The Ferguson Library is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in that it has made structural accommodations for people with mobility impairments to use all areas of the Main Library, DiMattia Building, as well as the Harry Bennett, Weed Memorial & Hollander, and South End Branches.
Accessibility Services:
The Library is committed to making its resources and programs accessible to all patrons, including those with disabilities. Some of the services we provide are listed below. If you need a special accommodation, please contact Susan LaPerla, Director of Public Services, at slaperla@fergusonlibrary.org or 203-351-8201.
While you are in the Library, the staff at our second floor information desk at the Main Library can answer questions about assistive technology for use by people with disabilities.
You can ask us a question at any time via the Contact Us button located on every page of our website. Using the linked form will ensure that your inquiry will be handled promptly by the appropriate member of our staff. You may also call the information desk during library hours at 203-351-8221.
The Ferguson Library offers the following aids for our patrons with disabilities.
- Contrasting key boards with large letters
- Easi-Scissors
- Large monitors
- Magnifier glasses
- On-screen text narrative
- Optelec magnifier
- Read to text narrator on all computers
Large Type Books
The Ferguson Library has an extensive collection of large type books, which includes best-selling fiction and non-fiction as well as other popular titles. Most of the collection is located on the first floor of the Main Library. There is a smaller collection at the Harry Bennett Branch. They are easily located in our catalog. For information about our large type holdings, call 203-351-8221.
Books on CD and Playaways
The Library has a collection of more 4,000 audiobooks on CDs and on pre-recorded audio players called Playaways. The majority of the collection is located on the lower level of the Main Library, but there is a smaller, popular collection at the Harry Bennett Branch. They are easily located in our catalog. For assistance with this collection, call 203-351-8201.
Downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks
Our collection of digital media can be accessed with the Digital Media link located in the footer of every page of the Library’s website, or with the Ferguson Library app available for Apple devices (iPhone, iPod, iPad), Android devices, Amazon Kindle Fire, Windows 8 phones and Windows 8 tablets. Using your Ferguson Library card, you can download audio books, digital music, ebooks, magazines, and videos onto your computer, tablet or smartphone.
National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program for circulating braille and audio materials to eligible borrowers, who are unable to use regular printed material because of visual impairment or a physical disability. The materials and free playback equipment needed to read talking books and magazines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. Eligible borrowers can also access books and periodicals through BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download online service. Detailed information about NLS can be found on their website.
We mail out books for extended loan periods and include a return mailing envelope for Stamford residents who are unable to leave home. To request this service please contact the Dial-A-Book Librarian at 203 351-8225.
The Library provides a rotating collection of books to area nursing homes, assisted living facilities and senior housing associations, making stops every three weeks on Mondays. For information please call 203 351-8290.
Our Special Needs Center, located in the Youth Services Department at the Main Library, serves the information and access needs of Stamford families who have children with disabilities, by providing workstations with assistive technology, software to use at home, Learning Kits to Go, specialized programming, and helpful information for parents.
Upcoming Events
Storytime featuring songs, rhymes, bounces and a special book.
Ages 12 months and younger with an accompanying caregiver.
Registration appreciated.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
The 2025 open enrollment period for individual and family health insurance plans is underway. Representatives from Access Health CT will be at the library through January 15 to enroll members in the health insurance marketplace.
Love canasta? Always wanted to learn how to play?
Whether you're a pro or a novice, come out to play this card game that combines elements of bridge and rummy.
A Spanish-language storytime featuring picture books, rhymes and movement activities.
Ages 2 and younger with an accompanying caregiver. Siblings welcome.
Registration appreciated.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Do you need a benefits check-up? Wondering about your eligibility for a senior program?
All are welcome to join a friendly group discussion of the latest articles from The New Yorker.
Also available via Zoom.