Category: Community

Falmouth Reads Together: Land, Community & Conservation on Cape Cod: The History of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge

Posted on by Kristin Nelson
Americorps Volunteer Alayana, founder and members of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge present on Land, Community & Conservation on Cape Cod: The History of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
 
Ever wondered how the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge was created?
 
Hear directly from the founders and partners of this collaborative effort as they share the challenges, goals, and projects behind creating Cape Cod’s second-largest conservation area—a unique treasure in your backyard.
 
Register here: https://falmouthpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/…

Caring for Cape Cod: A Community Environmental Fair

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Saturday, May 2nd

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM 

Visit the Hermann Room – registration is not required!

 
From ponds and coastlines to gardens and green spaces, connect with local organizations working to care for Falmouth and the Upper Cape. Stop by this drop-in Community Environmental Fair to learn, ask questions, and find ways to get involved close to home.
 
All visitors will be entered to win a door prizes, including a composting starter kit!
 
Confirmed organizations and departments as of 3/30/26:
 
The 300 Committee
https://300committee.org/
 
Association to Preserve Cape Cod
https://apcc.org/
 
The Coonamesset River Trust 
 
Falmouth CAN 
 
 
Falmouth Pond Coalition
https://www.falmouthpondcoalition.org/
 
Falmouth Solid Waste Advisory Committee
 
Falmouth Water Stewards 
 
Litter Free Falmouth
https://www.facebook.com/groups/813244462937301/
 
Oyster Pond Environmental Trust 
https://opet.org/
 
 
 
 
 
 

Henry Herbert Smythe Scholarship

Posted on by Clint Johnson

FALMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
NEWS RELEASE

Apply Using Form

 

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE REQUIREMENTS: May 22, 2026 by 12 P.M.

Applications are now available for scholarship aid from the Henry Herbert Smythe Trust. The total
amount of each scholarship award is $800. The committee awards multiple scholarships each year.
The application deadline is FRIDAY, May 22, 2026 by 12:00 P.M. All supporting documents must be
submitted by that date in order for the application to be considered. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS will not
be CONSIDERED. Decisions will be announced by June 30, 2026. Applications for the Henry Herbert
Smythe Trust Scholarships are available by visiting the Falmouth Public Library website or emailing
jcarrara@falmouth.k12.ma.us . All applications must be received by May 22, 2026 and returned to the
Falmouth High School Guidance Office, 874 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA 02540 or by emailing your
completed application to jcarrara@falmouth.k12.ma.us.
The Rev. Henry Herbert Smythe was the second rector for the Parish of St. Barnabas and served from
1890-1923. Rev. Smythe’s will stipulates that the money may be used for “boys or girls in Falmouth,
Massachusetts.” A maximum age of 24 years as of January 1, 2026 will apply. Only applicants who are
themselves voting residents of Falmouth (or whose parents are) are eligible for the grants.
Applications cannot be considered from families who have second homes in Falmouth.
Scholarship recipients do not have to be graduates of Falmouth High School; they may have attended a
private or parochial school in another town. Recipients may be pursuing a variety of post-high school
educational plans at any accredited college or technical school.
Scholarship money is available both to students currently graduating from high school and to those
already started in a post-secondary degree or training program. However, work beyond a bachelor’s
degree cannot be considered for scholarship aid. Post secondary applicants must submit evidence of
current educational progress (most recently completed college transcript as of May 2026). A copy of
your personal grade report for the spring semester can be accepted but an OFFICIAL transcript for the
fall must be submitted. All decisions are made by annual applications; no renewals are automatic.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS will not be CONSIDERED
The trust agreement states that “character be given equal consideration with scholarship,” and
evidence of both personal characteristics and school success is asked for on the application forms.
Financial need is a secondary factor in determining recipients.
The rector of St. Barnabas Memorial Church, Rev. Will Mebane; Superintendent of Schools in
Falmouth, Ms. Lori Duerr; and the Principal of Falmouth High School, Dr. Alan Harris are established by
the conditions of the trust as the committee which governs the granting of scholarships and which
makes the final selections. Bank of America administers the trust fund left by Henry Herbert Smythe.

Application Form

Falmouth Reads Together Book Discussion

Posted on by Kristin Nelson
Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 PM 
 
Join us as we discuss the 2026 Falmouth Reads Together title “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
 
Ocean Eversley and Alice Kociemba will lead the discussion.
 
 
We will meet and discuss the book in the Hermann Room
 
Register here: https://falmouthpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/… 

Falmouth Reads Together – Native Pollinators

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Tuesday, April 282:00—3:00 PM

Hermann Foundation Meeting Room

Gardening for a Better Cape: Promoting Pollination and Native Species
 
Brought to You by: Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
 
Learn how your gardening choices can support Cape Cod’s ecosystem by creating pollinator-friendly spaces and incorporating native plants that benefit local wildlife and overall environmental health.
Register here: https://falmouthpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/…

Intro to Sound and Energy for Relaxation and Wellbeing

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Intro to Sound and Energy for Relaxation and Wellbeing

Saturday, April 18 11:00 AM—12:00 PM

Hermann Foundation Meeting Room

Discover the beauty and joy of working with sound and energy for relaxation and wellbeing in this experiential workshop. Come to relax and enjoy, and leave with a practice or two you can use at home.

In this workshop, participants will be able to relax into experiences with metal Tibetan singing bowls and crystal singing bowls and discover the ways their tones and vibrations promote wellbeing. The workshop will also introduce participants to ways of working with energy for relaxation, wellbeing and stress relief. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and questions. All are welcome, no experience is necessary.

Hard-backed chairs will be available, and there will also be space on the floor for anyone who would like to bring a mat, blanket, or cushion.

Teacher bio: Ellen Laurie is the owner of Woods Hole Wellbeing, where she provides private sessions, classes and groups using sound, energy, breath, and attuned perception for relaxation, wellbeing, and personal growth. Ellen has an AB from Princeton University and a Masters of Social Work from NYU. She has been practicing new and evolving forms of energetic work for about 24 years, and has enjoyed a career in nonprofit leadership in the fields of the arts, education, and animal welfare.

Register here: 

https://falmouthpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/intro-to-sound-and-energy-for-relaxation-and-wellbeing

Disagreeing Better – Hosted by Middle Ground

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

Thursday, May 7
6:00—8:00 PM
Hermann Foundation Meeting Room

The Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop led by Braver Angels helps participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically and teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground.  This event is hosted by Middle Ground (Falmouth).  

 Goals

 ● Grow understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically 

● Learn skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard

 ● Learn skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree

 Who Can Attend 

This workshop is open to everyone. 

What to Expect 

You will learn about the values and concerns of the other political side and practice skills for communicating more effectively in the presence of disagreement.

Register Here

CANCELED – Permafrost Pathways and The Intersection of Indigenous Communities and Western Science

Posted on by Kristin Nelson

We hope to reschedule this program- check back for updates! 

 

Falmouth Reads Together – Permafrost Pathways and The Intersection of Indigenous Communities and Western Science

Monday, March 30th at 6:30 PM 

Hermann Room
Register here: https://falmouthpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/…

Join Dr. Sue Natali and Brooke LaRae Woods of Woodwell Climate Research Center for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of Western science and Indigenous knowledge in climate research.

Drawing from their work in Arctic permafrost regions, Dr. Natali and Woods will explore how scientific research and Indigenous ways of knowing can inform and strengthen one another. This conversation will examine how collaboration, reciprocity, and community partnerships are shaping climate science today, and why elevating Indigenous voices is essential in understanding environmental change.

This program invites participants to consider how multiple knowledge systems can work together in response to a rapidly changing climate.

Brooke LaRae Woods

Brooke Woods (Dlel Taaneets) was raised at fish camp on the Yukon River in Rampart, Alaska. She currently develops strategies with policymakers and Indigenous communities for Woodwell’s Arctic Permafrost Pathway project, focusing on just, science-backed, Arctic policy. Her work supports Indigenous-led adaptation and relocation governance frameworks. Woods is raising her family and completing a bachelor’s degree in tribal governance of fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). She previously worked as a fisheries policy analyst at the Tanana Chiefs Conference and served as executive chair for the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission for six years.

Sue Natali

I am an Arctic climate scientist whose focus on permafrost thaw is motivated by an acute awareness of the risks it poses. I have worked extensively across the Arctic, in Alaska, Siberia, and elsewhere, combining field research of permafrost and carbon cycling with remote sensing and modeling to assess current and future climate impacts across the Arctic.

I lead the Permafrost Pathways Initiative, which brings together leading experts in climate science, policy action, and environmental justice to assess the local to global impacts of permafrost thaw and other climate changes in the Arctic, in order to inform climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. I work with Indigenous communities, scientists, resource managers, and policymakers at all levels to craft just and effective strategies for limiting harm from Arctic warming.

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!

 

House of Diggs with Dr. Marion Orr

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

The Falmouth Public Library is excited to welcome for the very first time, Dr. Marion Orr, political scientist and the inaugural Fredrick Lippitt Professor of Public Policy at Brown University for a reading, author talk and book signing for his newest Book, House of Diggs, on Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30pm in the library’s Hermann room.

House of Diggs is the first biography of Congressman Charles C. Diggs Jr., one of the most consequential Black federal legislators in US history whose unfortunate downfall punctuated his distinguished career and pushed him and his historic accomplishments out of sight. Come hear award-winning author Dr. Orr speak about how his biography, House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr., restores Congressman Diggs to his much-deserved place in the history of American politics.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event by Eight Cousins Books. All are welcome! To register to attend this free public event, CLICK HERE or visit/call the Adult Services desk at 508-457-2555 x7.