From The Ferguson Library
Due to new federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of State, The Ferguson Library must stop offering passport services February 13. Under this directive, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are no longer permitted to process passport applications. Moving forward, passport services may only be provided by designated government agencies.
The Ferguson Library has offered passport services since 1999 and last year processed almost 8,000 applications. This change will have a significant impact on the library’s ability to provide services to the public. The City of Stamford underwrites about 85% of the Ferguson Library’s budget and revenue from the library’s passport operations brought in $368,000 in 2025. These dollars ensure the library remains open every day of the week and directly support the library’s book collection and services such as free computers, technology assistance and programs for children and adults. Income from passport operations has also allowed the library to upgrade its facilities over the years.
The library is actively exploring sustainable funding alternatives to reduce the impact this change will have on services. “The Ferguson Library is a cornerstone of our community, and this federal decision will have real impacts on the services so many Stamford residents rely on,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. “While this change is deeply disappointing, the City remains committed to working with the Ferguson Library as it explores new funding solutions and continues its vital mission to provide free and equal access to information for all.”
Ferguson Library Board of Trustees Chair R.J. Mercede said, “Despite this loss of crucial funding, the Ferguson Library remains committed to providing free critical services to the greater Stamford community.”
“It has been an honor to provide this service for more than 25 years and we are very disappointed by the State Department’s new directive,” said Ferguson Library CEO Alice Knapp. “Our dedicated staff, many of whom are bilingual, has served the Stamford community with passion and dedication.”
A bipartisan bill (H.R. 6997) has been introduced in Congress by two Pennsylvania representatives that would enable 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to continue to serve as passport acceptance facilities. The bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Library Association and the Connecticut Library Association.
The Ferguson Library is Stamford’s public library system, consisting of the Main Library, DiMattia Building; the Harry Bennett Branch; the Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch; the South End Branch; West Side Branch and a traveling Bookmobile. It provides free and equal access to information, ideas, books and technology to educate, engage and enrich the Stamford community. For more information visit https://www.fergusonlibrary.