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 5,000 books throughout Stamford to help children, pre-K through fifth grade, build home libraries.

Photo Jul 26, 09 35 37 crop

Every year since 2013, SPEF hosts 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.

Each summer, SPEF organizes the Summer Series book giveaways at various Stamford-based community centers and camps. Over 2,000 books are distributed each summer, resulting in bigger home libraries and children enthusiastic to read.  SPEF also provides book donations throughout the year to other local organizations and the City of Stamford.

PAST 2023 EVENTS

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 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

Summer Series 2021 Locations

Dorothy Heroy Park

Newfield Elementary School

Davenport Ridge Elementary School

Roxbury Elementary School

Barrett Park

Westover Magnet Elementary School

Hart Magnet Elementary School

Summer Start

Children’s Learning Centers (CLC)

Star Center

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

SoundWaters