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New Year's Holiday Hours

Library hours for the 2016 New Year's Holiday:

Thursday, December 31st - CLOSING at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, January 1st - CLOSED

Regular library hours resume on Saturday, January 2nd.

Have a happy and safe New Year's celebration!

Irish Movie Marathon

Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. starting in January until the end of February


Movie, Date, & Title*
January 8th - The Matchmaker
January 15th - Kings
January 22nd - A Love Divided
January 29th - Tara Road
February 5th - The is My Father
February 12th - How About You
February 19th - The Playboys
Feburary 26th - Out of Ireland
*Titles may change due to availability

Need any last minute gifts?

We have an assortment of books in great condition that are tied with a bow and ready to go! Choose hardcovers at $5/set or paperbacks at $3/set. Find your favorite authors or your favorite genres.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

Christmas Holiday Hours

The hours for the Christmas holiday are as follows:

Thursday, December 24th - Closing early in the afternoon
Friday, December 25th - CLOSED 

Regular hours will resume on Saturday, December 26th.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a happy and safe holiday!

Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 19 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm


T'is mid December in old Dennis town
And everybody is busy rushing around!
The books are displayed at the library with care
In the hopes that the patrons soon will be there.

Come, grown-ups! Come, teenagers!
Come, kids and tweens, too!
We're celebrating the holidays
And have cookies, candies, and treats just for you!

Toys for Tots Drop Off

Dennis Public Library is a drop off spot for U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Please bring in a new and unwrapped toy and help make a child's Christmas extra special.

Toys will be collected by the organization through mid-December. The drop-off box is located next to the Circulation Desk.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Special hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 25th: Closing at 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 26th: CLOSED
Friday, November 27th: CLOSED

Regular hours resume on Saturday, November 28th.

Our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday!

A review of the History of People of Color on Cape Cod

Saturday, November 21 at 11:30 am

John Reed, currently the chair of the Zion Union Heritage Museum of Cape Cod, Hyannis, MA, leads our audience in a discussion of the struggles and achievements of People of Color in this historic region. He will show some of the newly produced documentary entitled Journeys in the Light: Untold Stories of Cape Cod.
(DVD cover art by Carl Lopes.)

The documentary, while addressing frankly such difficult topics as  slavery here on Cape Cod during the Colonial Period, highlights the courageous individuals who led the fight for freedom, drove for education and economic progress, transformed oppression into brilliant forms of creative expression, served the country in every war, and came to excel in sports, entrepreneurship, teaching, the arts, community service, and various other professions here on the Cape and around the country.

John Reed has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has worked in the Barnstable Public schools as a social studies teacher and as the Equity/Attendance supervisor. He has been the president of the Cape Cod branch of the NAACP, Civil Rights trainer for the Town of Barnstable citizens’ police academy, and a workshop facilitator for various district public schools on diversity training for students and staff.

Smoke Alarm Q&A - brought to you by the Dennis Fire-Rescue Department

Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 pm and
Thursday, November 19 at 2:00 pm

Think you're safe with your current smoke alarm? You might want to hear what the Dennis Fire-Rescue Department has to say:

What kind of alarms fail 50% of the time?
How many do you need?
Ionization vs. Photoelectric? The wrong choice may be disastrous!
Is it a CO2 or a CO detector? How long do they last?
Why do they beep?

Refreshments and Door Prizes!

Local author Barbara Sillery

Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 pm

Halloween may be over, but Cape Cod ghosts are just settling in for the winter! Local author Barbara Sillery will introduce our audience to some of the Cape’s most enduring residents.

The fog-shrouded islands of Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are filled with distinctly New England apparitions steeped in the staunch sea-faring traditions of their earthly home. Barbara states, “they are there whether you believe or not.” Her ghostly guide The Haunting of Cape Cod and the Islands is a tour of more than twenty historical sites along with the stories of their supernatural inhabitants. In each instance, skepticism abounds and the question remains—is there really a ghost?

Barbara Sillery is an award-winning and prolific producer and writer with a penchant for the paranormal. She has written The Haunting of Louisiana and The Haunting of Mississippi. The Haunting of Cape Cod and the Islands will be available for sale and signing.

Closed in honor of Veterans Day

The Library will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day.

Regular library hours will resume on Thursday.

Have a happy and safe holiday remembering those who served and those who continue to serve.

Ken Gloss appraises books and ephemera

Wednesday, October 21 at 1:00 pm

Come and meet Ken Gloss from the Brattle Book Shop in Cambridge, MA, one of America’s oldest and largest used book shops. Ken has appeared on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. Bring one to three items and get them appraised for $5.00. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library, and proceeds will benefit the library.  

October Artist - Moira Birch Swiatkowski

Quick Mini Morning Sketches Show 

Reception: Thursday, October 15th from 4:30 -7:00 p.m.

Artist Moira Swiatkowski is a local artist and illustrator from Dennis. She has a daily practice painting a small watercolor every morning. This show is a sampling of the variety of sketches that are a result of this practice.
Moira draws pictures for children and adults inspired by the natural world and by her own stories. When she’s not in the studio, she loves to swim and watch birds and hang out with her wonderful family and friends.
Check out her website at "http://moiraswiatkowski.com or follow her on social media. 

Mass Murder: Massachusetts' Most Infamous Murder Cases

Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 pm

As Halloween draws near, lecturer Christopher Daley introduces our audience to "Mass Murder," a chronicle of Massachusetts’ most infamous murder cases, both solved and unsolved. Get ready for a little mystery, a little suspense, and a little gore. Along with historic photographs and art culled from archives, microfilm, and literary sources, Christopher shows his photographs of the murder sites and historical locations to give the audience a sense of the modern day context of the crimes. 

Local Mystery Author Leslie Meier

Saturday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. 

Come meet local mystery author Leslie Meier. She has just released Candy Corn Murder, another book in her very popular Lucy Stone mystery series.

In her story Halloween is coming to Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and reporter Lucy Stone is covering the town’s annual Giant Pumpkin Fest. It all sounds like a lot of fun until her husband Bill is suspected of murdering his friend Evan while they worked on a potentially prize-winning pumpkin catapult. How will Lucy solve the case?

Leslie will answer all your questions and books will be available for sale and signing.


Celebrate Fall with fashion tips

Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. 

Come meet Kathleen Sullivan, a fashion advisor who operates as “A Flare for Fashion." She returns to Dennis Public Library for a fall visit. For over 20 years Kathleen has been selling women's clothing and accessories. Her focus is always on the latest trends. In this workshop participants will learn the best colors for them to wear and the basic essentials for an autumn wardrobe. The event promises to be a fun and interactive good time. Space is limited, so please call to register: 508-760-6219.

Celebrate DPL's 10th Anniversary

Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 pm

It's hard to believe that 10 years have passed since Dennis Public Library opened its doors, but it's true! Come help celebrate with refreshments and a speech by Stephen Hale, the architect of the library. After the celebration the annual meeting of the Friends of the Dennis Public Library will take place. All events open to the public. Come and join us and help shape the next 10 years. 

Cape Cod Baseball League: Past and Present

Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 pm

The Cape Cod Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league loved by both locals and visitors. Over the years, the CCBL has played a significant role in honing great baseball players who have made it to the major leagues.

Our very special guest speaker is Dan Dunn, curator of the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame, former president of the Bourne Braves, and former general manager of the Falmouth Commodores. He will talk about the league’s history and current topics, such as where and how the League gets players and what major league baseball scouts want to see. Dan will also bring unique historical artifacts for viewing. Don’t miss the fun!

Shark Chronicles

Thursday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m. 

Myles Marcus of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History brings “Shark Chronicles” to our audience. Do these toothy creatures of the deep make you curious or creep you out? Myles will discuss this famous predator, reviewing evolution, anatomy, and physiology and helping separate shark fact from fiction. He will also take a look at Great White sharks, which are sometimes seen around the Cape, and talk about International Shark Attack File Statistics. Questions encouraged. 

Woodcarvings by Vincent Zavorskas

Come and view beautiful woodcarvings by Vincent Zavorskas in our new display case within the library.

Vincent Zavorskas studied at the Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT, after he got out of the United States Coast Guard. In the early 1970s Vinnie got some wood carving tools and began to do wildlife carvings and paintings - so he is basically self taught. Several years ago he began making shadow boxes and has enjoyed this new medium. For over 29 years he had a woodcarving class at the Falmouth Senior Center, where he shared his love of the craft. He currently resides in Falmouth, MA. The items on display are for our patrons' viewing pleasure only. No carvings are for sale at this time.  

Boatbuilding on Cape Cod

Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 pm

Come learn about the history of boatbuilding on Cape Cod. Our special guest Christopher Galazzi, Director of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis, MA, will provide a brief overview of the topic, with a particular emphasis on the late 1800's through the mid-20th Century. Free and open to the public. 

A Parent’s ADHD Overview: 11 Strategies for Common Home & School Challenges


Tuesday August 4 from 6-7 pm
Dr. David Nowell presents an interactive, high-energy, and practical introduction to ADHD at the Dennis Public Library Tuesday August 4 from 6-7 pm.
Does your child have difficulty starting or completing homework? Does he seem “addicted” to video games? Does she struggle with organization and focus? Has your child been diagnosed or treated for ADHD, or do you or his teachers strongly suspect that he might have symptoms? Join neuropsychologist Dr. Nowell for this interactive, high-energy, and practical introduction to ADHD. Learn what current brain research tells us about medication as well as non-medication interventions. Discover practical solutions for managing some of the more common ADHD-related problems at home and school, and bring your specific questions to the program.
Bio: Dr. David Nowell is a clinical neuropsychologist in Northborough who speaks internationally to teachers and counselors on the topic of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He is passionate about motivation and fully engaged living, and writes a popular blog at Psychology Today.
This program is free and open to the public. Registration is strongly encouraged; contact the library at 508-760-6174 to register.

Author's Friday Special Event - Casey Sherman

Friday, July 31 from 1:00-4:00 pm

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library present Casey Sherman, co-author of Boston Strong and The Finest Hours (made into a movie filmed in Chatham.) 

This special event will be held at the Sea View Restaurant, 76 Chase Avenue in Dennis Port. Come enjoy special drawings, door prizes, and delicious appetizers. Tickets cost $25 in advance, or $30 at door. 

Tickets are available at Dennis Public Library, 5 Hall Street in Dennis Port, or by mail: Friends of the Dennis Public Library, PO Box 25, South Dennis, MA 02660

Time is running out! Reserve your spot in Lyn Slade's Needle Felted Art Workshop

A few spaces are left for artist Lyn Slade's Trunk Show and Needle Felted Art Workshop. Please reserve your space by this Saturday, July 11th, so that Lyn can create a packet of materials just for you. Materials costs are $12 per person, which you can bring on the day of the event, (Thursday, July 16th at 6:00 p.m.) Call the library at: 508-760-6219.

Lyn will present her needle felted artwork and explain how she got started with this medium and the journey she has taken, from pattern designer to author to using her art in a healing journey.

During the workshop, the participants will have a chance to create needle felted artwork. Needle felting requires the use of a very sharp barbed needle, therefore it is designed for teens and adults. Everyone will learn the basics of needle felting while creating a 5” x 7” landscape. Each person should have the piece completed by the end of the workshop, and it will be suitable for framing or gifting. The $12 materials fee will cover everything needed for the workshop and everyone will go home with the foam work surface and the specialized needle to continue on an individual journey into needle felting.

Bayberry Quilters' Raffle Quilt on display - one day only!

Saturday, July 18 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

The Bayberry Quilters have been working hard all year and their beautiful work is complete. This year’s raffle quilt is a freedom sampler in red, white, and blue, perfect for decorating any home. Buy your raffle tickets at the library ON SATURDAY ONLY, $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!

Life on a Beach

Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 pm

Spending a day at the beach? After you have fun in the sun, bring your favorite local shell finds to Dennis Public Library. Melissa Lowe Cestaro, environmental educator from the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, will help you identify your shells and talk about sea life on Cape Cod beaches. No living creatures, please! They like staying on the beach best.

Trunk Show and Needle Felted Art Workshop

Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 pm

Dennis Public Library welcomes Lyn Slade, one of the Northeast’s premier needle felting artist-authors. She will conduct a trunk show and workshop. Space is limited, so please call the library to register in advance: 508-760-6219. Registration closes on Saturday, July 11th so that the artist can prepare materials kits for each attendee. There is a $12/person materials fee.

During the trunk show, Lyn will present her needle felted artwork and explain how she got started with this medium and the journey she has taken, from pattern designer to author to using her art in a healing journey.

Our audience will have a chance to create needle felted artwork during the workshop. Needle felting requires the use of a very sharp barbed needle; therefore it is designed for teens and adults. Participants will learn the basics of needle felting while creating a 5” x 7” landscape. Each person should have the piece completed by the end of the workshop, and it will be suitable for framing or gifting. The $12 materials fee will cover everything needed for the workshop and everyone will go home with the foam work surface and the specialized needle to continue on an individual journey into needle felting.

Edible Wild Plants of the Northeast

Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 pm

Did you ever wonder which wild plants are safe to eat and drink? Naturalist John Root will reveal the most common and appealing species. Discover their characteristics, seasons of availability, habitats, methods of preparation, and nutritional and medicinal values. Audience members receive an illustrated pamphlet with plant descriptions, guidelines for responsible and safe foraging, and a bibliography for further study. Free and open to all. 

Holiday Hours for Independence Day

The library will be CLOSED on both

Friday, July 3rd 
and
Saturday, July 4th

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, July 7th

CLAMS survey

Do you use the CLAMS Online Library catalog? If so, we want to hear from you. Take our online survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/patronopac2015

Please complete by Friday, July 31, 2015. Thank you!

The Grande Dames of the Dunes presented by the Dune Tramp

Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm

“The Grande Dames of the Dunes” is a lively narrative and extensive slideshow presented by the Dune Tramp. The presentation features a unique matriarchal society that goes back decades among the dune shacks of the outer Cape. A variety of strong, courageous “Grande Dames of the Dunes” are discussed, along with a brief history of their shacks… and an anecdote or two. It’s an entertaining, informative, and free presentation for all ages. 

The Dune Tramp, an engaging writer and photographer, discovered these fascinating females during research for his previous lectures on the beauty and mystery of the shacks.

June Artists - Visual Artists Cooperative

Formed in 1989, the Visual Artists Cooperative is a group of local artists whose diverse works encompass abstracts, oils, watercolors, acrylics, printmaking, and photography as they relate to a myriad of subjects.

As part of the Cooperative, the following artists will be on display in our Meeting Room throughout the month of June during most of the library's open hours: Florence Adams, Bethia Brehmer, Georgia Coxe, Rita Doddridge, Christine Fitzsimmons, Pat Fryklund, Maura Ghedini,  Ruth Hauzinger, Heather MacKenzie, Marie Morongell, Norma Mutch, Blossom Newman, Melora North, Andrea Petitto, Rowland Scherman, and Betty Twiss. Come and enjoy the show!

Understanding and Creating Documentaries with filmmaker Chris Szwedo, follwed by his film A Gullwing at Twilight

Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 pm

Come and learn about documentary filmmaking with local producer and director Chris Szwedo. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Chris is the recipient of national and regional EMMY nominations and a category winner of The Motor Press Guild Dean Batchelor Award for excellence in automotive journalism. Along with work in a variety of fields Chris has created automotive videos on Ralph Lauren’s automobile collection, and his outstanding work has been featured on public television. Hear a recent interview with Chris Szwedo at the Cars Yeah website: http://carsyeah.com/ourportfolio/chris-szwedo/ or check out Chris’ own website at: http://www.szwedo.com/

After Chris’ talk, the audience will see his 55-minute film A Gullwing at Twilight: The Bonneville Ride of John Fitch. The film is a modern day adventure in the American West featuring 87-year old racing legend John C. Fitch. John takes to the Bonneville Salt Flats with his signature Mercedes Gullwing in this highly textured and visually absorbing essay of a man who quietly refuses to give in to the notion of retirement or time itself. Chris Szwedo is also creator of the award-winning film Eye on the 50s: the Iconic Photography of Rowland Scherman, which has been screened locally and on PBS. Both Eye on the 60s and A Gullwing at Twilight are now part of the Dennis Public Library collection.

Scarlet Poppies: How to Pastel Paint like Georgia O'Keeffe

Saturday, June 6 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Award-winning pastel artist Gregory John Maichack conducts a hands-on, adult workshop entitled “Scarlet Poppies: Pastel Paint like Georgia O’Keeffe.” This pastel painting workshop is designed for sheer beginners to experienced artists. Space is limited so please call the library at 508-760-6219 to pre-register.

Participants will freely experiment with professional grade pastels, pastel pencils, and pastel paper. Maichack, nominated twice for a Massachusetts Gold Star Program Award, will demonstrate the essentials of painting with pastels. Scumbling, feathering, blending, slurring, edges, and layering will be taught in this direct tactile medium of pure and nuanced color. Everyone takes home their own original pastel painting.

This workshop is supported in part by a grant from the Dennis Arts and Culture Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Visiting author Louise Bruyn

Friday, May 29 at 12:00 pm

Visiting author Louise Bruyn discusses her book She Walked for All of Us: One Woman’s 1971 Protest against an Illegal War. Bruyn will talk about the walk that she chronicled in her book and read from her work. This is a free event.

In 1971, America had been at war in Vietnam for almost six years. The death toll was rising, both for the United States and North Vietnam. Louise Bruyn, a wife and a mother of three teenage children, said, “Someone should walk to Washington to tell the government to stop this war!” And that is exactly what Bruyn did. With only 12 days to decide and prepare, Bruyn alone walked for 45 days and 450 miles from her home in Newton, Massachusetts, to Washington, DC, to tell Congress and the President they must stop this war. On April 2, Massachusetts’ Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative Robert Drinan met her on the Capitol steps. Her walk captured national attention. People all over the country rallied to support her. Over and over, they told Bruyn, “You are walking for me.”

Midwest Book Review found the book to bedeftly written, personally candid, often insightful, occasionally inspiring, always engaging. She Walked for All of Us, One Woman's197l Protest Against an Illegal War is an iconic read and highly recommended for anyone who has ever aspired to protest against a perceived social or governmental injustice. [It] would make an enduringly important addition to community and college library social activism and 20th century American biography collections.”

Celebrate Spring with Fashion Tips

Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 pm

Come meet Kathleen Sullivan, your fashion advisor. For over 20 years she has been selling women's clothing and accessories. Her focus is always on the latest trends. In this workshop you will learn the newest scarf tying techniques. Bring a favorite or new scarf, and Kathleen will demonstrate to you how to show it off to its best advantage. You'll also discover the best jewelry and colors for you. The event promises to be a fun and interactive good time. Space is limited, so please call to register: 508-760-6219.

April artist - E. Michael DelPapa

E. Michael DelPapa first became interested in Photography in his mid-thirties, when film was still the reigning medium. The demands of a full time job and a young and growing family—coupled with the costs associated with film—limited the time and resources that he could devote to his photography. Now retired, he has the luxury of unmortgaged time with which to take photographs. Combine this with the revolution wrought by digital photography, and throw in living on Cape Cod—a Photographer’s Garden of Eden—and he now possesses all he needs to indulge his passion for Photography.

He hopes you enjoy viewing his photographs as much as he enjoyed taking them. The photographs on display are available to view during most of the library's open hours.

Local poet Ronald Harrison Fenn

Friday, April 24 at 1:00 pm

Local poet Ronald Harrison Fenn presents “A Walk through Words” as part of National Poetry Month. Mr. Fenn has been the author of fifteen volumes of journal, five collections of ongoing poetry, one short story, numerous essays, book reviews, letters, and public lectures for the past fifty years. In 2014 one of his poems was published in a Dennis Conservation Trust newsletter.

A Dennis resident, Mr. Fenn is presently semi-retired, devoting most of his time to writing poems and his journals, traveling, and working on a thirty-five year research project focused on uncovering the historical roots, tenets, and experience of unique American character that define us as a nation. He has been a guest lecturer at various public schools, colleges, post-graduate institutes of higher learning and civic organizations with topics ranging from poetry and early American history to critical thinking skills. He recently completed a series of poetic reflections of select Robert Frost poems of the seasons. He teaches mathematics as an adjunct faculty member at Cape Cod Community College and is widely known for his StartSmart and SatSmart tutorial programs that have resulted in outstanding achievements for students from Cape Cod’s public and private schools.

Jazz Guitarist Ron Williams

Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 pm

Dennis Public Library presents Ron Williams in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. All are welcome. Ron Williams plays Finger-Style Jazz Guitar and sings from the Great American Songbook. He performs a variety of music that includes familiar Standards, Easy Listening and Popular selections from the 1930's to the present. Come and enjoy the show. No charge for attendance. 

Old Houses of Dennis

Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 pm

Phyllis Horton of the Dennis Historical Society creatively presents an illustrated lecture on our Old Houses, both still standing and long gone. This core part of Dennis history shows the wide variety of styles employed through the years. A $5 donation at the door benefits the Dennis Historical Society.

Photo of the Joseph K. Baker homestead, loaned by Pauline Kennedy of Dennis Port in August 2000. This stately home is now gone, but it once stood on the north side of Route 28 in Dennis Port, just east of the intersection with South Street. The barn is still used as a club called The Improper Bostonian.

ESL Classes - Canceled next two weeks

Our volunteer instructor Bill Maloney has canceled Tuesday evening ESL classes for the next two weeks - March 24th and 31st. Classes will resume Tuesday, April 7th.

Mistakes in event emails

We are experiencing a problem with our automatic email notification system. Please check event dates carefully in any emails that you have received recently, as some old event postings have gone out attached to new postings. We are working to diagnose the issue and will hopefully have it resolved shortly.

We are very sorry for any confusion that this has caused those who subscribe to this service for updates on Dennis Public Library events.

March artists - Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School Students

"Why is learning in the visual arts essential to education in the 21st century?
  • To strengthen literacy. The arts are an essential language.
  • To develop a globally competitive workforce. The arts develop essential skills for global competitiveness.
  • To nurture engaged learners. The arts promote active and complex learning.
Come see the show this month during most of the library's open hours.

NEW! Book to Movie Night

Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 pm 

Join our monthly “Book to Movie” night. This month’s feature is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The 2011 movie was inspired by the book These Foolish Things by British author Deborah Moggach. 

The movie depicts Ravi Kapoor, an overworked London doctor who reaches the breaking point with his difficult father-in-law and asks his wife: “Can’t we just send him away somewhere? Somewhere far, far away.” His prayer is seemingly answered when Ravi’s entrepreneurial cousin sets up a retirement home in India, hoping to re-create in Bangalore an elegant lost corner of England. Several retirees are enticed by the promise of indulgent living at a bargain price, but upon arriving, they are dismayed to find that restoration of the once sophisticated  hotel has stalled, and that such amenities as water and electricity are . . . infrequent. But what their new life lacks in luxury, they come to find, it’s plentiful in adventure, stunning beauty, and unexpected love. (Description courtesy of amazon.com)

A second movie entitled The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is due out in theaters March 6, 2015. Come and catch up on the original before seeing this newest release! Feel free to bring snacks or dinner. We’ll provide the popcorn and drinks.

No Irish Need Apply: A History of the Irish in Boston

Saturday, March 14 at 12:00 pm

Come and learn about the many facets of the Irish experience, both in America and more specifically Boston, as lecturer Christopher Daley takes us on a 90-minute historical tour.

Our tour begins in the 1700s, when the Irish were brought over as indentured servants and the first real migration brought the Scots-Irish or “Ulster Irish” in 1718.
The city of Boston attracted Irish Catholic immigrants during the next century. These new and undesired residents suffered a backlash of anti-Irish/Catholic sentiment. Discover the conditions of the new arrivals, the neighborhoods where they settled, how they banded together, the kinds of work they did to survive, and their eventual assimilation into American culture. Their acceptance paved the way for the rise of the Irish in Boston politics, and we’ll take a look at some of the most notable Irish-American politicians who rose to prominence in the city.

Favorite winter visitors: Snowy Owls

Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 pm

For many birders, the Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is now a familiar sight along Cape Cod’s winter shoreline. How many of us love to spot these beautiful birds of prey as they perch majestically amongst the dunes? Come listen to Ian Ives, Director of MassAudubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, as he delves into the Snowy Owl’s life cycle and describes how the lemming boom of 2013 affected the owl populations we are encountering today.

 Photo by: Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times

From the Americas to Zanzibar: A History of Spices and their Influence on Cuisine and Culture

Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 pm

Want to add some spice to your life? Consider attending this talk by Lisa Foley, owner of the Spice Mercahnts Cape Cod located in Mashpee Commons. Learn about the fascinating history of spices and explore the role that these culinary treasures can have in our "spiced up" lives of today.

Lisa Foley grew up in Harwich, MA, and has a degree in Art History. For 10 years, she lived in California, but returned to the Cape to call East Sandwich home. Her store Spice Merchants Cape Cod in Mashpee, MA, attracts customers from all over the peninsula who are eager to try out fresh and interesting herbs and spices, as well as teas and other merchandise. Lisa also teaches cooking classes at Highfield Hall in Falmouth, MA.


Storm on the way....

With a winter storm on the way, please check our website or call before venturing out. We may be closed, and the book drop may also be closed to protect materials from water damage. You can renew materials online, and late fees will be waived for any days we may be closed. Stay safe!

Irish Movie Marathon - Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 until the end of February

Don't miss our winter Irish movie series hosted by Mary Ann Eaton, instructor of Irish literature.
Movie Dates & Titles*
January 9th - The Hanging Gale, Volume 1
January 16th - The Hanging Gale, Volume 2
January 23rd - Breakfast on Pluto
January 30th - Waking Ned Devine
February 6th - In the Name of the Father
February 13th - Stella Days
February 20th - Love and Rage
February 27th - Into the West
*Titles may change due to availability

February artist - Lyn Slade


Throughout the month of February, the needle felt artwork of artist, author, and teacher Lyn Slade will be available to see in the Benjamin and Ruth Muse Meeting Room at Dennis Public Library during most of the library’s open hours. The artist will offer a demonstration of her process on Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. In this one hour presentation Lyn will show the audience how easy and fun the basic method of this dry felting technique is. Using wool roving and a barbed embedding tool, Lyn “paints” with wool by stabbing the fibers together until they form a permanent bond. Her demonstration will show that until the artist reaches a certain point, he or she can pull the wool off the artwork and start over, making it very forgiving. Once the artist gets used to the handful of techniques, needle felting is surprisingly fast and lots of fun. If the demonstration sparks the creative interest of audience members, Lyn will have copies of her book and some needle felting supplies available for sale.

Lyn Slade is a needle felting artist, teacher, and the author of Creative Needle Felting: wool Art with a Painterly Style. Lyn’s art has been in solo and group exhibits around New England. She leads needle felting workshops across southern New England and at her bed and breakfast, Charlotte’s House B&B in Bolton, MA, Lyn us excited to be teaching in northern California this spring and on trips with Craftours, an international niche travel company where you can “travel your passion.”