Category: Classes

Great Decisions 2026

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Get Ready

Great Decisions, America’s largest civic discussion program on world affairs, is coming back to Falmouth Public Library in 2026!  This program highlights the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans and works to engage citizens by learning about and discussing one of eight critical global issues identified by the Foreign Policy Association in a non-partisan, open environment.

Starts March 2026

This program will run for eight consecutive weeks starting the first week of March 2026 and ending the fourth week of April.  All participants will read the relevant chapter in the Great Decisions Briefing Book and watch the corresponding Master Class on DVD or streaming, which will be provided by the library for free to registered participants prior to each topic discussion.

2 Sessions To Pick From

There will be two sessions to choose from.  Tuesday night’s from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm or Thursday’s afternoon’s from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Pick which session works best for your schedule.

Registration opens on January 1, 2026

Registration is required for each of the eight topic discussions and will be limited to 15 participants.  Participants are encouraged to attend all eight sessions but you may choose to attend only certain topics.  Starting on January 1, 2026, you will be able to register online using our library event calendar. 

Great Decisions 2026 Topics

America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy by G. John Ikenberry
“Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.”

Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy by Michael Mastanduno
“Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?”

U.S.-China Relations by Oriana Mastro
“Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?”

Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation by Gideon Rose
“U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?”

Ukraine and the Future of European Security by Thomas Wright
“With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?”

Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order by Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
“Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.”

U.S. Engagement of Africa by Jendayi E. Frazer
“Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?”

The Future of Human Rights and International Law by Jose Enrique Alvarez
“As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?”

Questions

If you have any questions about this program, please email us at info@falmouthpubliclibrary.org or call the Adult Service’s desk at 508-457-2555 x7 and ask for Jessica.  We look forward to seeing you in 2026 for some great civic discussions!

 

CAPECON 2025

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Falmouth Public Library’s very own CapeCon on 6/21/2025 (June 21st, 2025) from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The event will take place throughout Falmouth Public Library! AND in the parking lot…

The Library is located on Falmouth Main Street!

300 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540

Some folks may have heard of a ComicCon (short for Comic Convention). They are often held in big cities with hefty entrance fees. We’re doing the same thing here at Falmouth Public Library Main Branch on 6/21/2025 from 10:00am – 4:30pm…but at NO COST to attendees. CAPECON is all about bringing the community together with their shared interests. Let comics, manga, anime, animation and pop-culture break down differences such as age, language barriers, race, economic situation, and/or neurodiversity. Join us!

Except it’s… 

FREE!!!!!!!! AND ALL AGES!!!!!!!!

–Voice Acting Panels

-Video Game TRUCK

–Cosplay Contest

–Comic strip creation

–Polaroid Photoshoots

-Comics and Mental Health Presentation

–Origami

-Crafts and Geeky Cookie Making

-Dungeons and Dragons Drop-Ins

–Table Top Gaming

-All day Nintendo Switch in YA Room

-A Super Smash Bros. Tournament

No registration is required!

 

 

 

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us at the Falmouth Public Library for an Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors education program presented by Jennifer Hoadley from the Alzheimer’s Association on Friday, October 25th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room.

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the the disease progresses and the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage.  Come learn how dementia can change a person’s behavior, possible triggers and person-centered care approaches to address behaviors. 

Specific topics is this Alzheimer’s Association Empowered Caregivers Series education program will include learning how dementia affects behavior, identifying and understanding possible triggers, non-medical and medial approaches to addressing behaviors and four steps for managing behaviors.

Jennifer Hoadley is the regional manager of Southeastern MA for the Alzheimer’s Association with 10+ years of experience in memory care and a personal connection to the disease.

This event is free to the public and registration is required as seating is limited. CLICK HERE to register online or visit/call the adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Investing for Seniors Seminar

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Every time that the stock market goes down, do you have a sense of fear?  Do you know that losses or gains are realized only when you sell stocks or funds?  Join us at the Falmouth Public Library on Thursday, October 24th at 3pm in the Hermann Meeting Room for an Investing for Seniors Seminar with John Densler.  These and other issues affecting seniors including financial fraud, unsuitable investments recommended by “advisors,” and stock market history will be discussed.

John Densler has a BSEE and MSEE from Worcester Poly Tech Institute in addition to a MBA with distinction from Babson College.  While at Babson College, he studied Investments with Bob Coleman.  Mr. Densler also taught Management at Bridgewater State University and Mount Ida College where he designed a financial management course for students.  He does not represent any firms and will not endorse any specific securities or investment companies.  

This event is free to the public and registration is required as seating is limited. CLICK HERE to register online or visit/call the adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Back to School, Back to school, to Prove to Dad that I’m not a Fool

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Get geared up for success this coming year at Falmouth Public Library

                It’s that time of year again! But you aren’t alone. The library is a tool for academic success, free thinking, and somewhere to have fun! At the main branch we carry a vast collection of resources, have author talks, events of all kinds, and a great place to get that extra credit to start off the year!

                Falmouth Public Library devotes itself to serving our patrons (that’s you!) with the necessary materials that promote free thinking. We have newspapers, non-fiction, fiction (maybe more truth than non-fiction?), and reference materials ranging from local history to vehicle repair manuals. For the most part, if you need it, we will try our best to provide it. We are here to serve the community. This includes our English as a second language patrons. In the Young Adult room, we have been building up our own world language collection. We plan for the collection to expand and break down the language barrier which impedes on the inclusion we wish to provide. We also offer English as a second language classes which are available throughout the year.

                We also host author talks (usually followed by some book signing), movie viewing, Dungeons and Dragons Club, and a room full of manga and graphic novels.  Some big programs that we run are the CapeCon (ComiCon), spooky season talks and decorations, and films on Fridays!

                We are here to help everyone succeed. Inclusion is one of the corner stones. In order to achieve the goal of all inclusion, barriers must be broken down. Language, economic status, race, religion, and all that stuff you aren’t supposed to talk about, only separates the community further. Our services and programs are a breaking point of the Berlin Wall! Once we realize we are more alike than different, it’s exciting to spend time and learn with others who have the same interest. Another thing we offer is video games! Super Smash Brothers does not care what language you are yelling in. It may as well be listening to whales, filled with emotion that we can all understand.

                We warmly invite any one and any friends of the community to come and peruse our resources while you have a great time getting to know people. Many of which we very well may not have known!

 

Dungeons and Dragons is back at FPL!

Posted on by Clint Johnson

We are very excited to have our Dungeons and Dragons club back at the Falmouth Public Library! Starting on Tuesday, 8/20, Cian McEneaney will bring patrons on an adventure of their own design. The only thing you need to bring is an open imagination. Cian was previously the Dungeon Master at the CapeCon this past June and is excited to bring his enthusiasm, knowledge, and animated self. We gladly welcome him back to continue the adventure!

The program will run every Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Young Adult room. The program is designed for patrons 12 and up! Young adults, adults, and anyone else who loves Dungeons and Dragons or would like to learn are welcome. We have a set limit of 5 players at once. Please sign up on our events page:

falmouthpubliclibrary.org/events, or call 508-457-2555 x 7.

If the program is full, please register for the waitlist as some players may leave the campaign for whatever reason. We will then contact you and you are welcome to jump in!

Dungeons and Dragons is one of the longest running role playing games and has been enjoyed by thousands throughout the years. It can be enjoyed by anyone with a wild imagination or someone that is more grounded. They are both important!

As always, Falmouth Public Library is devoted to creating a safe space for all. The Dungeons and Dragons campaign will remain appropriate for ages 12 and above but will not be censored in order for all ages to enjoy!

Creative Writing Workshop with Dominic Cappuccino

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Dominic Cappuccino is partnering with the FPL Young Adult Services to offer a creative writing workshop over the summer! Participants will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of writing a short – story and their components like setting, character and plot. It will be a great opportunity to practice your creative writing skills over 4 sessions.

No pressure! Judgment free! Just writing with other writers and sharing their creations.

The program is intended to serve students entering grades 7 – 10. Registration is required.

Keep your creativity flowing during the summer!

You can certainly dive deeper into your own identity by writing about a fictional character that is really a reflection of you! Not only does the workshop allow you to grow creatively, it also opens doors to your own self. Like writing in a journal, mashes of words on paper are a great starting point.

Each session will hold a different part of writing your own story. Write in whatever genre and in whatever format you would like:

  • Writing about what you feel in the moment with your five senses
  • The creation of dialogue between two characters
  • The inclusion of our own experiences and emotions within our writing
  • Individual and group revision in the form of PQP (praise, question, proposal)

Writing is often thought of as a solitary activity but at FPL in the Young Adult room, we pride ourselves in trying new things. So, we can write together! We can look for examples in the literature held in the YA room, or anywhere else.

Each session is very important to the progression of your own story so don’t miss out! The sessions will be held from 10:30 – 12:30 on the dates listed below (all Wednesdays):

  • July 24th
  • July 31st
  • August 7th
  • August 14

You only need to register for the July 24th session and attend the following.

We look forward to seeing you and learning more about where your individual creativity brings you! When all is said and done, we can keep the stories in the YA room or you can take them home. Hey! We may even be able to bind them… 

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us at the Falmouth Public Library for an Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia education program presented by Jennifer Hoadley from the Alzheimer’s Association on Wednesday, July 17th from 4pm to 5pm in the Hermann meeting room.

Come learn the impact of Alzheimer’s, basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, riskfactors, research and FDA-approved treatments and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Jennifer Hoadley is the regional manager of Southeastern MA for the Alzheimer’s Association with 10+ years of experience in memory care and a personal connection to the disease.

This event is free to the public and registration is required as seating is limited. CLICK HERE to register online or visit/call the adult services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Tales and Origami for Teens with Motoko

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Wednesday, July 10th from 1:00 PM – 12:30 PM at Falmouth Public Library

Discover Japan, the birthplace of Anime, through magical tales and origami! Award-winning storyteller Motoko will discuss how Japanese folklore has inspired games and anime in the U.S. and around the world. Under her step-by-step guidance, participants will make exciting origami figures, and design their own original anime characters. Come ready to have fun!

Register Here!

This program is funded by a grant from the Falmouth Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Welcome Hiveclass to FPL’s Online Resources

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Hiveclass is an e-learning platform that features bite-sized, engaging videos that teach skills in various sports, physical activities and wellness exercises. The content is led and created by professionals and gives patrons access to practice in their own comfort zone.

Hiveclass is available via FPL’s online resources. Hiveclass provides fun, easy, and high-quality educational videos that walk patrons through improving their skills at field hockey, soccer, and other athletic activities. Along with physical education Hiveclass provides access to video walkthroughs on mindfulness and yoga.

The classes are available in both English and Spanish. It can be accessed on tablets, phones and computers! All you need is your library card number to start your adventure with Hiveclass!