Ferguson Library News - September 24, 2023

Featured Program

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Memorial Lecture

with The Honorable Richard A. Robinson,

Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court

Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Chief Justice Robinson will discuss implicit bias in this interactive lecture, Practicing the Pause. Honoring the late Dudley N. Williams, Jr., community leader and former library board chair. A question and answer session will follow. Teens and adults. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Stamford NAACP.

Author Events

Author Talk: Deborah DiSesa Hirsch

Wednesday, September 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

The local author will discuss her book, Counterfeit Mother, which explores her difficult decision to use a donor to become a first-time mother at 47. The author reflects on the emotional journey of acceptance that followed her son's birth. Registration required.

A Conversation with Michael Harriot

Wednesday, September 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

The award-winning journalist, author and cultural critic will discuss his latest book, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. Alvin Hall, financial educator, broadcaster and author of Driving the Green Book, will moderate this virtual conversation.

Registration required.

A Conversation with Kevin Powell

Thursday, September 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Writer, activist, and television personality Kevin Powell will discuss his book The Kevin Powell Reader, an electric and inspiring selection from Powell's life's work.

Makeda Mays Green, Senior Vice President of Cultural and Digital Insights at Nickelodeon, will moderate the conversation. Registration required.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Programs

Crisol Acquarela and Grupo Quetzal Celebration

Sunday, September 24 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

A bilingual celebration highlighting the social, economic and cultural contributions of Latinas to the Stamford community as well as performances that represent different Latin American artistic and folkloric traditions. All ages. Registration required.

Presented in partnership with Crisol Acuarela Arte y Cultura and Grupo Quetzal.

An Evening with Juan David Corrales

Friday, September 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

South End Branch

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month during a performance by pianist and soloist Juan David Corrales.

Zully Ramos and The OGs

Sunday, October 1 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Enjoy the music of this tri-state area band, which will perform a set featuring Latin jazz classics, pop and rock hits to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Registration appreciated.

Presented in partnership with the Mayor's Multicultural Council.

Mental Health & Wellness Series

The following programs are presented in partnership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine.

Happening Today!

Zumba Dance Party

Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Dance your way to fitness with instructor Pamela Arenas. No excuses! Registration required.

Also on: Saturday, September 30 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Same location: Registration required.

Community Mindfulness Project: Meditation

Tuesday, September 26 from 12 to 1 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

A brief discussion about meditation practice followed by a guided meditation with a chance to share and reflect. Please arrive five minutes early.

Lunchtime Yoga

Wednesday, September 27 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Yoga instructor Ngan Nguyen will lead a class in the Hatha style. Please bring a mat and water. Registration required.

Family Program

Open Game Night

Monday, September 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center

Play a game from the library's collection or bring your own. All ages.

Programs

South End Branch African and African American Authors

Book Discussion

Monday, September 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. via Zoom

The First Male by Lee Hayes

Simon Cassel always had extraordinary abilities, but as his twenty-first birthday approaches, he can no longer ignore the supernatural changes that have turned his world upside down. Join the virtual discussion here.

English Language Learners

Let's Talk: Conversation Groups

Conversation groups for English language learners. Registration not required. New students welcome.

Fall Sessions via Zoom

Tuesday, September 26

New students: from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

High beginner: from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.

Low intermediate: from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Advanced: from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, September 27

High intermediate: from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Beginner: from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Evening Sessions: In Person

Practice your communication skills in a group setting at the Main Library and Harry Bennett Branch.

Tuesday, September 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Lower Level Community Area

Harry Bennett Branch

Thursday, September 27 from 6 to 7:00 p.m.

Canasta Club

Wednesday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Come play this fun mix of bridge and rummy. All levels welcome.

Watch with Kanopy

Wednesday, September 27 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Learn how to use Kanopy, a free, on-demand streaming video platform for libraries that offers movies, TV shows and documentaries. Bring your smartphone or tablet and library card.

Short Story Book Discussion

Wednesday, September 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Also available via Zoom

Harry Bennett Branch

If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi by Neel Patel

Patel’s collection features predominately first-generation Indian American characters in stories that give voice to deeply held stereotypes the author undermines. Option to join the virtual discussion here.

Ballroom Dance Workshop

Wednesday, September 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Third session in a four-part series with professional ballroom instructor Simone Assboeck who will teach the basics of the salsa and the hustle. Singles welcome; partners will be rotated. No prior dance experience required. Attendance required for all four sessions. Registration required.

Mah-Jongg Club

Thursday, September 28 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 week of the month.

Dungeons & Dragons

Thursday, September 28 from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Lower Level Community Area

Join an imaginary band of heroes who brave dangerous situations with swords, spells and wits. Beginners welcome. Ages 18 and older. Registration required.

Lawyers in Libraries

Thursday, September 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Second Floor Study Room

Meet with a volunteer attorney for 20 minutes. Please bring any relevant paperwork regarding your case. To book a required appointment, call 203 351-8221.

Generously supported by the Connecticut Bar Association.

Classic Movie Matinee

Friday, September 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Rebel Without a Cause

An emotionally confused teenager struggles to fit in with his new high school friends and serious trouble ensues. Starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus and Ann Doran. Rated PG-13.

Friday Flicks

Friday, September 29 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch

Remember the Titans

The true story of an African-American football coach who tries to promote racial harmony among the players of a newly integrated high school squad in early 1970s Virginia. Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst.

Rated PG.

Business, Career & Technology

Tech Tips for Older Adults

Tuesday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

South End Branch

Free weekly tech help on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices with our experienced bilingual (English and Spanish) experts.

TechXel Stamford Accelerator Series via Zoom

Thursday, September 28 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Positions & Strategic Marketing

with Brenda Lewis,

Principal, Transactions Marketing, Inc.

Lewis has 40 years of experience in positioning and strategic marketing for tech ventures as principal of Transactions Marketing, Inc. (TMI). TMI manages the launch and funding of enterprise mission-critical software, systems and services and has launched 24 ventures in IT security, telecommunications, information, fintech and locations services markets. Registration required.

Please register before 12 p.m. on September 28. Zoom invitations will be sent by 1 p.m.

Coming Soon

A Conversation with Jacques Pépin

Thursday, October 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

The Friends of the Ferguson Library's Author Series welcome the French culinary master back to the library for a conversation about his latest book, Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking. Fellow award-winning chef Michel Nischan will moderate the conversation.

Reception at 6 p.m.; program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50 for general admission, $40 for Friends members. Advance registration required here.

General admission ticket includes a Friends membership through December 2023.

All guests will receive a copy of Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking.

Ongoing At The Library

Community Diaper Drive

Main Library, DiMattia Building

First Floor Lobby

The library is one of three drop-off spots for a community diaper drive organized by Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and the nonprofit Mothers for Others. Donate unopened packages of diapers of all sizes during library hours through September 30.

Diapers may also be donated at the Government Center and Stamford Police Department.

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 amarrocolla@fergusonlibrary.org.

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 an appointment.

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 at the Library

Notary services are available on a walk-in basis at the Main Library Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays by appointment only. The notary desk at the Main Library is located in the lower level.

Notary services are available at the Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander branches by appointment only. Call 203 351-8290.

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.