Category: Miscellany

“Saving the Spadefoot Toad” with Mass Audubon

Posted on by Sue

We are delighted to welcome Sean Kortis from Mass Audubon on Friday afternoon, September 23rd at 2 pm, for a presentation at the Falmouth Public Library! Please register by clicking here. Also, Sean will be leading a tour of the vernal pools for us at Ashument Holly on Friday morning, October 7th, check our calendar for more details!

 Vernal Pools are scattered around the Cape Cod landscape and are home to a variety of secretive creatures. The eastern spadefoot toad is one of them, and is also the rarest frog species in Massachusetts. Through unique and seldom seen photographic documentation, we will explore the secret life history of this elusive and little known species and what efforts are underway in our region to save this amazing animal.

Sean Kortis is the Adult Program Coordinator for Mass Audubon’s Cape Region. Sean has a long history of working with Mass Audubon dating back to 2011. They previously worked for the organization as a Teacher Naturalist and spent several years as a technician for the Spadefoot Toad Restoration Project. Sean also spent the last 8 years working in the field of environmental conservation and protection as a Natural Resource Officer where they managed the study and protection of endangered species on Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable. Sean shares a passion for environmental learning, exploration, and is working to better understand how our connection to nature can guide us towards a future of sustainable living in a rapidly changing world.

While all ages are welcome, the talk is aimed at adults and teens.  This program is supported in part by a grant from the Falmouth Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. 

Contribute Your Memories of the Falmouth Road Race

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

This year on August 21 Falmouth will host the 50th running of the Falmouth Road Race. As thousands of runners race from the starting line, in front of the Captain Kidd on Water Street in Woods Hole, they wind past Nobska Light, up Surf Drive, around Falmouth Harbor, to the finish line in Falmouth Heights.

At the Falmouth Public Library we have large collections of postcards of local landmarks along the path of the Road Race. We’ve created a Map so you can follow the runners’ route, with a glimpse at past views of the buildings and seashores they’ll see as they run.

Many Falmouth residents and visitors have run the Road Race over the years. The Falmouth Road Race web site has a wonderful year-by-year recap of the 49 races to date. Does it spark memories in you?

We’re building a digital archive of Road Race Memories at the library, and we’d love to hear your story.

Dig out your old photos, or take a picture of your collection of mugs and t-shirts, and write us a few lines about the years you ran, or watched, or got stuck in traffic! Library Director Linda Collins shared the following memory:

In 1999 race day was complete with torrential rains. Waiting at the the start,  I remember seeing runners with plastic bags taped over their shoes in an attempt to stay dry. As we came out of the woods along the beach we were running through ankle deep puddles. I wondered how the plastic bags were holding up. I turned to the runner next to me and he had the biggest smile on his face. We agreed, we were doing all the things our mothers taught us not to. We were running in the middle of the road, soaked to the skin, jumping in puddles, and talking to strangers. It doesn’t get any better.

She also found a page in her scrapbook about that year! You can see how wet it was even at the finish.

You can upload an image or type in a story without an image attached at our Contribution Link. Be sure you include your name and email address, and give us permission to publish your contribution at our web site. If you don’t have computer access, please feel free to stop by the Reference Desk and we can take down your story or snap a digital image of your old-fashioned paper photograph!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Library Lawn Games on Mondays

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

COME GET YOUR GAME ON!

From July 11th through August 29th, stop by the Falmouth Public Library lawn on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm (weather permitting) to play some of our new, fun, outdoor games!

We’ll have Cornhole, Giant Checkers, Giant 4-In-A-Row, Giant Jenga, Giant Left Center Right, Giant Yard Dice, Kan Jam and Spikeball!  

Library Lawn Games are fun for all ages and everyone is welcome to come and play!  For more information about the Library Lawn Games and how to play, click here.

2022 Summer Movies

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

FPL Wednesday Night Movies (July 6th & July 20th)

The Falmouth Public Library will be showing two summer movie classics in the Hermann room on Wednesday Nights in July, Independence Day from 1996 and Jaws from 1975!   These movie viewings are free to the public and are sponsored by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.  Registrations are required and each movie is limited to 60 participants. 

Wednesday, July 6th at 5:30pm in the Hermann room
Independence Day (Rated PG-13; Runtime 2.5 hours)   
“In the epic adventure film “Independence Day,” as these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived; its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.”

Wednesday, July 20th at 6pm in the Hermann room
Jaws (Rated PG; Runtime 2 hours) 


“When a young woman is killed by a shark near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Ichthyologist Matt Hooper and grizzled ship captain Quint offer to help Brody capture the killer beast, and the trio engage in an epic battle of man vs. nature.”


FV Movies Under The Stars (July 27th – August 31st)

The Falmouth Village Association will be showing double feature movies on the library lawn every Wednesday at dusk (6pm-10pm) starting July 27th and ending August 31st!  BYO blankets and chairs and join us on the library lawn to enjoy some outdoor family fun with Movies Under the Stars.  These movies are weather dependent and are free to the public.  No registration is required.

Wednesday, July 27th from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: Star Wars: A New Hope (Rated PG; Runtime 2 hours)
“Young Luke Skywalker leaves his desert home planet to rescue Princess Leia and become a Jedi knight.”      
~ 8pm Movie: Apollo 13 (Rated PG; Runtime 2.3 hours):
“The true story of the Apollo 13 space mission where astronauts are stranded in their crippled spacecraft while the ground crew race against time to bring them home.”


Wednesday, August 3rd from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: My Dog Skip (Rated PG; Runtime 1.5 hours)
“Set in Mississippi in the late 1940s and based on Willie Morris’ boyhood memoirs, eight-year-old Willie loses his only friend in the world to the draft until his mother gives him a puppy for his birthday.”

~ 8pm Movie: Dog (Rated PG-13; Runtime 1.6 hours)
“Briggs and his companion Lulu, a Belgian Malinois, haul ass down the Pacific Coast in time to catch their best friend’s and handler’s funeral.” 


Wednesday, August 10th from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: Sing 2 (Rated PG; Runtime 1.8 hours)
“The ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet, all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world.”

~ 8pm Movie: The Greatest Showman (Rated PG; Runtime 1.7 hours)
“An original musical screenplay brings to life the story of P.T. Barnum and his creation of “the greatest show on Earth”.”


Wednesday, August 17th from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: Coco (Rated PG; Runtime 1.7 hours)
“Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz.  Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events.”

~ 8pm Movie: McFarland, USA (Rated PG; Runtime 2.1 hours)
“Inspired by the 1987 true story, the movie follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White, a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.”


Wednesday, August 24 from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: Ratatouille (Rated G; Runtime 1.8 hours)
“A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession.”

~ 8pm Movie: Julie and Julia (Rated PG-13; Runtime 2 hours)
“Julie Powell is a frustrated insurance worker who wants to be a writer. Trying to find a challenge in her life, she decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ in one year, and to blog about it.”


Wednesday, August 31st from 6pm-10pm on library lawn
6pm Movie: Ron’s Gone Wrong (Rated PG; Runtime 1.7 hours)
“The story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler, and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally connected device, which is supposed to be his ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s hilarious malfunctions, set against the backdrop of the social media, age launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship.”

~ 8pm Movie Chistopher Robin (Rated PG; Runtime 1.7 hours)
“The young boy, who loved taking adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a gang of spirited and loveable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into that world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.”

 

Ticks: Educate and Protect Yourself!

Posted on by Sue

As summer is coming, it seems like a great time to repost the video from Larry Dapsis’ Zoom presentation on ticks from a year ago!

Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Massachusetts, and is now considered a public health crisis.  In addition to Lyme, deer ticks can carry the pathogens that cause other illnesses. 

This program reviewed the basic life cycle and ecology of deer ticks, incidence rates and distribution of tick-borne illnesses.  It included a three-point protection:  Protect Yourself, Protect Your Yard and Protect your Pet.  Tick-Borne diseases are preventable! Also, for even more information on ticks and bugs, click here to go to Larry’s page on the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension site. 

Larry Dapsis has been an entomologist since age 5.  He has a B.S. in Environmental Science & Biology from Fitchburg State University and an M.S. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.  He has forty years of professional pest management experience, for vegetables, cranberries and households.  He joined Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in 2011 as the Deer Tick Project Coordinator and Entomologist, and he is a member of the Barnstable County Task Force on Lyme and other Tick-Borne Diseases.

 

Author signing for Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea

Posted on by Sue

Below the Edge of Darkness is this year’s WHOI & FPL Community Read, and author Edie Widder will be here in person to do a select reading from her book, Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea, followed by a short Q&A and then a book signing on Saturday, June 11th from 1pm-2:30pm in the Library’s Hermann meeting room! Registration is required, you can do so by clicking here. Copies of the book will be available for purchase by Eight Cousins at the event.

She will then go right to WHOI’s Redfield Auditorium for a community conversation with Sam Harp, WHOI’s Vice President for Advancement, followed by a Q&A with the audience from 4 pm – 5 pm-you can register for that here!

“A pioneering marine biologist takes us down into the deep ocean to understand bioluminescence—the language of light that helps life communicate in the darkness—and what it tells us about the future of life on Earth.”

“Dr. Edith Widder is an oceanographer, a marine biologist, and the co-founder, CEO, and senior scientist at the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, a non-profit organization where she is focusing her passion for saving the ocean into developing innovative technologies to preserve and protect the ocean’s most precious real estate: its estuaries.” 

For some videos of Edie, and some further books on the topic, go to our WHOI & FPL Community Read page by clicking here!

The WHOI & FPL Community Read 2022 is part of Dispatches from an Ocean Planet: A Celebration of Film and Literature presented by the Yawkey Foundation and WHOI. 

 

Below the Edge of Darkness Book Discussion with Allan Adams: A WHOI & FPL Community Read Event!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us on Wednesday, May 25th from 7pm-8pm via Zoom to discuss the 2022 WHOI & FPL Community Read, Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea by Dr. Edith Widder, in a group setting!  We will have a special guest, Allan Adams, joining us.  Allan is an Adjunct Oceanographer at WHOI in the Applies Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. 

This event is free to the public and registration is required.  Register online by clicking here or by calling the library at 508-457-2555 x7.  

Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea  takes readers deep into our planet’s oceans as Widder pursues her questions about one of the most important and widely used forms of communication in nature.  In the process, she reveals hidden worlds and a dazzling menagerie of behaviors and animals, from microbes to leviathans, many never before seen or, like the legendary giant squid, never before filmed in their deep-sea lairs.  Alongside Widder, we experience life-and-death equipment malfunctions and witness breakthroughs in technology and understanding, all set against a growing awareness of the deteriorating health of our largest and least understood ecosystem.   

Come pick up a copy today at the library!  Below the Edge of Darkness is also available for purchase at Eight Cousins and the WHOI Bookstore!  The 2022 WHOI & FPL Community Read is part of Dispatches from an Ocean Planet: A Celebration of Film and Literature presented by the Yawkey Foundation and WHOI.

Pseudoscience & Archaeology

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Pseudoscience & Archaeology

How the Media Blends Fact & Fiction: ‘The Indiana Jones Effect’

Join the Falmouth Public Library on Wednesday, May 18th via Zoom from 7pm-8pm for the online lecture of Pseudoscience & Archaeology: How the Media Blends Fact & Fiction ‘The Indiana Jones Effect’ by Marie Zahn.  Registration is required.  To register online click here or call us at 508-457-2555 x7.

Marie will discuss how the evolution of science fiction has affected the public view of archaeology. Throughout the history of sci-fi, archaeological plot lines have become more popular in recent times. While this has furthered public interest in archaeology, the science fiction origins of the “ancient alien theory” have tarnished the view of legitimate archaeological studies. From H.P. Lovecraft to Indiana Jones and Doctor Who, the impact of the entertainment industry on archaeological research is examined.

Marie Zahn, a Cape Cod native, is the Director of the Brooks Academy Museum and A. Elmer Crowell Decoy Barn Museum for the Harwich Historical Society, as well as serving as the Administrator for the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth. Prior to this, she spent several years working on an early 18th century shipwreck as an archaeologist, conservator, and science education coordinator.

This free, online lecture is sponsored by the Trustees of the Falmouth Public Library.

Celebrating 50 Years of Homebound Services

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

In the 50 years since 1972, the Falmouth Public Library has delivered just shy of a quarter of a million library books, movies, audiobooks and magazines to Falmouth residents who were unable to visit the library due to illness, injury or other reasons through our Homebound Library Service.

Without interruption, FPL’s Homebound Service has continued through 8 US presidents, 5 library directors, 5 economic recessions and enormous technological changes. Despite the arrival of ebooks, most library users continue to prefer physical books and to make use of DVDs and CD audiobooks.

The Beginning

In 1972, recently retired Library Director, Hazel Atwood, envisioned a service for shut-ins and created a volunteer home delivery service to provide library books to local residents. Assisted by Laurie McNee, FPL’s now retired North Falmouth Branch Librarian, Mrs. Atwood delivered books in her own white Buick Skylark. Although Mrs. Atwood began winding down her volunteer commitment due to her husband’s illness by 1979, the delivery service was so popular that the Falmouth Public Library created a paid part-time position to continue it. Laura Wool, already a staff member at FPL, became the Library’s first Homebound Librarian.

Today

Laura Wool visits patrons at home or in local facilities every three weeks. According to Laura, many new patrons find out about the Homebound Service through word-of-mouth from family, friends or neighbors. Service can be provided on a short-term basis in case of injury or surgery, or on an ongoing basis if needed. Residents can provide a specific list of titles, or Laura will also assemble a delivery based on specific interests and preferences. Just call the library to begin the process. Laura is available Monday-Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, when she isn’t on the road making deliveries.

Words of Appreciation

The Falmouth Public Library is both proud and grateful for the support of the town in providing this needed and much appreciated service for the past five decades to countless residents. We hope to continue it for many years to come!

Here are some words of appreciation from some residents who have benefited from the service.

” You have no idea how much you have enriched my life. In this time of all the stress and worry in this world you are a ray of sunshine…You have helped me out with a life line to the books that helped keep me on an even keel.”

“One never appreciated the convenience of a handicapped society until one has been there. I am so thrilled to have books delivered to my door as this is my main recreation and I can’t manage a trip to the library.”

“Thank you again for the variety of books which you’ve shared with Mom over the year. Your visits have meant a good deal to us!”

“Your service to shut-ins was invaluable to me and I am sure many others, and then to have it come in the delightful person of Laura Wool is an added bonus as she gives a great lift to the day.”

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration

On May 12th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, the Falmouth Public Library will be holding an Open House to celebrate their 50 years of service. The public is invited to attend, to reminisce and learn more about FPL’s Homebound Services. Please join us!

Learn Libby From The Experts!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

The Falmouth Public Library is hosting a free, online Libby webinar by the experts at OverDrive on Wednesday, May 11th at 10am!  With the Libby app, you can access the entire CLAMS digital library collection to read and listen to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines all for free with your library card!

Register today to learn how to sign into Libby, navigate around, browse and search for titles, borrow titles and place holds, manage notifications, and much much more!

Can’t make this webinar but are interested in learning more about Libby?  Register and a recording of the webinar will be sent to you for you to watch whenever it is best for you!

To register, just click this link: https://bit.ly/falmoutlibby