Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Decorate a pumpkin to be put on display at 

Dennis Public Library or Dennis Memorial Library!

Decorate a pumpkin of any size, in any way that you choose. The possibilities are endless! (paint, glitter, fabric, markers, etc.) 

Dennis Public Library will have pumpkins on display in the windows facing the parking lot and curbside pickup table. Dennis Memorial Library will have a display on their porch. 

Entries accepted for kids (up to 12 years) and teens/adults (13+). 

The winner in each category will receive a prize. 

Be sure to stop by the libraries the last week of October to see the displays and vote for your favorite!

Download an entry form or ask for a copy of the form with your next curbside pickup request.

Drop off your pumpkins to either library starting on Wednesday, October 21st, during curbside pickup hours. 

Voting begins Monday, October 26th online, on Facebook, or at the libraries. The winners will be notified on Halloween, October 31st. Thanks for getting into the "spirit" with us!

19th Amendment Challenge Wrap-Up

The Dennis Libraries want to thank everyone who participated in our recent 

19th Amendment Centennial Challenge.

We hope you had fun and learned a few things too. 

The winners have been contacted to pick up their prizes!

Please keep an eye on our website for more fun challenges through the fall. 

We have lots of fun things in store for all of you. 

Dennis Port Traffic Update

On your next curbside visit to Dennis Public Library, you might notice that Hall Street is now one way. The Town has received a Shared Streets Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which encourages increased outdoor activities during the time of COVID. 

The southerly lane, adjacent to Mike Stacey park, will be converted into an outdoor plaza, protected from traffic and providing an outdoor eating area. Barriers will go into place within the next few days and will remain in place as long as the weather allows. The barriers will be returned to Hall Street in the spring to allow the area to be used for outdoor dining next summer.

With this information, please plan your access to the library accordingly. Thank you!

Curbside Pickup Available!

Here is what you need to know...

Requesting items:

• Requests for books, CDs, and DVDs can be made online at clamsnet.org or by calling the library at 508-760-6219
• Staff will be available by phone Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00
• Holds will be filled in the order they are received
• You can browse the collection online to see what is currently available at DPL
• If you need help choosing items, we are happy to help you find a great read- online request form
• Children's activity packets and teen craft packets are available. Please let us know how many kids or teens are in your family when scheduling your pickup time.

Pickup:

• When your item(s) are ready, a staff member will call you to schedule a pickup time
• Pickup times will be scheduled Tuesday-Saturday 2:00-6:00
• Your item(s) will be placed in a paper bag on a table near our parking lot during your scheduled pickup time, to allow for contact-free pickup
• If others are at the table when you arrive, practice social distancing and wait for them to leave the area before collecting your holds
• All library patrons should wear a mask when picking up items
• Please do not come to the library before you have received a phone call from a staff member confirming your item(s) are ready, we will not be able to fill unscheduled requests

Returns:

• Returns can be put in the outdoor book and media returns 
• Please do not leave returns on the pickup table
• Items will NOT be checked in immediately, following safety guidelines
• Please allow up to a week for items to be checked in off of your account
• Fines will be waived on items at this time

What we are doing to keep everyone safe:

• Holds will be packed in bags by library staff wearing masks and gloves
• Staff will wash hands frequently and use sanitizer as needed
• High touch surfaces will be disinfected regularly
• All items, including returns, will be quarantined for at least 3 days before handling or recirculating

What you can do to help:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and throw away each tissue after one use
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wear a mask when in public spaces
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily

Other CLAMS libraries may be providing similar services in the coming weeks. What each library can offer is dependent on their staffing, their building and other factors. Please check with other libraries to learn what services they may be offering.

We have missed you all and we look forward to getting books back in your hands! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at den_mail@clamsnet.org or 508-760-6219. 

Climate Preparedness Week Sept. 24th - Sept. 30th

We invite you to get involved in Climate Preparedness Week!

The Massachusetts Library System is partnering with Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) and the Blue Marble Librarians for Climate Prep Week to help libraries and their communities better prepare for extreme weather events. 

The theme for Climate Prep Week 2020 is 

"Climate Resilience is Social Resilience."

Check out the following links to register for these online events:

• Palaces for the People: A Community Discussion with Eric Klinenberg (9/23 at 7pm) 
• Resilient Agriculture: Climate Impacts on Our Foods Systems and How We Can Respond (9/24 at 1pm) 
• Neighborhood by Neighborhood: Mapping Our Resilience (9/25 at 10am) 
• The Economics of Climate Change with Madhavi Venkatesa, PhD (9/26 at 7pm)
• How Repair Events Can Transform Our Throwaway Culture (9/29 at 6:30pm) 
• The Linked Fight for Racial Justice and Climate Justice (9/30 at 6:30pm) 

Inspired to learn more after attending one of the many great events happening throughout the week? We have a book list, for kids and adults, available at Dennis Public Library, addressing climate change, extreme weather, ways to get involved, and more! Sustainable Practices, an environmental action group based in Barnstable County, also has a podcast addressing local environmental issues. 

Climate Prep Week Book List

Local Podcast from Sustainable Practices 

Themed activity packet for kids with coloring sheets and a word search are available through curbside pickup!

ComCat Returns!

The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) is available again! 

You can now request books and other materials from across the state. 

If CLAMS doesn't have it, try searching on ComCat.

A free and easy way to get even more with your library card. 

Give us a call if you would like more information or help making a request. 

Great events to share

It's no secret. We have great virtual events to share from institutions and organizations from around the Cape and Massachusetts. 

You can attend from the comfort of your home! Just click on the box to your right for VIRTUAL LIBRARY EVENTS. So many great offerings!

Some events require registration, so be sure to click on the event links for complete details. We will do our best to keep this list up to date with all of the great happenings around the state. 

Writers' Studio Returns!

New weekly virtual writers' studio meetings online via Zoom!

If you are an aspiring writer and would like to get a chance to meet other local writers, share your work, and get feedback from a supportive group, now is you chance! Write your chapters and screen share with each other. 

They have a lot of fun…

• Centerville (ongoing) on Mondays 1–3 pm 
• Dennis Port on Wednesdays 3 – 5 pm
• Woods Hole on Fridays 1 – 3 pm

To register please email Sharon Anderson at the Cape Cod Writers’ Studio: Sdanderson.books@gmail.com

Groups starting late September (except Centerville which is active now)