From the President’s DeskHappy New Year! Each January 1, I start the year withresolutions. This year, I made several.• Invite you in for a monthly conversation. With the

Interfaith Council and UCONN, The Ferguson hostsmonthly Community Catalyst Conversations on differ-ent topics of local concern. The next one, “EnsuringChildhood Literacy,” is January 19 at 6:30 p.m.

• Be more civil and learn from the masters. The CivilitySeries, co-sponsored by the Dilenschneider Group andthe Hearst Media Group in Connecticut, is three years strong. On January12 at 6 p.m., Girls Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chávez will speak on “Why GirlsMatter: Changing Girls’ Lives So They Can Change Our World.”

• Read and listen more. Staff at The Ferguson Library offers the best adviceon good reading material.

• Say thank you more often. When we ask for volunteers, you give your time.When we ask for a donation to our annual appeal, you give generously.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

— Alice Knapp, President

New Purple Bus Thanks to the Friends of The FergusonLibrary for purchasing a new Purple Bus forthe Library. The Purple Bus transports schoolchildren to the Library, some for their veryfirst visit. The Friends bought the originalPurple Bus back in 1997. It ferries about1,600 students to the Library each year.

We are extremely grateful for this generous gift to the Library and Stam-ford’s school children.

Support for Sunday HoursMany thanks to Judith Block and Sacred Heart University Stamford GraduateCenter for generously supporting Sundays at the Main Library, DiMattia Build-ing in January. Sundays are one of our busiest days of the week, and we wel-come donations to help us stay open when people need us most. If you oryour organization would like to sponsor a Sunday, please contact Linda Avellarat 203 351-8208 or linda@fergusonlibrary.org.

The Heart of the Community

Focus on FergusonTHE NEWSLETTER OF STAMFORD’S PUBLIC LIBRARY • JANUARY 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 CassoneSandra 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, 203 351-8285Tuesday & 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 2016

Literary Competition is OpenEntries are now being accepted for the 31st annualStamford Literary Competition. The contest is opento students in grades 3 – 12. Entry forms are avail-able at the Main Library and branches, through the

Stamford schools and on the Friends program page of the Library’s web-site, http://www.fergusonlibrary.org/friends/programs-events/stamford-literary. Entries are due February 6.

Book Shop NewsShop for the best deals of the year. The Friends Book Shopis celebrating the New Year with great prices. We’re alsofeaturing titles in celebration of Black History Month.

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: Staff Favorites From 2015

The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson

The Turner Houseby Angela Flournoy

One Man Against the World: The Tragedy of Richard Nixon

by Tim Weiner

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage

by Sydney Padua

On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks

Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg

A Novel Affair, April 14 A Novel Affair, the Library’s spring fundraiser, is April14—just around the corner! It’s a festive evening ofentertainment and fun, with delicious food donated bylocal restaurants. This year, we’re delighted to honorErnest N. Abate for his longstanding service to theLibrary and the Stamford community.

Many thanks to our sponsors to date: Cacace, Tusch& Santagata; Bill & Melvina Callion; Susan Cullman & John Kirby, Jr.; Amy & Tony Downer; Friends of The Ferguson Library; Garden Homes Management; Hoffman Investment Partners;Konica Minolta Business Solutions; Eileen H. Rosner; Van Brunt, DuBiago &Co., LLC.; Steven Wise Associates.

Tickets will be available soon at fergusonlibrary.org. For sponsorship or donationinformation contact Linda Avellar at 203 351-8208/ linda@fergusonlibrary.org.

Plaza Rededication January 26Stop by the Main Library Tuesday, January 26 at 10 a.m. for coffee and donutsas we celebrate the completion of the handicapped access ramp and the westside of the plaza. Many thanks to the city of Stamford for funding the project,Doyle Herman Design Associates for the landscape design plan and J. ForrestDevelopment for donating labor and materials.

First Niagara Bank Supports Technology Training Many thanks to First Niagara Bank Foundation fortheir generous donation of $10,000 to underwritetechnology training at the Library. The funds will sup-port computer classes, including basic computing andInternet, as well as more advanced programs, such as PowerPoint and Excel.

Check our calendar for a schedule of all our technology training.

Keep Express Books Longer Good news! Express books are now available for 10 day loan at the MainLibrary, DiMattia Building and branches.

.

BiblioBoard

Here’s another great way to access digital content. BiblioBoard provides inter-active content from digital collections of books, images, articles, audio andvideo from leading publishers and archives around the world. These materialsare curated by subject and are accessible from anywhere. There is also a grow-ing library of traditional publisher content including fiction, graphic novels,comics, children’s books, university press books and much more. You can findBiblioBoard on the digital media page of our website. It is also available asan app for your mobile device.

HOME PAGE: Ferguson’s Internet and Online Resources

Holiday HoursThe Library will be closed January 1, New Year’s Day. On Monday, January 18,Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Main Library, DiMattia Building will be open10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The branches will be closed.

There is still time to give to our2015 Annual Appeal

Art at The Ferguson

Join us for a wine and cheese reception as we launch our winter art exhibit, “Illusion of Light,” Thursday, January 28 at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson’s Third FloorAuditorium Gallery. The juried show, which is curated by the Stamford ArtAssociation, will run through May.

Friends Author Series – Valentine’s Day Romance PanelNYT Bestselling Author Kristan Higgins

New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins will highlight our panel ofromance authors just in time for Valentine’s Day. Tickets are $15 and includea wine and appetizer reception. Date and time to be announced. Tickets onsale soon.

Storytime Registration

Registration for storytime programs that require it will begin Monday, January4 at 10 a.m. Registration is in person only on the first day. After that, you maycall 203 351-8242. Stamford residents get first priority.

Mock interview Workshop Wednesday, January 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumLearn about strategies to help you in your job search.Discussion will be followed by mock interviews withprofessionals from the greater Stamford area. Regis-tration required. Call 203 351-8221 or online.

art at The Ferguson: opening reception Thursday, January 28 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumOpening reception for winter show, Illusion of Light.Co-sponsored by the Stamford Art Association.

Free Blood Pressure screenings for seniorsover 60Saturday, January 23 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.WMHCity of Stamford health program nurse conducts freescreenings.

save the date: Climate Change ProjectMonday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor Auditorium45-minute presentation on climate change includingpotential solutions. With Dr. Michael Tucker, Professorof Finance, Dolan School of Business, Fairfield Univer-sity.

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

Microsoft Word Register online for this series of classes.

Basic WordTuesday, January 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Mouse and keyboard skills required. intermediate WordTuesday, January 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.A more advanced class. advanced WordTuesday, January 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Outlining, managing long documents, and workingcollaboratively.

introduction to Computers Call to register for this series of classes.

Basic HardwareTuesday, January 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Introduction to the parts of a computer and whatthey do. No experience necessary.Basic ComputingWednesday, January 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.No experience required. Basic internetThursday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Introduction to the Internet. Must be familiar withWindows and have basic mouse and keyboard skills. Basic EmailThursday, January 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Learn how to create an email account, and attachdocuments and images to your emails. Mouse andkeyboard skills required.

advanced searching TechniquesSaturday, January 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Improve your searching skills. Basic mouse and keyboarding skills required. Register online.

Main Library, DiMattia BuildingThird Floor Computer Lab

Virtual reality Viewing Party Saturday, January 23 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.Try out low-cost Google Cardboard viewers. Find outabout new technology for Virtual and Augmented Reality. Call 203 351-8231 to register.

Makerspace arduino Project Saturday, January 23 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Make a few basic projects with this open-source plat-form for creating interactive electronic objects. Three-part series. Register online. Generously funded by agrant from First County Bank Foundation, Inc.

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

andrew Gale Film series

Wednesdays at 1 p.m.January 13BoulevardA long-married bank employee takes a turn onto anunfamiliar street and unwittingly sets the stage fora life-altering decision. With Robin Williams andKathy Baker. Directed by Dito Montiel. Rated R.2014. USA. 88 minutes.January 27Danny CollinsAn aging rock icon discovers a 40-year-old letterwritten to him by John Lennon. With Al Pacino,Annette Bening and Jennifer Garner. Directed byDan Fogelman. Rated R. USA. 2014. 106 min.

second saturday CinemaSaturday, January 9 at 2 p.m.TrainwreckA party girl who, to put it kindly, could be described asa trainwreck. With Amy Schumer, Bill Hader and TildaSwinton. Directed by Judd Apatow. Rated R. 2015.USA. 124 min.

Third Thursday @ oneThursday, January 21 at 1 p.m. Best of EnemiesThis documentary revisits the riveting televiseddebates between William F. Buckley, Jr. and Gore Vidalduring the 1968 Democratic and Republican nationalconventions. With Gore Vidal, William F. Buckley, Jr. andDick Cavett. Directed by Morgan Neville and RobertGordon. Rated R. 2015. USA. 87 min.

10th annual international short Film FestivalSunday, January 31at 1 p.m.Celebrating the best in animation, live action, and experimental film from around the world. Refreshments served.

Winter storycraft Saturday, January 9 at 11 a.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumHear some of our favorite cozy winter stories and finish by making a snowy craft. Ages 3½ to 8.

Martin luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Tuesday, January 12 – Deadline for submissionsContest based on Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights –Still Pressing On. Grades 2 to 8. Pick up an application atany library location or online at fergusonlibrary.org.

Building with BricksFriday, January 15 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBDesigning and building with LEGOs. We’ll provide thebricks. You bring your imagination. Grades K and up.Registration required. Call 203 351-8294.

Chess Club for KidsSaturdays, January 16 & 23 from 10:15 a.m. to noonML, Third Floor AuditoriumLearn the moves in just two classes. Taught by Alex Eydel-man, with the National Education Chess Teachers Associa-tion. Grades 2 – 5. Preference given to Stamford residents.Registration required. Call 203-351-8242.

Tween Makerspace Program: let it snow! Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomCreate custom snowflakes from materials including wood,clay, paper and even lights. Ages 9 – 12. Supplies provided.Registration required. Call 203 351-8242.

Hula Hooping Through History Friday, January 22 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBLearn the history of hula hooping, see some great hulahoop tricks, and try out your own skills! Grades K and up.Registration strongly recommended. Call 203 351-8294

Chinese acrobatSaturday, January 23 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumExperience Chinese culture and language at this performance which includes hand balancing, foot juggling, and ribbon dancing. Ages 5 and up.

Kids’ Book discussion Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomThe Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the BlueDeath, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson 2016 Nutmeg nominee. Refreshments and gift books.Grades 3 and up. To register, call 203 351-8242 anddrop in to pick up a copy of the book.

Pajama storytimeWednesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at HBBStories and songs for the whole family. Wear your pajamas if you like. Ages 3½ and up.

afterschool Fun Friday, January 29 at 4:15 p.m. at HBBCelebrate Chinese New Year early with Chinese stories and crafts. Grades K to 3. Registration required.Register online or call 203 351-8294.

in the artist’s studio with sergio ruzzier Saturday, January 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMaster class with the illustrator of Two Mice, andA Letter for Leo. Create your own pen & ink art underSergio’s guidance. Ages 7 and up. Registrationrequired. Call 203 351-8242.

T-MadWednesday, January 6 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumLibrary’s teen advisory program. New participants welcome. Call 203 351-8245.

An array of developmentally-appropriate, literature-based programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.In person registration for those programs that requireit (see below) will begin Monday, January 4 at 10 a.m.at the Main Library. Phone registration begins Tuesday,January 5 at 10 a.m. Stamford residents get first prior-ity. No programs are held when Stamford schoolsare closed or delayed, except where noted below.

Toddler Time – Walking babies up to age 3 with an adult.ML – Saturday, January 2 at 10:30 a.m.

1, 2, 3 – li-Bra-ry! – Ages 1 to 3 with an adult. SE – Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.January 7, 14, 21 & 28

Every Child ready to read—Ages 3–5 with anadult. Sponsored by The Ferguson Library Foundation’sHarvey Fund. ML – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.January 19 & 26Registration required.

Two’s Company – Two-year-olds with an adult.WMH – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.January 19 & 26ML – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.January 21 & 28Registration required at ML.

Mother Goose – Independently walking babiesunder two years with an adult. HBB – Wednesdays at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.January 20 & 27WMH – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.January 21 & 28ML – Monday, January 25 at 10:15 a.m.Registration required at ML.

Baby Time – Pre-walking babies with an adult. ML – Fridays at 10:15 a.m.January 22 & 29HBB – Fridays at 11:15 a.m.January 22 & 29

introduction to Every Child ready to read –Ages 2 to 3½ with a participating adult. Sponsored bythe Ferguson Foundation’s Harvey Fund.HBB – Monday, January 25 at 10:15 a.m.

step ahead – Ages 3 to 5. No registration requiredfor individuals. Groups must call ahead to reserve aspace. ML – Wednesday, January 27 at 10:15 a.m.

sing along with dr. Ev Monday, January 4 at 1 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMusic-making and movement with The Ferguson’s ownDr. Ev. Ages 5 and under with caregiver.

shake, rattle and readSaturdays, January 9 & 16 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.SEStories, songs, crafts and more with Mandrita. Ages 3and up with caregiver.

sing Me a storySaturday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m. at WMHThe Ferguson’s Dr. Ev leads a morning of music andmovement. Ages 3 to 8 with caregiver.

Teen Book discussionTuesday, January 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.ML, Lower Level Program RoomThe Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra ClareRegistration required. Call 203 351-8243 and drop into pick up the book.  Refreshments.

JFs Workshop – race to CollegeMonday, January 25 at 6 p.m. at HBBPre-planning for college for 8th – 11th graders andtheir parents, facilitated by Claire Friedlander, JewishFamily Service college consultant.

Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch Tuesday, January 5 at 12:30 p.m.The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob

Harry Bennett BranchMonday, January 11 at 7 p.m.The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff

south End BranchMonday, January 25 at 7 p.m.My Wife’s Baby: I Am Not a Murderer by RM Johnson

Main library, diMattia BuildingTuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.Third Floor Board RoomFates and Furies by Lauren Groff

French Book discussionThursday, January 28 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor Rotary RoomPasser l’hiver by Olivier Adam

seven Career-ology Tips: The art and scienceof a New Career Monday, January 4 at 7 p.m. at HBBAuthor Jeff Chapski will discuss the skills that all newprofessionals need to succeed in their careers. Booksale and signing.

New year, New Hue: Coloring for adults Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.ML, Third Floor Board Room Coloring sheets and colored pencils provided. Registra-tion required. Call 203 351-8231.

learn How to Borrow eBooks on your New devicePlease bring your touchscreen device (iPhone, Android,iPad, or Kindle Fire), Apple ID and password, Amazonlogin information, and library card.HBB – Wednesday, January 6 at 2 p.m.To register, call 203 351-8292.WMH – Thursday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m.To register, call 203 351-8286.

u.s. Citizenship CourseSaturdays, January 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 2 p.m.ML, Third Floor Rotary Room12-week study course for the U. S. Naturalization test.Learning materials provided. Made  possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services underprovisions of the Library Services and Technology Act,administered by the CT State Library. Registrationrequired. Call 203 351-8221 or 8228.

Children’s Storytimes

Children’s Programs

Adult Book Discussions

Computer Classes

MakerSpace Programs

Teen Programs

old FolkiesSaturday, January 9 at 2 p.m. at HBBJoin the Ferguson’s Dr. Ev for an afternoon of toe tap-pin’, finger snappin’, acoustic delights.

let’s TalkFree drop-in conversation group.ML – Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. January 12, 19 & 26SE – Thursdays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.January 7, 14, 21 & 28

T.a.P. Balance through danceTuesdays, January 12, 19 & 25 and Thursdays, January 14, 21 & 28 from noon to 12:45 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumImprove postural stability and balance and mental acuitythrough dance steps. Led by physical therapist SusanCavanaugh with instructors from the Metropolitan DanceCenter. Registration required. Call 203 351-8231.

Civility in america: Civility and Why Girls MatterTuesday, January 12 at 6 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumGirls Scouts of the USA’s Chief Executive Officer AnnaMaria Chávez will speak about “Why Girls Matter:Changing Girls’ Lives So They Can Change Our World.”Sponsored by The Dilenschneider Group, the HearstMedia Group in Connecticut and The Ferguson Library.Register online.

21 Days to a Big Idea with Bryan MattimoreWednesday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumMeet the author of 21 Days to a Big Idea: CreatingBreakthrough Business Concepts, and co-founder ofthe Growth Engine Company. Book sale and signing.

Film screening and discussion: leaving selma Saturday, January 16 at 12:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumAndrew Young and other heroes of the Civil Rightsmovement relate their dramatic accounts of the truestory that inspired the motion picture “Selma.” Fol-lowed by a discussion moderated by Michael Pollardand Bill Callion. Co-sponsored by Stamford MLK Com-mittee, and Urban League of Southwestern CT.

Cut the Cable Cord: How to Watch all the TVyou Want Without Paying a Cable Bill Tuesday, January 19 at 6 p.m. at WMHLearn how to save money by using streaming services orgadgets like Netflix, Hulu, Roku, and Chromecast.

Community Catalyst ConversationTuesday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumEnsuring Childhood Literacy. Sponsored by The Fergu-son Library, UConn-Stamford and the Interfaith Councilof Southwestern CT. Register online.

Career Moves: resume Writing and Transferrable skillsWednesday, January 20 at 2 to 4 p.m.ML, Third Floor Computer LabCareer workshop offered through Goodwill CareerCenter. Register online.

World affairs Forum Wednesday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m.ML, Third Floor AuditoriumThe Migrant Crisis in Eastern Europe – with TsvetaPetrova, Europe Analyst, Eurasia Group. Networkingand refreshments at 5:45 p.m. Lecture begins at 6:15p.m. Free for Forum members, faculty and students. Allothers, $20. To reserve a seat, call 203 356-0340.

stamford Hospital Physician speaker series –Perimenopause/MenopauseMonday, January 25 at noonML, Third Floor AuditoriumWith Carol A. Fucigna, M.D., Interim Chair, Departmentof Obstetrics and Gynecology. Register online. Co-sponsored by Stamford Hospital.

Films

Adult Programs

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

All our programs are generouslysupported by the Friends of The Ferguson Library

affordable Care act EnrollmentML, Second Floor Study RoomThrough January 30Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from Access Health CT offer helpenrolling in the health insurance marketplace.