Programs & Events

PLEASE NOTE: The parking lot behind the Library on Library Lane will be closed for renovations starting Monday, April 27. We encourage you to use Main Street parking or the Town Hall parking lot during this time. We anticipate reopening the lot by Memorial Day weekend.

We offer virtual, in-person, hybrid, and outdoor program opportunities for adults. Download our April Adult Programming Calendar & see below for our scheduled programs. Also check out our:

Adult Craft Club and Digital Resource Classes
Friends Learning Series
Children & Young Adult programming

Virtual Speakers Series:
Thank you to the Friends of the EPL for their continued support of our adult programing. Some of our talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders are brought to you in partnership with the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and the Library Speakers Consortium. You can view these upcoming and past author programs at https://libraryc.org/eldredgelibrary.

2026 Year Long Presidential Series with Artist Heather Rogers:
Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents. Learn more & register HERE for this VIRTUAL program. You can sign up for one session or for all!

Upcoming Adult Programs

See also our full Calendar of Events

CANCELLED: Thursday, May 14 @ 5:00 pm - Sound Meditation with Ashley Woodworth

local yoga teacher and sound facilitator Ashley Woodworth facilitates an integrated practice that combines a restorative setting with an emphasis on breath, mindful presence, and judicious listening. Instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, etheric chimes, frame drums, rattles, and crystal pyramids are played during the meditation. THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Friday, May 15 @ 1:00 pm - Tick Talk with Barnstable County entomologist, Escher Cattle

As we gear up for the height of tick season, Barnstable County Entomologist and Extension Educator, Escher Cattle, gives an overview of the state of ticks and tick-borne illness in Barnstable County. Learn some quick and easy measures you can take to stay safe as the weather warms up, including ways to protect yourself, your yard, and your pets from ticks! Escher Cattle comes to his role as Extension Educator for Cape Cod Cooperative Extension fresh from his Master's Degree in Entomology at North Carolina State University, where he studied genetic markers in South American Fruit Flies. He lives on the Upper Cape with his partner and two cats, and employs his science and cartooning backgrounds to provide accessible and empowering educational materials on ticks and insects alike. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability. (This is an adult program, but suitable for all ages.)

Saturday, May 16 @ 1:30 pm - Annual Peter Saunders Memorial Chatham Reads Poetry

Rescheduled from April, we hope you will join us for the annual Peter Saunders Memorial Chatham Reads Poetry event as community and staff members share favorite poems and conversation in memory of a dear friend and Trustee for Eldredge Public Library. Everyone is welcome to watch, listen and enjoy the readings. Refreshments & mingling 1:30 pm/Readings begin @ 2:00 pm. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library.

Tuesday, May 19 @ 2:00 pm - Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal (ONLINE)

What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible…was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work, Beyond Belief. Most of your limits aren’t physical. They’re psychological. In Beyond Belief, Nir Eyal reveals how the hidden assumptions you carry shape what you see, how you feel, and what you do—and how to replace them with beliefs that unlock your true potential. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and unforgettable case studies, Eyal introduces the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Mastering these powers transforms how you see challenges, feel about the future, and act when it matters most. If you’ve ever quit too soon, stalled in your career, or sabotaged your own goals, this book gives you the science and the system to go further than you thought possible. Registration required for this VIRTUAL event.

Thursday, May 21 @ 2 pm - Local Author: Michelle Ferguson - Grace, Grief, and Gratitude: A Journey of Resilience

In partnership with Chatham's Center for Active Living, we welcome local author, Michelle Ferguson, as she discusses her book, Grace, Grief, and Gratitude: A Journey of Resilience. When life shatters with loss, where do you turn for strength? In Grace, Grief, and Gratitude: A Journey of Resilience, Michelle Ferguson share my deeply personal story of love, caregiving, cancer, and the devastating loss of her husband, Jerry. Through heartbreak, she discovered the healing power of gratitude—an anchor that carried her through nights of fear, mornings of silence, and the long road toward resilience.

Blending raw memoir with gentle reflection exercises, this book offers a compassionate guide for anyone navigating grief, caregiving, or life-altering challenges. This is not a book about denying pain, but about honoring it—while also embracing the quiet gifts that can exist alongside it. Michelle Ferguson was raised by her grandparents in the Philippines. She met Jerry, the man she would eventually marry and continued to live in the Philippines until the early 2000s when they relocated to the USA and settled on Cape Cod. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability.

Friday, May 22 @ 3:00 pm - Farming Edible Insects: Livestock Feed and Product Diversification

People around the world have been eating insects for thousands of years. They're nutritious, plentiful, and can be raised sustainably with fewer resources than most animal protein. Join Escher Cattle from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension to learn about edible insects in culture and farming, and sample a better kind of bug bite! (NOTE: People with shellfish allergies should not eat insects, as it is possible for edible insects to trigger an allergic reaction.) Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. (Note time change from 4 pm to 3 pm.) Walk-ins subject to availability. This is an adult program, but suitable for all ages.

Thursday, May 28 @ 11:00 am - Chatham History Month: The Dig & Caleb Nickerson House

We are kicking Chatham History Month off a little early this year with Gary Nickerson of the Nickerson Family Association, who will share information and artifacts from the archaeological excavation of the site where the town's first English colonists, William and Anne Nickerson, settled c. 1664. (Artifacts from the dig will also be on display at the Library during the month of May.) In addition, Gary will explore how his involvement in the living history museum at the Caleb Nickerson homestead helped him “dig” deeper into his roots as part of the founding family of English settlers in Chatham. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library - Walk-ins subject to availability. (This is an adult program, but suitable for all who are curious!)

Wednesday, June 3 @ 2:00 pm - Your Ticket to the Best State Fair Crafts - Mary Savig (ONLINE)

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more! A Dolly Parton crop art portrait. Size-96 cowboy boots. A button quilt. State Fairs: Growing American Craft features more than 100 photos of extraordinary and unconventional crafts from state and tribal fairs, including needlework, basketry, jewelry, ceramics, crop art, butter sculpture, and saddles. The catalog highlights personal stories and regional and cultural traditions, creating a vibrant portrait of American life. Come one, come all! State Fairs has a little something for everyone. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Tuesday, June 9 @ 2:00 pm - Eat Your Ice Cream: A Compassionate and Humorous Roadmap to Wellbeing - Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel (ONLINE)

Join us for an empowering conversation with health expert Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel as he shares his vision for living well and aging with purpose. In Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, he explores how to embrace health, happiness, and longevity without falling for quick fixes or unrealistic promises. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD, is the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, the Co-Director of the Healthcare Transformation Institute, and a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Thursday, June 11 @ 7:00 pm - Apocalyptic Mayhem, Lava-Spitting Llamas, and One Very Sassy Cat: Surviving the Universe's Most Twisted RPG - Matt Dinniman (ONLINE)

Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles. As chaos and mass panic spread outside the dungeon in the wake of Faction Wars, Carl and Donut find themselves on the tenth floor, where they’re forced to compete in a surprisingly normal set of tasks. Well, normal for the dungeon. This is a fun-filled discussion you won’t want to miss! Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series along with several other books about the end of the world. REGISTRATION is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Friday, June 12 @ 10:30 am - Presidential Doodler Series: John Quincy Adams (ONLINE)

This month in our year-long series with Heather Rogers, “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, we're all about John Quincy Adams: He was a skinny dipper; one of two presidents with a foreign-born wife; adored the metric system. Don't you want to know more? In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents. REGISTRATION is required for this VIRTUAL program. You can sign up for one session or for all!

Monday, June 15 @ 11:00 am - Mosquito 101 with Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project

Join Aubrey Paolino, entomologist with Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project (CCMCP), for a talk about mosquitoes on Cape Cod. Learn about mosquito biology, how CCMCP manages mosquito habitat, and what you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases mosquitoes transmit. Registration is required for this in person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability.

Tuesday, June 16 @ 11:00 am - Bloomsday Celebration - Daniel Burt

Bloomsday is celebrated annually all around the world on June 16 to mark the single day in 1904 depicted in James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses. Join us for an afternoon celebration of James Joyce and the 121st anniversary of Bloomsday. Led by Daniel Burt, we'll gather for selected readings, a costumed stroll through our own version of Dublin, and reflections on literature, Ireland, and the day that changed the modern novel forever. Daniel Burt, of South Chatham, teaches at Northeastern, Bridgewater, and Cape Cod Community College. Suggested Attire: Edwardian /1904-themed costumes encouraged! Bring your copy of Ulysses and/or a favorite passage for the reading. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this in person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability.

Thursday, June 18 @ 2:00 pm - Massachusetts Microadventures - Alison O'Leary

Waterfalls – Museums – Islands –Abandoned Towns – Biking – Wildlife Spotting – AND MORE!!Join Alison O'Leary for a look inside Massachusett's spectacular scenery, hiking trails, and other wonderful opportunities for adventure. The best part is most of these places are hidden in plain sight: in our museums, state parks, and shared spaces. Get inspiration for all of your summer day trips and adventures in one program! Registration is required for this in person program at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability.

Thursday, June 18 @ 2:00 pm - Nurturing Future Generations: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood - Ted Page (Online)

Storyteller and popular blogger Ted Page will discuss his book Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood, which highlights his journey to bring together the stories and wisdom of grandfathers from all walks of life—all with a mission to nurture the next great generation. Good Grandpa is inspiring, uplifting, evocative, and filled with genuine emotion. It is a recipe of hope for a divided America, and the book that will be on every grandparent’s reading list. Ted Page is a storyteller and performer. His work has been featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show, NPR, Forbes Magazine and his comedy screen credits include work with John Cleese and Florence Henderson. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL event.

Tuesday, June 23 @ 2:00 pm - Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals (Online)

Culinary storytellers Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy will chat about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms. Diaspora Spice Co. sources the most flavorful, fresh spices in the world from 150 regenerative farms across South Asia—from elders, indigenous communities, young changemakers, and brilliant multi-generational farming families across India and Sri Lanka who are leading the way in sustainable and climate change–resistant agriculture. The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook highlights these farmers and their spices with profiles and evocative photography, plus 85 recipes for simple, seasonal, and powerfully delicious meals. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Wednesday, June 24 @ 1:00 pm - Cape Cod History: 12 Stories For 12 Generations - Christopher Setterlund

Chatham History Month continues at EPL with an afternoon of storytelling as we welcome back native Cape Cod writer Christopher Setterlund to share tales from his latest book, In Their Footsteps: The Interesting People, Places, and Events of Cape Cod History. In little more than 400 years, Cape Cod went from a tree-covered spit to a worldwide destination. In between, there have been countless memorable residents and stories. From explorers to true crime. From discoveries to destruction. Entertainment meccas, legendary restaurants, famous faces, and unsung heroes, all are remembered and revisited inside this book, which will be for sale at the event. Christopher Setterlund, the author of nine other books, is a twelfth-generation Cape Codder whose roots go back to the second Mayflower voyage. His 9th-great-grandfather is Deacon John Doane. Registration is required for this in-person event at the Library. Walk-ins subject to availability.

Thursday, June 25 @ 5:00 pm - Marcellus Eldredge: Catalyst for the Chatham We Know

Join Eldredge Library director Amy Andreasson and Chatham Railroad Museum co-director Gil Sparks to explore the life and legacy of one of Chatham’s most prosperous and benevolent native sons, Marcellus Eldredge (1838-1898), whose local investment and philanthropy not only built the library but also catalysed the town’s transformation during the late 1800’s from fishing village to tourist destination. This program is part of the Library's celebration of Chatham History Month, sponsored by Historic Chatham and featuring a month of special events at historic sites, museums and organizations across town. Registration is required for this in person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Adult Craft Club

Adult Craft Club is a great way for adults to try new arts and crafts while easing stress and having a little fun. We will alternate between open crafting, staff-led projects, and art-based programming. The projects focus more on technique and joy than on the outcome, allowing all to tap into their creative freedom. Thanks to the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and craft donations, there is no fee, and no experience is necessary.

Upcoming sessions this spring:

Monday, May 11 @ 11:00 am - Paper Roses - Registration is required
Monday, June 8 @ 11:00 am - Decoupage Shells - Registration is required

Monthly registration is required to save your spot and space will be limited. Your space is not secure unless you receive confirmation.
(Please be aware this is an 18+ club. Visit our children's programming page or connect with our Youth Services department for more information on events for children.)

Digital Resource Classes

Ready to download eBooks and Audiobooks? Get Started with Libby

Getting Started with Libby - Learn how to download ebooks and audiobooks from the CLAMS digital library through the Libby app by Overdrive. Join Mike McCartney, EPL Circulation Supervisor, at the Library or online via Zoom, to ask your questions and learn how to download items. (Note: the Libby app is currently compatible with smart phones and tablets. eBooks can be downloaded on another device (phone, iPad, etc.) and transferred to Kindle devices.)

Registration is required
Next class: May 14 @ 11:00 am (in person) and May 28 @ 11:00 am (in person and online)

Canvassing Canva

What's all the hubbub with Canva? Although Canva has many uses across a variety of different specializations and functional areas, its primary use is as a graphic design platform. You can use Canva to edit photos and videos, design custom graphics, and create or modify other image-, text-, and video-based projects. From Presentations and Flyers to Social Media Posts and Birthday Cards, Canva has something for everyone! Join our Circulation Supervisor, Mike McCartney, for a guided tour of this special tool.

Next class: May 21 @ 11:00 am (@ the Library) - Registration is required

Google Suites

If you have a Gmail address, then you have access to Google Suites. Google Docs, Sheets, and Presentations give you almost all the same functionality as Microsoft Office but for free - and with the ability to share your work or even collaborate. Join our Circulation Supervisor, Mike McCartney, for a guided tour of this special tool.

Next classes: September 9 @ 10:30 am (@ the Library) - Registration is required