Photographer Mark Chester displaying in our Meeting Room

October 2022

In youth Mark Chester's penchant to discover places and people began, National Geographic, his guide. For forty years with wanderlust and curiosity, he covered the continents photographing cultural landscapes. He's come full circle - traveling the world not leaving the state. 

His book The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape features a collection of informal, environmental portraits of ethnic diversity in Massachusetts. 400+ photographs that represent over 190 countries are touring the state. A companion book that will become part of Dennis Public Library's collection will bring awareness to cultural diversity. His project supports the mission of The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest coalition in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees.  

Dennis Police present Scams and Fraud

 Wednesday, October 5th at 11:00 a.m.

Harry Potter Challenge is here!

Harry Potter Challenge!

Starting Friday, September 23rd 

"Soc" Author Paul Kemprecos

Thursday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m.

Come celebrate 30 years of "Soc!" Diver, fisherman, and PI Aristotle "Soc" Socarides has been the main character in Paul Kemprecos' Cape Cod-based detective series for 30 years. Paul's well-loved mysteries have gained the attention of many, including best-selling author Clive Cussler, who once said, "There can be no better mystery writer in America today than Paul Kemprecos."

Discover how Paul came to write the Shamus award-winning series, how it evolved over three decades, and where it may be going from here.

Paul Kemprecos lives in Dennis Port with his wide Christi, who is a financial planner. He is on the Board of the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

Books will be available for sale. Please call the library to register, as space is limited.

CCGS 50th Anniversary!

         Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

September's BookPage has arrived!

September 2022

Our September online issue of BookPage is here. Enjoy the unique perspective this publication gives into authors and their works.

Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest issue can be accessed - along with older issues. Once you see the magazine cover, you may advance by using the arrow or click on the "+" sign to make the print larger as needed.

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last. 

Touring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Whether you are planning a vacation or just want to expand your intellectual horizons, come and explore these two national parks with your guide, Joseph Cormier. He discusses his travels to these iconic locations: Yellowstone, the very first national park, and the Grand Teton National Park, with its 42-mile scenic loop. A Q&A session will follow.

We thank the Friends of the Dennis Public Library for sponsoring this program.

Artist Rachel Crosby displaying in our Meeting Room

September 2022

Despite pursuing a professional career as a data analyst and computer programmer, Rachel Crosby has created art of one kind or another for most of her adult life. In her youth she studied drawing and badgered friends to let her sketch them, She also started working with color, creating what could be called "jigsaw abstracts" (strongly outlined, interlocking shapes). She painted several surreal and impressionistic wall murals and decorated the outside of a VW bus with scenes and shapes inspired by her burgeoning interest in Buddhism and meditation.

She moved to Cape Cod in 1994 and began to work with acrylic paint on canvas and paper. She also explored other mediums, such as permanent marker, watercolor, and what she calls "3D Art." In the intervening years, she's produced many of the pieces featured in the current show. You can view more of Rachel's art on Instagram: @rachelcrosbyyippee 

Local authors feature new Cape history release

Saturday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m. 

Local author Sharon Anderson and co-author/editor Dorothy Skelly present their new release: The Hyannis Airport 1928-1948. Discover how a few visionaries turned a five-room house on a 57-acre farm into a thriving airport with busy air traffic. 

The Hyannis Air Corporation began at a time when aviation was quickly growing as a form of commercial and private transportation. With a board of directors and stockholders, including Amelia Earhart, a new industry took off, providing for the Cape Cod Community and beyond. The rest is history.

Artist Terry Goulart displaying in our Meeting Room

August 2022 

Terry Goulart thinks of herself as a full time Nurse and a part time whimsical artist. She loves to paint animals and pet portraits. She started painting as a relaxing distraction after a breast cancer diagnosis, and she never stopped. 

She paints with the intention to bring a smile to others through her art. Being a Nurse in these current times, she was inspired to add some more serious healthcare related art to her collection of pieces. 

Come and check out her show.

Happy Hoops Embroidery Workshop

Wednesday, August 31st at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for this free workshop to learn the basics of hoop embroidery with the founder of Happy Hoops, Jessica Coen. All materials will be provided and participants will take their creation home.

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 or stop into the library to register as space is limited.

Special thanks to the Friends of the Dennis Public Library for sponsoring this program.
 

Tiny Art Show II

Thanks to DPL's patrons for our second Tiny Art Show! 

Come in and see our patrons' tiny works of art, which feature beaches, summer, or the Summer Reading theme of "Read Beyond the Beaten Path." 

It's not too late to submit your entry. Artwork will be on display until the end of August. 

August's BookPage is here!

August 2022

BookPage is a great resource for people who love to read. Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest issue can be accessed - along with older issues. Once you see the magazine cover, you may advance by using the arrow or click on the "+" sign to make the print larger as needed.

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last. 

Explore Your Artistic Side

Saturday, August 13th at 11:00 a.m.

Artist and teacher Stéphanie Williams will lead a class in exploring art for fun – no judgement! – in order to gain new ways to see the world around us. Participants will work with pencils, ink, oil pastels, and beeswax and become familiar with terms such as contour drawing, negative space, and viewfinders. No prior experience necessary. Come and play! Bring a family member, a partner, or a friend, and enjoy creating together and discover the pleasure of taking home an invaluable experience and a unique piece of art: Yours! Call the Library to register, as space is limited.

Stéphanie Williams is an artist who studies the effect of nature, people, creatures, environments, sounds, and energies. Her process is mainly experiential. She sketches copiously, immersing herself in her surroundings; she welcomes incidents that frustrate, twist, drain, and, most likely, rejuvenate during the making of each piece. The wax from her own bees, with its unique smell, feel, tones and translucent quality, made its way into her work in combination with graphite and oil. Although she never loses track of her classical training, she loves engaging the senses, her own during the artistic process or the viewer with whom she shares the adventure.

Born and raised in France, Stéphanie enjoys wandering in the world. Today, she is a teacher, an artist, a designer, a beekeeper, and a mother, happily calling the North Shore of Boston home. Whenever she leaves her art studio, she takes a sketchbook with her.

Summer StoryWalk® at Johnny Kelley Park

Starting Monday, July 25th

The Dennis Libraries present a StoryWalk® at Johnny Kelley Park. This summer’s story is called Dance Like a Flamingo: Learn to Move and Groove Like the Animals Do! 

Written by author Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Claudia Boldt, this friendly, motion-centered book will get youngsters – and maybe some grown-ups, too! – imitating the movements of different animals. For example, readers can stretch like flamingos, leap and bounce like lemurs, wave claws like crabs, and much more.   

The walk begins across from the picnic area and proceeds right along the Braille Trail. We hope readers of all ages join the fun. Afterwards, enjoy spending time in the park.

The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. The Dennis Libraries thank these two innovative women, along with the Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works for the Town of Dennis, for making this event possible.

Arthritis Exercise Series

Fridays at 11:00, starting August 12th - September 23rd  (no class on Friday, September 2nd)

The Dennis Public Library, the Dennis Center for Active Living, and the Town of Dennis Health Department are pleased to join together to sponsor "Arthritis Exercise." This program, led by Nikki Courtney, Exercise Physiologist from the VNA of Cape Cod, is designed to improve joint mobility and strength. Perfect for arthritis sufferers whose joint pain and stiffness keep them from doing the things they love. Advanced registration is required through the Visiting Nurse Association. Please call the VNA at 508-957-7423 to register. 

Transportation for Dennis residents can be provided by the Dennis Center for Active Living. Please call DCAL at 508-385-5067 to make those arrangements.

The Town of Dennis Health Department generously funded this event to benefit the community.

Summer and Libraries just go together...

Have you attended or experienced an amazing library program this summer? 

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners wants to know. 

Click on this link to share your story:

https://success.summerlibraryprograms.com/

Tiny Art Display II - Be an Artist!

For Ages 5 to Adult

In August we will have a second display of tiny artwork, and anyone age 5 and above is welcome to contribute to the show. 

Starting Friday, July 15th, come pick up a kit, which includes a 4" x 4" canvas, 6 paint colors, and a paintbrush. Use these materials (plus any others you might have at home) to create your own tiny masterpiece. Your tiny artwork could include themes such as beaches, summer, or a subject related to the Summer Reading theme, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” Supplies are limited.

Please bring your completed tiny artwork to the library by Saturday, July 30, 2022. Label the back of your artwork with your full name, age (if under 18), and an email address. The Tiny Art Show will be on display in the library during August 2022. Artists can pick up their work in September 2022.

Exercise as We Age

Thursday, July 28th at 2:00 p.m.

Learn how exercise can help you age gracefully!

This hour long presentation will include information on the aging process, exercise intensity, exercise guidelines, and some basic exercises to do at home. Presented by Nikki Courtney, Exercise Physiologist from the VNA of Cape Cod.

Space is limited. Please call the library to reserve your spot at 508-760-6219. Transportation to the library for residents of the town of Dennis can also be provided. Please contact the Dennis Center for Active Living at 508-385-5067 to make transportation arrangements.

StoryWalk® at Dennis Public Library

July 2022

A new StoryWalk® is up: Cape Cod Critters: A Fun Look at Cape Cod Wildlife written and illustrated by Lorri Devlin. Each page features local “residents” that you might see during an evening walk or a day at the beach. There is nothing like getting to know your neighbors! Perfect for kids and gown-ups who want to learn more about the Cape environment.

The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. 

The Prince of Pirates and the Witch of Wellfleet

Wednesday, July 20th at 6:00 p.m. 

Rona Leventhal brings us “The Prince of Pirates and the Witch of Wellfleet," a show that she developed and performs. Wander the bluffs of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and you might hear whispers of the ghost of Maria “Goody” Hallet, calling for (or cursing) her lover, “Black Sam Bellamy.” Come hear their tale…this is not your average ‘happily ever after’ ending!

Set in the early 1700’s, the story is part legend and part history…and about truths that are factual and real. Do you think Puritan life in New England and today's sociopolitical climate have anything in common? Watch and decide. 

Appropriate for ages 16 and up. Space is limited, so please call to register: 508-760-6219

Artist Jeannette Lyons Carney displaying in our Meeting Room

July 2022

Cape Cod artist and teacher Jeannette Lyons Carney is an award winning artist who has demonstrated her painting skills in many different media. Her expressive talent is most beautifully evident in her different collages.

Jeannette was formally trained at Bridgewater University where she earned her degree in Fine Arts. Currently, Jeannette is teaching art at Stafford Hill and Laurelwood at Pine Hills in Plymouth, MA where she specializes in bringing out the dormant artistic skills of all the participants. Along with teaching, Jeannette continues to explore and refine her own innate skills. "For me, collage is a technique that offers limitless opportunities to express the subject. Color, texture, and composition invite the imagination to go within and interpret." - From the Artist

July's BookPage has arrived!

July 2022 Issue

Our July online issue of BookPage is here. Enjoy the unique perspective this publication gives into authors and their works.

Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest issue can be accessed - along with older issues. Once you see the magazine cover, you may advance by using the arrow or click on the "+" sign to make the print larger as needed.

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last. 

Adult Summer Reading

 

July 1 - August 26

Why should kids have all the fun this summer?? 

Join our Adult Summer Reading Challenge! 

Fill out an entry slip at the library telling us what you’ve read this summer and be entered into a prize drawing every two weeks for a chance at gift cards to local businesses! You can enter as many times as you read but you can only win once this summer. Entry slips must be completely filled out to be considered for the drawing.

Special thanks to the Friends of the Dennis Public Library for sponsoring this program!

Author's Friday Special is back!

 

STEM Kit Palooza for ages 2-teen!

StoryWalk® at Dennis Public Library

June 2022

Whether the library is open or closed, you can visit our outside StoryWalk® featuring A Stick is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play by award-winning poet Marilyn Singer and New York Times best-selling illustrator LeUyuen Pham. 

This book celebrates universal types of play from organized games such as hide-and-seek and hopscotch to imaginative play such as making mud soup or turning a stick into a magic wand. Lyrical poems and bold illustrations capture the energy of a group of children in one neighborhood as they amuse themselves over the course of a summer day. Come and enjoy the read! 

Artist Jessica Coen featured in our Art Display Case

June 2022

Artist Jessica Coen designs and assembles Happy Hoops. Happy Hoops are whimsical pictures made from fabric, felt, and other little things that are framed within an embroidery hoop. The inspiration behind them comes from many places such as nature, feelings, people, art, life experiences, and literature. Each hand-crafted piece is unique, having a feeling and story all its own.

Jessica, a homeschooling and crafting mother of three, is the creator of Happy Hoops. She creates her hoops as a form of expression and craft therapy.

You can see more of her work on her Happy Hoops page on Facebook.

Artist Elizabeth Kelly Walker displaying in our Meeting Room

June 2022

Elizabeth Kelly Walker is a local artist, who has displayed previously at Dennis Public Library, as well as other locations on Cape and around New England. 

Her process involves recording her previous night's dreams in sketch books, using either pen and ink, pastel pencil, or oil pastels. When she paints, she works from these sketchbooks, roughing in the dream images on Masonite panels, making sure that the main composition looks good. She then prepares palette colors that feel appropriate.

Her dream images come from her subconscious concerns, worries, and reflections. They allow her to see inside herself.

"Art is a communication, and  I am able to relate in a visual way through thoughts, ideas, and emotions. I often work in series. I am concerned with ecological problems and relationships between people and animals and between different species. I also try to channel celebratory affirmations of nature. My dreams have become more intense during the recent pandemic and mounting global issues. The paintings in this show are a reflection of my subconscious responses to these disturbing and confusing times."

The public is welcome to a reception on Thursday, June 2nd at 5:00 in the Benjamin & Ruth Muse Meeting Room.

June's BookPage is here!

June 2022 issue

BookPage is a great resource for people who love to read. Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest edition can be accessed as well as older ones. Choose your magazine cover by clicking on it. The "+" sign makes the print larger as needed.  

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last. 

Friends' Confidential Corner

Visitors to Dennis Public Library may notice something new in the building. 

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library are sponsoring a “Confidential Corner,” which provides materials on sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, suicide, substance use, and divorce. Patrons can borrow these materials without consulting with staff or checking materials out at the Circulation Desk. Of course, the Library always keeps patron information confidential, but sometimes people want to quietly and discreetly seek out resources during times of personal challenge.  

The Friends immediately responded to the Library’s request to sponsor this program. Both the Friends and the Library want to help community members in need and ask only that borrowers return items to the Confidential Corner bookcase when finished, so that they can help the next person. Together we can build a healthy and strong community.   

Jellyfish: How to Pastel Paint

Saturday, June 4th at 12:30 

Gregory Maichack, award winning artist, returns to instruct our patrons on how to pastel paint. This workshop has many possibilities for creativity - from design to colors - and, for the first time, participants will learn how to create a transparent effect as they paint an exotic jellyfish.

All supplies are provided, and patrons go home with their own work of art.

Please call the library to register, as spaces are limited for this always popular event: 508-760-6219.

NAMI Visit and Information Share

Saturday, May 21st at 12:30

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI works to educate, support, and advocate to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.

At this session, come and learn about the opportunities for education, support, and resources on Cape Cod. If you are managing a mental health issue, or you are a family member supporting and advocating for a loved one, or you simply want to know more about NAMI, we invite you to attend. 

Please call the library to register: 508-760-6219.

It Takes a Community

Thursday, May 19th at 5:30

Come meet the Dennis Police Department's Mental Health Task Force. It is composed of officers, a victim advocate, and three social workers who make outreach visits to the community. 

Their goal is to provide information, referral, support, and advocacy to members of our community. They offer the residents of Dennis assistance with both mental health and substance use disorders by partnering with community agencies.

FOOD and BEVERAGES will be served.

Artist Mellissa Morris featured in our Art Display Case

May 2022

Mellissa Morris in an expressive abstract artist working with mixed media, including painting, collage, drawing, art books, and sculpture.

Currently she is the Artist-In-Residence at Studio 46 on the Hyannis HyArts Campus in the Town of Barnstable. Mellissa is a native Cape Codder, the eldest daughter of seven children, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Master's degree in Fine Arts Painting, a licensed practitioner of Yoga, and a Reiki Master.

"I am intrigued by the creative act as a form of spiritual and personal growth. My Art practice has become a meditative inquiry of Spirit, guided by the Elements: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Light & Darkness."

Check out her website at www.Mellisamorris.com

Artist Mary Dunn Cauley displaying in our Meeting Room

May 2022

Mary Dunn Cauley is a local mosaic artist and teacher, selling mosaic artwork and teaching on Cape Cod for over 15 years. 

She has studied under and learned the craft from local mosaic artists James Bowen and Linda Dadek. She has also trained with mosaic artists Sonia King, Lynn Chinn, and Martin Cheek. 

Her inspiration comes from the natural surrounding beauty of Cape Cod. Each piece is unique in color and texture, incorporating glass, tile, dishes, jewelry and objects from nature to create each one of a kind mosaic.

Check out her website at www.capecodmosaics.com

Book Discussion - Music is History

Wednesday, May 4 at 2:00pm

There are still spots open for this special book discussion. We will be chatting in person about the book Music is History by Questlove. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to reserve your spot. Join us!

May's BookPage has arrived!

May 2022 Issue

Our May online issue of BookPage is here. Enjoy the unique perspective this publication gives into authors and their work.

Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest issue can be accessed - along with older issues. Once you see the magazine cover, you may advance by using the arrow or click on the "+" sign to make the print larger as needed.

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last. 

Thank you, Cape Cod Genealogical Society

FamilySearch is here!

The Cape Cod Genealogical Society, which has its library in our building, is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. Now patrons can access FamilySearch even when the CCGS Library does not have open hours.

Speak to a Dennis Public Library staff member about using your own device to access FamilySearch or using a dedicated Chromebook made possible by the Cape Cod Genealogical Society. Why not get started learning about your family history right now? Come see us soon and enjoy the discovery.

Reminder - Coming to a Suburb Near You

Thursday, April 28th at 6:30pm

Space is left in this great program that will be presented by Ian Ives, director of Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. He will explore the increase in local wildlife.

Have you noticed an abundance of deer, coyotes, fishers, turkeys, ospreys, and let's not forget, bobcats in your backyard or neighborhood? Ian will discuss the conflicts that can arise when creatures of the forest come to invade what is seen as typically human territory. He will review management approaches and the ethical concerns that can come into play.

Registration is required. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this free program. 

Learn All About Libby

Thursday, April 28 at 10:00am

Get acquainted with Libby! Join us for a virtual training session with a Libby staff member, who will demonstrate the ins and outs of the Libby app. Learn how to search, borrow and read e-books or listen to e-audio books. This session will take place over Zoom. To register, click HERE or call the library at 508-760-6219. 

Poet Ronald Harrison Fenn

Wednesday, April 27th at 2:00 pm

To help celebrate National Poetry Month, Ronald Harrison Fenn will join us to present his "Short Poems of the Seasons" with tribute to the late W.S. Merwin, Poet Laureate of the United States, 2010-2011.

Mr. Fenn's poems have been published in various periodicals, magazines, and other publications, including the 2014 Dennis Conservation Land Trust newsletter and the Cape Cod Times Sunday edition in July 2019.

An educator and a Cape Cod resident, Mr. Fenn devotes time to writing, traveling, and uncovering the historical roots of uniquely diverse American character. 

Tiny Art wows!

Thanks to our patrons for this great show! We could not have done it without you.

Come in and see our patrons' tiny works of art, which will be on display until the end of April. 

Coming to a Suburb Near You

Thursday, April 28 at 6:30pm

Join us for a presentation by Ian Ives, director of Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, who will explore the increase in local wildlife. Have you noticed an abundance of deer, coyotes, fishers, turkeys, ospreys, and let's not forget, bobcats in your backyard or neighborhood? Ian will discuss the conflicts that can arise when creatures of the forest come to invade what is seen as typically human territory. He will review management approaches and the ethical concerns that can come into play.

Registration is required. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this free program. 

Spring StoryWalk® at Johnny Kelley Park

Starting Friday, April 15th

Head over to Johnny Kelley Park and enjoy The Great Garden Escape, written and illustrated by Erica L. Clymer. This story is the winner of two 2021 Purple Dragonfly Awards. As participants read, they can solve clues about vegetables, joining the characters Sally Strawberry and Billie Blueberry as they search for a secret Garden gate to lead them home.

The walk begins across from the picnic area and proceeds right along the Braille Trail. We hope readers of all ages will participate and, if you like, take time for a little play on the park’s equipment nearby.

The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. The Dennis Libraries thank these two innovative women, along with the Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works for the Town of Dennis, for making this event possible.  

April's BookPage is here!

April 2022 Issue

BookPage is a great resource for people who love to read. We thank the company for offering this free online version for the past several months. Since our patrons have enjoyed the online version of BookPage so much, we have now purchased our own subscription.  

Click on the cover to go to our landing page, where the latest issue can be accessed - along with the older issues. Once you can see the magazine cover, click on the "+" sign to make the print larger as needed. 

Happy reading! 

The Friends of the Dennis Public Library pay for our hard copy subscription. Come to the library and take a copy home while supplies last. 

Big Library Read - Music is History by Questlove

Wednesday, May 4 at 2:00pm

The Big Library Read this month is Music is History by Questlove. Patrons have unlimited access (no waiting!) to the e-book or e-audio book on Libby until April 18. Big Library Read connects readers around the world with the same book at the same time.

On Wednesday, May 4 at 2:00pm, there will be a group discussion of this book at the library in the meeting room. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register. 

Click on the book cover to learn more about this book selection and link to read in Libby.

April Artist: Craig Florence

Throughout the month of April

Craig Florence is an artist/illustrator from Cape Cod. He specializes in sequential art with works featured in publications and comics anthologies including Always Punch Nazis, Vol. 3, Cthulhu Invades Oz, Project: Big Hype and Modern Mythology: Folklore Retold. He illustrated the short story "...But it does Rhyme" for BorderX: A Crisis in Graphic Detail, a comics anthology raising money for the South Texas Human Rights Center. His work is also featured in the award-winning Holiday Spirits anthology.

His artwork is on display in the Benjamin & Ruth Meeting Room during available open hours. Check out his website at www.crflorence.com/comics

Tiny Art Display Coming Soon!

Tiny art artists...

It's almost time! Bring back your tiny artwork to the library by Thursday, March 31st for display through the month of April.

Here are just two examples of submissions so far. We can't wait to see your work!