Our Mission:
“We rescue and re-circulate books,
sell quality used books at modest prices, and
provide unsold books free to community institutions.”

Description:
The award-winning, all-volunteer Friends Used Book Shops have become cherished community places, earning the Friends "Stamford Downtown Retailer of the Year" (2003) and CT Family Magazine's Shops as one of Fairfield County's '50 Coolest Places.'

Open all year during all Library hours, we also hold monthly collectible sales, plus special author and "roadshow" events.

Book Shop volunteers generally work at least one 3 hour shift per week helping customers, keeping the Shops stocked, packing books for re-donation, or helping to sort and price donated books. There are many special projects available. We will train.

We look for these characteristics in our volunteers:
 At least a sophomore in High School.
 Commits to volunteer at least 3 hours/week.
 Commits to a minimum of 50 hours service within six consecutive months.
 Works hard.
 Looks for things to do.
 Is able to work without supervision.
 Willing to use e-mail and comfortable around computers.
 Can push a fully loaded book truck.
 Shows up reliably.
 Contributes ideas and suggestions.
 Is willing to learn new things.
 Works willingly at any task needed.
 Is pleasant and supportive.
 Acts professionally.
 Willing to train others.
 Understands and supports our Book Shop Mission.
 Welcomes working as part of a team.
 Knowledge of books and literature a big plus.

History:
The Book Shops are a significant funding source for the Ferguson Library. Through the funds raised in the Book Shops, the Friends support the Library's children's programs, Summer Reading Program, literacy projects, speakers and films. Besides program funding, we provide the Library with special needs funds (furnishings, computers, special book collections, vehicles, etc.). In addition, the Friends run their own programs: an Annual Literary Competition for Stamford students, grades 3-12, Books For Babies,and Book & Author events.

The Friends were selected in 2003 as Connecticut's best Friends organization for CT towns over 25,000.

Contact people:

Barbara Leffler, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Robbie Monsma, Chair, Used Book Shops, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (203) 406-0361

Address:

One Public Library Plaza Stamford, CT 06904 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.friendsoffergusonlibrary.org

Directions:

Ferguson Main Library: Corner of Broad St. and Bedford, St, downtown Stamford. Harry Bennett Branch of Ferguson Library: Located off High Ridge Rd. on Turn-of-River Rd., North Stamford.   Nearest Bus Stop: Bedford St. & Broad St., 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does your agency have weekend volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agency have evening volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agecny accept court ordered communituy service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for corporate volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for youth volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 8-13 with adult supervision?
	No
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 14-18?
	Yes