Since it first opened its doors at the end of the 19th century, The Ferguson Library has been the soul of the Stamford community, a place of learning and education, a gathering place where people could meet and exchange ideas. Sometimes even a place to come in out of the cold for a while.

As Stamford grew and changed, The Ferguson Library grew along with it. In 1911, the Ferguson became a free public library, embracing the concept that knowledge should be available to all, regardless of ability to pay.

The Ferguson now serves nearly a million visitors each year, and countless others access our online services. But our core values haven’t changed much in the last 125 years. The commitment to supporting lifelong learning, and providing free and equal access to information is still at the heart of our mission.

We think it will serve us well for the next 125 years.

1877
John Day Ferguson leaves a bequest of $10,000 to aid in the establishment of a public library on the condition that fellow citizens donate $25,000.
 

1880
The state legislature grants the charter incorporating the Library.

1882
The Library opens in Dr. Payne’s building on Atlantic Street. Andrew W. Paradise is the first librarian. He is authorized to employ an assistant, whose salary is to be paid from his own pocket. Printed, bound lists of books are used as the equivalent of today's electronic library catalog. Borrowers pay an annual fee of $2 for the use of the Library, which is later reduced to $1.

 

1889
The Ferguson Library moves to the Geib property on Atlantic Street.

1909
The Library moves to its present location at Bedford and Broad streets.

1911
The Ferguson Library becomes a free public library.

1930
Main Library expanded.

1940
Bookmobile service begins.

1954
Weed Memorial Branch opens in Springdale.

1967
Turn of River Branch opens in North Stamford.

1970
South End Branch opens in the South End Community Center.
 

1972 to 1975
Cataloging and circulation systems computerized.
Literacy Volunteers begin.
Dial-A-Book services begin.

1979
Expansion and renovation of Main Library begins.
Friends of Ferguson incorporated.

1982
Second Main Library expansion completed.

1985
Card catalog closes.

 

1987
Ferguson Library Foundation incorporated.

1988
Library begins circulating videocassettes.

1995
Ferguson becomes first public library in Connecticut to provide public Internet access.
Library creates its first webpage.

1997
Purple Bus service begins.
South End Branch reopens after renovation.

1999
Library begins circulating DVDs.
Passport Office opens at Main Library.
Starbucks opens at Main Library.
 

2000
Harry Bennett Branch opens.
New Bookmobile.
Library begins circulating ebooks.
 

2004
Library introduces Wifi.
Online homework help.
 

2006
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch reopens after renovation.
Online live reference help.


2007
Library celebrates 125th anniversary.

Our Mission

The Ferguson Library, Stamford’s public library, provides free and equal access to print, audiovisual and evolving electronic resources, and supports childhood education and lifelong learning through reading and other forms of communication by addressing the informational, educational, cultural and literacy needs of the Stamford community.

Our Vision

The Ferguson Library will remain the community’s leading choice for information access, educational materials, and lifelong learning by continually and effectively adapting to technological and other changes in the environment.

Our Core Values

Accelerate Promotion of Reading: Beyond providing resources—support outreach, basic literacy and lifelong learning habits.

Access: Provide convenient hours for the Stamford community and 24/7 access via the “virtual branch.”

Accountability: Responsible to our community.

Creativity/Innovation: Introduce and/or adopt new technology, services and work styles.

Diversity: Embrace the numerous cultures, races and ideas in the community.

Equity: Freedom from bias or favoritism.

Intellectual Freedom: Encourage the free exchange of information and ideas in a democratic society.

Safety/Security: Create a safe and comfortable haven that is conducive to reading, studying and browsing. Provide quality customer-driven services.

Technology Leadership: Use the latest technological advances to help provide better services.

Excerpts from The Ferguson Library’s Original Collection, recorded 1896

Pride and Prejudice
Mansfield Park
Man with the Broken Ear
Honorable Surrender
Days of Bruce
Home Influence
Mother’s Recompense
Little Women
Little Men
Vale of Cedars
Woman’s Friendship
Stillwater Tragedy
Which Shall it Be?
Household Stories
Ben Hur
Lost in the Jungle
Strange Stories from History for Young People
Story of Ida
Weighed and Wanting
Cape Cod Folks
Doubting Heart
Tales from French History
Two College Girls
English at the North Pole
War-Time Wooing

Biography of John Day Ferguson

John Day Ferguson was born in New York City in 1832 and moved with his family to Stamford when he was ten years old. He graduated from Trinity College in 1851, and after studying law privately, began a legal practice in New York City. He eventually came back to Connecticut, and in 1866 was elected to represent Stamford in the state legislature. Ferguson later served three years as a probate judge.

John Day Ferguson was passionate about education, and helped establish and promote the Stamford Public School system. Mr. Ferguson died in 1877 at age 45. In his will, he left a bequest of $10,000 to open a public library in Stamford, an institution he considered vital to public education. Ferguson’s $10,000 bequest was contingent on the citizens of Stamford donating another $25,000. On January 29, 1880, the new Library was named The Ferguson Library in honor of its farsighted benefactor, John Day Ferguson.