All library facilities will be closed Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday.

Message from the CEO
    
I am always amazed by the generosity of the Stamford community. The CT STEM Kids Club is an outstanding example of big-hearted local giving. This club supports youth development in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and for the last several years I have had the honor of being invited to their annual awards ceremony. A whole curriculum has been developed by parents and community members to create a learning environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. The older students teach and tutor the younger ones, then donate their earnings to the Ferguson Library. I am humbled by the amount they give each year, and overwhelmed by the students’ enthusiasm and support for one another. It truly is one of my favorite events!

Alice Knapp, CEO

Support for Summer Sundays      

Many thanks to Pitney Bowes for a generous $35,000 grant to underwrite Sunday hours this summer at the Main Library. Sundays are one of our busiest and most important days of the week and we are grateful for the support. If you are interested in helping us provide Sunday service, please contact Linda Avellar at 203 351-8208 or [email protected].

Harry Bennett Branch Gets an Upgrade  

Work is underway at the Harry Bennett Branch to soundproof the auditorium, which will allow us to show films and hold more programs at the branch. We’re also updating our circulation desk with a modern check-out counter to better serve you.

You might have noticed a new fountain outside the front entrance. That was generously donated by Gary Gepner in honor of his late wife, Susan Baldwin, who was the longtime Harry Bennett Branch Supervisor.

Summer Learning for Kids and Teens Read Beyond the Beaten Path

Our Kids and Teen Summer Learning Clubs are in full swing. Keeping kids learning over the school break is critical to their success. Kids and teens can register online at fergusonlibrary.org, or on the Readsquared app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Or sign up at any library location. Get a free water bottle for signing up!

New Service Consolidates E-book and Audiobook Collections in One App  

Now you can find e-books and audiobooks all in one place. The Palace Project lets you search, browse and check out items in the Ferguson Library’s collection in just a few taps. No searching through different platforms.

Just download the Palace Project App from your device and search for Ferguson Library. You’ll be able to start browsing our e-book and audiobook collections right away. The Palace Project also includes books from the Connecticut State Library’s collection, so you have lots to choose from.

Ferguson Launches New Screen/Play Writing Workshop

The Ferguson Library is hosting a free workshop for actors and writers interested in polishing their script writing skills. The group will meet for nine Saturday sessions beginning September 15, then stage a public reading.

Please submit a sample of your work, three pages maximum, in proper final draft format. Actors can send a resume of their experience (previous experience necessary). Send submissions or questions to [email protected]. Submission deadline is August 1.

Digital Library

Whether you are a student or teacher of modern languages, you must add Pronunciator to your arsenal of resources. It is a free comprehensive language learning software that supports learning of 164 languages and ESL lessons for speakers of 146 different languages.

Offerings include films with integrated drills and quizzes, music with lyrics and city tours. Check out Course Designer, a service that allows educators to easily create language courses, and Bluebird, a collection of 12 million downloadable audio lessons.

You can find this resource under Research & Learn/A to Z Resources on our website. Once you are in the site, enter your library card number to begin.

Friends of the Ferguson Library

Book Shop News

Need a book for the beach? The Friends Book Shop has a great selection of summer reads, perfect for lazing away a hot afternoon. Stop by and browse.

Note: The Harry Bennett Branch Book Shop will be closed through the end of the month while construction is underway. All donations should be brought to the Main Library. Please visit the Main Library Book Shop or shop online at StamfordFriendsBookshop.org  

The Art of Community

Our summer art exhibit, The Art of Community, continues through the end of September at the Main Library. Co-sponsored by the Stamford Art Association, in partnership with the Ferguson Library and Stamford Pride.

Above: The World Around Me by Rujuta Paradkar