Category: Community

Henry Herbert Smythe Scholarship

Posted on by Clint Johnson

FALMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
NEWS RELEASE

Apply Using Form

 

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE REQUIREMENTS: May 23, 2025 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 23, 2025 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, 2025. 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 23, 2025 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, 2025 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 2025). 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

“What Happened Here: The Untold Story of Addiction on Cape Cod”

Posted on by Peter Cook

Screening and Panel

Directed by Sam Tarplin and Nate Robertson

At the Falmouth Public Library Main Branch on March 15th at 5:00 PM in the Hermann room, the library is hosting a screening of the independent documentary “What Happened Here: The Untold Story of Addiction on Cape Cod” followed by a guest panel including both directors of the documentary and others who help those with substance abuse problems on the front lines. Please register using our online calendar!

Cape Cod in the summer is filled with tourists, parties, and recreational drug use. Then it begins to get cold and everyone disappears. The party is over for the tourists and they return to their lives off Cape. What about those who do not leave? For year round residents of Cape Cod, the winter is a different story. Once the summer parties end, the locals and “washashores” face a cold reality.

Though it is often overlooked and pushed aside, many of the community members turn to drugs to sooth the sense of cold and loneliness. Opioids including prescription pills, heroin and fentanyl run rampant. Death after death of family, friends, and other community members are mourned daily. Treatment centers face challenges in delivering effective care due to the stigma surrounding addiction and the growing demand that exceeds available resources. That does not mean there is no way out…

The documentary addresses, informs and shows a light in the darkness of addiction. It is not a dramatization, but a symbol for hope and understanding that addiction is a disease and there is a way out. Asking for help. A community of recovering addicts can move mountains. “What Happened Here” brings the disease to light and there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Registration for the screening and panel is required. You can access the sign-up page on our Falmouth Public Library events page or give us a call at 508-457-2555 x 7. Please reach out if you have any questions or problems with registering!

The Christmas Tree Shops with Anthony Sammarco

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

The Christmas Tree Shop was not just an icon of New England, it was a destination with stores that boasted a diverse assortment of merchandise from seasonal decorations, home decor, housewares, food, giftware and just about everything else that the public just had to have. These were items you never thought you needed before stepping through the door, but who could resist a bargain?

Interested in learning more about the history and local charm of the Christmas Tree Shop? Come join us on Saturday, January 25th at 1pm in the Hermann room as local author Anthony Sammarco presents an illustrated lecture on his newest book, The Christmas Tree Shops: Don’t You Just Love A Bargain? After the lecture, there will be a book signing with books available for purchase by Eight Cousins.

Referred to as the “Balzac of Boston History” by the Boston Globe, Anthony Mitchell Sammarco is a noted historian and author of many books on the history and development of Boston, and he lectures widely on the history and development of his native city. He commenced writing in 1995, and his 89th book, published in 2024, was The History of the Christmas Tree Shops. He received the Bulfinch Award from the Doric Dames of the Massachusetts State House, the Washington Medal from Freedom Foundation, a lifetime achievement from both the Victorian Society and the Gibson House Museum. He is president of the Osterville Village Library; past president of the Bay State Historical League and he served as a corporator of the New England Baptist Hospital for a decade. He lives in Boston and in Osterville on Cape Cod.

This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees. Register to attend by CLICKING HERE or by visiting/calling the adult service desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

November Movie Showings

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

The library will be showing two newly released movies movies in November!

Scroll below to find out which movies will be playing, view the movie trailers and register to attend as seating is limited.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All movie showings are free to the public and are supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.  English subtitles will be used if available.

Fly Me To The Moon (2024)
Friday, November 1st, 3pm-5:15pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Fly Me To The Moon is a sharp, stylish comedy-drama set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Brought in to fix NASA’s public image, sparks fly in all directions as marketing maven Kelly Jones wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis’s already difficult task.  When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as back-up and the countdown truly begins…”

Twisters (2024)
Friday, November 15th, 3pm-5:05pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Kate Carter, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years, now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City.  She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system.  There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens, the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better.”

 

Edward Gorey “Sinister Cozy”

Posted on by Clint Johnson

A Talk with the Director of the Edward Gorey House, Gregory Hischak

On Tuesday, October 22nd, we welcome Gregory Hischak, the Director of the Edward Gorey House and Museum to speak on Gorey’s achievements and his wonderfully amusing oddities. The presentation will run from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the reading room in front of the fireplace. He will be giving a presentation of Gorey’s natural creepy and hilarious artwork in his books, theater sets, and many other mediums.

Terrible things unfold in an Edward Gorey Book—children are swept out to sea, abducted by murderous insects, fall into unsavory company, or get carried off by giant birds. Sometimes they die of boredom. Edward writes, and draws, about everyday life and, for reasons that will likely come up in this presentation, his books are a delight and extremely funny. Mostly. Gorey’s work as a book artist, an illustrator, and designer is frequently categorized as Whimsically Macabre, though we prefer the term “Sinister Cozy”. His work looks a hundred and thirty years older than it is yet he consistently remains thirty years ahead of us at all times.

Please come join us on this spooky evening with “Sinister Cozy”. Registration is required.

Register here!

Hope to see you soon!

October Movie Showings

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

The library will be showing six movies movies in October! Two Friday Films and two nights of Double Features!

Scroll below to find out which movies will be playing, view the movie trailers and register to attend as seating is limited.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  

All movie showings are free to the public and are supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library and the Library Board of Trustees.  English subtitles will be used if available.

Knives Out (2019)
Friday, October 4th, 3pm-5:15pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 2hrs 12mins

Hocus Pocus (1993)
Tuesday, October 8th, 5pm-6:35pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.” Rated: PG Running; Time: 1hr 36mins

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Tuesday, October 8th, 6:45pm-8:30pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.” Rated: PG; Running Time: 1hr 43mins

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Friday, October 18th, 3pm-5pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 1hr 55mins

Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6pm-6:45pm …… REGISTSER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“A documentary exploring the life of the Blair Witch and the three missing student filmmakers who disappeared in October of 1994 while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch.”  Rated: NR; Running Time: 44mins



Blair Witch Project (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6:55pm-8:15pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the forest near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary about a legendary 18th-century witch.  A year later their footage was found.  This is their footage.”  Rated R for language (children under 17 require accompanying adult or adult guardian);  Running Time: 1hr 18mins


Halloween at the Library!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Booooooo tooooo yooooooooo!!!!!

Through the month of October, we are offering some fun and interesting programming that is a little spookier than usual.  There are books, readings, writing, theatre and an Edward Gorey art and presentation (unfortunately, he won’t make it given the whole death thing).  We will even be screening double feature movies just like in the old days! October is one of our favorite months! See below for all of our events! 

 

Edward Gorey Gashlycrumb Tinies around the Library!
October, Anytime we are open!…..No registration needed

The Gashlycrumb Tinies: or, After the Outing is an alphabet book written by Edward Gorey that was first published in 1963 as the first of a collection of short stories called The Vinegar Works, the eleventh work by Gorey. The book tells the tale of 26 children (each representing a letter of the alphabet) and their untimely deaths. It is one of Edward best-known books and is the most notorious amongst his roughly half-dozen mock alphabets. It has been described as a “sarcastic rebellion against his childhood that is sunny, idyllic, and instructive.” The morbid humor of the book comes in part from the mundane ways in which the children in the story die, such as falling down the stairs or choking on a peach. Far from illustrating  and dramatic and fantastical childhood nightmares, these scenarios instead poke fun at the banal paranoids that come as a part of parenting.

Gorey has stated that the book to be inspired by “those 19th century cautionary tales, I guess, though my book is punishment without misbehavior”.

Each letter of the alphabet will be on display for all of October in the Library’s Adult Section. No need to register, come back and check it out!

Zoom Talk: A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2pm …… REGISTER HERE
Online via Zoom

For decades, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have studied the remarkable biodiversity of bats on Barro Colorado Island in Panama, where an astonishing seventy-six species coexist. Now, for the first time, Smithsonian scientists’ expertise pairs with the stunning photography of National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler for a captivating visual journey into the fascinating world of these elusive night creatures, to bring you the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats.

Bats are unique among mammals: they have acquired true flight, they provide essential ecosystem services, and represent the ecologically most diverse group of mammals worldwide. Synthesizing decades-worth of intensive study, Drs. Rachel Page, Dina Dechmann, Teague O’Mara, and Marco Tschapka provide authoritative insight alongside 150 photographs that showcase bats’ extraordinary environmental adaptations and rich natural history.

This virtual presentation will cover topics from the book, such as the diverse sensory abilities of bats, their foraging strategies, roosting ecologies, and social systems. Bat Island presents decades of study of the hyper diverse bat population on Barro Colorado Island in addition to the most comprehensive and long-term datasets on tropical bats. The book and this presentation highlights how bats are threatened by habitat fragmentation and land degradation, and communicate the initiatives needed to ensure the survival of these animals, which are critical to maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems.

Double Feature Movie: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Tuesday, October 8th, 5pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.” Rated: PG Running; Time: 1hr 36mins

Double Feature Movie: Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Tuesday, October 8th, 6:45pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.” Rated: PG; Running Time: 1hr 43mins


Don DeCristofaro Paranormal Activity Professional
Thursday, October 17th, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM.

Register here!

Hermann Meeting Room

Don DeCristofaro, a professional ghost and paranormal activity investigator, will be joining us on October 17th at 4:30 in the Library’s Herman Meeting Room. He has worked in the Lizzie Bordon house, as well as the house that inspired the hit movie The Conjuring. 

His most recent investigation of paranormal activity is on the USS Salem. The USS Salem was a World War 2 Heavy Cruiser. He spends at the least once a week there using the technology that has been developed. 

The presentation will include showing the tools that they use to monitor possible “other worldly” guests. Since Don has been investigating the USS Salem, Don became to have “relationships” with those have who have passed on and left behind. 

At the end of the presentation, Don is offering his very own expertise and advice to any patrons who may have suspicion that there is another room mate who never pays their rent. All ages event! You can give us a call, email a request, or register online!

WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company Presents Spooky Stories for All Ages
Saturday, October 19th, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM …… Register here!
Hermann Meeting Room


On October 19th from 2-4 PM, enjoy some family friendly tales of ghosts, mysteries, and the supernatural performed by professional working actors. Maybe even outside if the weather is cooperating!

The tales are appropriate for all ages. Adults, children and everything in between will enjoy. Our horror and spooky fans in training will get a real kick with the whole family!

There will even be a cauldron for witches to make their brews!

 

Edward Gorey Talk with Gorey House Museum Director, Gregory Hischak
Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM…..Register here!  
Hermann Meeting Room

Please join us for a talk and presentation of Edward Gorey’s work and its ties to Cape Cod and the community.

Terrible things unfold in an Edward Gorey Book – children are swept out to sea, abducted by murderous insects, fall into unsavory company, or get carried off by giant birds. Sometimes they die of boredom. Edward writes, and draws, about everyday life and, for reasons that will likely come up in this presentation, his books are a delight and extremely funny. Mostly, Gorey’s work as a book artist, an illustrator, and designer is frequently categorized as Whimsically Macabre, though we prefer the term Sinister Cozy. Hi works looks a hundred and thirty years older than it is yet he consistently remains thirty years ahead of us at all times. He also won a Tony award for best costume and scenic design for his work in the play Dracula. Edward is the perfect boss: open to endless interpretation and not prone to disagreement – as he is dead.

 

Reading and Writing Horror!
Wednesday, October 23rd, 6:30pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

Do you love the horror genre? Have you ever wondered how horror writers craft suspense, create memorable creatures or write fear all while avoiding clichés? Join Corey Farrenkopf, author of Living in Cemeteries, in conversation about his love of reading and writing horror.  Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the event from Eight Cousins Books.

Zoom Talk: New England Ghost Stories, REGISTER HERE

There’s nothing quite like a New England ghost story. From Peter Rugg’s ghostly carriage ride to the haunting of the Sterling Opera House, there is a wealth of spooky tales that are told all over the northeast. Come hear the cases of the most famous hauntings from each New England state, and decide for yourself if you ought to sleep with the lights on. Led by Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, a librarian by day and a frequent speaker at ComicCons, conferences, and libraries on nights and weekend. This has been shared with us by the Tewksbury Library! Please note that this is virtual only, and does not take place in the library. Click the above link to register, and you will receive the link, and the recording later.

Double Feature Movie: Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“A documentary exploring the life of the Blair Witch and the three missing student filmmakers who disappeared in October of 1994 while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch.”  Rated: NR; Running Time: 44mins



Double Feature Movie: Blair Witch Project (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6:55pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the forest near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary about a legendary 18th-century witch.  A year later their footage was found.  This is their footage.”  Rated R for language (children under 17 require accompanying adult or adult guardian);  Running Time: 1hr 18mins


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!

 

CCRTA Travel Training Program

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Please note that this program had to be postponed from September 16th to September 30th.

Teaching a person to self-travel can have a number of benefits.  Independent travel can support the individual in broadening their involvement within the community and allow them to make use of more recreational, educational, and employment opportunities.  Self-travel can also aid in improving self-esteem, which can encourage an individual to learn new skills and take advantage or more opportunities to function independently and become more self-reliant.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) Travel Training Program is designed to assist individuals, groups, students, the disabled community, and seniors in traveling independently on Fixed Routes, DART and SmartDART services through Cape Cod.

Join us at the Falmouth Public Library on Monday, September 30th at 12pm in the Hermann Room as we have a certified Travel Trainer come and teach:

  • Bus Route Training
  • Trip Planning – Reading and understanding route maps and schedules
  • Boston Hospital Bus
  • CCRTA Website
  • Proper Wheelchair Securement
  • Bus Fare Structure
  • Bicycle Rack Positioning

This program is free to the public and registration is required as seating is limited.  Click HERE to register online or call the adult service desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

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!