Category: Miscellany

Monthly Tours of the Main Library

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Join us on Fridays, once a month, at 11am, for a tour of the Main Library! Whether you’re a long-time resident of Falmouth who wants learn more about the history of the library, or a newcomer who is interested in learning the full scope of the library’s services, this tour is for you! We’ll talk about art and architecture; the past, present, and future; books and digital books and audiobooks and events and much more.

Please register as we need to keep the group small so we don’t disturb others. (Shh!) Meet under the dome on the upper level of the building.

Tours will occur on Fridays at 11am on (click link to register):

New Narrative Nonfiction Book Club Books!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Fall 2023 – Winter 2024 Book Picks

Check out the Falmouth Public Library’s new Narrative Nonfiction Book Club picks for the Fall ’23 and Winter ’24 session!  Come pick up a copy and join us to share your thoughts as we read across the genres of nonfiction, from history to adventure, memoir/biography, and beyond with books that read like a novel.

We meet on the 1st Thursday of every month from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The group will meet in the Hermann meeting room and for those who wish to join us from home, you can join us via Zoom.  Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

To register, click on the date you wish to attend and fill out the registration form. If you have any questions, please contact the Adult Services department at 508-457-2555 x 7 or info@falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

October 5, 2023:
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty (PAGES 1-219) by Patrick Radden Keefe 

“Presents a portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, who built their fortune on the sale of Valium and later sponsored the creation and marketing of one of the most commonly prescribed and addictive painkillers of the opioid crisis.”

 


November 2, 2023:
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty (PAGES 220-434) by Patrick Radden Keefe 

“Presents a portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, who built their fortune on the sale of Valium and later sponsored the creation and marketing of one of the most commonly prescribed and addictive painkillers of the opioid crisis.”

 

 

 

December 7, 2023:
The Last Days of the Dinosaurs: An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World by Riley Black

“Walks readers through what happened in the days, years, centuries and million years after an asteroid led to the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and half of known species, and how this worst single day in the history of life on Earth allowed for evolutionary opportunities.”

 

 

January 4, 2024:
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo

“Recounts the extraordinary and harrowing true story of a young, enslaved couple who, achieving one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in American history, embarked on three epic journeys in one monumental bid for freedom, challenging the nation’s core precepts of life, liberty and justice for all.”

 

 

February 1, 2024:
The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

“In this incredible work of narrative nonfiction, filled with romance and high seas adventure, a historian and journalist charts the life of Sarah Kidd, who secretly aided and abetted her infamous husband, pirate Captain Kidd, from within the strictures of polite society in 17th- and 18th-century New York.”

 

 

March 7, 2024:
Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder

“This masterful work of reporting and nonfiction storytelling takes us deep into the world of Dr. Jim O’Connell, a Harvard Medical School graduate, who, following his life’s calling, serves Boston’s homeless community, facing one of American society’s most shameful problems, instead of looking away.”

 

Coming Soon: Peter Abrahams aka Spencer Quinn!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Local Author Talk & Book Signing

The Falmouth Public Library and Eight Cousins are excited to welcome Cape resident Peter Abrahams, also known as Spencer Quinn, author of the popular Chet and Bernie mysteries for a reading, talk, and book signing for his newest book Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge!  This event will take place at the Falmouth Public Library on Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:30pm in the Hermann room.   

Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge is the first novel in a new series since the meteoric launch of Chet and Bernie–introducing the irresistible and unforgettable Mrs. Plansky, in a story perfect for book clubs and commercial fiction readers.

“I absolutely adored this book. Really fun but with a few teeth, as well. Mrs. Plansky is a terrific character. The story ticks along like a good watch.” –Stephen King

“Mrs. Plansky is a wonderfully memorable heroine, full of wit and equally plausible as an ace tennis player and a motorcycle-driving detective with Romanian gangsters hot on her tail. Readers will be eager to see what Mrs. Plansky gets up to next.” — Publishers Weekly

Peter Abrahams is the Edgar-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Chet and Bernie mystery series, as well as the #1 New York Times bestselling Bowser and Birdie series for middle-grade readers. He lives on the Cape with his wife Diana and dog Pearl.

Come and join us for this exciting author event that is free to the public.  Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge will be available for purchase and signing from Eight Cousins after the author talk and reading.  Registration to attend is required.  Please register by clicking here or visit/call the reference desk at 508-457-2555 x7.

Aging With Pride Screening and Discussion

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Decades of legal and structural discrimination have affected the well-being and economic status of many LGBTQIA+ older adults. The unique social, economic and health challenges they face are explored in the documentary Aging Matters: Aging with Pride, produced by Nashville Public Television. Join us for the viewing of this half-hour film that sheds light on what many in the Stonewall Generation have had to endure and fight for in hopes of enacting positive change for the community in the ongoing pursuit of equality. 

This event will take place Friday June 2, 2023 at 3:30pm in the Hermann Room. All are welcome, and there will be light refreshments. We encourage you to Register.

Supported by Waquoit Church, Falmouth Jewish Congregation, Neighborhood Falmouth, Falmouth Senior Services, Falmouth Human Services, Falmouth Public Library and No Place for Hate.

 

Great Decisions 2023

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Great Decisions, America’s largest civic discussion program on world affairs, is coming back to the Falmouth Public Library.  On Wednesday nights starting on May 31st and ending on September 6th, we will meet bi-weekly to discuss one of eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans 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 on DVD, which are available for checkout to participants at the reference desk.  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.  This program is sponsored by the Library Support Fund.

Energy Geopolitics …… Register Here
Wednesday, May 31st from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
How will changes in the energy industries impact relations between countries?  Access to oil and gas has long held an influence over the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world? By Carolyn Kissane
 
War Crimes …… Register Here
Wednesday, June 14th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
What is a war crime? How does this definition apply to recent events in Ukraine?  Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread charges of war crimes and calls for justice. But what exactly are war crimes? Opinions of what constitutes a war crime have evolved, as have ways to identify and punish the perpetrators. How will the war crimes committed in Ukraine be dealt with? By Francine Hirsch
 
China and the U.S. …… Register Here
Wednesday, June 28th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
How will the United States respond to China’s growing global presence?  For the past ten years, the United States and China have been locked in a competition for who has the greatest global influence. One major point of contention is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty, which has become even more relevant recently with the possibility that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may prompt China to take similar action regarding Taiwan. How will the United States engage a China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence? By David Lampton
 
Economic Warfare …… Register Here
Wednesday, July 12th from 7:30pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
What comprises economic warfare? How have these measures been used recently against Russia?  Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war? By Jonathan Chanis
 
Politics in Latin America …… Register Here
Wednesday, July 26th from 7pm -8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
What does the emergence of various left-wing governments mean for countries in Latin America? Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region? By Jorge Castañeda
 
Global Famine …… Register Here
Wednesday, August 9th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
What causes famine? How can it be prevented in the future?  Fears of global food shortages have followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined, and how is it different from simple food shortages? What if any remedies are there? By Daniel Maxwell
 
Iran at a Crossroads …… Register Here
Wednesday, August 23rd from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
What is the future for relations between Iran and the U.S.?  By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it? By Lawrence Potter
 
Climate Migration …… Register Here
Wednesday, September 6th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Hermann meeting room
How is climate change impacting human migration?  As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals, and how might the United States aid them, and be affected by the migration? By Karen Jacobsen

Dancemeditation

Posted on by Sue

We are pleased to welcome back Woods Hole native and resident Dunya Dianne McPherson, for a Dancemeditation session on Thursday morning, March 30th at 10:30 AM. “Dancemeditation™ is a unique moving meditation system for self-discovery, healing, & evolution. It helps us be present in our body in the Moment. We use a wide variety of breathing and movement techniques to quiet an over-active, distracted mind identity and invite intuitive, inspired embodiment.” Click here to register!

Dunya has published two books, Skin of Glass: Finding Spirit in the Flesh and Sojourn the Inner Heaven: Movement Meditations for Awakening.  She received her early dance training with Falmouth dance legend Klara Koenig, and moved to New York City in 1972 to attend the Juilliard School. After graduation, she became a critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer, lauded by the New York Times, the Village Voice and Dance Magazine. The National Endowment for the Arts named her a Choreography Fellow, and she received numerous grants and commissions while holding academic positions at Barnard, Swarthmore, Hunter, Oberlin, and Princeton.

A decade later, healing from a serious injury, she turned away from her time as a dance educator and retreated to a monastic mountaintop community directed by an Iraqi Sufi Master, where she trained in movement meditation and Whirling. This two decades-long journey opened a new inner world, and an understanding of dance as moving prayer. Her path became Dancemeditation. Dunya has presented Dancemeditation workshops at major healing arts centers, including Kripalu as well as universities and institutes across the US and abroad.

Come join us for Dancemeditation! 

Falmouth Enterprise now Online 1896-2017, featuring A Party at the Dump!

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

We are excited to announce that we now have a new host for the digital Falmouth Enterprise, and instead of stopping at 1962, the entire range from 1896-2017 is now searchable online. We are grateful to the Enterprise for their permission to put these recent years online, and to the Board of Library Trustees for their support of this project. Library staff have tested it thoroughly by serarching for themselves (and finding some amusing childhood memories, among other things) – give it a try yourself! Contact us at the Reference Desk if you need any help getting started.

Of course, the first thing I did was to search for information about that party at the dump question from last July. Back then, we took to Facebook to ask for help finding articles in the Enterprise about a party held at the town dump:

Apparently some time in the later 1960s or early 1970s, there was a large benefit party that was black tie but was held at the Town Dump. Paul E. White was not invited, but decided to dress up in 1920s attire, drive a 1920s vehicle with “Dump or Bust” painted on the side, and crash the event. He was allowed to attend. His daughter Rena is sure there were articles in the Enterprise about both the benefit party, and the crashing of it by her father. 
 
Many did have a memory of this event, and suggested years and people involved (notably Al Lawrence, which was correct), but nobody could pin it down. I searched April-October in the microfilm Enterprise for the years 1968-1972 without success.
 
It turns out I would never have found it even if I’d gotten to 1973, because the party took place in March! A party at the Town Dump in March – that month of shivers, and either snow or mud? Indeed it was. With a tent, and furs, and black tie, and champagne, and arrival by helicopter, and an Air Force band! Read on…
 
First notice of the party appeared in an article published February 16, 1973, reporting on the events of the benefit auction in support of the Heart Fund. Four hundred people were in attendance, but the excitement of the evening was clearly the bidding for a “cocktail party for 25 at the Town Dump,” put forward by Al Lawrence, and won by Francis L. Empey with a high bid of $500.
 
The excitement was already building before the day of the party. On Friday March 9 the Enterprise declared, “Guest List Grows for Party of Year, Champagne and Lobster at the Dump.” This front-page article described the widespread interest (including from Channel 6 news), and listed the expected attendees by name.  
 
The reporting after the party continued the gleeful tone. On Tuesday March 13 the story was page 1, with a photo, captioned “What a Dump: Champagne and Furs at the Sanitary Landfill.”
 
 
The article went on to describe the party in detail. About 30 couples officially attended, all in formal attire (although some wore work boots with tuxedoes), but some 1000 more people also turned up, perhaps to legitimately drop off items, as the dump was open for business, perhaps just to look on. Heavy traffic was reported in the area, and Edmund T. McClung directed traffic in a high hat and tails. Did I mention this party was a daytime party, occurring between 11am and 2:30pm?
 
The guests arrived by helicopter, ten-ton sanitation truck, wheelbarrow, hearse, and Rolls-Royce. They drank eight cases of champagne and ate 50 pounds of lobster salad. They danced to music provided by the Four Aces. They took rides on dump vehicles at $10 a pop as an additional fundraiser, and the table centerpieces, created from dump materials, were also auctioned off. I blame the champagne for the fact that “a syndicate formed inside the tent and bid a couple of hundred dollars for one of the guests’ tuxedo trousers.” Overall an additional $1500 was raised for the Heart Fund.
 
Later that week the town was still talking, as a page of photos appeared on p. 15 of the Enterprise for March 16, 1973. Here are just two of them:
 
The one disappointment of this story is I could find no mention of the remembered crashing of this party by Paul White. It may well have occurred, but the Enterprise did not report on it! 

Friday Films: Movies at the Library!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Friday Films is back starting January 13th and running through May 19th!  Bring your own popcorn and join us on select Fridays at the library to watch newly released movies.  Scroll down to check out the dates, times and movies and to register to attend.   

These movie viewings are free to the public and are sponsored by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.

 

Friday, January 13th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
The Woman King (Rated PG-13;Run Time 2h 15m)

“The remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a ferocity unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, it follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and prepares them for battle against an enemy determined to obliterate their way of life.”


Friday, January 27th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
Ticket to Paradise (Rated PG-13;Run Time 1h 44m)

“David and Georgia, two divorced parents who can’t stand each other, head to Bali after their daughter, Lily, announces her plans to marry a local islander she just met while on holiday. They decide to put aside their differences and work together to stop the wedding, believing that doing so will keep Lily from making a dreadful mistake similar to their own.”


Friday, February 10th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
Till (Rated PG-13;Run Time 2h 10m)

“Till is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.”


Friday, February 24th at 2:45pm in the Hermann meeting room
The Fablemans (Rated PG-13;Run Time 2h 31m)

“Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.”


Friday, March 10th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
Devotion (Rated PG-13;Run Time 2h 19m)…… Register Now

“Devotion, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.”


Friday, March 24th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Rated PG-13;Run Time 1h 45m)……Register Now

Filmed on Cape Cod! “Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, bookstore owner A.J. Fikry’s life is not turning out as he expected as he struggles both emotionally and financially. After his wife’s tragic death, he feels lost and left behind in the rapidly evolving world of today. As he tries to keep his store afloat, he begins to drink his sorrows away, ultimately hitting rock bottom when his most prized possession, a series of Edgar Allen Poe poems, are stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, the unexpected arrival gives Fikry a new lease on life, and love, that are greater than he ever imagined.”

 

Friday, April 7th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
A Man Called Otto (Rated PG-13;Run Time 2h 6m) ……Register Now

“Otto Anderson is a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors.  When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down.”

 

Friday, April 21st at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
Living (Rated PG-13;Run Time 1h 42m) ……Register Now

“Set in 1950’s London, an ordinary, humorless civil servant, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence, decides at the eleventh hour to turn his dull life into something wonderful.”

 

Friday, May 5th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
80 For Brady (Rated PG-13;Run Time 1h 38m) ……Register Now

“As the New England Patriots reach the Superbowl in Houston, four female fans become determined to go to the game and meet quarterback Tom Brady, which proves a more memorable experience than they anticipated after the Patriots fall behind by four touchdowns.”

 

Friday, May 19th at 3pm in the Hermann meeting room
Invitation To A Murder (Rated PG-13;Run Time 1h 32m) ……Register Now

“In this homage to Agatha Christie, a reclusive billionaire invites six seemingly random strangers to his island estate in the south of England. Aspiring detective Miranda Green finds the mysterious invitation too alluring to pass up. When another guest turns up dead, Miranda must get to the bottom of the malicious plot behind the gathering.”

Learn Basic Genealogy Online with Falmouth Genealogical Society

Posted on by Sue
Did you miss the Joy of Learning class with Tim Martin and Ralph Wadleigh of the Falmouth Genealogical Society and want to watch the video recordings?  
 
You can do so now on the Falmouth Genealogical Society page!  Check out the site and watch the lectures “Overview of Genealogy,” “Researching Sources,” “Building a Family Tree,” and “Genetic Genealogy.” Tim has time-stamped the recordings as well with the content!

An Illustrated Tour of Falmouth Cemeteries

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join the Falmouth Public Library, Oak Grove Cemetery Association of Falmouth, and Falmouth Genealogical Society for a ‘Welcome to the Graveyard: An Illustrated Tour of Falmouth’s Cemeteries’ presentation by The Gravestone Girls on Wednesday, October 19th from 6pm-8pm in the library’s Hermann meeting room! (Photo Credit: “Oak Grove in Winter” by Carol Knox)

‘Welcome to the Graveyard: An Illustrated Tour of Falmouth’s Cemeteries’ is a 90 minute illustrated ‘virtual tour’ chronicling cemetery art, history and symbolism. From the colonial New England burial grounds of the 1600s and 1700s, through the nation-wide rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st century locations, this program examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years. Prior to the show date, The Gravestone Girls will hit the road and go through the cemeteries in Falmouth, taking pictures for use in building the presentation with as much local content as possible.  Q&A to follow.

The Gravestone Girls “create decorative artwork using the beautiful and primitive images carved on olde New England gravestones; give lectures and tours on cemetery art, history and symbolism as well as teach gravestone rubbing classes! Their work aims to entertain and educate on the historical perspective of old cemeteries by documenting and preserving the beautiful art they contain.”

Registration is required.  To register, click here or call the library at 508-457-2555 extension 7.

This program is co-sponsored by the Trustees of the Falmouth Public Library, the Oak Grove Cemetery Association of Falmouth, and the Falmouth Genealogical Society.