New England Ghost Ship

Saturday, October 21st at 11:30 a.m. 

Two days after Christmas in 1738, a British merchant ship traveling from Rotterdam to Philadelphia grounded in a blizzard on the northern tip of Block Island, twelve miles off the Rhode Island coast. Shortly after the wreck, rumors began to circulate that the passengers had been mistreated by the ship’s crew and by some of the islanders. The stories persisted, transforming over time as stories do and, in less than a hundred years, two terrifying versions of the event had emerged..fueled by reports of a fiery ghost ship first seen drifting in Block Island Sound on the one-year anniversary of the wreck. These tales became known as the legend of the Palatine, the name given to the ship in later years, when its original name had been long forgotten.

So how did the rumors begin? What really happened to the Princess Augusta and the passengers she carried on her final, fatal voyage? Through years of painstaking research, Jill Farinelli reconstructs the origins of one of New England’s most chilling maritime mysteries.

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

Come Here, Shakespeare!

 

Virtual Talk

 

Friends of the Dennis Public Library Fundraiser

 

Friends of the Dennis Public Library Fundraiser

 

Author Event: Janis Robinson Daly

Wednesday, September 27th at 6:00 p.m.

Author Janis Robinson Daly will discuss her novel The Unlocked Path, in which readers meet a “New Woman” of the 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Pearson Edwards. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt's suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut, and at a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a woman’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself.

This event will include a presentation discussing the book and a Q&A session with the author. Copies of the book will be available to purchase and be signed.

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

This program was paid for by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

Gardening for Fall Color

Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m.

The Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod will host their Gardening for Fall Color program. 

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

Opening at Noon!

Saturday, September 16th - opening at 12:00

Hurricane Lee passed by quicker and farther out to sea than we thought. The library will be opening at 12:00. 

Come on in and get ready for your weekend! We'll see you soon.

Important News About the CLAMS App

 

Due to technical issues, CLAMS will be disabling the CLAMS app. Patrons are advised to remove it from phones and other portable devices as the app may give inaccurate information. In the meantime, please use our online catalog.
 

CLAMS is actively seeking a replacement for this very popular feature.
 

Please stay tuned.

Beekeeping Program

Thursday, September 21st at 6:00 p.m. - CANCELED

Local beekeeper Deborah Hempel will host a program about bees and beekeeping. 

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

Stroke Awareness and Prevention

 

Select Board Drop-In Office Hours

 

Saturday, September 16th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - CANCELED

Town of Dennis Select Board member Carlyn Carey will be holding drop-in office hours Saturday, September 16th from 10 - 11:30am at the Dennis Public Library.  Have questions about how Town works?  Want to voice your ideas on something impacting your community?  Stop by and meet with Carlyn for shared listening and learning.

Stroke Awareness and Prevention - CANCELLED

Wednesday, September 20th at 12:30 - CANCELLED

Dennis Public Library is partnering with the Town of Dennis Health Department and the Dennis Center for Active Living to offer programs by the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod. 

Learn about the signs of a stroke and what to do if symptoms occur, as well as healthy habits and other ways to decrease your risk of having a stroke. Call Dennis Public Library at 508-760-6219 to register. Dennis residents can arrange for transportation through the Dennis Center for Active Living. Please call them at 508-385-5067.

September's BookPage is here!

September 2023

The 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 hardcopy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last.

Community Health Equity Survey

What makes a community healthy & strong?

Your voice. 

When you take the MA Community Health Equity Survey, you’re sharing valuable experience that can help build a healthier community. The survey is available in 11 languages, easy to take, and anonymous.

Take the survey now. This survey is part of the Community Health Equity Initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Pop Up Art School: Drippy Sky Canvas Painting

 

Wednesday, September 13th at 5:30 p.m.

Pop Up Art School will host their popular Drippy Sky Canvas Painting program at the library. Participants will paint a pastel sunset with a star-filled sky oozing over top. The program will also teach participants how to paint colorful and fluffy clouds, and a dark celestial sky.

Spaces are limited for this popular event. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register.

This program was paid for by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

Author Event: Don Wilding

 

Thursday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m.

Author Don Wilding will host a presentation and discussion of his latest book Cape Cod and the Portland Gale of 1898. On the night of November 26, 1898, with a killer storm of historic proportions approaching, the steamer Portland set out from Boston. By the following night, the winter hurricane sent the vessel to the depths of Massachusetts Bay off Cape Cod, claiming nearly two hundred lives. On the Cape, a few dozen victims of the Portland disaster washed ashore, while ships piled up in harbors, high tides swept away railroad tracks, and the landscape and beaches were changed forever. Several Cape Cod mariners went to sea and never returned. Don Wilding revisits this disaster and the heroic deeds of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the Cape’s citizenry in what came to be known as “The Portland Gale.”

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register. This program was paid for by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

September Mystery Book Club

 

Tuesday, September 12th at 6:30 p.m.

The September selection for the Mystery Book Club is A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny. Copies are available at CLAMS libraries. 

Please email jlsullivan@clamsnet.org if you are interested in attending.

September Book Club

Wednesday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m. 

Join the Dennis Public Library Book Club for a fun and engaging book discussion. Our book club selection for September is The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. Copies are available at CLAMS libraries.  

Email mkornfeind@clamsnet.org if you are interested in attending.

Yarmouth Art Guild artists displaying in our Meeting Room

August 2023

The Yarmouth Art Guild represents hundreds of artists across the mid-Cape area. Their current exhibit features local artists displaying a wide variety of subjects and styles. Come and enjoy the colorful show.

Pieces are available to purchase for your collection.

Goodbye Lawn - Alternatives to Grass for Easy Landscaping

Thursday, August 17th at 6:00 p.m.

Todd Breitenstein will host a discussion about lawn reduction techniques, soil science, and inspirational ways to move beyond traditional grass lawns. Affectionately known by many as the Grateful Gardener, Todd Breitenstein is a lifelong gardener and landscaper with a passion for growing vegetable gardens. Todd is the Founder and President of The Grateful Garden, a nonprofit which supports those in the local drug and alcohol recovery community in their healing journey by offering a variety of nature-centered opportunities.

 Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register.
    
This program was paid for by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

August's BookPage is here!

August 2023 

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. Use 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.

Pottery by Cleon Turner featured in our Art Display Case

Pottery by Cleon Turner

In August the library will exhibit pottery by local artist Cleon Turner. Cleon is a semi-retired lawyer and potter. He’s a former detective sergeant, adjunct professor, Dennis selectman and State Representative for the 1st Barnstable District.

He has returned to his artistic roots from high school where he learned pottery, mosaics, printmaking and drawing. His other hobbies include crossword puzzles, Boggle, reading, gardening and woodworking.

Although the items in the case are not for sale, similar items can be purchased at Scargo Pottery, where Cleon can be found almost daily.

Book Club Bags

Host your own book club with family and friends

What is a Book Club Bag?

Our Book Club Bags are tote bags containing ten copies of a title, discussion questions, author information, and a sign-up sheet for participants. Book Club Bags circulate for four weeks, are not renewable, and are unable to be placed on hold online. 

You can reserve a Book Club Bag by calling the library at 508-760-6219 or inquiring at our Reference Desk. 

What titles are available? 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane.

Tiny Art Talent

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

Come in and see our patrons' tiny works of art featuring a "Cape Cod summer."

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

Friends of the Dennis Public Library Fundraiser

Author Event: Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

Thursday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m.

Author Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos will discuss her book The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd, a dramatic and deliciously swashbuckling story of Sarah Kidd, the wife of the famous pirate Captain Kidd, charting her transformation from New York socialite to international outlaw during the Golden Age of Piracy.

This event will include a presentation discussing the book and a Q&A session with the author. Copies of the book will be available to purchase and be signed. 

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program. 

This program was paid for by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.

The Dennis Libraries present a Summer StoryWalk®

Starting Thursday, June 29th 

The Dennis Libraries present a StoryWalk® at Johnny Kelley Park in Dennis. This summer’s featured book is Peter the Piping Plover. Peter is a migratory shorebird who has just hatched and lives and grows up on a Cape Cod beach over the summer. The author Amanda Maguire took the book’s captivating photographs that introduce children to the wonders of nature.  

The walk begins across from the picnic area and proceeds right, following the Braille Trail path. We hope readers of all ages join the fun. Afterwards, feel free to spend time exploring all of the park’s offerings.  

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. 

July Art Display

Thursday, July 6th at 5:00 p.m.

We are featuring the artwork of local artist Rick Kucia in our meeting room throughout the month of July. Rick has a passion for fishing which inspired him to practice the art of gyotaku printing. Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese printing used by fishermen to record their catches. In Rick’s style of gyotaku, the actual sea life is his canvas. Colorful inks are applied to the sea life itself, then cloth or rice paper is gently pressed on the surface of the sea life to find  each creature’s unique details. When the cloth or paper is removed, a beautiful impression is left. All of his artwork is original and the marine life was personally found or caught from the waters of Cape Cod, MA.

The artist will be at the library for a reception on Thursday, July 6th at 5:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

July's BookPage is here!

July 2023

The 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 hardcopy subscription. Come in and take home a copy while supplies last.

Bayberry Quilters Raffle Quilt on Display

Saturday, July 15th from 10:00 - 2:00

For one day only, come and enjoy this beautiful quilt called "Simply Red," designed by Sharon Keightley.

The Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod are preparing for their 40th Annual Quilt Show at the Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Harwich on August 2 - 4, 2023. Children 12 and under receive free admission. Some proceeds provide scholarships for Cape Cod high school students.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

Thursday, July 20th at 6:00 p.m. - CANCELED

The Alzheimer's Association will host a presentation about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available, and resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association. 

This event will hosted by Jennifer Hoadley Regional Manager of Southeastern Massachusetts for the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. 

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

Adult Summer Reading Program

Saturday, July 1st - Saturday, August 26th

Join our Adult Summer Reading Program! 

Fill out an entry slip at the library telling us what you've read this summer and you will be entered into a prize drawing every two weeks for a chance to win 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 prize drawings. 

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

Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention

Thursday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. - CANCELED

Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, will host a presentation on identity theft and fraud prevention. Topics will include recent identity theft trends and scams, how to identify and avoid identity theft, and steps consumers can take if they are the victim of fraud or identity theft. 

Registration is required. Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register.

4th of July Holiday - CLOSED

Tuesday, July 4th - CLOSED

The library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th, but open our regular hours on Saturday, July 1st and Wednesday, July 5th.

Please enjoy a happy and safe holiday!

Tiny Art Display

For Ages 5 to Adult

In July we will be displaying tiny artwork, and all are welcome to contribute.

Starting today, 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. The theme for this summer's art display is Cape Cod summer. Supplies are limited. 

Please bring your tiny artwork to the library by Friday, June 30th, 2023. 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 July 2023. Artwork will be available to pick up in August 2023.

Native Plants of Cape Cod - Session II

Thursday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m. - FULL

The Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod will host a second session of their presentation on native plants of Cape Cod. The presentation will provide an overview of native plants and discuss native plants that are ideal for home landscaping and planting.

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

New Tech is Here!

Ready, Set, Access! 

Thanks to a very generous contribution by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library, we now have eight new public computers.

We thank the Friends for their attention to the needs of our patrons and invite you to come and try out our new desktops.

June's BookPage is here!

June 2023 

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. Use 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.

State Library Author Talk: Ilyon Woo

Tuesday, June 6th at 12:00 p.m.

In honor of Juneteenth, the State Library of Massachusetts invites you to join them in their historic reading room in the Massachusetts State House to hear Ilyon Woo discuss her latest book, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom. 

Master Slave Husband Wife is the riveting, true story of Ellen and William Craft. The Crafts were a young, enslaved couple who, in 1848, made the perilous decision to flee from Macon, Georgia to seek freedom in the North. A journey like no other, Ellen disguised herself as an older, wealthy white man traveling with his slave, William. The book follows the Crafts as they make their way to Philadelphia, Boston, and eventually Canada. Along the way, the couple gained a certain celebrity status, joining the abolitionist movement with such leaders like Frederick Douglass. Woo’s well-researched book presents a story of the Crafts and antebellum America which reads almost like it could be a major movie with themes of freedom, self-emancipation, and love. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT CLAMS LIBRARIES.

In addition to Master Slave Husband Wife, Woo is the New York Times best-selling author of The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother’s Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times. She received a Whiting Creative Nonfiction Writing Grant for Master Slave Husband Wife. Woo’s writing has also appeared in the Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and The New York Times. Woo holds a BA in the Humanities from Yale College and a PhD in English from Columbia University.

This is a hybrid event and participants can attend virtually via Livestream.

Location: State Library of Massachusetts, Room 341. Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

Native Plants of Cape Cod

Thursday, June 15th at 6:00 p.m. - FULL

The Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod will host a presentation on native plants of Cape Cod. The presentation will provide an overview of native plants and discuss native plants that are ideal for home landscaping and planting.

Please call the library at 508-760-6219 to register for this program.

Explore the Adams National Historical Park

If you missed last Wednesday's Virtual Lunchtime Tour with the National Park Service, here's a LOOK.

There is still time to virtually explore the Adams National Historical Park. This virtual tour is available for the next two weeks.

 

Thursday evening ESOL - CANCELLED

Thursday, May 25th at 6:00 - CANCELLED

This week's evening ESOL is cancelled. It will resume Thursday, June 1st at 6:00.

Seascapes: How to Pastel Paint

Saturday, June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. - FULL

Award-winning artist Gregory Maichack returns to the library to present a workshop on how to pastel paint. This workshop offers both beginner and advanced participants an opportunity to creatively explore pastel painting inspired by the work of Winslow Homer. Participants will receive instruction on expressive pastel strokes, blending, slurring, layering, and creating the wave effect of spray by embedding pigment particles into the painting. 

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

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

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