Category: Education

Effective Communication Strategies

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us at the Falmouth Public Library for an Effective Communication Strategies education program presented by Jennifer Hoadley from the Alzheimer’s Association on Monday, September 23rd from 3pm to 4pm in the Hermann meeting room.

Dementia affects a person’s ability to communicate, making it hard to convey their wants and needs to the people around them.  Caregivers can learn how to use a person-centered approach to communicate more effectively at any stage of the disease.

Topics in this program will include exploring ways that Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect an individual’s ability to communicate across different stages, using a person-centered communication approach, and tips for communicating with family, friends and health care professionals.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month.  Stop by our display for library books and Alzheimer’s Association informational pamphlets on these topics.  While you are looking, feel free to take Alzheimer’s Association magnets, bracelets, pencils, stickers, erasers, stress balls and more from the display (while supplies last).

The library also has upcoming programs with the Alzheimer’s Association this year.  Jennifer Hoadley, the regional manager of Southeastern MA for the Alzheimer’s Association, will be leading the programs.  She has 10+ years of experience in memory care and a personal connection to the disease.  Please register for those programs that you would like to attend using the registration links below as space will be limited.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Wednesday, July 17th from 4pm-5pm . . . . . REGISTER HERE

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

Effective Communication Strategies
Monday, September 23rd from 3pm-4pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE

Explore ways that Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect an individual’s ability to communicate across different stages, and get tips to better communicate with people living with the disease.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors
Friday, October 25th from 3pm-4pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE

Review caregiver tips and strategies to respond to some common behaviors exhibited by individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, such as agitation, confusion and more.

 

                                       

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!

 

 

Henry Herbert Smythe Trust Scholarship

Posted on by Clint Johnson

Applications are now available for scholarship aid from the Henry Herbert Smythe Trust 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. Only applicants who are voting residents (or if parents/guardians are) are eligible for this award. The application deadline is FRIDAY, May 24, 2024 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.  The 2024 Smythe Scholarship Application for the Henry Herbert Smythe Trust Scholarships are available by visiting the Falmouth Public Library website or emailing jcarrara@falmouth.k12.ma.us.

Check out these great Zoom talks in May!

Posted on by Sue

We have some great Zoom talks in May, some from the Library Speakers Consortium (funded by the Library Support Fund)! Click the links after for details and registration. These are virtual only, and do not take place at the library.

Wednesday, May 1st at 3 pm: Genius, Power and Deception on the Eve of World War I. Join a chat with Douglas Brunt, author of The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. Click here for more details, and to register! 

Wednesday, May 8th at 7 pm-two different Zooms! (If you are interested in both, register-at least one of them will probably be recorded, and you can listen later)

Mother-Daughter Murder Night: You’re invited to join Nina Simon online as she chats about her lighthearted whodunnit about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. Click here to register.

Romance Book Recs and Conversation: Welcome to Romance Book Recs and Conversation with Lorelai of Lorelai’s Lit Lair! If you know romance, you probably know Lorelei! Affectionately referred to as a passionate Romance Ambassador, Lorelei has been offering book recommendations, author spotlights, giveaways and connecting authors with readers through social media since 2010. Click here to register.

Tuesday, May 21st at 7 pm: Author of Yellowface, Rebecca F. Kuang! We welcome you to register for a thrilling conversation  as she chats with us about her New York Times bestselling novel. Yellowface grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. Click here to register! 

Thursday, May 23rd at 5:30 pm: Avoiding Election Misinformation. Join this virtual Cape-wide community discussion with the News Literacy Project and WCAI’s The Point host Mindy Todd to learn how to access trustworthy news and avoid election misinformation traps. Learn tried and true news literacy techniques that anyone can learn to find credible information about candidates, issues, and electoral processes. Click here to register.

Thursday, May 23rd at 7 pm: The Environmental and Health Benefits of a Plant-based Diet.

With Sara Sezun,Chair of the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter Plant-based Planet Team. Animal food production, which encompasses raising livestock for meat, dairy products and eggs, as well as commercial fishing, has serious environmental impacts. You will learn how animal food production results in greenhouse gases and pollution, while using lots of land and water. Eating a healthy plant-based diet can lower your environmental footprint, while improving your health.  Click here to register. 

 

 

 

 

World Language Materials in the Young Adult Room

Posted on by Clint Johnson

A diverse library for a diverse community.

Falmouth is a much more diverse area than meets the eye. Different economic situations, learning and mental differences, ethnic differences, and much more are often overlooked. Unfortunately, many of the overlooked persons of the community are the ones that also face economic problems. Some of these groups do not know what services the library brings to the community and providing a welcoming and safe environment

Literature and other activities bring people together. Places like the library strives to provide ALL their patrons with the materials they need. In the Young Adult room we have begun to expand a world language collection. These additions can improve mental health, social acceptance, quality of education, and communication.

So far we have books in Brazilian Portuguese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Ukrainian. This collection will expand as our community expands! We will be purchasing more materials in the languages we have already begun to touch on and more like Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Japanese, and French. Some will include both English and the world language for immediate and reviewed translations (like the Shakespeare plenty of us read to make sense of his use of the English language!)

Spanish

Now two people who seem so different have read the same book and a connection is made. Also, literature is not the only way to bridge the gap. Video games, table top games, watching anime with subtitles, and arts and crafts.

The similarities start to trump the differences and show the kiddos how beautiful they each are. The library is an excellent safe place for these connections to begin and grow. We very much look forward to our growing collection and reaching every patron we can in the community.

 

Some titles just in:

-Harry Potter in both Brazilian Portuguese and Ukrainian

-I Survived Series (both graphic and text)

-Dogman Series

-The Alchemist