Poetry Meets Running: A Warm-Up for the Falmouth Road Race

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

On the eve of the Falmouth Road Race, the Falmouth Public Library is proud to host a special poetry reading with author and scientist Jon Hare on Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 PM in the Hermann Foundation Meeting Room. Hare will present selections from his new collection, Woods Hole Senryu—a poetic tribute to the quirks, contrasts, and character of Woods Hole.

Written in the style of senryu, a short Japanese poetic form similar to haiku, Woods Hole Senryu uses humor and insight to reflect on human nature and local life. Through the lens of a scientist and a runner, Hare offers a uniquely personal and geographic journey that begins and ends in Woods Hole—mirroring the route of the famed Falmouth Road Race.

“Running for me is a time to think—almost meditative,” Hare says. “Many of these poems were shaped while I ran. The order of the poems follows the geography—from Woods Hole, up to Falmouth, and back. The first half is essentially the Road Race course, and my time training for the Road Race deeply influenced this collection.”

Attendees are also invited to write their own senryu or haiku on provided postcards and enjoy light refreshments inspired by race day—think protein bars, reusable water bottles, and other runner-friendly snacks. There will even be a book giveaway!

Join us for an afternoon of thoughtful humor and local insight as Hare shares poems inspired by movement, observation, and the vibrant spirit of the Falmouth community.

Celebrate the power of poetry and place—just in time for race weekend.

This event is free and open to the public. We recommend registering.

For more information, contact the Falmouth Public Library at (508) 457-2555 or visit www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

Project ITCH (Is Tick Control Helping?) Public Presentation

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

As tick-borne illnesses continue to pose a significant public health risk across the Cape and Islands, researchers are stepping up public education and outreach efforts to help residents stay informed and protected.

On Monday, July 28 from 4:00–5:00 PM, the Falmouth Public Library will host a public update on Project ITCH (Is Tick Control Helping?), a CDC-funded research initiative that aims to assess the effectiveness of common tick control methods in real-world settings.

The event will take place in the Hermann Foundation Meeting Room at the Main Library, 300 Main Street, Falmouth.

The presentation will be led by Dr. Stephen M. Rich, a professor of microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Executive Director of the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases. Dr. Rich has been at the forefront of tick-borne disease research in southeastern Massachusetts, working in close collaboration with Barnstable County Extension and the Department of Health and Environment.

Now in its third year, Project ITCH is being conducted across all six New England states. The Cape Cod portion of the project includes field visits to residential properties, tick sampling, and resident surveys. The data help researchers evaluate the effectiveness of various tick prevention strategies and inform future public health efforts.

Dr. Rich will share preliminary findings from the current field season, highlight trends observed across the region, and offer guidance on effective tick control methods for homeowners and communities.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended.

For more information, contact the Falmouth Public Library at (508) 457-2555 or visit www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

Explore America Through the Lens of Mark Chester

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Falmouth Public Library Hosts “Roadshow Anthropology” Book Slideshow with Photographer Mark Chester

The Falmouth Public Library is delighted to welcome acclaimed photographer Mark Chester for a captivating slideshow presentation of his latest book, Roadshow Anthropology, on Tuesday, July 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the Hermann Foundation Meeting Room at the Main Library, located at 300 Main Street, Falmouth, MA.

Roadshow Anthropology is a striking collection of black-and-white photographs that capture the diverse spirit of America through the lens of the open road. From quirky roadside attractions to poignant glimpses of everyday life, Chester’s images offer a thoughtful and often humorous look at the country’s cultural landscape. With a nod to the tradition of visual storytelling exemplified by photojournalist Lee Friedlander, Chester blends artistry and social commentary to highlight the innovation, contradictions, and character of American life.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended.

For more information, contact the Falmouth Public Library at (508) 457-2555 or visit www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

Help Shape the Future of Adult Programs at the Library!

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

At the Falmouth Public Library, we believe the best programs start with you—our community! That’s why we’re inviting you to take a few minutes to complete our Adult Programming Survey.

Whether you’re a regular at our events or haven’t attended one yet, your input is incredibly valuable. We want to know what kinds of topics interest you, what types of experiences are you looking for—educational, creative, or social and what days and times work best for your schedule?

This short survey helps us design programs that reflect the interests, needs, and schedules of our adult community members. From author talks and art workshops to tech help and wellness sessions, your feedback plays a direct role in what we offer next.

👉Link to Survey

July is Love Your Lake Month!

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Celebrate Love Your Lake Month with the Falmouth Public Library and Falmouth Pond Coalition

This July, the Falmouth Public Library invites residents and visitors to dive into Love Your Lake Month, a celebration of local water stewardship presented in partnership with the Falmouth Pond Coalition. Taking inspiration from the Libraries Love Lakes organization, a nonprofit based in the Finger Lakes region of New York that encourages the use of libraries to educate about freshwater issues.

Join us for two special and free screenings of pond-focused short films produced by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) on Tuesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 17 at 4:00 PM in the Library’s Hermann Room. These engaging films highlight the ecological importance of our local ponds and efforts to preserve their beauty and health. Concurrently, there will be crafts for children to complete in the Bay Room and pond lovers will lead a story hour for children in the Children’s Room (also, July 15^th and 17^th at 4:00 PM).

The event also features a spotlight on OLAUG – Old Ladies against Underwater Garbage, a spirited community group dedicated to restoring water quality and keeping our ponds safe—for people and pets alike.

Come learn how you can contribute to clean, thriving local waterways while enjoying an inspiring mix of science, storytelling, and community action.

For more information, contact the Falmouth Public Library at (508) 457-2555 or visit www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

Summer Reading Club for Grownups!

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Attention Grownups! Do you like to read on the beach? Is your TBR (To-Be-Read) pile shrinking fast thanks to all this glorious summer daylight? Would you like to feel a sense of accomplishment? Join our Summer Reading Club for Grownups – it’s easy and fun!

📚 Pick up a Reading Loyalty Card at any of the branch libraries (Main, North, East) beginning Monday, July 7

📖 Read any books you like!

✅ Each time you finish a book, bring your card to any library service desk (excluding the Children’s Room at the Main Library) to get it punched

📝 After 10 books, write your name and phone number on the back of the card and turn it in at any branch by Saturday, August 30

🎉 You’ll be entered to win a $10 gift certificate to one of Falmouth’s beloved ice cream shops!

🍦 Five winners will be announced the first week of September—just in time for one last scoop before summer ends!

Happy Summer Reading, grownups!

Resident Ospreys: A Bird’s-Eye View into the Daily Life of an Osprey Family, Live from the Nest

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Friday, July 25th, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Hermann Room

Ever wonder what really goes on in an Osprey nest from spring to fall? Join us for Resident Ospreys: A Bird’s-Eye View into the Daily Life of an Osprey Family, Live from the Nest, a fascinating presentation that offers a unique, up-close look into the life of an Osprey family through the lens of the Osprey Cam.

The event will take place in the Hermann Room at the Falmouth Public Library and will be led by Glenn Davis, President of the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. (FMNWR). Davis will share captivating footage and stories from the past three years of the live-streaming camera project, which records around the clock and reveals both heartwarming and surprising moments in the nest.

“This project gives people a real-time connection to nature,” says Davis. “From dramatic weather to unexpected visitors, what we’ve seen in this nest has been both educational and unforgettable.”

What to Expect:

Rare video highlights from the Osprey Cam
Fascinating insights into Osprey behavior and parenting
Surprising interactions with other wildlife
A deeper understanding of local conservation efforts

Whether you are a birder, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the lives of these iconic raptors, this event will leave you inspired and informed.

To register to attend, go to the Falmouth Public Library’s online event calendar or visit/call the Falmouth Public Library’s adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Open Writing Workshop: Weekly Inspiration for Writers of All Levels

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Stuck in a rut with your writing project? Looking to stay creative over the summer? Join us for a relaxed, supportive Open Writing Workshop series on Wednesday evenings from June 18 to August 20, 6:30–8:30 PM in the Bay Room. (Note: No session on July 2.)

Whether you’re starting something new or trying to finish a long-standing project, this welcoming workshop is designed to spark ideas and keep your creativity flowing.

Each weekly session includes:
– Guided writing prompts
– Quiet time to write
– Optional sharing and feedback
– Light discussion about writing craft

In addition to the weekly sessions, we’re also building in opportunities for peer feedback. Writers will be invited (but not required!) to submit a short piece the week before, allowing others to read it over the weekend and come prepared with supportive, constructive comments.

All genres and experience levels are welcome—from total beginners to seasoned writers. Come as often as you like—each session is self-contained.

To register to attend, go to the Falmouth Public Library’s online event calendar or visit/call the Falmouth Public Library’s adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Meet the Filmmakers: Falmouth Public Library Hosts Screening and Discussion of Left on Pearl, a Landmark Feminist Documentary

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

On Tuesday, June 17, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, the Falmouth Public Library invites the community to a special screening of Left on Pearl, followed by a discussion with the film’s co-producers. This powerful documentary captures a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in feminist history: the 1971 takeover of a Harvard-owned building by Boston-area women fighting for gender justice and community empowerment.

This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with the filmmakers and learn more about the movement that led to the creation of the longest continuously operating Women’s Center in the United States.

Left on Pearl chronicles the ten-day occupation of 888 Memorial Drive, during which women demanded a Women’s Center and low-income housing for the surrounding community. The action embodied the spirit, complexities, and transformative energy of Second Wave feminism, giving voice to struggles that continue to resonate today.

Film length: 55 minutes
Discussion length: 30-45 minutes

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from the filmmakers and explore the legacy of an action that helped shape the women’s movement in Boston—and beyond.

To register to attend, go to the Falmouth Public Library’s online event calendar or visit/call the Falmouth Public Library’s adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Walk This Way – Monthly LGBTQIA+ walking group

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Walk This Way!
The library’s monthly LGBTQIA+ Walking Group meets on the second Friday of the month at 3:00 PM

May 9, July 11th, August 8th, September 12th, October 10th

Except for June, when they meet on the third Friday (June 20^th)

Join the library’s monthly LGBTQIA+ walking group where we walk and talk – about art, music, sports and everything in between! The intention behind the group is to offer a comfortable, free, and friendly outdoor activity.

*Walks will take place alongside Shiverick’s Pond Pathway and are accessible with the use of wheelchairs, walkers and other walking aids.

Walks will be short (under .5 miles), leisurely and end on the library lawn where all are welcome to enjoy more fresh air and make new friends with fellow walkers. This event is free, inclusive and open to the general adult public.

Registration is appreciated, but not required. A waiver and release form will be handed out at for first-time walkers.

Author: Kristin Nelson