Message from the CEO

Our staff has been working with architect Henry Myerberg from HMA2 and David Vinjamuri from ThirdWay Brand Trainers to produce a facilities master plan for the Ferguson Library system. To get input from other users we conducted a survey and held focus groups with library users. While much of the work was meant to determine long-term space and infrastructure requirements, we also gained insight into our community's needs, which will inform future programs and services.

A recurring theme that emerged was that many people want the library to be a place for socializing and building community. Whether this is a pizza and movie night for teens, yoga for seniors or networking for entrepreneurs, our users want a sense of belonging and a library that offers them connection with others.

We are looking forward to developing these new programs as we move forward with our master plan.

Alice Knapp, CEO

Daniel Silva July 19
Friends Author Series Event

There are still seats left to see bestselling author Daniel Silva, who will discuss his latest powerhouse thriller, The Collector, at the Main Library July 19 at 6:30 p.m. The conversation will be moderated by CNN Special Correspondent Jamie Gangel and includes a pre-event reception at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $45 for general admission and $35 for Friends members. General admission ticket includes a Friends membership through December 2023. All guests will receive a copy of The Collector, and Silva will sign books after the program. Register here.      

Pitney Bowes Supports the Library's New West Side Branch

Many thanks to the Pitney Bowes Foundation for a generous $35,000 grant to help provide services at the library’s new West Side Branch. The branch, which is housed at the Police Activities League (PAL) Center at 245 Selleck Street, brings library services to the west side of Stamford for the first time. The branch will offer public access computers as well as collections for children and adults, including research databases, literacy training, online skills building courses and more.

Find Your Voice This Summer

Keep the kids reading and learning this summer with our Summer Learning Club, Find Your Voice. We’re making it easy to read with lots of incentives and fun activities. Register online at fergusonlibrary.org or on the READsquared app from Apple Store or Google Play. Teens can register for their own Summer Learning Club, too. Get information here.

Find Your Voice is also the theme for our Adult Summer Reading Program. Pick up a Bingo card at the library and participate in our Adult Challenge with a chance to win special prizes. See all our summer programs.

Support the Library
Become a Sustaining Donor

Make a difference by becoming a Sustaining Donor to the library. Your recurring gift provides reliable funding to buy books and offer services like technology classes, job skills workshops and English language learning. No gift is too small. You can choose a monthly giving option when you make a secure donation on our website, or call 203 351-8208 for more information.

Changes on the Ferguson Library Board of Trustees

The Ferguson Library Board of Trustees welcomes Makeda Mays and Corey Paris as new trustees. Mays is a current citizen advisor. Paris is a Connecticut State Representative. They succeed Polly O’Brien Morrow and former Board Chair Stephanie O’Shea, whose terms have expired. Ms. O'Brien Morrow and Ms. O'Shea will join the board of the Ferguson Library Foundation.

Ellen Bromley (pictured), who has been secretary, will serve as chair. Michael Hyman continues as vice chair and Susana Vidan continues as treasurer. RJ Mercede will serve as board secretary. 

CT STEM Kids Club Supports the Library

A big thank you to the CT STEM Kids Club for their generous donation of $7,225. The club supports youth development in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The older students tutor the younger ones, and for the past several years have donated their earnings to the library.

Digital Library: Pronunciator

Hoping to learn a new language or acquire conversation skills for a trip? The Library’s Pronunciator database can be used on any computer or mobile device and will have you speaking another language in no time. Offering lessons in 163 different languages, Pronunciator is the world’s largest resource for language learning and includes a comprehensive selection of ESL courses as well as content for kids, American Sign Language, and even Latin. Visit fergusonlibrary.org/resources/pronunciator to get started.

Find Out How to Read Online

Learn to use the free PressReader app to read newspapers and magazines in all categories from around the world. The Harry Bennett Branch is holding weekly workshops on PressReader, which is available for Android and IOS (iPhone/iPad) devices. If you are new to digital reading this is a great way to get started. The app is perfect for news junkies interested in the latest headlines, trends, gossip and more. 

Upcoming digital resources workshops will cover Pronunciator in August, Kanopy in September and Hoopla in October. Bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and your library card. For more information on the workshops, visit our calendar.

Friends of the Ferguson Library
Book Shop News
Donate your gently used books at the Harry Bennett Branch Book Shop Saturday, July 1 from 12 to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome any time at the Main Library Book Shop. And be sure to visit both locations this month for great beach and summer reading selections.  All books are donated by the community and proceeds support the library.

Passport Services

Appointments at the Main Library take precedence and are recommended. For more information or to make an appointment, visit our Passport page or call 203 351-8298.

Main Library Passport hours:

Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Passport hours:

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(WALK-IN ONLY at Harry Bennett)