From the President’s DeskYou are invited to Imagine With Us: A Dialogue on PublicLibraries, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library,DiMattia Building. Libraries today are less about whatthey have for people and more about how they help peo-ple transform their lives, and this dialog is designed tosolicit your ideas.

How can The Ferguson Library help make Stamford a better place? Your input is extremely important as weplan for the future. Last March, for example, The Fergu-son Library held its first public dialogue at the Harry Bennett Branch. Morethan fifty people attended and their input helped us develop new programsand services for the community, including more hours at Harry Bennett.

In August, The Ferguson Library was selected to be a pilot library for theAspen Institute’s national project on re-envisioning public libraries. Thisupcoming dialog will be the first of a series of conversations we will be host-ing over the coming months on this topic. Join us and help reimagine yourpublic library.

– Alice Knapp, President

Weed Branch Now Open Mondays We are delighted to announce thatthe Weed Memorial & HollanderBranch is now open on Mondaysfrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We haverealigned the branch staffing andused self check-out technology toincrease hours without any addi-tional funds.

The Weed Branch is now open fourdays a week. Stop by and see us!

Save the Date: May 11Book & Author Tea Bestselling Author Laura LippmanSave the date for New York Times bestsellingauthor Laura Lippman, Wednesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Friends of The Ferguson Library’sBook & Author Tea. Tickets are $35 for Friendsmembers/$40 for non-members. Reservations at 203 351-8275.

The Heart of the Community

Focus on FergusonTHE NEWSLETTER OF STAMFORD’S PUBLIC LIBRARY • APRIL 2016

Linda Avellar, EditorBarbara Aronica-Buck, DesignerBarbara Thomas, Communication Assistant

The Ferguson Library Board of Trustees

Greg Caggainello, ChairEllen Bromley, Vice-ChairSteven Wise, TreasurerSteven M. Frederick, SecretaryWilliam S. Callion, Jr.Thomas CassoneSandy GoldsteinMoira LyonsLee J. Rizzuto, Jr.Edward 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.orgAPRIL 2016

Literary Competition Awards April 17Winners of the 2016 Stamford Literary Competition will behonored Sunday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Library,

DiMattia Building. Winners will be notified by mail and the results postedon our website. Congratulations to all the talented student writers whoentered this year’s contest!

Book Shop NewsWe have great books on Passover, Mother’s Day and springgardening. Come in and take a look. Coming soon – BookShop gift cards. A great way to give the gift of reading andsupport the Library! We will be open for A Novel Affair.

Stay Connected to The Ferguson• Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, & Twitter• Sign up for our weekly emails at fergusonlibrary.org• Scan the QR code for more information

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: In Celebration of Libraries National Library Week April 10 to 16

Part of Our Lives: A People’s History of the American Public Library

by Wayne A. Wiegand

The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson and Ann Patchett

The Artist’s Library: A Field Guide by Laura Damon-Moore

and Erinn Batykefer

The Little Free Library Book by Margret Aldrich

Improbable Libraries: A Visual Journey to the World’s

Most Unusual Libraries by Alex Johnson

The Bad-ass Librarians of Timbuktu and Their Race to Save the World’s

Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer

Biblio Tech: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Google

by John Palfrey

A Novel Affair, Library Benefit April 14 Great restaurants, craft beer and wine tastings!Don’t miss A Novel Affair on April 14, when wetransform The Ferguson into a festive venue foran evening of food and fun to benefit the Library.(The Library will close at 4 p.m. that day.)

We’re delighted to honor Ernest N. Abate, com-munity leader, partner of the law firm of Abate & Abate, LLC and formerSpeaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Reservations are avail-able at www.fergusonlibrary.org or by phone at 203 351-8205.

Library Construction Work is underway to improve the entranceto the Main Library. The Façade RestorationProject will repair and restore the damagedcolumns and the building façade andreplace the front door with one that simu-lates the original 1909 door. The Library isan historic building and we are proceedingaccording to preservation guidelines.

The project is being done with capital funds from the city and state. TheLibrary (and Starbucks) will remain open during the renovation.

National Bookmobile Day Ever wondered how many people visitour Bookmobile each month? Comeaboard and take a guess. You couldwin a Barnes & Noble gift card. We’recelebrating National Bookmobile Dayall month with this fun contest andother activities.

Thanks to generous grant funding,The Ferguson’s Bookmobile is now onthe road three days a week. Check outthe schedule on our website, or pick one up in the Library.

.

Foundation Directory

Are you looking for funding for a nonprofit organization? The FoundationDirectory has a wealth of comprehensive information on grantmakers and theprojects they fund. The site includes information on more than 140,000 foun-dations, corporate giving programs, and grantmaking charities in the U.S; morethan 4,000 sponsoring companies; and 3.8 million recently awarded grants.

The Foundation Directory is available only on-site at The Ferguson Library.You can find it on the Learn & Explore section of our website, through ResearchGuides/A to Z databases.

HOME PAGE: Ferguson’s Internet and Online Resources

photo credit Jan Cobb

Ferguson Wins Library AssociationPublicity AwardCan we toot our own horn? The video we produced about the Library wonfirst place in the electronic media category of the 2016 Connecticut LibraryAssociation Publicity Awards! See it on the News page of our website.

Giving Day a Big Success A big thank you to everyone who contributed to The Ferguson on FairfieldCounty’s Community Foundation’s Giving Day. We raised $3,500 with contributions of every size! Overall, Giving Day exceeded all expectationsby raising more than $1.2 million for local nonprofits in just 24 hours.

Passport to CT Libraries in April The Ferguson Library joins libraries all over Connecticut in this exciting pro-gram to make people of all ages aware of the power of their library card.Take your library card and ‘Passport’ to at least five libraries on the list tobe eligible to win a $150 gift card for adults or a $100 gift card for children.

You can pick up a copy of the list of participating libraries at any FergusonLibrary location or download it from our website.

This is a Connecticut Library Association Initiative.

STAMFORD SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTERLegal Issues for Small BusinessMain Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor AuditoriumRegister online for each class. Check in at 5:30 p.m.The Legal Issues of Social MediaWednesday, April 13 at 6 p.m. With Cliff EnnicoBusiness Law 101: Managing Legal LiabilityRisksMonday, April 18 at 6 p.m. With Gary HirschIntellectual PropertyWednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. With Will Tennant and Jonathan Winters

Old FolkiesSaturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. at HBBJoin Dr. Ev for an afternoon of acoustic delights.

Stamford Social Justice Movie Night: In the Heat of the NightMonday, April 18 from 6 to 9 p.m.Domus Foundation, 83 Lockwood Ave., StamfordFilm screening and panel discussion. Free and open tothe public. Babysitting, snacks, and parking available.Sponsored by Domus, CT Undoing Racism and The Fer-guson Library. For more information, call 203 249-4110.

Community Catalyst ConversationTuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumWelcoming Refugees. Sponsored by The FergusonLibrary, UConn-Stamford and the Interfaith Council ofSouthwestern CT. Register online.

Career Moves: Cover Letters and References Wednesday, April 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.ML, Third Floor Technology CenterA career workshop offered through Goodwill CareerCenter. To register, email refdesk@fergusonlibrary.org.

Beat Poetry Evening Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumFeaturing poet George Wallace. Reading and discussion,followed by Q&A and themed open mic session.

Jazz and PoetryThursday, April 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at SEAn evening of smooth jazz and spoken words, featuringCookie Thomas and community poets. Light refreshments.

Free Blood Pressure Screenings for Seniors Over 60Saturday, April 23 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at WMHCity of Stamford health program nurse conducts freescreenings.

Mock Interview WorkshopWednesday, April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.ML, Third Floor Board RoomLearn about researching companies and using databasesfor your job search. Followed by mock interviews. Regis-tration required. Call 203 351-8221 or emailrefdesk@fergusonlibrary.org.

Imagine With Us: A Dialogue on Public LibrariesThursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumWhat are you looking for in your public library? Join usfor a discussion about how the library can meet yourneeds. Register at fergusonlibrary.org. For more informa-tion, call 203 351-8231. Refreshments and door prizes.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Technology Center Registration required for all classes. Call 203 351-8221or 8222 for phone registration.

Introduction to Computers Call to register for this series of classes.HardwareTuesday, April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Introduction to the parts of a computer and whatthey do. No experience necessary.Basic ComputersWednesday, April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No experience required. Basic Internet and EmailThursday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Must be familiar with Windows and have basicmouse and keyboard skills.

Microsoft Excel To register for this series of classes, email refdesk@fergusonlibrary.org.Basic ExcelTuesday, April 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Learn how to name worksheets, enter data and writeformulas. Must be familiar with Windows. Intermediate ExcelTuesday, April 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Designed for those who know how to set up a basicspreadsheet and perform simple calculations andwish to expand that knowledge. Must be familiarwith basic Excel, keyboard, and Windows.Advanced ExcelThursday, April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.Learn how to link worksheets, use macros, the goalseek feature, and basic pivot tables. Must be familiarwith basic Excel, keyboard, and Windows.

Generously funded by a grant from First Niagara Bank.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Technology Center

Getting Started with 3D Modeling and PrintingSaturdays, April 2 & 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Learn how to use 3D modeling software and 3D printersto create objects of your own design. Register online forthis series of classes.

I Want to Be a PodcasterThursdays, April 7, 21 & 28 at 7 p.m.How to create, maintain and profit from the art of podcasting. Register online for this series of classes.

Generously funded by a grant from First County BankFoundation, Inc.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Auditorium

Second Saturday Cinema Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m.CreedAdonis Johnson Creed, the son of former heavyweightchampion Apollo Creed, attempts to follow in hisfather’s footsteps. With Sylvester Stallone and Michael B.Jordan. Directed by Ryan Coogler. Rated PG–13. 2015.USA. 132 min.

Third Thursday @ One Thursday, April 21 at 1 p.m. Bridge of SpiesA Brooklyn attorney is tasked with negotiating a ColdWar prisoner exchange between an American pilot and a Soviet spy. With Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Scott Shepherd and Noah Schnapp. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Rated PG–13. 2015. USA. 135 min.

A fun program of reading together, book discussion andrelated activities. Grades 2 to 3. Registration required.Call 203 351-8242.

Al deCant Presents: Rockin’and Reading withPete the CatWednesday, April 6 at 3:30 p.m. at HBBRock to Pete the Cat’s songs in this toe-tapping performance packed with music, stories and heaps ofaudience participation! Ages 3 and up. Registrationstrongly recommended. Call 203 351-8294.

Trevor the Games ManThursday, April 7 at 2 p.m., ML, Third Floor AuditoriumUnusual, cooperative, interactive and FUN games. Ages5 and up.

Fun with Fine Art for Kids Saturday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noonML, Lower Level Program RoomArt meets math! We will create M.C. Escher inspired tes-sellations as we talk about patterns, polygons, and per-spective. Led by Laura McGowan, formerly EducationCoordinator at the Morgan Library & Museum. Ages 7 –10. Registration required. Call 203 351-8242.

Shake, Rattle and ReadSaturdays, April 9 & 16 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at SEStories, songs, crafts and more with Mandrita. Ages 3and up with caregiver.

2016 Week of the Young Child Family StorytimeTuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomCelebrate our youngest learners at this special familystorytime in honor of the Week of the Young Child. Families with children ages 2 to 7.

Building with Bricks FullFriday, April 15 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBDesign and build with LEGOs. We’ll provide the bricks.You bring your imagination. Grades K and up. Registra-tion required. Call 203 351-8294.

Sing Me a StorySaturday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. at WMHThe Ferguson’s Dr. Ev leads a morning of music andmovement. Ages 3 to 8 with caregiver.

Spring Storycraft Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumShare some of our favorite spring stories and finish bymaking a craft you can take home. Ages 3½ to 8. Fami-lies welcome.

Kids’ Book Discussion Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomThe Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by BrendaWoods. Violet is a smart, funny, biracial girl in a family ofblondes. Now that she is 11, she decides it’s time tolearn about her African American heritage. 2016 Nutmegnominee. Refreshments and gift books. Grades 3 and up.To register, call 203 351-8242, then drop in to pick up acopy of the book.

Pajama Storytime Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at HBBWear your pajamas if you like. Ages 3½ and up.

Afterschool Fun Friday, April 29 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBNational Poetry Month: Stories in rhyme, short poems,and a craft. Grades K to 3. Register online or call 203351-8294.

Horizon WingsSaturday, April 30 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMeet the raptors of Horizon Wings, including an Ameri-can kestrel, a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle. Ages 5and up.

No programs are held when Stamford schools areclosed or delayed, except where noted below.

Introduction to Every Child Ready to Read –Ages 2 to 3½ with a participating adult. Sponsored bythe Ferguson Foundation’s Harvey Fund.HBB – Mondays, April 11, 18 & 25 at 10:15 a.m.

Mother Goose – Independently walking babies undertwo years with an adult. Registration required atMain.ML – Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Full at MainApril 11, 18 & 25HBB – Wednesdays at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.April 13, 20 & 27WMH – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.April 14, 21 & 28

Every Child Ready to Read – Ages 3 to 5 with anadult. Registration required. Sponsored by The FergusonLibrary Foundation’s Harvey Fund. Practice the five skillsnecessary to become readers. ML – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. FullApril 12, 19 & 26

Two’s Company – Two-year-olds with an adult.Picture books, rhymes, fingerplays, music and movement.Registration required at Main.WMH – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.April 12, 19 & 26ML – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Full at MainApril 14, 21 & 28

1, 2, 3 – LI-BRA-RY! – Ages 1 to 3 with an adult. Parent-child playshops including stories and snack.SE – Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.April 7, 14, 21 & 28

Baby Time – Pre-walking babies with an adult. Traditional verses, bouncing rhymes, board books. Registration required at Main.ML – Fridays at 10:15 a.m.April 1, 15, 22 & 29HBB – Fridays at 11:15 a.m.April 1, 15, 22 & 29

Toddler Time – Walking babies up to age 3 with anadult. A participatory storytime. Drop-in. No registration. HBB – Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Step Ahead – Ages 3 to 5. No registration required forindividuals. Groups must call ahead to reserve a space.Stories, music and movement.ML – Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.April 13 & 27

Reading is FUNdamental Book GiveawaySaturday, April 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumBook giveaway, guest readers enjoy arts & crafts. GradesK to 5. Sponsored by the Stamford Public EducationFoundation, Reading is Fundamental, and The FergusonLibrary.

Sing Along with Dr. Ev Monday, April 4 at 1 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMusic-making and movement with The Ferguson’s ownDr. Ev. Ages 5 and under with caregiver.

Book Bunch ClubTuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program Room

Save the Date: Celebrate National Children’s Book Week at The Ferguson LibraryWith Lyle the Crocodile and children’s book authorTommy Greenwald Saturday, May 7 at ML

Vacation Week FlickFriday, April 8 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumStar Wars: The Force Awakens. The saga continues in thislatest installment in the blockbuster series. RatedPG–13, 136 minutes. Ages 10 and up.

T-MADWednesday, April 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at HBBLibrary’s teen advisory program. For grades 6 to 12. New participants welcome. Call 203 351-8245.

The New Yorker Discussion GroupDiscuss contemporary culture and events based onselected readings from The New Yorker. Diana B. Loevy, facilitator. Registration required at Main. Emailprograms@fergusonlibrary.org.Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Board RoomMondays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.Harry Bennett BranchWednesdays, April 13, 20 & 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Harry Bennett BranchMonday, April 11 at 7 p.m.Someone by Alice McDermott

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch Tuesday, April 12 at 12 p.m.The Art of Crash Landing by Melissa DeCarlo

South End Branch Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m.Another Country by James Baldwin

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingTuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m.Third Floor Board RoomThe Turner House by Angela Flournoy

French Book DiscussionThursday, April 28 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor Rotary RoomModerato Cantabile by Marguérite Duras

TAX HELPVolunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)Sunday afternoons through April 10, by appt.ML, Third Floor Rotary RoomVolunteers from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offerfree income tax return help. Please bring photo ID, W–2, last year’s tax return and social security card. Toschedule an appointment, call 203-351-8221 or 8222.

Tax-AideTrained tax counselors from AARP Tax-Aide availablethrough April 15. Bring 2015 tax documents and acopy of your 2014 tax returns.HBBMondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.WMHSaturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.2016

Marie Hurley Travel LectureSunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumThe Ancient Cave Art of Europe: Following the Trail of the

Children’s Storytimes

Children’s Programs

Adult Book Discussions

Computer Classes

Teen Programs

World’s Earliest Artists. Ian Tattersall, curator emeritus ofthe American Museum of Natural History, discusses IceAge cave art. Light refreshments. Book sale and signing.Co-sponsored by the World Affairs Forum.

Mindfulness and MeditationTuesdays, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 2 to 3 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumThe Community Mindfulness Project (CMP) is a secularmeditation group, dedicated to the study and practice ofa variety of mindfulness and heart-opening practices.Registration required. Call 203 351-8231.

Let’s TalkPractice your English at this free drop-in conversationgroup. WMH – Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 12, 19 & 26ML –Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 5, 12, 19 & 26SE–Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.April 7, 14, 21 & 28

Money Smarts WorkshopTuesday, April 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.ML, Third Floor Technology Center Get the basic tools to update your financial position andmeet your financial goals. Registration recommended.Register online.

Civility in America: Politics and American LifeWednesday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at HBBDavid Sokol, Owner & CEO of Teton Capital, LLC. Sponsored by The Dilenschneider Group, the HearstMedia Group in Connecticut and The Ferguson Library.Register online.

U.S. Citizenship Course Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor Technology Center12-week study course for the U. S. Naturalization test.Learning materials provided. Registration required. Call 203 351-8221 or 8222 or email yelena@fergusonli-brary.org. Made possible in part by the Institute ofMuseum and Library Services under provisions of theLibrary Services and Technology Act, administered by the CT State Library.

An Afternoon with Jack Viertel, author of The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are BuiltSunday, April 10 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumStamford native Jack Viertel has been a major figure inBroadway theater and is currently senior VP of JujamcynTheaters, which host such shows as The Book of Mormonand Jersey Boys. Light refreshments. Book sale and signing.

Knitting CircleMonday, April 11 at 1 p.m. at HBBWork on your project in a social setting.

Social Media SeriesML, Third Floor Technology CenterA series of Constant Contact® educational seminars.Register online for each class. Check in at 5:30 p.m.Basic Social Media and Google AdWords Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m.Learn the benefits of using social media, email marketing and AdWords to build your business.Social Media Time Savers and Creating a Facebook Business PageMonday, April 18 at 6 p.m.Learn how to to gain more customers and business.You Are Social Now and Grow with LinkedInMonday, April 25 at 6 p.m.LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

MakerSpace Programs

FilmsAdult Programs

ML Main Library, DiMattia BuildingHBB Harry Bennett BranchSE South End BranchWMH Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch

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

A Novel Affair Thursday, April 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.Main Library, DiMattia BuildingSee details on front page