Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Falmouth Public Library, Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 PM

The Original Radio performance revamped by the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company

We cannot wait to welcome the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company back for a live radio performance of Charles’ Dickens A Christmas Carol. The event will be held on Saturday, December 14th 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Hermann Room at the Falmouth Public Library.

The event is appropriate for all ages and will last 75 – 90 minutes. Please register on our main Falmouth Public Library Events page or call 508-457-2555 x 7. If you run into any trouble, please reach out and we’ll fix it right up!

Dickens’ iconic story of greed, compassion, magic, and redemption will come to life through acting, music, and live sound effects in this original radio play adaptation. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge makes life miserable for everyone around him, especially his long suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business associate, Jacob Marley. A man who was as greedy and cold as Scrooge. Marley’s spirit warns Scrooge that if he continues to live so selfishly, he will spend eternity wearing the chains that his greed has built. Three more spirits visit Scrooge that night: The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come, who show Scrooge his error in valuing money over people. Scrooge, frightened by the bleak picture of his life, awakes on Christmas morning a new man, promising to change his ways.

Get into the holiday spirit with a performance by professional working actors from the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company!

There will be a discussion regarding Christianity and how the tale of Scrooge is truly a story of redemption. A light of hope in the darkness of the winter.

November Movie Showings

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.”

 

October Movie Showings

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!

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


Friday Films Resumes!

With another summer Movies Under the Stars coming to a close, the library’s Friday Films resume! Starting Friday August 23rd, the library will be showing newly released movies, every other Friday, in our Hermann Meeting Room at 3pm.  
 
Scroll below to find out which movies will be playing, view the movie trailers and register to attend as seating is limited.  English subtitles will be used if available.
 
All movie showings are free to the public and are supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library.
 

The Fall Guy
Friday, August 23rd, 3pm-5pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 1hr 54mins



Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Friday, September 6th, 3pm-5:30pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 2hrs 25mins


 


Accidental Texan
Friday, September 20th, 3pm-4:45pm . . . . . . REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“Erwin, a recent Harvard graduate, suddenly finds himself in hot water when his phone causes an explosion on the set of his first professional acting gig. On his retreat from New Orleans, his car breaks down in Texas, where he encounters a ragtag band of souls, including kindhearted waitress Faye and local oiler Merle, who encourage him to keep pursuing his dreams.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 1hr 44mins


Dungeons and Dragons is back at FPL!

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!

Movies Under the Stars 2024!

Please note that Movies Under the Stars has ended for the 2024 season-we expect to be back for next summer, so stay tuned!

BYO blankets and chairs and join us on the library lawn to enjoy some outdoor family fun with Movies Under the Stars.  These movies are weather dependent and are free to the public.  No registration is required. The 6 pm movie is great for all ages-some of the 8 pm ones might have a PG-13 rating, so check!

Read below to find out the Wednesday night movie dates, themes, and selected movies!

On July 17th 
6:00 PM Cars, starring Owen Wilson and Paul Newman (rated G)
Then around 8:00 pm Ford V. Ferrari, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale (rated PG-13 for language and dangerous situations)
 
On July 24th 
6:00 PM Gnomeo and Juliet, starring James McAvoy and Emily Blunt (rated G)
Then around 8:00 Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes (rated PG-13)
 
On July 31st 
At 6:00 PM 101 Dalmatians, starring Glenn Close and Jeff Daniels (rated G)
Then around 8:00 Cruella, starring Emma Stone and Joel Fry (rated PG-13)
 
On August 7th 
At 6:00 PM Hook, starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman (rated PG)
Then around 8:00 The Princess Bride, starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright (rated PG)
 
And then to finish the 2024 Movies Under the Stars season  
On August 14th 
at 6:00 PM Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson (rated G)
Then around 8:00 Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet and Olivia Coleman (rated PG)