October 2022
Message from the CEO
The rising number of challenges to books at public libraries across the country is gravely troubling. Intellectual freedom is the cornerstone of a democracy and it is essential that people have access to multiple viewpoints.
The American Library Association has noted an increase in the number of attempts to ban books at both public, academic, and school libraries. The targeted books were mainly by authors who were Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) or LGBTQ+ or the subject matter reflected those topics.
Here in Connecticut there have been several cases of censorship at libraries. In February 2022, the Connecticut Library Association recognized this growing problem and published a strong statement against censorship, which said in part, “We oppose the restriction, removal, banning, and censorship of books and other library materials that limit the freedom to read, speak, publish, or obstruct intellectual freedom.”
What can you do? Thank your librarians and teachers. They are on the front line defending intellectual freedom—your right to obtain information and read whatever you want. Read a challenged book! Talk to your local and national politicians. Let them know the importance of intellectual freedom and that you care about this fundamental issue.
Alice Knapp, CEO
Holiday Hours
The Main Library will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 10 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day.
Pub Crawl Returns Oct 12
Back by popular demand! The Friends of the Ferguson Library's annual Pub Crawl returns to downtown Stamford on Wednesday, October 12. Join us for an evening of fun, food and entertainment to benefit the library. Tickets are $40; $30 for Friends members.
Register.
Leading Expert on Racism to Visit the Library
Join us for a discussion on October 3 at 6 p.m. with Robert Livingston, a Harvard social psychologist and leading expert on the science underlying bias and racism in organizations. Dr. Livingston will discuss his book, The Conversation: How Seeking Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations.
The program is co-sponsored by the City of Stamford, Fairfield County's Community Foundation, 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.
Weed Branch to Open on Wednesdays
The Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch will now be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. beginning October 12. The branch will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Check our website for hours at all of our locations.
New West Side Branch Opens This Month
Our new West Side Branch at the Chester Addison Community Center opens October 11. The community center is operated by the Stamford Police Activities League, which will offer sports and other activities for kids. The library branch focuses on youth collections and will initially be open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Seeking TEDx Speakers
TEDx returns to the Ferguson Library February 25, 2023. We are accepting applications for speakers on the theme of Renewal. Apply here. The deadline is October 15. Talks from previous TEDxFergusonLibrary events can be viewed on our You Tube channel.
Let Us Help Your Book Club!
Need a suggestion for your book discussion group, or help locating copies? We're here 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 a 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.
Art at the Ferguson
Celebrating New Art: Work Created Since 2020
Our fall art exhibit, Celebrating New Art: Work Created Since 2020, launches October 20 at 6 p.m. with an opening reception at the Main Library. The juried show, curated by the Stamford Art Association, features works by local and regional artists. The exhibit will be on view through January 2023.
Pictured: See Through by Cecile Roberfroid
Volunteers Needed to Help English Language Learners
We're looking for a few good volunteers interested in helping English language learners develop their speaking skills in our weekly Let's Talk English Conversation Groups. No teaching experience required. We do ask that you are at least eighteen years old, friendly, reliable and positive. We also ask that you are able to commit to volunteering once at week for at least one semester.
Interested? Please contact Yelena Klompus at 203 351-8228 or email yklompus@fergusonlibrary.org.
We're Hiring
Spend your day at the library! We have a number of open positions for candidates who are committed to excellent customer service and want to make a difference in our community. We invite you to consider us as a place to begin or grow your career. Visit the employment page on our website to learn more.
Digital Library
Overdrive Magazines via the Libby App
Overdrive's Libby app has hundreds of popular magazines that you can download on your tablet or smartphone without holds or waiting time requirements. You can enjoy old favorites like Vogue, The New Yorker, The Economist, Newsweek and Bon Appetit, or find a new favorite by browsing the large selection of lifestyle, science, sports, history, business, health, technology and hobby magazines. The collection includes magazines in a variety of languages, as well as titles for kids and teens. To download the Libby App, visit Borrowing/Download & Stream/Read on our web site. When prompted, enter your library card number to start reading.
Friends of the Ferguson
Book Shop News
Looking for scary (or not-so-scary) reads for your favorite goblin? The Book Shop is highlighting Halloween this month, with a collection of spooky 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.
