Category: Books

Virtual Mystery Book Group: Cozy Mysteries for Fall

Posted on by Library User

The Virtual Mystery Book Group is taking a hiatus for August but it’s already time to start reading the books for our fall theme. “Cozy” mysteries are usually defined as books that include the components of classic mystery —suspense, misdirection, intrigue, and some degree of criminality—while forgoing serious violence.

Join us to read and discuss one of the books below, or all three!

Register to receive the Zoom link and discussion questions before each session. We have print copies of each title waiting at the Reference Desk about a month before each meeting, or you are welcome to find your own copy – digital or even audio! – in CLAMS using the links below.

Wednesday September 14, 2022, 4:30pm: Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie. Register.

Miss Marple’s first mystery in what is considered the first cozy mystery series! All versions in CLAMS

 

 

Murder on Cape Cod (A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery 1) by [Maddie Day]

Wednesday October 12, 2022, 4:30pm: Murder on Cape Cod by Maddie Day. Register.

First in the Cozy Capers Book Club Mystery series set in the fictitious Cape Cod town of Westham, which is clearly based on Falmouth. All versions in CLAMS

 

 

The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Book 1) by [Richard Osman]Wednesday November 9, 2022, 4:30pm: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Register.

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. This widely popular book is written by a well-known UK entertainer and in 2021 was the fastest-selling crime debut of all time. All versions in CLAMS

Sea Captains of Cape Cod!

Posted on by Sue

We are excited to welcome Dr. Michael Pregot on Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:30 pm, for a reading, talk and book signing! Registration is required-please do so by clicking here! Books will be available to buy at the event from Eight Cousins books.

 Cape Cod is surrounded by water on all four sides, jutting out prominently into the Atlantic Ocean. This characteristic accounts in large measure for its history, its economic development, its aesthetic beauty, and its maritime legacy.

This narrative explores the connection that each Cape Cod town has to the sea as demonstrated through its seafaring residents. It provides a glimpse into heroic maritime adventures, entrepreneurial brilliance, and an appreciation of the resolve needed by captains to thrive in a hostile seaside environment.

Dr. Pregot has served as a secondary school administrator and as a P-12 school superintendent. During his tenure as a practicing school leader, he has taught adjunct educational leadership courses at Boston College, Keene State, Franklin Pierce, Fitchburg State and Worcester State College. Prior to his appointment to the faculty at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus, he taught educational leadership courses at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. 

His latest interest is in maritime history for which he has written Sea Captains of Cape Cod and Meet the Captains of the Captains Golf Course.

 

 

Author of the Chet and Bernie mystery series!

Posted on by Sue

We are excited to welcome Peter Abrahams, also known as Spencer Quinn, Falmouth resident and author of the popular Chet and Bernie mysteries, on Wednesday, August 17th at 6:30 pm, for a reading, talk and book signing at the Falmouth Public Library! Eight Cousins Books will be selling books at the event. Registration required-please do so by clicking here!

Bark to the Future continues the bestselling series that Stephen King calls “without a doubt the most original mystery series currently available.”

When Chet the dog and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, are approached by a down-and-out older man with a cardboard sign at an exit ramp, Bernie is shocked to discover the man is a former teammate from his high school baseball team. Chet and Bernie take Rocket out for a good meal, and later, Bernie investigates Rocket’s past, trying to figure out what exactly went wrong.

Then, Rocket goes suspiciously missing…and Chet and Bernie are plunged into a dangerous case where the past isn’t dead and the future could be fatal.

Peter Abrahams is the Edgar-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Chet and Bernie mystery series, as well as the #1 New York Times bestselling Bowser and Birdie series for middle-grade readers. He lives on the Cape with his wife Diana and dog Pearl.

 

 

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.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Posted on by Library User

The Friends of the Falmouth Public Library will hold their Annual Summer Book Sale from July 1-July 6, 2022 on the lawn of the Main Library at 300 Main Street. It’s open every day from 10 AM-4 PM, except July 6; July 6 hours are 10 AM – Noon.

This beloved annual tradition is back at its usual time this year, and we’re so excited to see the book-lovers browsing for new reads! Books are very modestly priced, and every purchase goes to support the Falmouth Public Library.  The Friends support these library projects that benefit the whole community:

  • Joy of Learning academic classes covering a wide range of subjects
  • Museum Passes for Boston and local area museums
  • Generous funding for Children’s Programs at all three locations throughout the year
  • Contribute to new furniture for the Chill Zone, the Tween area, in the Children’s Room
  • A new Circulation Desk for the East Falmouth Library
  • Provide additional funds for eBooks
  • Support for area book clubs
  • Upgrades to library technology

The Friends are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Are you interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Library, or making a direct financial donation? Information is available at their web page.

Please note that the Friends are no longer taking donations for this year’s book sale. Donations will resume on Monday, August 15, 2022. Please call during Library hours at 508-457-2555 ext. 2918 to schedule an appointment.

 

Children’s StoryWalks at Highfield Hall this Summer

Posted on by Library User
Falmouth Public Library Youth Services is thrilled to be working with Highfield Hall and Gardens to facilitate a 10 week summertime series of free family StoryWalks!
 
From Juneteenth until Labor Day, a new story will be installed every Monday.  Start at the gravel parking lot entrance at Highfield and travel down the ADA Accessible Historic Beech Tree Path.  While you are there, enjoy the music garden, perfect for kids of all ages.  Tag us on Instagram at #fpl-childrens and #HighfieldHallFalmouth.
 
Drop in on Thursdays between 10am-12pm for a Coalition for Children‘s hands-on craft with Rosemary on the porch!  This craft is geared towards children ages 3 and up.

Book Bike is Back for 2022!

Posted on by Library User

The Falmouth Public Library Book Bike is hitting the road once again for its 2022 touring season!  

All members of the community are invited to stop by. You can sign up for a library card, pick up free books and DVDs, and meet FPL staff.  We are looking forward to seeing you and spreading our love of the Library throughout town! 

Please note all visits are weather permitting:

Mondays at 10:30-11:00 am find us at:

  • June 6, July 25, August 22, September 26, Cape Cod Apartments, 62 Locust Street
  • June 13, August 8, October 3, Mayflower Apartments, Choate Lane
  • July 11, August 28, Salt Sea Apartments, Salt Sea Lane
  • July 18, September 12, Rose Morin Apartments, Rose Morin Lane
  • August 1, September 19, Harborview Apartments, 115 Scranton Ave

Thursdays 12:30-1:30 pm every week:

Thursdays 4:45-5:15 pm:

  • Surf Drive Beach Storytime with Ms. Deirdre. June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11. 

Looking for more books?  The Friends of the Falmouth Public Library will hold their Annual Summer Book Sale from July 1-July 6, 2022 on the lawn of the Main Library at 300 Main Street. It’s open every day from 10 AM-4 PM, except July 6. July 6 hours are 10 AM – Noon.  This is a huge event with thousands of books, most of which will be $2!  Don’t miss it!  

About the Friends

The Friends of the Library are a group of citizens whose purpose is to support and enhance the programs and services of the Falmouth Public Library in cooperation with the Staff and Library Trustees. They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the projects, programs, and services of the Falmouth Public Library. The Friends are happy to accept monetary donations.

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.

Book Discussions for Juneteenth

Posted on by Library User

To celebrate Juneteenth, please join us at the library for one or all of the following book discussions!

Please join us for the monthly meeting of the Narrative Nonfiction Book Club as we discuss this month’s selection The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom.  Come pick up a copy of the book at the Reference Desk and join us, Thursday, June 2nd at 4pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room, to share your thoughts! Register Here.

“This is a story of a mother’s struggles against a house’s entropy, and that of a prodigal daughter who left home only to reckon with the pull that home exerts, even after the Yellow House was wiped off the map after Hurricane Katrina.”

 

 

Please join us for a special Book Club meeting to discuss On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed. Come pick up a copy of the book at the Reference Desk and join us, Wednesday June 15 at 6pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room. Register Here.

“As Juneteenth morphs from a primarily Texan celebration of African American freedom to a proposed national holiday, Gordon-Reed urges Texans and all Americans to reflect critically on this tangled history. A remarkable meditation on the history and folk mythology of Texas from an African American perspective.” ― Lesley Williams, Booklist, starred review

The FPL Fiction Book Club is currently meeting in person in the Hermann Room this month. June’s book is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and we’ll be meeting on Tuesday June 21st at 4pm. Register Here.

“Two half sisters, unknown to each other, are born into two different tribal villages in 18th century Ghana. Effia will be married off to an English colonial, and will live in comfort in the sprawling, palatial rooms of Cape Coast Castle…Esi will be imprisoned beneath Effia in the Castle’s women’s dungeon, and then shipped off on a boat bound for America, where she will be sold into slavery. Stretching from the 18th century to the present, this modern masterpiece moves through generations and places.”

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.