Happening Today!

Film Screening: The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez

Saturday, October 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Starring and produced by Edward James Olmos, the film tells the story of a Mexican-American farmer accused of murdering a Texas lawman in 1901. The film chronicles his flight and eventual capture after two weeks evading a posse.

Poetry Recital: La Voz de Hermandad

Sunday, October 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Poetry reading by La Tertulia de Stamford featuring Latin American verses celebrating the diverse and abundant perspectives that make up Hispanidad culture and language.

This program will be presented entirely in Spanish.

Programs

Happening Today!

Centennial Celebration: Haitian Writer Jacques Stephen Alexis

Saturday, October 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

South End Branch

Commemoration of the life of Haitian novelist, poet and activist Jacques Stephen Alexis, featuring a screening of Mort sans sepulture, a documentary by Arnold Antonin. The event will also include a presentation by Dr. Frantz-Antoine Leconte, author of A la recontre de Jacques Stephen Alexis.

Co-sponsored by Friends of the Ferguson Library and Heart & Purpose.

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups via Zoom

Tuesday, October 18

New students welcome for English-language conversation groups.

New Students: Noon

Basic: 12:30 p.m.

Low Intermediate: 2:30 p.m.

Advanced: 5: 30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 19

High Intermediate: 10 a.m.

Beginner: 3 p.m.

Easy English for Beginners: Side by Side (Part 2)

Monday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Thursday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn language and life skills through reading, speaking and writing during this six-week interactive English course based on the Easy English TV program by Steven Molinsky and Bill Bliss. Registration Required.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, October 18 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.

Community Mindfulness Project Meditation

Tuesday, October 18 at Noon

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.

An Evening with Bobby Valentine

Tuesday, October 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Stamford native and baseball legend Bobby Valentine discusses all things baseball. Moderated by fellow Stamford native Andy McAleer, co-editor of Valentine's memoir Valentine's Way.

Registration Required.

Mah-Jongg Club

Wednesday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Our Mah-Jongg Club is open to beginners, intermediate and experienced players.

Come out to play this game of strategy with us.

Civility in America Series: Alan Murray, CEO of Fortune Media

Wednesday, October 19 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Fortune Media CEO Alan Murray will deliver his talk Getting Capitalism Back on Track and discuss his new book Tomorrow's Capitalist: My Search for the Soul of Business.

Registration Required. This lecture will also be available via Zoom.

Sponsored by The Dilenschneider Group, the Ferguson Library and Hearst Media Services, Connecticut.

Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint

Thursday, October 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Learn how transitions and animations make your presentations pop.

Registration Required.

FAFSA Assistance

Thursday, October 20 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Sign up for one-on-one help filling out the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive grants and/or loans for college. To book a required 30-minute appointment call 203 351-8221.

Presented in partnership with the CONNTAC Educational Opportunity Organization.

Art at the Ferguson

Celebrating New Art: Work Created Since 2020

Opening Reception

Thursday, October 20 at 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Opening reception for our fall exhibit, Celebrating New Art: Work Created Since 2020. The juried show, curated by the Stamford Art Association, features work by local and regional artists. The exhibit will be on view through January 19, 2023.

Pictured: See Through by Cecile Roberfroid.

Fun with Line Dancing

Friday, October 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

South End Branch

Bring your friends and learn some popular line dancing moves. No dance experience required.

All About Audiobooks with Peter Lerman

Saturday, October 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Lower Level Makerspace

Learn how audiobooks are made and sold, who listens to them and why from Peter Lerman, a professional audiobook narrator and producer.

Registration Required.

Business & Career Development

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series Venture Expert Talks

Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom

Positioning & Marketing: Guilia Gambale, Founder, She So Social

Co-Founder, Agents of Branding

Registration Required.

Coming Soon!

Friends of the Ferguson Library Author Series: An Evening with Fiona Davis

Thursday, November 10 at 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Join the Friends of the Ferguson Library for an evening with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Fiona Davis.

The author's popular novels are well-known for exploring the storied histories of iconic New York City landmarks. Davis will be discussing her most recent novel, The Magnolia Place, set in The Frick, the mansion of the late industrialist Henry Clay Frick.

The presentation will be followed with a book signing hosted by Elm Street Books.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for Friends members.

Friends of the Ferguson Library Author Series: Royal Biographer Andrew Morton, Author of The Queen

Tuesday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Wear your best royal attire to meet biographer Andrew Morton, who will discuss his latest book, The Queen, which takes an in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch and explores the influence the late Queen Elizabeth II had on Britain and the rest of the world. A book signing hosted by Elm Street books will follow.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration required

Ongoing at the Library

Volunteers Wanted to Help English Language Learners

The Ferguson Library is currently looking for enthusiastic, sensitive volunteers interested in helping English language learners develop their speaking skills in our weekly, virtual classes.

We are looking for volunteers with the following qualities and availability

-At least 18 years old.

-Tact, sensitivity and respect for people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

-Weekly availability for several consecutive months (or the equivalent of a college semester).

No prior teaching experience required.

Interested? Contact Yelena Klompus, ELL, Citizenship & Cultural Programs Manager at [email protected] or call her at 203 351-8228 to set up a an interview.

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].

2022 Reading Challenge

Sign up for our 2022 Reading Challenge.

This challenge is for both fast and slow readers. Whether you read a book a week or one every month—e-books and audiobooks count—there will be a prize drawing for those who finish reading 12 books from the list and another drawing for those who finish 52 books. The challenge ends December 2022.

Digital Navigators  

Need help accessing health or banking information online? Want to get up to speed on Google tools or help your children succeed in school? 

Our Digital Navigators can help you with all this and more, and even set you up with a digital device if you need one. Don’t be left behind in a digital world.

Appointments are required, and are available in English, Spanish, Arabic and Haitian-Creole. Call 203 351-8251 to book a time at the Main Library or the South End Branch.

This project is made possible with an IMLS grant awarded through the CT State Library

BOOK SHOP NEWS

Annual Friends Book Bag Sale

Friday, November 4 from 10 to 4 p.m.

Saturday November 5 from 10 to 3 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Buy a big yellow bag for $10 and fill it with your choice of books, CDs and DVDs to benefit the library. This year's annual book sale will include adult and children's books, fiction and non-fiction and more. Proceeds benefit the library's programs and services.

Looking for scary or not-so-scary reads for your favorite goblin? The Book Shop is highlighting Halloween this month, with a collection of adult and children's titles. They also have a selection of books celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Stop in and browse at the Main Library or Harry Bennett shops. All books are donated and proceeds support the library.

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

Returning in November

Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Our notary public is available to notarize your paperwork for free. By appointment only. For information or to make an appointment, call 203 351-8292.

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.

COMMUNITY GOINGS ON

MarcUs for Change 5K Walk & Run

Sunday, October 23 Kick Off at 9 a.m.

Mill River Park, Stamford

Join the Stamford Public Education Foundation in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MarcUS for Change 5 K Walk & Run. Students, educators, parents and community members will run or walk to celebrate the life and memory of Marcus Dixon McInerney, a Stamford High School graduate who overcame many life challenges to attend West Point Academy before his death in 2012.

Afterward, join the fun at SPEF's Fall Fest, featuring interactive, hands-on activities for kids, the Ferguson Library's Bookmobile, SPEF's Books Across Stamford books giveaway, fall treats and more.

To register for the walk/run visit www.spefct.org/5k.

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

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

South End Branch

Monday through Thursday 10 – 5:30

Saturday 10 – 2

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday 12 - 7 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.