Free Book Program
Friend-to-Friend
(F2F) is a free service of the Friends of Ferguson Library, in
cooperation with our sister program, the Friends Used Book Shops. We
supply free, clean, quality used books to Stamford-serving nonprofit
agencies.
F2F’s mission is to
serve as a free community literacy resource by promoting the use and re-use
of books in our community, and to save from disposal perfectly good
reading material that cannot otherwise be sold in our Book Shops
(duplicates, lack of space, specialized).
All F2F books were first donated to us by the community. We ‘re-donate’ them to your agency. Since 2003, F2F has re-donated over 200,000 items to more than 65 agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible for free books?
A. Nonprofit educational, civic, government, religious, community,
and similar organizations that serve
Stamford
residents, or are based in
Stamford
.
Re-donation is strictly limited to agency, never private, use. Resale is
strictly forbidden.
Since many agencies
rely on F2F, and our stock is limited by what we get donated to us, we
trust our customers, in consultation with the volunteers as to current
resources, use some quantity restraint with selecting books during any
one visit so as to preserve variety for others. You may visit again any
time.
Q. What kind of books are available?
A. F2F books are exactly the same stock as regularly priced books found in our Shops, on all subjects and for all age levels. Eligible customers can take as many books as needed from the Main Library F2F Re-Donation Room and up to ten regularly priced items from the Shops each month. Our stock is replenished daily, so visit often.
Regular customers
with specialty interests may request that we save books especially for
them. Since all stock is donated, we cannot fill orders for multiple
copies or guarantee particular titles. Available stock is directly
dependent upon what the community donates to us, so please remind friends
and family members to donate their books, videos and music to the
Friends!
Q. If the F2F books are used,
aren’t they dirty and scuffed?
A. No. We use only cleaned, quality books in good condition for
this service; the same standard as in our popular Shops. Minor
imperfections are to be expected but since YOU can choose your own books,
satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!
Q. How do I get my books?
A. We are open whenever the Library is open.
Walk-in. Go directly
into the Shop and choose up to ten regularly priced books depending on availability, complete a yellow F2F Re-Donation Record
and leave it with a volunteer (or library staff if no volunteer is
present).
By appointment. Email Cathy Ostuw, Friend-to-Friend Chairperson at freebooks@friendsoffergusonlibrary.org, or call (203) 351-8256, to make an appointment to visit the redonation room. If you have a special subject need (US frontier history unit, Spanish cooking, 19th c. American poetry, Halloween, etc.), please let us know, as we may be able have appropriate items ready for your inspection when you arrive. This is more likely in connection to subjects than to specific titles.
Always record your
selection. For EVERY visit, the customer must complete an F2F Re-Donation
Record. This yellow sheet is available for self-service in the Shops and
also in the Re-Donation Room. Please fill out this form COMPLETELY for
every visit in order to keep F2F privileges. When you first visit, an
acknowledgment letter from the receiving agency is requested for
documentation purposes.
May I take the books
with me? The customer generally carries out the order. We will help you
load your car, if needed. In rare circumstances, we may be able to
deliver large orders, involving many boxes of books, directly to the
agency.
Q. I have used the F2F service
once. May I use it again?
A. Yes. Use it as often as you need to, up to once a month, if
desired. Keep in mind, however, that our program is based on donations,
so subjects and titles are not predictable.
Q. I know of a non-profit
organization that could use your service. May I suggest that they call
you?
A. Sure, and we’d really appreciate that you do. Just have them contact us at: 203-351-8256 or at freebooks@friendsoffergusonlibrary.org. Leave a message and we’ll contact you as soon as we can.
Q. I’d like to get a selection
of youth fiction, adult non-fiction, and board books for very young
children. Is this OK?
A. Yes, any combination of materials is acceptable. All subjects
and types are available.
Q. I live in
Stamford
but teach at a public school in the
South Bronx
.
Can I still use your service?
A. Not at this time. Our mission and policy limit this program to
agencies that serve
Stamford
residents.
Q. Once the books have been used,
must they be returned?
A. No, they are ‘for keeps’. We even urge you to give them to
clients to take home, consistent with your program goals.
Q. Some of my clients are Spanish
speaking. Can I find books for them?
A. Yes, we always have a respectable stock of foreign language books: Russian, French, Spanish, German and some Asian languages. If you have readers with specific needs, please contact us to discuss how we might assist you.
Q. My readers are domestic
violence victims. They do not want to read certain types of mysteries,
for instance. How can we make sure some disturbing books don’t slip into
the mix?
A. We are careful to ask about and screen appropriate reading
materials for your group. When you call to make contact, mention any such
concerns.
Q. I have a great idea for a
community project. Can F2F become involved?
A. Yes, so long as you do the legwork for the project, and we just
make the books available to you. Also, we need to clear the project, so
make sure you call us in advance to discuss your idea.
To keep this valuable
program going...
Please remind friends and family to donate their books, videos and music
to the Friends.
Donation Drop Off Locations
Any Ferguson Library circulation desk or The Friends Used Book Shops
Larger Donations:
Main Library at back loading dock (off Spring Street) or Harry
Bennett Branch donation drop box by exit door
Please pack in bags
or boxes.
“Dreams, books, are each a world.”
- William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
email us: freebooks@friendsoffergusonlibrary.org
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