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Winter Birds of Cape Cod

Saturday, January 28th at 1:00 pm
Cape Cod is renowned worldwide for the abundance of birds during the fall season, but many people don’t realize the birding opportunities during the winter months. Vast flocks of winter robins, several species of hawks and owls, and the occasional appearance of winter vagrants make for plentiful birding opportunities on the Cape in the winter. Join Ian Ives, Director of Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse into the winter birds of Cape Cod, and learn about the many amazing survival adaptations that they employ to stay warm and find food.

New Local Author Chip Bishop

Friday, January 20th at 11:00 am

New author and Mashpee resident Chip Bishop meets with our audience. His book The Lion and the Journalist: The Unlikely Friendship of Theodore Roosevelt and Joseph Bucklin Bishop explores the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and Chip’s great granduncle Joseph Bucklin Bishop, who was a newspaper editor and the president’s authorized biographer. Chip says his goal “was to draw a rich portrait of the exceptional lives of two great men…The book emerges as a remarkable tale of power, politics and presidential courage.”

Pulitzer Prize winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin writes, “Chip Bishop identifies one of the central keys to T.R.’s success, his unparalleled ability to forge warm relationships with the press, even then they challenged and criticized him.”

Books will be available for sale and signing.

Food for Fines - Friday is last day

Friday, December 30th is the last day to bring in unexpired, unopened, shelf stable food items to wipe out Dennis Public Library fines. One item covers $1.00 of fines - up to $10 worth.

Food will be donated to the Family Pantry in Harwich.

New Year's Holiday Hours

The library will be closed:
Saturday, December 31st


Have a happy and safe holiday!



Christmas Holiday Hours

The library will be CLOSED:
Saturday, December 24th

Merry Christmas!

First Wednesday Classic Film Series


Wednesday, January 4th at 2:00

A rebellious young man with a troubled past comes to a new town, finding friends and enemies. This beloved 1955 film stars James Dean and Natalie Wood, who was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar.


Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 17th from 10 - 2

T'is mid December
Here in Dennis town
And the librarians at DPL
Are the jolliest around!

Come patrons! Come teenagers!
Come kids and grandparents, too!
We’ll have cookies and candies
And treats just for you!

Happy Holidays!

Dennisport Holiday Stroll - free candy cane!

Saturday, December 10th from 10 - 2

Enjoying the Dennisport Holiday Stroll?

Come in for a free candy cane at the Circulation Desk.

Toys for Tots

We are a drop-off spot for Toys for Tots.

Please donate a new, unused toy and make a difference in a child's Christmas.

Many thanks!!!

First Wednesday Classic Film Series

Wednesday, December 7th at 2:00


Alfred Hitchcock takes on Sigmund Freud in this 1945 thriller, starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. A complex mystery with many surprises, including dream sequences with images designed by Salvador Dali, and excellent performances.

CLOSED - Friday, November 25th

Dennis Public Library will be closed the day after Thanksgiving.

The library will be open again on Saturday, November 26th for regular hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

CLOSED - Thursday, November 24th



Dennis Public Library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Enjoy the day!

Local Author Maura Rooney Hitzenbuhler

Friday, November 18 at 11:00 am

This year the author released her well-received novel The Lane: A Young Woman’s Tale in the Heart of Dublin. The story is set in Ireland during the 1950s. A young woman Kate finds herself pregnant in a society where women occupied secondary status, a position cemented by the ever-present and important Catholic church. Kate is left to do the best she can for herself and her child. Book critic Michael Lee says, “You might have read certain versions of this story, but you haven’t read her version. Happily, it’s worth it.” As the rich tale unfolds, the reader encounters many surprises. Come with questions ready for the author. Ms. Hitzenbuhler will have books available for sale and signing.

Photographer Stanlee Wetzel

Tuesday, November 15 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Reception

Stanlee Wetzel is having a one-person Photographic Show at the Dennis Public Library to run for the month of November 2011.

The show is called: “Eclectic Photographic Images” by Stanlee Wetzel.

Stanlee is a juried member of the Fine Art Photography division of the Cape Cod Art Association and a juried-in member of the Russell Gallery at the Plymouth Center for the Arts.

Her works have received awards in numerous competitions, and she has been recognized for her one-woman photography shows in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Many of her pictures hang in homes along the Eastern seacoast and overseas.

As a freelance photographer her images have been published in annual reports, newspapers, brochures and business advertising.

She approaches subject matter from a unique point-of-view and focuses on how the rendering of images creates a distinctive perspective.

ESL Classes are Back!

Starting Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 pm

Our star teacher is back and ready for new students. Classes take place every Wednesday night at 6:30. No charge. Please come and join us.

Tales of Haunted New England Lighthouses

Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 pm

Are you ready for a fright? Lighthouses are picturesque icons that remind us of our rich maritime history, but they also have a dark side. Lighthouses and ghost stories often seem to go hand in hand. Jeremy D’Entremont, a leading expert on New England’s historic lighthouses, shares stories of the macabre tales of New England’s coastal beacons, including the lovelorn spirit known as Ernie at Connecticut's New London Ledge Light and the piano playing ghost of Maine's Seguin Island Light. Not necessarily suitable for children. Chills and thrills guaranteed.

Jeremy D’Entremont is the historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation and the author of nine books on lighthouses and maritime history. He has personally taken part in lighthouse investigations by paranormal research groups, and he’ll share his personal experiences. He has also appeared on the Syfy Channel’s popular Ghost Hunters show, as well as Haunted Lighthouses of America on the Travel Channel.

The Archaeology of the Americas

Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 pm

Continuing our celebration of Massachusetts Archaeology Month, archaeologist Kevin Quackenbush will discuss the archaeology of the Americas. As he considers ancient man, Kevin invites the audience to imagine that they are in the middle of an ancient continent with nothing. What would they need to survive? Could they make or get what they needed? His lively, interactive style will engage people of all ages. Artifacts, such as projectile points, scrapers, hammerstones, drills, and an axe and adze will be available for touching.

Learn about Owls on Cape Cod

Saturday, October 8 at 11:00 am

Get ready for Halloween! Learn about owls, the animals often associated with the spooky holiday. North America’s owls are commonly thought of as secretive and nocturnal forest inhabitants. In fact, many owls can be observed, or at least detected, during daylight hours. With a little experience, they can be discovered relatively easily. Long Pasture Director Ian Ives teaches our audience how to identify Cape Cod owl species and describes their life histories. Discover the art of owling and have a spooky good time!

The Historic Archaeology of Cape Cod

Saturday, October 1 at 2:00 pm

Come and help us kick off Massachusetts Archaeology Month! Archaeologist Dave Wheelock, caretaker of the Wing Family Fort House in Sandwich, talks to our audience about the historic archaeology of Cape Cod. He’ll discuss why archaeology is important in helping us understand the lives of colonial Americans and how we use material culture, i.e. recovered trash, to determine periods of occupation, economic status, and food types and preparation. The talk will segue into gravestones of the period, as Mr. Wheelock created a reproduction of a 1757 stone for his late friend and noted archaeologist Jim Deetz.

Author's Friday - Hallie Ephron

Friday, September 30 at 2:00 pm
Award-winning book reviewer for the Boston Globe Hallie Ephron arrives to talk to our audience about her own work as an author. Her latest novel Come and Find Me was released in March; last year's effort Never Tell a Lie was nominated for the "Best Novel of 2010" and became a TV movie called And Baby Will Fall.

Registration strongly encouraged for this highly anticipated event.

Civil War Reading Group resumes

Wednesday, September 14 at 6:30 pm

The Civil War Reading Group is back from its summer hiatus with speaker Anne Speyer, who will look at the role of women during the Civil War.

Come and enjoy the discussion.

NEW! Mystery Book Club

Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 pm

Our Mystery Book Club is just starting out and looking for your participation and input. We'll read, share, and discuss.

There will be snacks!!!

Spadefoot Toads

Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 am
The eastern spadefoot toad is the rarest frog species in Massachusetts. It gets its name from an elongated, crescent-shaped spade on each hind foot, which is used for digging. These special toads are currently endangered, and their status in the state is listed as “threatened.” Staff from the Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary will explore the secret life history of this elusive and little known species with our audience, using unique and seldom seen photographic documentation. They will also introduce Mass Audubon’s one of a kind conservation project aimed at protecting the eastern spadefoot toad population on Cape Cod. Come and learn to love this unusual amphibian!

Author Saloma Furlong talks about the Amish

Thursday, September 8 at 2:00 pm
Author Saloma Furlong was born and raised in an Amish community in Ohio. Driven by her desire for freedom and more formal education, she broke away from her community –– not once, but twice. She graduated from Smith College in May 2007 with a major in German Studies and a minor in Philosophy. Her education has included research on the Amish with Dr. Donald Kraybill and a semester abroad in Germany, where she studied at the University of Hamburg. During her thirty-year inner struggle of coming to terms with her Amish past, she has gleaned a better understanding of herself and her heritage. This September she will be featured on NPR’s radio show The Point with host Mindy Todd.

Her book Why I Left the Amish is a gripping memoir that will be available for sale and signing during the Dennis Public Library event.


Author's Friday - Carol Higgins Clark

Friday, August 26 at 2:00 pm

New York Times besting author Carol Higgins Clark returns to Author's Friday after a four year absence. Readers lover her colorful characters and unique locales. Her newest contribution to the Regan Reilly mystery series, Wrecked, reached #8 on the New York Times Bestseller List. She received Agatha Award and Anthony Award nominations for her first book Decked had has co-written five holiday books with her mother, Mary Higgins Clark. Registration is strongly recommend for this event; slots are almost full. Please call the library as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Local author Joshua Blair Delaney

Friday, August 19 at 11:00 am

Come hear a tale of an 18th-century pirate, a witch, and a spirit seeker. Joshua Blair Delaney's newly released work of historical fiction, Pieces of Eight, is set in the rich landscape of Colonial Cape Cod. His tale is of the people and events that surround the wreck of the pirate ship Whydah. An impoverished washashore named Sam Bellamy realizes that his only chance for prosperity is to turn to piracy. But his search for fortune will take him away from his sweetheart, Maria Hallett, whose moments of clairvoyance make the townsfolk wonder if she is a witch. Meanwhile, John Julian, a native man, follows the trail of the last wolf on Cape Cod. He is propelled by the belief that it is a messenger from the spirit world that will help him save the land he loves. Delaney's love of Cape Cod history shows in both his work and his presentation. Books will be available for sale and signing.

The Gravestone Girls

Thursday, August 18 at 7:00 pm

Are you fascinated by the old gravestones in cemeteries? The Gravestone Girls take our audience on a virtual (slideshow) tour of colonial burial grounds through modern cemeteries, using examples from the town of Dennis. The Girls will highlight gravestones that illustrate beautiful artwork and symbolism. Discover why we have cemeteries and gravestones and why they look the way they do. See reproduction castings, produced in cooperation with local authorities, and discuss the pros and cons of doing grave rubbings. Bring lots of questions! You'll learn to appreciate the history that can be learned from our local burial places and be inspired to protect and preserve what remains.

Local author Tom Cooper

Friday, August 12 at 11:00 am

Do you ever feel overloaded by the never-ending stream of e-mail, voicemail, texts, and tweets? Are you overwhelmed by the magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs, and radio and TV shows that are supposed to help us stay on top of what's happening in the world around us?

Dr. Thomas Cooper's newest release Fast Media/Media Fast is a guide to finding peace, perspective, purpose, productivity, and one's creative voice amidst the media- saturated world dominated by the "triple-ups": speed-up, blow-up, and keep-up. He suggests a "fast" or break from all forms of media, an experiment he's conducted with multiple groups of people. Come explore the possibilities with him. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Coastal Water Birds

Saturday, August 13 at 11:00 am

Come and learn about some of Cape Cod’s fine feathered friends! The Massachusetts Audubon Society talks to our audience about coastal water birds. Each year the staff of the Society’s Coastal Water Bird Program covers the coasts of Cape Cod in search of terns, endangered Piping Plovers, Oystercatchers, and their relatives. They record every detail from the birds’ arrival to courtship, nesting, and fledging chicks. Their work includes helping protect these delicate populations from human disturbance and wild predators. A great presentation for summer beachgoers, discover how beachgoers and birds can coexist and how these diminutive creatures, with their camouflaged nests, survive the windswept conditions of Cape Cod’s exposed beaches.

Learn to Write a Cookbook

Friday, August 5 at 11:00 am

Local authors Elaine and Karin Tammi take our audience through the process, using their new cookbook Scallops: A New England Coastal Cookbook as an example. During the creation of their book, they received encouragement from Julia Child, who wrote, “You have done a wonderful bit of research and it should be known. It’s just a matter of getting it to the right people.” The authors obtained recipes from celebrity chefs and scallop fishermen, and they interviewed scientists. They will review concept, text, and selection of images. Large photographs from their cookbook will be shown. Afterwards, feel free to ask questions. Their cookbook will be available for sale and signing.

The Turtle Whisperer

Friday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Long Pasture Director and Herpetologist Ian Ives introduces the turtles of Cape Cod. Come see living examples of species such as the rare Diamondback Terrapin, the domed Box Turtle, and the prehistoric looking Snapping Turtle. Also discover the diverse and threatened turtles of Asia, where virtually all species are heavily harvested for food and traditional medicinal trades, and learn about the conservation actions being taken to save the world's turtles - giving us hope for our slow moving friends!


Container and Sandy Soil Gardening

Saturday, July 16 at 11:00 am

Show off beautiful plants no matter what the limits of your home environment!

Expert Michael Sarowsky from the Master Gardener's Association talks about gardening in containers and in sandy soil. Container gardening is great for people with limited space. Discover how to get the most out of window boxes or how to decorate decks with plants in distinctive containers of all shapes and sizes. Or, if sandy soil is a problem in your Cape Cod backyard, learn techniques for improving soil. Come with all of your questions - Michael is ready to respond! Pretty soon your little place on Earth will be the prettiest little place on Earth, attracting the attention of the whole neighborhood.

Summer Hours in Effect July 1st

Tuesday: 10 - 8
Wednesday: 10 - 8
Thursday: 10 - 5
Friday: 10 - 5
Saturday: 10 - 2
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED

Closed - Saturday July 2nd

The library will be closed Saturday, July 2nd in celebration of the July 4th holiday on Monday.

We wish all of our patrons a very happy and safe holiday! See you Tuesday!

Bayberry Quilters Raffle Quilt on Display - Change in Date!

Saturday, July 9th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm - July 2nd date cancelled due to library closing for July 4th holiday

The Bayberry Quilters have been working hard all year and their stunning work is complete. The quilt features the outline of Cape Cod and whimsical details like mermaids, lighthouses, ferries, flowers, and a compass rose.

Buy your raffle tickets, $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The quilt is the grand prize, but second and third prizes are offered. Proceeds go to fund scholarships for Cape Cod Regional Technical High School students pursuing higher education. Be generous and be lucky!

Learn about the First Woman to Cycle around the World

Thursday, July 7 at 11:00 am

Peter Zheutlin talks about his great grandaunt Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, who reinvented herself as globetrotter and adventurer Annie Londonderry. She became one of the most celebrated women of the 1890s. Her amazing trip was reportedly set in motion by a wager that required Annie not only to circle the earth by bicycle in 15 months, but also to earn $5,000 en route as well. This was no mere test of a woman’s physical endurance and mental fortitude; it was a test of a woman’s ability to fend for herself in the world. Peter captures all of his aunt’s charisma and skill for self-promotion in his book, Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry’s Extraordinary Ride. Expect the unexpected, for the adventure ends with the revelation of a stunning family secret!

Part of the Library's "Novel Destinations" travel series.

1st Wednesday Classic Film

Wednesday, July 6th at 2:00 pm



In one of Alfred Hitchcock's most popular thrillers, a San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, becoming dangerously obsessed with her. From 1958, starring Faye James Stewart and Kim Novak.

Author's Friday - Andrew Krivak

Friday, June 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Andrew Krivak's The Sojourn is a masterful World War I novel inspired by his own family's capture and trek across the frozen Alps.

A former Jesuit, his first published book The Long Retreat chronicled eight years as a Jesuit before leaving to teach at Harvard, marry and become a full-time author. Registration is recommended for this highly popular event. Please call the Library at 508-760-6219.

Mountain Climber Craig John

Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Ready for adventure? Experienced mountain climber Craig John takes our audience across the world - without ever leaving Dennisport. As part of Dennis Public Library's "Novel Destinations" (travel) series, his inspiring story focuses on adventure and exploration, as well as personal determination and courage. He introduces exotic cultures and presents a multi-media show that features video footage from his climb of the North Ridge of Mount Everest. Come and experience the excitement of battling nature and the elements to test personal strength and spirit.

Craig John has been a professional mountain guide since 1987. He is a member of the American Mountain Guides Association and the American Alpine Club.

Learn to Grow Roses

Saturday, June 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Have you heard that roses are fussy and hard to grow? Rose specialist Michael Sarowsky, from the Master Gardener's Program of the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension of Barnstable County, separates fact from fiction. He'll provide the best tips for growing Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, Shrub, Climbing, and Rambling roses in our Cape Cod environment. Take advantage of his expertise to get these fragrant beauties flourishing!

Learn How to Write a Children's Book

Friday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Writer and illustrator Martha Lang will read from her books including her children's books Quack, Snuggle, Humpty, and Fluffy. Martha will discuss how to write and illustrate a book starting with a story idea through to the published manuscript.

In the last few years Martha has published six picture books, children's chapter books, a poetry book, and a cookbook. She is eager to share her books and teach others about how much fun it is to write and illustrate books.

Martha spends her summers in Dennis Village. In the winter she teaches at the University of Vermont.

1st Wednesday Classic Film


Wednesday June 1st at 2:00 pm

In this tense 1958 courtroom drama, a dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it had seemed. Sidney Lumet’s directorial debut stars Henry Fonda, with fabulous performances by one of the best ensemble casts in history.

Lisa Genova Fundraising Event


Lisa Genova Program Moved from the DPL to the Sea View
    
In case you missed the news, the Author's Friday Series will be making a one-time move on July 29 from the cozy confines of the Dennis Public Library to a colorful tent and lounge on the grounds of The Sea View at 76 Chase Ave. at the Dennis Port shore.  The occasion will be an Author's Friday Special, featuring appetizers, drawings, a cash bar, pastries, book signing and our regularly scheduled guest...the best selling author Lisa Genova and her latest novel "Left Neglected".  We have also moved the time to 4:00 to 6:00 to accommodate those people who might not be able to come earlier in the day. 
  
First Fundraiser in Years
  
This will be the Friends' first fundraiser in years and we're hoping it will help us to continue funding  the extra book and equipment purchases, the parks and museum passes, the children's programs, and many talks and lectures such the Author's Friday Series that make the Library a wonderful place to visit.
  
To Order Tickets
  
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25  at the door.  They may be purchased at the Library or by sending a check made out to the Friends of the Dennis Public Library Special, P. O. Box 25, South Dennis, MA. 02660. For more information, you can call the Dennis Public Library at 508-760-6219. Two things you should note: seating will be limited and, the last time the very popular Lisa Genova was with us we had to turn away far too many people.  So please get your tickets early.
  
This should be a pleasant way to spend a summer's evening, to hear Lisa Genova, and at the same time help the Friends continue to support the Library.  Please plan on joining us.
The Friends of the Dennis Public Library
   
July 29,2011
4-6 PM

Author's Friday - William Martin

Friday, May 27 at 2:00 pm

William Martin has been called "one of the best historical fiction writers in America." He is heralded for impeccable research and masterful storytelling. His latest work City of Dreams is a fascinating romp through the streets and financial history of New York City. Other popular titles include Annapolis, The Rising of the Moon, Cape Cod, Harvard Yard, and The Lost Constitution. Registration is strongly encouraged; please call the library at 508-760-6219.

Local Author Carol McCleary

Friday, May 20 at 11:00 am

Meet local author Carol McCleary. Her second novel continues the fictional story of real-life Nellie Bly, America's first female investigative reporter. She returns to dazzling critical acclaim; The Illusion of Murder has received starred reviews from Library Journal and The Romantic Times, and it has just been awarded The Romantic Times Seal of Excellence. Come and see what the buzz is all about.

Become a Backyard Vegetable Gardener

Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 am

In these times of high prices and questionable food sources, are you thinking of starting your own backyard garden? Expert gardener Kevin Mennegerode teaches our audience the basics of organic vegetable gardening. Don't be afraid! It can be fun and easy! With humor and a clear, concise style, Kevin explains how to get started, where to get seeds or seedlings, and where to go for additional help and information when you need it. This summer you could be enjoying the freshest salads you've ever eaten - from your own backyard!

Focus on Dennis

4th Annual Juried Photo Contest
Photos must be taken in Dennis. Open to all photographers.


SHOW:
Submitted photos will be on display in our Meeting Room from April 9th to April 23rd.


SUBMISSION:
Photo submissions must be turned in to Dennis Town Hall by Friday, April 8th at 4:00 p.m.

RECEPTION and AWARDS:
A reception will take place on Tuesday, April 12th from 6 - 8 p.m., where awards will be given in each category: FIRST PLACE - $50/YOUTH and $100/ADULT; SECOND PLACE - $25/YOUTH and $50/ADULT; HONORABLE MENTIONS in each category.

Sponsored by the Dennis Arts and Culture Council.

Author's Friday - Peter Abrahams

Friday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Peter Abrahams
is a multi-talented author, loved by both adults and young adults. With 25 novels to his credit, Abrahams has been a consistent award winner for books such as Nerve Damage and his 18 psychological thrillers, plus his New York Times best selling Echo Falls Mystery series for young adults. Under the pseudonym Spencer Quinn, he created the Chet and Bernie Mystery series with delightful Chet the dog as narrator. Finally, to add to his repertoire, Abrahams' first picture book, illustrated by Frank Morrison, is called Quacky Baseball, featuring a thumb-sucking duck named Thumby. Come and enjoy his insight.
Registration is recommended. Please call the library at 508-760-6219.

School vacation here? Never fear!

Stay Tuned for school vacation week (April 18th to April 22nd) teen events...movies, games, snacks, and more!

The Living Lawn, A Lawn for Living

Saturday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Do you love a beautiful lawn, but not the chemicals sometimes used to get one? In April, as people around the world celebrate Earth Day, we present nationally-recognized turf expert Chip Osbourne. He reveals the advantages of a natural approach to lawn care and talks about working towards reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He introduces the "Simple Steps to Organic Lawn Care," a threefold approach developed after years of study. He will provide a basic understanding about soil biology, discuss the proper use of organic products, and review sound cultural practices. Everyone can benefit, from do-it-yourself homeowners to landscape contractors. Remember - green is keen!
Sponsored by GreenCAPE and Dennis Public Library.