FEATURED PROGRAM

World Refugee Day Panel Discussion:

Fleeing War and Persecution

Thursday, June 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Representatives from local nonprofits will discuss the work being done in our region to assist refugees fleeing war and persecution. Moderated by Ellen Messali, chair of the Pro-Bono Committee for Connecticut AILA and a staff attorney for New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc.

Panelists include: Don Strait, Deputy Director, Immigration Legal Services at Building One Community; Melanie Zamenhof, Esq., Director of Refugee Resettlement and Legal Services at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich; and Lisa Sandstrom, Program Manager, Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers. Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with Building One Community, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers and the Mayor's Multicultural Council.

SUMMER READING CLUB

Adult Summer Reading Club

Find Your Entrepreneurial Voice

Tuesday, June 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

First Floor New Materials Room

Networking opportunity followed by a panel discussion with local small business owners who will talk about the library's Entrepreneur-in-Residence program and offer advice for turning a business into a reality. Q & A to follow. Registration required.

PROGRAMS

Happening Today!

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.

Happening Today!

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.

Happening Today!

Make a Custom Button

Saturday, June 17 from 2 to 3:00 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Lower Level Makerspace

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

Happening Today!

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. Refreshments served.

Knit & Needles Knitting Group

Monday, June 19 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

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

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation

Tuesday, June 20 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.

Canasta Club

Wednesday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

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

Ballroom Dance Workshop

Wednesday, June 21 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. Second session of four-part series. Attendance required at all sessions. Registration required.

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, June 22 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.

Start Reading with Libby

Thursday, June 22 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.

Classic Movie Matinee

Friday, June 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

To Catch a Thief

A retired jewel thief sets out to prove his innocence after being suspected of returning to his criminal ways on the French Riviera. Starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly and Jessie Royce Landis. Rated PG.

Friday Film Fest

Friday, June 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Bullet Train

Five assassins aboard a fast-moving train discover their missions bear a striking resemblance, forcing them to come together to find out why. Starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry and Andrew Koji. Rated R.

BUSINESS, CAREERS & TECHNOLOGY

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, June 20 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.

Job Search Workshop

Thursday, June 22 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Determine what type of job you would like, identify the best job sites for a targeted search and learn how to avoid job scams. Teens and adults. Registration required.

Presented in Partnership with Goodwill Career Center.

Make a Will for Free

Thursday, June 22 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Second Floor Study Room

Create your own will in as little as 15 minutes. No prior experience necessary. Must be a U.S. citizen, 18 or older and have an email address. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Just in Case Estates.

UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS

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.

An Evening with Ann Napolitano

Thursday, July 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The New York Times bestselling author will discuss her latest novel, Hello Beautiful, an homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women. Face masks required. Registration required.

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

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.

Pictured: Scene from the Met Steps by Susan Hirsch

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.