From the President’s DeskThis month our staff recommends several books to helpyou On a Path to Happiness in the New Year. In additionto books, we offer programs to help you along that pathas well, including mindfulness and meditation sessions,led by the Community Mindfulness Project, a chance todrop in and create at our makerspaces, and coloring foradults. If advocating for change is your way to achievenirvana, stop by the Community Catalyst Conversationon January 11 to hear local advocates share their stories. Our Civility Seriesmay lead to happiness too, so don’t miss ESPN pioneer George Bodenheimeron January 17. Finally, for adults, we are offering a new Winter Reading Club.Please check our calendar so that you can map out your path to happinesshere at the Library. – Alice Knapp, President

Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest We’re celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday with a poster contestand birthday party Saturday, January 14 at 1 p.m. at the South End Branch.You can make your poster at home or at the Library that day. Posters shouldbe about Dr. King or the Civil Rights Movement. Winners will be announcedMonday, January 16. For ages 6 to 12.

Art at The Ferguson Join us for a wine and cheese reception as we launchour winter exhibit, Inspirations, Thursday, January 26 at 6 p.m. in The Ferguson’s Third Floor AuditoriumGallery. The juried show, which is curated by the Stamford Art Association, will run through May.

Adult Winter Reading Guild NEW!! Beat the winter blues. We invite you to join our new Adult WinterReading Guild. For every book you read, you get a raffle ticket. The more youread, the better your chances of winning! We’ll celebrate at a finale concertwhere the raffle winner will be chosen. Club runs January 16 – March 20. Register at fergusonlibrary.org.

The Heart of the Community

Focus on Ferguson

Linda Avellar, EditorBarbara Aronica-Buck, DesignerBarbara Thomas, Communication AssistantCathy Sacks, Editorial Assistant

The Ferguson Library Board of Trustees

Ellen Bromley, ChairSteven M. Frederick, Vice-ChairThomas Cassone, TreasurerDudley N. Williams, SecretaryWilliam S. Callion, Jr.Anderson Livingston Moira LyonsEdward H. Schuster

Ex OfficioAlice KnappPresident

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingOne Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.mSunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Harry Bennett Branch115 Vine Road 06905203 351-8291Monday & Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.Thursday 1 to 6 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South End Branch34 Woodland Avenue 06902203 351-8280Tuesday & Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Thursday 12 to 7 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch1143 Hope Street 06907, 203 351-8285Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BookmobileTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Friends Book Shops at The Ferguson LibraryMain Library and Harry Bennett BranchOpen during Library hours

The Passport Offices in the LibraryFor information call 203 964-1000MAIN LIBRARYMonday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 HARRY BENNETT BRANCHSaturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Focus on FergusonTHE FERGUSON LIBRARYphone 203 964-1000 • fax 203 357-9098www.fergusonlibrary.org • email: comments@fergusonlibrary.orgJANUARY 2017

Friends Author Series: DOUGLAS PRESTON, Author of The Lost City of the Monkey God:A True Story

Don’t miss #1 New York Timesbestselling author DouglasPreston Thursday, January 19.His book, The Lost City of theMonkey God, takes readers onan adventure deep into theHonduran jungle in a riveting,danger-filled narrative about

the discovery of an ancient lost civilization. Tick-ets are $15 and include a wine and appetizerreception. Book sale and signing. Register online.

Literary Competition is OpenEntries are now being accepted for the 32ndannual Stamford Literary Competition. The con-test is open to students in grades 3 – 12. Entryforms are available at the Main Library andbranches, through the Stamford schools and onthe Friends program page of the Library’s website.Entries are due February 10.

Book Shop NewsStart the New Year off right with 50% off diet,health and nutrition titles. We’re also planning acollectible sale in late January. All Book Shop pro-ceeds support the Library. The shops at the MainLibrary and Harry Bennett Branch are open duringlibrary hours.

Friends of The Ferguson Library

Please remember us in your planned giving. For information please call Linda Avellar at 203 351-8208 or linda@fergusonlibrary.org

Staff Recommends: On a Path to Happiness in the New Year

The Art of Money: A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness

by Bari Tessler

Joy on Demand: The Art of Discovering the Happiness Within

by Chade-Meng Tan

Startup Your Life: Hustle and Hack Your Way to Happiness

by Anna Akbari

Designing Your Life: How to Builda Well-Lived, Joyful Life

by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness

in a Changing World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Library Receives Grant for “Tell Your Story” Project The Ferguson has received a $12,000 grantfrom the National Endowment for the Human-ities for our “Tell Your Story” project, a seriesof day-long digitizing events aimed at capturing Stamford history through thelives of its residents. The project, which is part of Stamford’s 375th anniversarycelebration, will use interviews, diaries, photos, letters, souvenirs and other cul-tural artifacts to preserve the city’s history.

Contributors will receive a digitized copy of their content, and the projectwill be shared with the CT Digital Archive, CT State libraries, and the DigitalLibrary of America.

If you are interested in sharing your story, contact digital librarian FrankSkornia at fskornia@fergusonlibrary.org.

Construction Update The new marble is in and the front of theLibrary is beautiful! The next step is replacingthe front door with one that opens more eas-ily and is in keeping with the 1909 design.Landscaping will be finished in the spring.

The restoration project is being paid forwith capital funds from the city and state.

A Novel Affair April 19 Don’t miss our festive evening of entertainment andfun, with delicious food donated by local restaurants.This year, we’re delighted to honor Gail Malloy forher longstanding service to the Library and the Stam-ford community.

Many thanks to our sponsors to date: Cacace Tusch & Santagata, First CountyBank; Friends of The Ferguson Library; Garden Homes Management; HoffmanInvestment Partners, Konica Minolta Business Solutions; Howard Levy; Deborah& Robert Neiman; Star Meadow Farm; Thomson Reuters; and Van Brunt, DuBiago & Company. Tickets are available at fergusonlibrary.org. For sponsor-ship or donation information contact Linda Avellar at 203 351-8208/ linda@fergusonlibrary.org.

THE NEWSLETTER OF STAMFORD’S PUBLIC LIBRARY • JANUARY 2017

Holiday Hours• The Library will be closed Sunday January 1, New Year’s Day. On Monday,January 2, the Main Library, DiMattia Building and Harry Bennett Branchwill be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Weed Memorial & HollanderBranch will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.• On Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Main Library,DiMattia Building and Harry Bennett Branch will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch will be open 11 a.m. to 4.

Storytime Registration Begins January 3 Storytime registration begins Tuesday, January 3 at10 a.m. at the Main Library and Wednesday, January4 at the Harry Bennett Branch. Registration is in per-son only on the first day. After that, you may call 203351-8242. Stamford residents get first priority.

Teen Art Contest Win the chance to create a design for The Ferguson’s2017 Teen Summer Reading Club. Submit a drawingbased on this year’s theme: Build a Better World. Thewinner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Michael’sArts and Crafts, and will have his or her name andartwork on all of our teen summer reading clubmaterials. Grades 6 to 12. Entries are due March 1.For more information about submission require-ments, call Steve Zampino at 203 351-8245.

There’s Still Time to Give toLibrary’s Annual Appeal! Help us raise money for the books and programs you love!

Colours IV by Mayole Gonzalez

Stay Connected! Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, & Twitterand sign up for our weekly emails at fergusonlibrary.org

Registration for winter storytimes startsTuesday, January 3 at the Main Library and Wednesday, January 4 at the HarryBennett Branch. Registrations accepted inperson only on the first day. After that youcan register in person or by phone. Call203 964-1000 for information. Registra-tion limited to one program per child/persession at each branch. No storytimeprograms are held when Stamfordschools are closed or delayed.

introduction to every Child readyto read – Ages 2 to 3½ with a partici-pating adult. A variety of early literacyactivities. Sponsored by the FergusonFoundation’s Harvey Fund. RRHBB – Mondays at 10:15 a.m. January 23 & 30

every Child ready to read – Ages 3 –5 with an adult. Sponsored by The Fergu-son Library Foundation’s Harvey Fund. Thefive skills necessary to become readers. RRML – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. January 17, 24 & 31

Mother Goose – Walking babies undertwo years with an adult. Rhymes, picturebooks, flannel boards, music and move-ment. RR at Main and HBB.WMH – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.January 19 & 26ML – Mondays at 10:15 a.m. January 23 & 30HBB – Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.January 25

step ahead – Ages 3 to 5. No registra-tion required for individuals. Groups mustcall ahead to reserve a space. ML—Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.January 18 & 25HBB—Thursday at 1:15 p.m. January 26

Two’s Company – Age 2 with an adult.Picture books, rhymes, music and move-ment. RR at Main.ML – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. January 19 & 26WMH – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.January 17, 24 & 31

Baby Time – Pre-walking babies with anadult. Traditional verses, bouncing rhymes,board books and more. RR at Main.ML – Fridays at 10:15 a.m. January 20 & 27HBB – Friday at 11:15 a.m.January 27

Toddler Time – Walking babies up toage 3 with an adult. Songs, fingerplays,stories and movement activities. ML – Saturday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m.HBB – Wednesday, January 25 at 11:15 a.m.

shake, rattle & readSaturdays, January 7 & 14 from 10:30to 11:45 a.m. at SECrafts and stories from around the worldwith Mandrita. Ages 3 and up with adult.

Building with BricksFridays, January 6 & 20 at 4:15 p.m. atHBBCasual building activity with LEGOs™.Grades K and up.

sing along with dr. ev Monday, January 9 at 1 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMusic-making and movement with TheFerguson’s own Dr. Ev. Ages 5 and underwith adult.

Makerspace: light CircuitsMonday, January 9 at 4 p.m. at HBBLearn how to make a simple light circuit.Ages 9 to 12. Register online at ferguson-library.org/events/.

5, 6, & 7s storytimeWednesday, January 11 at 4 p.m. at HBBListen, sing and move at a storytime for 5,6 & 7 year olds.

Chess Champion Club for KidsSaturdays, January 14 & 28 from 10:15 a.m. to noon ML, Third Floor AuditoriumLearn the moves in two classes. Taught byAlex Eydelman, with the National Educa-tion Chess Teachers Association. Grades2 – 5. Please attend both sessions. Prefer-ence given to Stamford residents. Regis-tration required. Call 203-351-8242.

dr. Martin luther King, Jr. Poster Contest and Birthday CelebrationSaturday, January 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at SEMake a poster of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement andenter to win a poster contest. You mayalso drop off posters at the South EndBranch. The winners will be announcedJanuary 16 at the city-wide celebration atthe Yerwood Center. Ages 6 to 12.

Pinball Wizard ChallengeSaturday, January 14 from 1 to 2 p.m.at WMHLearn the ins and outs of the classicarcade game, then make your own, usingeveryday supplies. Grades 3 to 5. Registra-tion required. Call 203-351-8287. 

Bookends Book GroupMonday, January 23 from 4 to 5 p.m.at HBBExtra Yarn by Mac Barnett. A CaldecottHonor Book. Grades 1 & 2. Register onlineat fergusonlibrary.org/events/.

Homework CaféTuesdays, January 24 & 31, Wednes-day, January 25, Thursday, January 26from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at SEHomework help, arts & crafts, computerresearch, educational games, and pleasurereading. Ages 8 to 12.

CrafternoonWednesday, January 25 from 4:15 to5 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumStory and art project. Grades K to 3.

Pajama storytime Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. at HBBStories and songs for the whole family.Wear your pajamas if you like. Ages 3½and up.

Makerspace: Playing with Paracord

Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m.

ML, Lower Level MakerspaceLearn about the many uses of parachutecord (paracord). We’ll use basic knot-tyingtechniques to make Paracord People Key-chains and more. Ages 9 to 12. Registra-tion required. Call 203 351-8242.

afterschool Fun Friday, January 27 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBStories and a craft. Grades K to 3.Registration required. Register at fergusonlibrary.org/events/.

Winter storycraftSaturday, January 28 at 11 a.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomStay warm with winter stories and a craft.Ages 3½ to 8. Families welcome.

d.i.y. CraftsMonday, January 30 at 4 p.m. at HBBDo-it-yourself craft time. Grade K to 3.

Kids’ Book discussion Tuesday, January 31 at 7 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomSpace Case by Stuart Gibbs. A 2017 Nut-meg nominee. Grades 3 and up. To regis-ter, call 203 351-8242, then drop in to pickup a copy of the book.

T-MadWednesday, January 4 at 4 p.m. ML, Third Floor AuditoriumLibrary’s teen advisory program. Grades 6 to 12. New participants welcome. Call 203 351-8245.

american red Cross BabysittingCertification Saturday, January 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  ML, Lower Level Program RoomEarn official American Red Cross certifica-tion to babysit newborns through ageseven. Must attend full day. Grades 6 to12. Registration required. Call 203 351-8243.

Teen Book discussion Tuesday, January 24 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program Room Six of Crows by Leigh BardugoGrades 6-12. Refreshments. Registrationrequired. Call 203 351-8243. 

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch Monday, January 9 at 11:30 a.m.The Hours Count by Jillian Cantor

Harry Bennett BranchMonday, January 9 at 7 p.m.The Swans of Fifth Avenue by MelanieBenjamin

south endMonday, January 23 at 7 p.m.The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Main library, diMattia BuildingTuesday, January 24 at 7 p.m.Third Floor Board RoomThe Vegetarian by Han Kang

let’s Talk: esl Conversation GroupsPractice your English at these free drop-inconversation groups.

WMH – Tuesdays, January 3, 10, 17,24 & 31 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

SE – Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19 &26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

ML - Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 &31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Mindfulness and MeditationTuesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31from 2 to 3 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMeditate with a group. Registrationrequired. Call 203 351-8231.

New year, New Hue: Coloring for adults Thursday, January 5, 12, 19 & 26 from1 to 3 p.m. at HBBChannel your stress into creative energywith these relaxing and fun coloring sessions for adults. Coloring sheets andpencils provided.

The literary Hour of la Tertulia/la hora literaria de la TertuliaSaturdays, January 7 & 21 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor Board RoomA literary salon with a focus on LatinAmerican authors. IN SPANISH.En aras de promover la literatura en general y la latinoamericana en particular.Se complace en invitar a la comunidad a participar en “La hora literaria de La Tertulia”. En donde se leerá y analizará aautores, tanto nacionales como interna-cionales.

Children’s Storytimes

Children’s ProgramsML Main Library, DiMattia BuildingHBB Harry Bennett BranchSE South End BranchWMH Weed Memorial & Hollander

BranchRR Registration Required

All our programs are generously supported by theFriends of The Ferguson Library

Teen Programs

Adult Book Discussions

Knitting CircleMondays, January 9 & 23 at 1 p.m. at HBBWork on your project in a social setting.

Community Catalyst Conversation -stepping into advocacy: Community storytellingWednesday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. ML, Third Floor AuditoriumDiscussion of advocacy efforts in Stamford. Cosponsored by the InterfaithCouncil of Southwestern CT and UConnStamford.

Civility in america: Civility in the sports BusinessTuesday, January 17 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumESPN and cable industry pioneer, GeorgeBodenheimer. Register online. The Civilityin America Series is sponsored by The Ferguson Library, the DilenschneiderGroup and Hearst Media Group in Connecticut.

Mock interview Workshop Wednesday, January 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.ML, Third Floor Board RoomA brief career-related presentation, fol-lowed by the mock interviews. Reg. online.

World affairs Forum: The eu and the uK after Brexit Wednesday, January 25 at 5:45 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumWith David R. Cameron: Professor of Political Science at Yale and the Director of the Yale Program in European UnionStudies. Advance reservation and paymentrequired. Register online or emailinfo@worldaffairsforum.org. Free toAmbassadors’ Roundtable & Forum members. $20 for non-members.

art at The Ferguson: opening reception Thursday, January 26 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor Auditorium GalleryInspirations. On display January throughMay. Co-sponsored by the Stamford ArtAssociation.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Technology Center Registration required for all classes. Call203 351-8221 or 8222 for phone registra-tion. For online registration, register at fergusonlibrary.org/events/.

iNTroduCTioN To CoMPuTersCall to register to attend this series ofclasses.

Basic HardwareTuesday, January 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Basic ComputingWednesday, January 11 from 2 to3:30 p.m.

Basic internet & emailThursday, January 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.Mouse and keyboard skills required.

MiCrosoFT Word Register online to attend this series ofclasses.

Basic WordSaturday, January 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

intermediate WordThursday, January 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

advanced WordThursday, January 26 from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Auditorium (unless otherwise noted)

Thursday Night Talking PicturesThursday, January 12 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor Board RoomSeymour: An IntroductionWith Seymour Bernstein and EthanHawke. Directed by Ethan Hawke. RatedPG. USA. 2014. 84 min. Registrationrequired. Call 203 351-8258 or email caucella@fergusonlibrary.org to reserve acopy of the DVD. Pick up at lower leveldesk, watch the film and come ready todiscuss.

second saturday CinemaSaturday, January 14 at 2 p.m.SullyWith Tom Hanks, Laura Linney and AaronEckhart. Directed by Clint Eastwood.Rated PG-13. USA. 2016. 96 minutes.

Third Thursday @ oneThursday, January 19 at 1 p.m.Florence Foster JenkinsWith Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and SimonHelberg. Directed by Stephen Frears. RatedPG–13. USA/UK. 2016. 110 minutes.

Adult Makerspace

Immersive Tech LabComputer Classes

Films Adult Programs

affordable Care act enrollmentML, Second Floor Study RoomNovember 1 - January 31Get help from Access Health CT to enrollin the health insurance marketplace.Tuesdays through Fridays 10:30 a.m. to6 p.m. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

sTaMFord sMall BusiNessresourCe CeNTer

Register online for each workshop atfergusonlibrary.org/events/. For moreinformation, call 203 351-8221 or8222. Check in at 5:30 p.m. for theseclasses.

Basic excel iThursday, January 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ML, Third Floor Technology CenterData sorting, formatting, mailing lists,and keyboarding.

selling to enterprise accounts :How to increase your Win rateThursday, January 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. ML, Third Floor AuditoriumLearn how customer buying haschanged and how you can increasesales.

Basic excel – spreadsheet Techniques for everyday BusinessTuesday, January 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. ML, Third Floor Technology CenterLearn how spreadsheets can help youmanage and understand your business.

Basic PowerPoint for BusinessTuesday, January 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. ML, Third Floor Technology CenterLearn how to create PowerPoint presen-tations, how to import content fromother programs, animation and designfundamentals.

Basic digital imagingTuesday, January 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ML, Third Floor Technology CenterLearn how to crop images, retouch andadd layers in online and print presenta-tions.

FrieNds auTHor series

douglas Preston, author of The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True StoryThursday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor Auditorium#1 New York Times bestselling author Douglas Preston. Tickets are $15 andinclude a wine and appetizer reception.Book sale and signing. Register online.

save the date:Christina Baker Kline, author of A Piece of the Worldand Orphan TrainSaturday, February 25 at 3 p.m.Registration opens in early January.

Fairfield County Game JamFriday, January 20 from 5 to 10 p.m.,Saturday, January 21 from 8 a.m. to9 p.m., and Sunday, January 22 from8 a.m. to 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor Auditorium

Be a part of the 2017 GlobalGame Jam – the world’slargest game creation event.Free to game. Meals pro-

vided. (Gamers 15 – 18 must be accom-panied by their legal guardian at alltimes.) Register online. A project ofiCoastCT and The Business Council ofFairfield County.

save the date – Chinese New yearCelebrationSunday, February 5 from 1:30 to5 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumCelebrate the Year of the Rooster andenjoy a dragon dance, kung fu presenta-tion, crafts, raffle and more.

Main Library, DiMattia Building

Third Floor Technology Center (unless otherwise indicated)

open Hours at the MakerspaceMondays, January 9, 23 & 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28Drop by and play with robots, jam on aguitar, write code and more.

i Want to Be a Podcaster!Wednesdays, January 11, 18 & 25 at6:30 p.m.Create, maintain and profit from the art of podcasting. Eight-part course. Instruc-tor Mike Raub. Register online.

introduction to the internet ofThingsThursday, January 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Computers have become so cheap, theycan be put into almost anything. Learnhow to navigate the Internet of Things.Register online.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Wonder Lab

Virtual reality saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m.Drop by and experience this excitingtechnology. 

Virtual reality Free Play Mondays, January 9, 23 & 30 andWednesdays, January 11, 18 & 25from 7 to 9 p.m.Experiment with assorted VR gear.

download our mobile app!