The Ferguson Library is still in the midst of its 2011 Annual Appeal. Letters went out to Stamford households at the end of November and at this time, the appeal has raised just under $80,000 — still falling short of its goal.

“Donations are still coming in and we’re still not sure where we’ll end up,” Library president Ernie DiMattia said. “We’re down about a third from where we should be.”

Last year’s Annual Appeal raised $115,000 for the Ferguson and came right at the time when all eyes were on the library due to the 2010 budget cuts and the reduced hours that ensued.

“We’ve settled into it now and it’s not as publicized,” DiMattia said.

Despite less talk about the library’s budgetary woes — the Ferguson need the community’s support now more than ever in the coming year. Library usage typically rises during tough economic times when people are more likely to turn to the library for materials, but reduced hours at the branches caused usage at the Ferguson to suffer in 2011.

“The issue right now is that we’re losing usage,” DiMattio said. “It was increasing before the hour cutbacks. Now, some people have made the new hours work for them, and some haven’t.”

While the mood is still somber at the Ferguson, there were some bright points in 2011. At the top of the list, Purdue Pharma’s Consumer Health Information Center which opened in June. Programs for job seekers and programs to help educate the community about technology have also seen growth.

“Our book budget has suffered over the years, but we’re in the e-book business and training people on the e-books,” DiMattia said.

The library's Sunday Sponsorship program has helped maintain Sunday hours at the Main Library. They currently have three-quarters of the Sundays in 2012 accounted for, but will need sponsors to fill in those remaining Sundays.  

“We’re trying to develop ourselves, provide a place where people can be lifelong learners,” DiMattia said. “We’re a clearinghouse for every kind of person in this community. In a place where there’s such a mix of people, you see that in the library. You can’t find that in too many places.”

Donation envelopes are available at all Ferguson Library branches and donations can also be made online.

“Everyone’s writing their end-of-the-year checks, we have to reach them in the first couple weeks in January,” DiMattia said. “We can’t do it without you."