March Movie Showings

The library will be showing some new movies in March!  Scroll below to find out which movies will be playing, view the movie trailers and register to attend as seating is limited.   

All movie showings are free to the public and are supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.

 

Friday Films – Wonka

Friday, March 8th, 3pm-5:05pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“This fantasy musical film follows the story of Willy Wonka, the famous but eccentric chocolatier based on the character from Roald Dahl’s novel. In particular, it emphasizes his rise to the top. The narrative traces his beginnings as a young adult who started as an employee selling chocolate in a store until he became driven to enter the chocolate industry eventually. This film acts as a prequel to the 1971 film adaptation of Dahl’s novel.”
Rated: PG; Running Time: 2hrs 2mins

 

Friday Films – The Color Purple

Friday, March 22nd, 3pm-5:20pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s.  Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in life, including an abusive husband. With support from a sultry singer named Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter, Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.”
Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 2hrs 20mins

February’s Movie Showings

The library will be showing some new movies in February!  Scroll below to find out which movies will be playing, view the movie trailers and register to attend as seating is limited.   

All movie showings are free to the public and are supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.  Please note that Family Friendly Films are open to all ages, but small children should be accompanied by an adult. 

Friday Films – My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

Friday, February 9th, 3pm-4:30pm ……. REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Following the death of the family patriarch, the Portokalos family decides to embark on a grand odyssey to his homeland in Greece for a no-holds-barred family reunion. Along the way, each member of the Portokalos clan experiences a host of mishaps and uplifting situations that ultimately strengthen their enduring bonds of family. The story is the third installment in the series franchise.”
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 1hr 31mins

 

Family Friendly Films – Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse

Thursday, February 22nd, 2pm-4:20pm ……. REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.”

Rated: PG
Running Time: 2hrs 20mins

 

 

Friday Films – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Friday, February 23rd, 3pm-5:20pm ……. REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.”

Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 2hrs 22mins

 

Falmouth Osprey Project

Join the Falmouth Osprey Project’s Kevin Friel and Barbara Schneider on Tuesday February 20 at 11am in the Hermann Room for a presentation about the project’s work.

The Falmouth Osprey Project formed in response to the 2021 nesting season, which saw 9 fires and power outages directly linked to the fact that ospreys love to nest on utility poles. Since then volunteer teams have helped build replacement nesting platform sites on nearby non-utility poles so that the birds can nest safely, without the risk of electrocution. The Osprey Project has also worked with Eversource to help identify utility poles that need nest deterrants installed, since ospreys like to return to their nests year after year. The project has been successful enough in Falmouth that other Cape towns with many ospreys have looked to it as a model! Kevin and Barbara will share interesting facts about ospreys and their habits as well as many excellent photos, like the one illustrating this blog post.

This presentation is appropriate for all ages, although small children should be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register.

 

February School Break Events for Kids

Tuesday February 20, 11:00 AM: Falmouth Osprey Project. Join us in the Hermann Room as the founders of the Falmouth Osprey Project tell us about their work helping ospreys nest safely! All ages are welcome and children should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

 

Tuesday February 20, 1:30-3:00 PM: Family Game Play. Join us in the Children’s Room for drop-in game play for families including children of all ages.

Wednesday February 21, 11:00 AM: Amazing Animal Ambassadors. Meet, observe, and learn about four exotic animals under the guidance of certified handler Bethany Jakubson. In the Hermann Room. Aimed at children; small children should be accompanied by an adult. Please register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Wednesday February 21, 1:30-2:30 PM: CAP Therapy Dogs: Tales to Tails Program. Come read to a certified therapy dog in the Children’s Room! Tales to Tails is a drop-in program so no registration required.  All ages are welcome.  

Thursday February 22, 2:00 PM: Family Friendly Film: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Join us in the Hermann Room for a screening of this PG-rated film with a run time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. All ages are welcome and small children should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Friday February 23, 1:00 PM: Pitter Patter Puppet Show. Join us in the Hermann Room for silly songs and interactive puppetry, great for ages 2 and up and charming for their adults! Please register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Great Decisions 2024

Great Decisions is America’s largest civic discussion program on world affairs.  On Wednesday nights from 7pm-8pm starting on March 6th and ending on June 12th, we will meet bi-weekly to discuss one of eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans.  In each bi-weekly session, a volunteer moderator will lead the group in discussing the selected topic in a non-partisan, open environment.  Prior to each session, participants will read the relevant chapter in the Great Decisions Briefing Book and watch the corresponding Master Class, which will be provided to participants for free.  Participants are encouraged to attend all eight sessions but you may choose to attend only certain topics.

Registration is required for each session and will be limited to 20 participants.   Register online using the registration links below or by calling the reference desk at 508-457-2555 x7. 

This program is sponsored by the Library Support Fund.  

 
Mideast Realignment …… Register Here
Wednesday, March 6th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
The United States and Middle East are at a crossroads.  In spite of a reduced presence in the Middle East, the U.S. still has significant national interests there and the area is a key arena for global power politics. Can the U.S. continue to defend its interests in the Middle East and globally with a lower level of military and political involvement, or should it recommit to a leading role in the region?  By Marc Lynch
 
 
Climate Technology and Competition …… Register Here
Wednesday, March 20th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?  By Bud Ward
 
 
Science Across Borders …… Register Here
Wednesday, April 3rd from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?  By Mila Rosenthal
 
 
U.S. and China Trade Rivalry …… Register Here
Wednesday, April 17th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
China’s economic rise and its current policies of increasing   the role of the state in the economy have led some U.S. policymakers to seek to deny China access to U.S. technology and investment. This is seen as a necessary corrective to decades of predatory Chinese economic policies. Is this a wise strategy, and how effective can it be?  By Jonathan Chanis
 
 
NATO’s Future …… Register Here
Wednesday, May 1st from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has come under increased scrutiny, not because NATO troops are involved in the conflict, but because of its role in relations between Russia and its neighbors.  Will expanding membership in NATO protect countries, or will it further provoke Russia?  By Sarwar Kashmeri
 
 
Understanding Indonesia …… Register Here
Wednesday, May 15th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans. But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia?  By Charles Sullivan
 
 
High Seas Treaty …… Register Here
Wednesday, May 29th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate?  By FPA Editors
 
 
Pandemic Preparedness …… Register Here
Wednesday, June 12th from 7pm-8pm in the Hermann meeting room
Looking back at the covid-19 pandemic, there are many lessons to take away in terms of domestic and international policies. Although this pandemic seems to have waned, how can we apply these lessons to future pandemics?  Will countries cooperate, and will a consensus emerge on how to manage global health challenges?  By Carolyn Reynolds

Monthly Author Talk Series Debuting in 2024

Thanks to the Library Support Fund, the Falmouth Public Library has a new series of virtual author talks including bestselling authors coming in 2024. Each month will have at least three live virtual events that you can attend remotely from the comfort of your home – and if you have a time conflict, they are recorded for later to be watched at your leisure.

In January, we’ll be hosting:

Embrace Love in the New Year: A Heartfelt Conversation with Rebecca Serle on Wednesday, January 10th at 8:00 PM EST (Learn more and Register)

 

Your Retirement: Dream or Disaster? How to Avoid the Hidden Traps in Retirement Planning Advice with Rajiv Nagaich on Tuesday, January 23rd at 2:00 PM EST (Learn more and Register)

The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine: An Author Talk with Dr. Robert Lustig on Tuesday, January 30th at 2:00 PM EST (Learn more and Register)

You can peek ahead to future months (don’t miss Nina Totenburg coming in March!) and library users also have access to earlier recorded author talks (like Joy Harjo, John Irving, and Rick Steeves to watch any time.

Winter School Break Events for Kids

If you are planning activities for children who will be out of school between Christmas and New Year’s, the library has some events for you!

Friday Dec. 22 at 3:00 pm: Family Friendly Friday Film: Elf. We’ll be showing this PG-rated film to an all-ages crowd in the Hermann Room; small children should be accompanied by an adult. The film runs 1 hour 35 minutes. We encourage you to register.

Tuesday Dec. 26, 3:30-5:00 pm: Block Party: Legos in the Library. Don’t bring your own Legos, but come play with ours! Join us in the Hermann Room for free play, drop-in. We do have Duplo for the littlest builders.

Wednesday Dec. 27, 11:00 am: Children’s Singalong with Lori Pilla. We’ll sing traditional children’s songs and folk songs. This event is aimed at children 4-9 but all are welcome. No registration is required; just come by the Children’s Room.

Thursday Dec. 28, 1:30-3:00 pm: Family Game Play in the Children’s Room. Drop by the Children’s Room to play board or card games specially selected for family fun. All ages are welcome but small children should be accompanied by an adult.

Family Friendly Friday Films

Our Friday Film series, with Classics in the fall and New Releases in the spring, has been a big hit! So big we’ve decided to try expanding the series with Family Friendly films for all ages. The films chosen are rated PG, so may not be appropriate for all children (parents get to make the call!) This could be a great opportunity for a grandparent-grandchild film date, or an event for the whole family, although a party of just adults is welcome too – aren’t we all kids at heart sometimes?

On Friday December 22 at 3pm we’ll be showing Elf, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This day is the last day of school before the winter break, and is a half day for the public schools.
Please REGISTER!

Rating: PG
Run time: 1 h 35 m.

On Friday January 19 we’ll show the 2023 live-action version of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey.
Please REGISTER!

Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 h 15 m.

On Friday February 16 come see the animated 2023 film Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
Please REGISTER.

Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 h 20 m.

Zoom Programs Online in December

In December we have two online-only programs happening on Zoom for you to choose from!

Baking Demo and Discussion with Chef Erin Jeanne McDowell
Tuesday December 5 from 7-8pm, online from your home via Zoom

Who doesn’t like a bit of holiday baking? We are so pleased to welcome Chef and Cookbook Author Erin Jeanne McDowell to our virtual stage! Erin will demonstrate how to make one of her favorite recipes and then will have some time to chat with attendees about all of our “burning” questions :). 

Erin Jeanne McDowell‘s first book, The Fearless Baker (2017) was named one of the Best Baking Books of the year by the New York Times. Her second, The Book on Pie, (2020) is a New York Times Bestseller. Her latest, Savory Baking (2022) is about baking beyond sweets – for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between! She hosts the award-winning series Bake it Up a Notch on Food52, where she shares deep-dives into baking methods and troubleshoots common mistakes.

This Zoom program is hosted by the Ashland Public Library, and we at Falmouth are happy to have been invited to partner with them. Please register to get a link to attend the program.

Holiday Romance Book Recommendations with Booklist Reviewer, John Charles
Monday December 11th, 7-8pm, online from your home via Zoom

With the holidays right around the corner, take a minute (or an hour) to relax and find some good holiday romance reads! John Charles will give us his “best of” list of 2023 that will have your TBR pile tipping over and your holidays spent cozying up to a good book (bring your own hot toddy!). No need to bring papyrus and quill, we’ll send out a list after the session.

After working in public libraries for thirty years, John Charles retired and then immediately went to work for the Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale’s independent bookstore. In addition to reviewing for Booklist and Library Journal, John is the co-author of Romance Today: An A to Z Guide to Contemporary American Romance Writers, The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Mystery, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Ultimate Reading List.

This Zoom program is hosted by the Ashland Public Library, and we at Falmouth are happy to have been invited to partner with them. Please register to get a link to attend this Zoom program.

Film Screening: Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty

We invite you to join us for a screening of the documentary film Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty in the Hermann Room, on  Friday Oct. 13, 2023 at 3:00PM. The screening is free and open to the public. Following the film, documentary filmmaker John de Graaf will answer questions from the audience. We encourage you to REGISTER for this event.

This new 78-minute documentary celebrates the life and legacy of former Interior Secretary
Stewart L. Udall, arguably the most effective environmentalist in American history. He fought
tirelessly for the protection of our planet and its natural beauty and was the first public official to
speak out about global warming.

This beautiful film tells the inspiring story of Secretary Udall as an advocate of social and
environmental justice, international cooperation, the arts, and most of all, the protection of our
shared environment and magnificent natural beauty. The story highlights the bi-partisan success
of this unsung hero’s efforts, and calls on us all to move beyond the polarization of our time and
work together to protect our world’s natural heritage.

Udall pushed legislation through Congress mandating clean air and water, wilderness
preservation, pesticide restrictions, strip-mining reclamation, and the establishment of the Wild
and Scenic Rivers and National Trails systems, while providing greater self-determination for
Native Americans. The film explores the hard choices Udall had to make regarding both the
Vietnam War and plans to dam the Grand Canyon, which he helped ultimately stop.

This ground-breaking film goes beyond Udall’s accomplishments to explore the values that
motivated him, especially his concern for beauty and balance, as expressed in the Navajo
concept of Hózhó.

“Don’t miss this masterpiece!”–Gus Speth, former director, UN Development Program, Dean,
Yale School of Forestry, co-founder, Natural Resources Defense Council