Blog Entries

To commemorate International Women's Day, the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford (BGCS) hosted a panel discussion where participants reimagined a world that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, free of stereotypes and discrimination, where differences are valued and celebrated. The virtual presentation, framed as a call to action to #BreakTheBias, is available to stream-on-demand through March, Women's History Month. Registration required here.

The Governor's Prevention Partnership will host a free virtual panel discussion on March 10 at 6 p.m. about the ways race and gender impact the lives of young women of color, and the role that mentoring plays in empowering the next generation of women leaders to overcome race and gender stereotypes. Register here to join the discussion.

The City of Stamford, in collaboration with Stamford Public Schools, is developing a master plan to address the current and future needs of Stamford's school campuses and facilities. As part of this process, a series of public forums will be held for community members to hear from experts about this plan. Each meeting will address specific themes; all will provide the same opening presentation and allow time for questions.

The Financial Planning Association of Connecticut (FPA of CT) and the Connecticut Financial Literacy Advisory Council (CFLAC) will host their next presentation "Transitioning to Medicare: Taking the Mystery Out of Medicare" March 2 at 1 p.m. To join the free virtual discussion, register here.

The talk will cover information about coverage plans, deadlines and timelines for those who are eligible for Medicare.

Educators and students alike will learn a lot from the user-friendly African-American History Online database. Its resources include a wide selection of primary sources, including documents, news articles, court decisions and public speeches. Also found here are timelines; maps and graphs; videos and slideshows; and biographies of trailblazing figures in science, government, academia, activism, religion, culture and the arts.

The U.S. Congress recently enacted the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a plan of action that helps low-income households  pay for internet service and connected devices. For information about eligibility, check here. To apply, check here.

Millions of consumers are now shielded from unexpected bills from an out-of-network provider, out-of-network facility or out-of-network air ambulance provider. Find out how here and here.

The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of the Fairfield County Connecticut Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is offering five $3,000 scholarships to high school seniors of color who will pursue post-secondary educational experiences at a four-year college, community college or technical school. One scholarship will be awarded to a student who intends to matriculate at a historically black college or university (HBCU).

For Black History Month 2022, the Ferguson Library has created a suggested reading list as well as planned a variety of special events.

Cheryl Harper, the Ferguson Library's Director of Administrative Services, has been busy. On top of overseeing the library's operations, she is responsible for preparing its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The operating budget was submitted to the City of Stamford earlier this month and now goes before the Board of Representatives. "We take our role as stewards of the city's money very seriously," said Harper. "Every dollar the city gives us allows us to turn around and provide important services for the people of Stamford."

Stamford Cradle to Career (SC2C) will host two sessions via Zoom that will teach how to support social emotional wellness in all students, at home and during out-of-school programming. The sessions will also cover support resources available at school and in the community.

Today, January 18, is the sixth annual National Day of Racial Healing. Join us in observing this important day by checking out these excellent resources from the library world.

Here you'll find practical examples and recommendations in podcast interviews, magazine and journal articles, leadership reports, and continuing education opportunities. These are bound to spark your thinking and contribute to community conversations.

Do you know a budding writer? The Stamford Literary Competition celebrates excellence in student writing. The contest is open to Stamford students in grades 3 through 12 in the categories of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Entries are due February 11. Online submissions only please. Entry form

If you’ve recently taken a business, career or financial literacy class, then you’ve met Leshawn McFarlan, who recently joined the Ferguson Library team as a Career and Education Librarian.