Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-5pm
Tues & Thurs: 11 am-7pm
T, TH & SAT 1pm-4pm
Chatham, MA 02633
Fax: 508-945-5173
Upcoming Programs
We are offering virtual, in-person, hybrid, and outdoor program opportunities. See below for our scheduled programs.
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.
Photographs by Peter Trull will be on disp
lay in the Forgeron Meeting Room through April 30.
Saturday, April 27 @ 10:30-12:30 - Poetry Workshop: The Ekphrastic Poem
Join John Bonanni for a poetry workshop that will focus on the ekphrastic poem. An ekphrastic poem is any poem that draws its inspiration from a work of visual art. While the Greek root of "ekphrastic" means a description of the scene in vivid detail, we'll look at poets who both abide by and challenge this conception, drawing their inspirations from painting, sculpture, installation, and performance. We'll then find a work of art that speaks to each of us and begin drafting our own ekphrastic poems. Registration is required. This program is limited to 15 participants.
A Best New Poets, Pushcart, and Best of the Net nominee, John Bonanni is a Cape Cod based writer who founded the Cape Cod Poetry Review in 2011. His own poems have appeared in Foglifter, North American Review, Prairie Schooner, Michigan Quarterly Review, and Gulf Coast, among others. His book reviews have appeared in DIAGRAM, Tupelo Quarterly, and the Kenyon Review. His research on poetry as an intervention for writing attitudes among learners with severe disabilities can be found in The Graduate Review (Bridgewater State University).
Tuesday, April 30 @ 4:00 pm - Peter Trull - Cape Cod: Once Around the Sun
Join us to hear Peter Trull, one of the foremost bird experts in the Northeast, talk about the season changes on Cape Cod from this new book Cape Cod - Once Around the Sun. A year of natural history events on Cape Cod could be written over and over, many times, all different. Nature’s cycles and events, though often predictable, are never the same. Some. like the first snowfall, may occur from year to year over a period spanning 2 – 3 months, while you can be sure that the first Baltimore Oriole song may differ by only a matter of a few days from year to year. Here, through the lens of Peter's camera, over a single journey around the sun, he pay tribute to “Nature’s Year”. This colorful and inspiring program, filled with facts and stories, carries us through a Cape Cod year through images and events that you can look forward to on your yearly journeys around the sun. Registration is recommended, seating is limited to 60.
Peter's photographs will be on display in the Forgeron Meeting room from March 29 through April 30. Please make sure to stop in and take a look. Please call ahead to make sure the room is available. (945-5170).
Peter Trull has been involved in research and education on Cape Cod for over 40 years. He coordinated seabird protection and research for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. As Education Director at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, he developed programs and began studying Eastern Coyotes. As a researcher and Education Director at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, he developed and taught classes related to whales and marine birds. Peter has written 9 books about Cape Cod natural history.
Wednesday, May 1 @ 3:00 pm - Author Douglas Brunt
Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Brunt, about instant bestselling debut non-fiction work The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. This program is virtual and registration is required.
Douglas Brunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel and host of the top-rated SiriusXM author podcast Dedicated with Doug Brunt. A Philadelphia native, he lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Visit DouglasBrunt.com for more information.
Thursday, May 2 @ 2:00 pm - Cybercrime: Minimizing Your Risk of Being Scammed
Cybercrime: Minimizing Your Risk of Being Scammed presented by Sgt. William Massey from the Chatham Police Department. Sgt. Massey will speak about scam prevention (email, tech, impersonations, etc), shopping, banking and medical advice fraud. As well as, common community concerns and a Q & A session. We are proud to offer this program in honor of American Library Association's Choose Privacy Week, May 1-7, that encourages a national conversation about privacy rights and encourages everyday privacy protection. Registration is recommended, seating is limited to 50.
Wednesday, May 8 @ 7:00 pm - Author Nina Simon
Nothing brings a family together like a murder next door. You’re invited to join Nina Simon online as she chats about her lighthearted whodunnit about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. Registration is required for this virtual program. Nina Simon writes crime fiction about strong women. Mother-Daughter Murder Night is her first novel. This big-hearted whodunnit is a Reese's Book Club pick and a "best of 2023" selection for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Crime Reads, and Library Journal.
Thursday, May 9 @ 5:00 pm - Chatham’s Archaeological Heritage
The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc (PAL) in Pawtucket RI completed Chatham’s first town-wide archaeological survey fifteen years ago, working with the Chatham Historical Commission, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and members of the community. The survey documented more than 75 archaeological sites spanning nearly 10,000 years of human history and land use. In 2023, PAL completed an update of the original survey which gathered information about newly located Native and EuroAmerican sites across all sections of town.
Join PAL Senior Archaeologist Holly Herbster who will describe how the survey was conducted, what new information has been learned, and how the town and its residents can help to protect and document its archaeological heritage. Registration is recommended, seating will be limited to 60.
Wednesday, May 15 @ 10:30 am - The Art of Writing
Civilizations began developing about 12,000 BC but writing systems are a relatively recent creation, having come along about 3,000 BC. This presentation will look at the development of some historical examples of early writing systems such as cuneiform, hieroglyphs and calligraphy. We will discuss the creation of pictograms, ideograms and alphabets as we look at objects in the archaeological record from cultures around the world. We will also look in to see how artificial intelligence is helping in the discovery process. Registration is recommended, seating is limited to 60. This program is presented by Art Historian Mary Woodward.
Friday, May 17 @ 2:00 pm - Mosquito Awareness 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. Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project is a state/quasi-state agency that controls mosquitoes on Cape Cod (https://www.mass.gov/state-reclamation-and-mosquito-control-board-srmcb). Their funding comes from the towns within Barnstable County.
Monday, May 20 @ 2:00 pm - Basic Dog Behavior with Cape Canine Academy
Do you ever wish you could read your dog's mind or wonder what their body language means? Understanding dog behavior is a crucial part of training and building a bond. Join MJ Stoltz of Cape Canine Academy as she shares insight into the general behavior of dogs and basic training techniques you can bring home. She'll share common bad habits we make as owners and give a glimpse into what it takes to create a safe, positive space for dogs and humans to work together. With a decade of experience in the training world, MJ is a certified Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer and a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Registration is recommended.
Disclaimer: As each dog and owner/animal relationship is different, this session is not intended to give you full knowledge to perfectly train or understand your pet, but simply give you more insight. Please don't bring your dog to the Library - this one's just for us humans!
Tuesday, May 21 @ 7:00 pm - Author Rebecca F. Kuang
Thursday, May 23 @ 5:30 pm - Avoiding Election Misinformation
Thursday, May 30 @ 4:00 pm - Local Documentary: Rescuing Our Oceans through Recycled Art
Monday, June 3 @ 2:00 pm - For the Love of Mars
You’re invited to come learn alongside Matt Shindell, National Air and Space Museum Curator, as he introduces viewers to historical figures who have made sense of Mars and its secrets, in an online discussion of the book For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet. Registration is required for this virtual program.
Mars and its secrets have fascinated and mystified humans since ancient times. Due to its vivid color and visibility, geologic kinship with Earth, and potential as our best hope for settlement, Mars embodies everything that inspires us about space and exploration. For the Love of Mars surveys the red planet's place in the human imagination, beginning with ancient astrologers and skywatchers and ending in our present moment of exploration and virtual engagement.
Tuesday, June 11 @ 4:00 pm - Friends Annual Meeting with guest speaker Bob Staake
Everyone is invited to the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library Annual Meeting. Join the Friends Board for a recap of this past year, meet the incoming FY25 officers and find out who will receive the annual esprit award! Following this short business meeting, award winning author and illustrator Bob Staake will present An Afternoon with Bob Staake. From his best-selling children’s books to award-winning New Yorker covers, Bob Staake’s art may be internationally admired, but it’s all created in Chatham. Join the artist as he takes you on a playfully visual peek inside his studio — and his lively mind. Registration is recommended, seating is limited to 100.
Thursday, June 13 @ 5:00 pm - Learn About Chatham's Historic Cemeteries
Join archaeologist Dan Zoto for an overview of the Chatham's Historic Cemetery Inventory project and learn about Chatham history! In 2023, the Chatham Historical Commission updated the Massachusetts Historical Commission Form E inventories for all 15 of the town’s cemeteries. The original inventories were completed in 1975 and updated in 1991. The present survey recorded the current conditions of the cemeteries and provided significant additional information on landscape features, headstone motifs, historic stonecutters, and the historical associations of these burial grounds within the community. This event is part of History Weekend, sponsored by Historic Chatham. Registration is recommended, seating will be limited to 60.
Dan Zoto is an archaeological consultant living in Hyannis. He holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist. Dan has published several articles on the archaeology of New England including Cape Cod.
Thursday, June 13 @ 8:00 pm - Author Freida McFadden
Get your popcorn and take a seat as we pick the brain of the queen of twists herself, Freida McFadden! McFadden will join us to chat about writing psychological thrillers, her mega-bestselling hit The Housemaid series, in particular her forthcoming (June 11, 2024) third installment, The Housemaid Is Watching. Registration is required for this virtual program.
#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner.
Monday, June 17 @ 2:00 pm - Microadventures in Massachusetts
Are you looking for your next outdoor adventure? Join outdoor explorer and author Alison O’Leary to learn where and how to experience Microadventures in Massachusetts. She will explore waterfalls, river explorations, islands, abandoned towns, mountain biking, wildlife spotting and more! Massachusetts is full of history, spectacular scenery, wildlife, and wonderful opportunities for adventure. The best part is most of these places are hidden in plain sight: in our state parks and accessible nature preserves. Get inspiration for all of your summer day trips and adventures in one program! This program includes images and maps showing the sites described and suitable for all ages. Registrations is recommended, seating limited to 60.
Alison O’Leary is a Massachusetts native, longtime journalist and author of several nonfiction history and outdoors books. Alison is an avid outdoor explorer. See www.alisonoleary.com
Thursday, June 20 @ 2:00 pm - Author Tiffany Jewell
Join us as #1 New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college as she presents lessons and knowledge from her new book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School. Registration is required for this virtual program.
Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first-generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator, and consultant. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Bestseller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks and everyone to wake up, take action, and do the work of becoming antiracist as well as The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism the recently released Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School (2024).
Sunday, June 23 from 4:00-6:00 pm - Books in Bloom
The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library are hosting Books in Bloom at the Library. Experience and explore the EPL in a unique way. Talented and well-read volunteers will once again create floral arrangements interpreting a book of their choosing. The placement of the arrangements gives all a chance to wander through the Library. The professionally catered event is open to all, with a donated admission cost of $20. Tickets are sold at the Library starting June 3 and at the door on the day of the event. Also this year, enter into a drawing to win one of two flower arrangements donated by local professional florists.
Monday, June 24 @ 7:00 pm - True Crime Authors Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman
If you are a fan of true crime and want to dive deep into the psychology of a serial killer and his apprentice, this program is for you! Join authors Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman as they discuss their most recent book, The Serial Killer's Apprentice, a psychological examination of the blurred line between victim and accomplice—and how a killer can be created. This program is offered in partnership with Ashland Public Library. Please register here for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, they will be coming from ashlandprograms@minlib.net. See our online calendar for a more detailed description of the program.
Thursday, June 27 @ 5:00 pm - Author Eric Jay Dolin
Best selling author Eric Jay Dolin will be at the EPL to talk about his latest book, Left For Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World. This is the story of a wild encounter between an American sealing vessel, a shipwrecked British brig, and a British warship in the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812—an encounter fraught with misunderstandings and mistrust that left three British sailors and two Americans, including the captain of the sealer, Charles H. Barnard, abandoned in the Falklands for eighteen months. A tale of intriguing complexity, Left for Dead shows individuals in wartime under great duress acting both nobly and atrociously, and offers a unique perspective on an important moment in American history. Registration is recommended, seating limited to 75.
Eric Jay Dolin is the best-selling author of numerous works in maritime history, including Black Flags, Blue Waters and Leviathan. A graduate of Brown, Yale, and MIT, he lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts
Ebook Classes
Ready to download eBooks and Audiobooks?
Next virtual class: May 2 @ 11:00 am (virtual) and May 16 @ 11:00 am (@ the Library). Registration is required.
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 through a Zoom program or in-person and he will show you how to download items and answer your Libby questions. Registration is required for both the zoom and the in-person program. *Libby app is currently compatible with smart phones and tablets. EBooks can be download on another device (phone, ipad, etc) and transferred to Kindle devices.
