Programs

Happening Today!

Meet Diane Cohen Schneider

Author of Andrea Hoffman Goes All In

Saturday, September 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Join local author Diane Cohen Schneider for a reading from her new novel, about a recent college graduate who lands a job in the heady finance world of the early-1980s Chicago. Book sale and signing.

It Happened Here: Opening Reception

Sunday, September 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, Dudley N. Williams Jr. Auditorium

An exhibition featuring images from the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County's archives that reflects on noteworthy Jewish citizens of the region. On view through October 2.

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County and partially funded by a grant from the Stamford Arts & Culture Commission.

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, September 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.

Community Mindfulness Project Meditation

Tuesday, September 20 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.

iPhone Photography: Use Your Camera to its Full Potential

Wednesday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

A two-part course covering camera features, settings and tricks on how to make photos stand out. Suitable for all iPhone models and photography skill levels. Bring a fully-charged iPhone and note-taking materials.

This class is a pre-requisite for a our September 28 session. Registration required.

Civility in America Series: Reflections on Inequality

Featuring Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm

Wednesday, September 21 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Main Library, Dudley N. Williams Jr. Auditorium

Former Senator Phil Gramm will talk about his new book, The Myth of American Inequality: How Government Biases Policy Debate, co-written with economist Robert Ekelund and John Early.

Registration required to attend in person. Program also available via Zoom.

Sponsored by The Dilenscheider Group, the Ferguson Library and Hearst Media Group in Connecticut.

Intermediate Microsoft Word

Thursday, September 22 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to add images and tables to documents, use styles to format a document and edit the header and footer. Must be familiar with Windows and be able to use a mouse and keyboard. Basic experience with MS Word necessary.

Face masks will be required during entire class. Registration Required.

Black In Color: A Celebration of Black Art and Gospel Music

Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mill River Park, Washington Boulevard and Broad Street

A community mural project, kids activities, live music and more for the whole family.

A partnership with the Cultured Pearl Foundation.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration

Saturday, September 24 from noon to 2 p.m.

South End Branch

A special gathering for all ages that explores the theme Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. This event will feature a mural project led by artist Rene Soto, a Latino cuisine tasting and a musical performance by pianist and singer Juan David Corrales. Check out our calendar at fergusonlibrary.org for a full schedule of upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month themed events.

Introduction to Web Building, HTML and CSS

Saturday, September 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Learn how to build a website using HTML to add text, images and links as well as using CSS to modify the format and design of the website. No experience with HTML or CSS necessary.

Registration required.

Old Folkies Acoustic Singalong

Saturday, September 24 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

An outdoor afternoon of toe-tapping with our own Dr. Ev, who will take requests. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Weather permitting.

English Language Learners

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Fall Sessions Via Zoom

Tuesday, September 20

New Students: Noon

Basic: 12:30 p.m.

Low Intermediate: 2:30 p.m.

Advanced: 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 21

High Intermediate: 10 a.m.

Beginner: 3 p.m.

Registration not required. New students welcome. Meeting information.

Business & Career Development

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series

Venture Expert Talks

Thursday September 22 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. via Zoom: Business Formation & Contracts

Russell Anderson, Esq., Pullman & Comley, LLC.

Russell Anderson has significant experience advising clients in the software, e-commerce, marketing, market research, healthcare and biotechnology industries.

Registration Required.

Coming Soon!

An Afternoon of Jazz Featuring Joe Corsello

With Gene Bertoncini, Mike Manieri and Josh Markum

Sunday, September 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams Jr., Auditorium

Join legendary Stamford resident and drummer extraordinaire Joe Corsello as he performs with a group of his fellow standout jazz musician

He will be joined by Bertoncini on guitar, Mainairi on vibraphone and Markum on bass, each acclaimed, cutting-edge jazz performers in their own right. Register.

Generously sponsored by the Italian Center.

A Conversation with Dr. Robert Livingston

Monday, October 3 at 6 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Join us for a discussion with Robert Livingston, a Harvard social psychologist and leading expert on the science of underlying bias and racism in organizations. Dr. Livingston will discuss his book, The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations.

The program is co-sponsored by the City of Stamford, Fairfield County's Community Foundation, and the Ferguson Library, along with the Mayor's Multicultural Council, 100 Black Men, Domus Equity Institute, Stamford Community, Stamford Cradle to Career, Stamford Public Education Foundation and Stamford Stands Against Racism. Register.

Friends of the Ferguson Library Pub Crawl

Wednesday, Oct. 12 6:15 to 10 p.m.

Main Library, Outdoor Plaza

Back by popular demand! The Friends of the Ferguson Library's annual Literary Pub Crawl returns to downtown Stamford for a convivial evening featuring roving visits to local bars and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the library's programs and services.

Participants will meet in the library's lobby and divide into groups to visit two of four participating restaurants—Bar Rosso, Hudson Social, Towne Parlor and ZAZA Italian Gastrobar. Each location will offer entertainment or literary bingo and happy hour pricing for drinks and appetizers. Dessert on the house and additional entertainment will follow at the library.

Tickets are $40; $30 for Friends members. Register.

Art at the Ferguson

Main Library Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The Art of Community exhibit continues through September. In partnership with the Stamford Art Association and Stamford Pride.

Book It for the Ferguson Library

Any Place, Any Time During September

The Friends of the Ferguson Library are excited to present Book It for the Ferguson Library, a virtual 5K fun run/walk event throughout the month of September. Register online to support the library, its programs and services. Form a team or walk/run as an individual. Share your 5K on social media using the hashtags #FergusonLibrary or #BookitforFergusonLibrary.

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

The Harry Bennett Branch Book Shop has reopened!

Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Support the library's programs and services with the purchase of quality gently-used books at Stamford's only independent book store, operated by the Friends of The Ferguson 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

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.