Category: Animals

Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist with Jasmin Graham

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us at the Falmouth Public Library on Wednesday, August 14th at 4pm in the Hermann meeting room for an author talk and book signing with Jasmin Graham!  She will be discussing her new book Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event from Eight Cousins.

“Sharks Don’t Sink is a riveting, moving, and ultimately triumphant memoir at the intersection of science and social justice: a guidebook to how we can all learn to respect and protect some of nature’s most misunderstood and vulnerable creatures–and grant the same grace to ourselves.”

“Jasmin’s journey, along with her love of sharks, is both fascinating and inspiring, sitting at the cross section of science and social justice. This book is a triumph.” —Emily Giffin, TODAY

“Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist in the field of elasmobranch ecology and evolution, currently specializing in smalltooth sawfish and hammerhead sharks. She is the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization providing support for women of color in the field of shark biology and ecology, in order to foster greater diversity in marine science. She is a recipient of the WWF Conservation Leadership Award, the Safina Launchpad Center Fellowship, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.”

This event is free to the public. CLICK HERE to register online event calendar or visit/call the adult service desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

CAP Therapy Dogs: Tales to Tails!

Posted on by Library User

The good boys and girls are coming back! On Tuesday, January 9 at 2pm in the Hermann Room join a group of certified therapy dogs from CAP for Tales to Tails! Children can read a book to these gentle, attentive dogs – this has been shown to increase children’s confidence in reading, and we’re pretty sure the dogs like it too. But this event is also open to people of all ages who just want to visit with a trained therapy dog who will give you acceptance and love in return for attention and belly rubs. It’s the ultimate de-stress afternoon break.

All ages are welcome; small children should bring their grown-ups. Nobody should bring their own dogs. If you are allergic to dogs, this event is probably not for you. Drop-in, registration is not required.

This is a Falmouth Public Schools early release day.

Coming to a Neighborhood Near You with Ian Ives of Audubon

Posted on by Library User

Falmouth is abuzz with the talk of coyotes – what other wild animals are on the increase? On Thursday January 11, from 2-3pm in the Hermann Room, join Mass Audubon‘s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary Director Ian Ives as he explores the local increase in abundance of deer, coyote, fisher, turkey, bobcat and osprey and the conflicts, management measures and ethical considerations that arise as a result.

Ian Ives is the Director at Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture, Ashumet Holly, Barnstable Great Marsh and Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuaries on Cape Cod. His job responsibilities include overall management of the sanctuaries and staff, community outreach, advocacy, environmental stewardship and education. One of his primary goals is to engage the community in Mass Audubon’s mission work and expand activities at the wildlife sanctuaries he oversees. He holds a Master’s degree in conservation biology from Antioch University – New Hampshire. Ian has a strong background in wetland restoration and endangered species management and is leading environmental advocacy and conservation projects across the Cape to help protect rare wildlife and threatened natural resources they depend on. Formerly, Ian was a Field Biologist for Hyla Ecological Services in Concord MA and was a zookeeper at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

This lecture is courtesy of the Board of Library Trustees. Please register as space is limited.

Entomologist Larry Dapsis: 2 Upcoming Talks!

Posted on by Sue

We are thrilled to have Larry back for not one, but TWO, informative talks on things many of us need to know!

On Thursday afternoon, July 20th at 1:30 PM, he will present “Ticks: Educate and Protect Yourself” (click here to register).

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 will review the basic life cycle and ecology of deer, dog and lone star ticks. He will present a three-point protection plan:  Protect Yourself, Protect Your Yard and Protect your Pet.  Tick-Borne diseases are preventable! An update on a new invasive species, Asian Longhorn Tick will be provided as well as information about a candidate Lyme vaccine. 

On Wednesday morning, July 26th at 11 AM, the talk will be “The Good, the Bad and the Bugly” (click here to register).

Gardening can be quite a challenge. Not every insect in a garden is a potential pest. We will review the common pests of fruits and vegetables, in addition to the fascinating natural enemy complex that helps keep them in check!

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.

These events are free and appropriate for adults and teens.  Please register by clicking the links above, or call the reference department at 508-457-2555 x 7.

Raising Monarch Butterflies Indoors: The Magic of Milkweed, Metamorphosis, and Migration

Posted on by Sue

Join us on Thursday, July 21st from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM when Mary Barry will provide an overview of how to raise your own Monarch butterflies.  Registration required, click here to register, or call, email or stop by (see phone and email at the bottom)! Monarch butterflies and their habitats have declined in recent years.  We can all help ensure we continue to see Monarchs in our town.  Join Mary in learning how you can be part of the solution by raising your own Monarch butterflies.

The following topics will be covered: the importance of milkweed, the supplies needed to raise butterflies, what to expect, and how to tag butterflies.

Mary Pat Barry’s Monarch journey started with the purchase of 3 tiny milkweed plugs at a Master Gardener plant sale 7 years ago.  Since then she has raised monarchs from eggs gathered from a variety of milkweed plants in her yard.  After the caterpillars go to chrysalis and emerge as butterflies, they are all released for their migration to Mexico.  Mary has raised thousands of Monarchs, tagged hundreds and even performed surgery on butterfly wings. Mary is also a Master Gardener.

You can also contact the reference department at info@falmouthpublicilbrary.org, 508-457-2555 x 7 or drop by the reference desk.  

Wild About Harry and A Golden Retriever and His Two Dads

Posted on by Library User

On Friday July 15, at 2:00 PM in the Hermann Meeting Room, we’ll be hosting a film screening and a book signing! Join producer James Egan for a screening of the film Wild About Harry, followed by a book signing by Dan Perdios of A Golden Retriever & His Two Dads: An Adventure on Cape Cod, whose story takes place on the set of Wild About Harry!

Set in 1973 and inspired by true experiences of filmmaker Gwen Wynne, Wild About Harry tells the story of the havoc wreaked in a teenage girl’s life when she discovers her widowed father is gay. Alternately comic and tragic, the film captures the homophobia of the time and shows how far society has come. The backdrop of small town Cape Cod will bring back memories as well. The film stars Tate Donovan, runs 83 minutes, and is rated PG-13. It is suitable for adult and older teen audiences.

A Golden Retriever & His Two Dads shows that when a Golden Retriever plays matchmaker,
anything is possible! A Golden Retriever named Willy introduces two guys who become his Dads. Together they take off to Cape Cod to make a film. Dan Perdios will read from and sign copies of his book, available for purchase through Eight Cousins.

Register online to attend or call the library at 508-457-2555 X7.

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.

Falmouth Reads Together: June Events

Posted on by Library User

We’ve got three public events scheduled for Falmouth Reads Together in June – two documentary films and a discussion of the book The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. Read on for details and registration links.

Documentary film screening of My Octopus Teacher.

Watch as a filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world. “One of the best nature documentaries I have ever seen. Absolutely beautiful and wonderfully narrated and educational–tremendous with its scientific breakthroughs on these amazing creature’s behavior and intelligence. “

  • Friday June 10, 2pm.
  • Location: Hermann Meeting Room. 
  • Duration: one hour; appropriate for most ages. Discussion follows (optional). 
  • Register here.

Book Discussion: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness, by Sy Montgomery.

You’ve probably read the book by now. If not, get in line for a copy. Then join us to discuss! 

  • Friday June 17, 2pm. 
  • Location: Hermann Meeting Room.
  • Duration: one hour; appropriate for adults or teens. 
  • Register here.

Documentary film screening of Octopus: Making Contact

 

Follow an Alaskan professor as he raises and studies a day octopus in his home, making remarkable discoveries about its extraordinary intelligence, personality and skills. 

  • Friday June 24, 2pm. 
  • Location: Hermann Meeting Room.
  • Duration: one hour; appropriate for most ages. Discussion follows (optional). 
  • Register here.

Backyard Birds with Mass Audubon!

Posted on by Sue

We welcomed Chris Walz from Mass Audubon, on  November  15th for a Zoom presentation-you can view the recording here!

We learned to identify the most common feeder birds including those confusing finches and sparrows, and discussed best bird feeding practices and native plants that attract birds.

Chris Walz is the property manager and a naturalist at Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. He has been birding for over 20 years and has taught many birding classes for birders of all backgrounds and abilities.

This event was sponsored by the Trustees of the Falmouth Public Library.  

Birds at the Beach: A Look at Shorebirds and Gulls on Cape Cod

Posted on by Sue

We are delighted to welcome Christine Bates from Mass Audubon, on Wednesday afternoon, March 18th at 2 pm, for a Zoom presentation!

Get to know the most common shorebirds that visit and nest on Cape Cod including sandpipers, plovers, and oystercatchers. We will also talk about the gulls that grace our beaches- and parking lots!

Christine Bates is a naturalist, and the Visitor Experiences and Community Outreach Coordinator with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Prior to working for Wellfleet Bay, Christine was an Interpretive Park Ranger at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Christine has a passion for ornithology and is a skilled birder. A native Cape Codder, Christine was born and raised in Orleans. She holds a BA and MS in Environmental Studies. 

This event is free and appropriate for adults and teens, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.  Registration is required before the event. Please register online by clicking here, or contact the reference department at 508-457-2555 x 7.