The book shop is holding its signature sidewalk sale as part of Arts & Crafts on Bedford. Shop for books, media, crafts and games for the whole family. Proceeds benefit the library's programs and services.

Silent Book Club
Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Read the book of your choice in the quiet company of others. You can briefly share your thoughts about what you're reading or quietly listen.
    
Super Smash Bros. Tournament
Saturday, September 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Harry Bennett Branch

Choose your character and try to outlast your friends during the library’s first Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game tournament. Prizes will be awarded; controllers provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required.

BUSINESS, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY
    
Tech Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, September 5 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.

Basic Microsoft Word
Thursday, September 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to navigate Microsoft Word to create and save a document and format text. Registration required.

Open Lab: Resume Assistance
Thursday, September 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Third Floor Technology Center

Job seekers are invited to use our technology lab for one-on-one help creating, formatting and proofreading a resume. Bring a written or digital copy of your resume. Teens and adults. Registration appreciated.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series via Zoom
Thursday, September 7 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Leadership & Team Building
David Lyons, Principle, Den Corporate Advisors

The fall session begins with Lyons, who has provided business advisory services to public and private companies, assisting them achieving growth, market share, profitability and shareholder value. Registration required here.

Please register before 12 p.m. September 7. Zoom invitations will be sent by 1 p.m.

COMING SOON
    
Friends Author Series:
An Evening with Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee
Tuesday, September 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Meet Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, who will discuss his latest book, The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human.

The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Siobhan Dolan, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stamford Health.

Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books. Light refreshments will be served.
Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35 for general admission, $25 for Friends members. General admission ticket includes a Friends membership through December 2023. All guests will receive a copy of The Song of the Cell. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Stamford Health.

A Conversation with Barbara Butcher,
Former Chief of Staff of the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Tuesday, September 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Butcher will discuss her book What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator. The conversation with be moderated by Michelle Clark, Medicolegal Death Investigator for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Connecticut. Book sale and signing by Elm Street Books.

Registration required.
    
New! Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Book Discussion
Thursday, September 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

This new virtual book discussion series begins with Leckie's 2013 novel featuring the story of Breq, the vengeance-seeking survivor of a starship destroyed by treachery. Join the discussion here.

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.

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 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.