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Books Across Stamford is an engaging literacy program focused on motivating children to read by distributing new, free books and literacy resources to economically disadvantaged children and families. Each year, SPEF aims to distribute at least 5,000 books throughout Stamford to help children, Pre-K through fifth grade, build home libraries.

Special Partnership with RIF

In March of 2022, we were notified by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) that, through a collaborative effort, $250,000 in congressional funding had been secured as part of the FY22 federal appropriations process to deliver children’s literacy programming via SPEF. Together with community partners, such as the Ferguson Library and Stamford Public Schools, SPEF provided Stamford’s educators, families and students with books and literacy resources to inspire a love of reading. Specifically, we helped Pre-K through 8th grade students build their home libraries and expand their books access through a mix of print books (36,000+) and digital books (via Skybrary classroom licenses). This infusion of critically needed literacy resources served to support children’s reading development while furthering a culture of literacy at school and home.

Happiness is a New Book – or Two!

This summer, SPEF visited 15 locations throughout Stamford, including the Boys & Girls Club, INTEMPO, the Stamford Recreation Camps, B1C, and all four elementary summer school locations in our district. Children selected two new books to bring home and enjoy. During this Summer Series, SPEF distributed 5,000 new books to approximately 2,500 students.

In addition to our Summer Series, every year since 2013, SPEF has been hosting two large-scale book giveaways with The Ferguson Library.  Approximately 600-700 books are distributed to 300-400 children at each event. These events include guest readers, professional storytellers, arts & crafts activities, and snacks for all who attend.

UPCOMING 2024 EVENTS

Saturday, March 2nd

Books Across Stamford: March Into Reading
1:00-4:00PM

Ferguson Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Pre-K through 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for a FREE, fun-filled book giveaway!

PAST 2023 EVENTS

Saturday, November 18th

Books Across Stamford: Giving Thanks
1:00-4:00PM

Ferguson Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Pre-K through 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for a FREE, fun-filled book giveaway!

July 24th-August 4th

Books Across Stamford: Summer Series

Approximately 5,000 books were given away at 15 locations!

Friday, March 3rd

March Into Reading

Join SPEF as we celebrate Read Across America week by providing free books to Stamford public school students!

Saturday, January 28

Books Across Stamford: A Winter Wonderland Book Giveaway

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ferguson Library, Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

PAST 2022 EVENTS

Monday, August 8

Community Health Center’s National Health Center Week

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Community Health Center, Inc.
22 Fifth Street

Tuesday, August 2

National Night Out (NNO)

4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Latham ParkWalton Place

Saturday, April 30

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stamford Early Childhood Fair

Mill River Park, Carousel Lawn

SPEF will be distributing free books at the Stamford Early Childhood Fair.
Stop by and look for our table!

Saturday, April 9

12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Ferguson Library South End Branch
34 Woodland Avenue

Students, Pre-K through 5th grade, and their families are invited to kick off their spring break with SPEF and the Ferguson Library.  Enjoy free, new books to take home, as well as healthy snacks, Earth Day crafts, and entertainment from local community members!

Summer Series 2023 Locations

Rogers International School
Hart Magnet Elementary School
Northeast Elementary School

Strawberry Hill Elementary School
Boys and Girls Club Yerwood Center
Stillmeadow Elementary School

Boys and Girls Club Stillwater Center
Stamford Recreation Star Center
Building One Community
FISH Chruch

Davenport Elementary School
Stamford YMCA
Newfield School
Westover Elementary School

Summer Series 2022 Locations

Boys and Girls Club – Stillwater

Rogers International School

Boys & Girls Club – Yerwood Center

Northeast Elementary School

Westover Magnet Elementary

INTEMPO

Building One Community

ROSCCO

Summer Start