
CALLING ALL PRE-K THORUGH 5TH GRADE STUDENTS:
Join us for our next Books Across Stamford event
Saturday, November 18 at the Main Branch of the Ferguson Library!
Join us for our next Books Across Stamford event
Saturday, November 18 at the Main Branch of the Ferguson Library!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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
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
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