In keeping with a mandate from the Town of Barnstable and Governor Baker, Sturgis Library will remain closed through at least May 3rd, 2020. We hope to reopen May 4th, 2020,but as you know during these strange times, nothing is written in stone.

For more information on ways to get your fix of library-related content, read on!

But first, some housekeeping:
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Library Director Lucy Loomis at sturgislibrary@comcast.net. She will be monitoring this email account daily.
  • Please do not call and leave a message on the answering machine -- we will not be regularly monitoring the phones.
  • All scheduled programs and events have been cancelled through the end of May. We will be rescheduling programs -- please keep an eye on this newsletter and our website for more information.

Here are some additional things to know during the closure:
  • All libraries on the Cape are closed. Check individual library websites for more information on when other Cape libraries will reopen.
  • Those of you who have reserved materials waiting for you at the library will be able to pick them up as soon as we re-open. We will hold them for you until that time.
  • There will be no delivery of materials between libraries until further notice. Therefore, if you reserved materials and are waiting for them to arrive, you don't need to worry that they will arrive while we are closed. Delivery will resume as soon as theypowers that be feel it is safe to do so.
  • The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) will not be accepting reserves or filling holds until further notice.
  • Please don't feel that you must return your books right away. No fines will accrue during our closure.
We're Here to Help
  • Sturgis Library provides free 24/7 wifi access outside of our building to use at any time. If you are parked in the front of the building, connect to the Sturgis 2 network. In the back of the building, use Sturgis 1. You don't need a password. If you prefer to sit on the benches near the entryway, please observe appropriate social distancing rules, and please take any trash with you when you leave.
  • If you are desperate for a book, please check our Little Free Library in Barnstable Village, next to the Barnstable Market. We will be keeping it stocked during this closure.
  • You can select from over 60,000 free ebooks on the Project Gutenberg website.
  • You can order downloadable ebooks and audiobooks through the CLAMS Overdrive and Libby modules.
  • If you are reading ebooks or listening to audiobooks through Overdrive or Libby, please promptly return your materials when you are finished with them. That frees up the item for the next person. There are very long waiting lists for popular titles.
  • We will be here, ready to serve you, when this pandemic runs its course. In the meantime, stay safe, stay home, enjoy watching spring emerge, and stay well. xoxo

Get access to digital collections, research and articles, audiobooks, ebooks, music, DVDs, and more through the Massachusetts Libraries website. These items are free to Massachusetts cardholders. Click HERE to get started!
Boston Public Library eCard Resources
A great resource for every MA resident is the digital content that comes with a Boston Public Library eCard. Follow this link to get yours: https://www.bpl.org/ecard/

With an eCard you will have access to Kanopy. Kanopy is a Netflix like app that has movies, shows, and other educational materials. One of the coolest among these is access to most Great Course classes. Learn all about Botany, Art History, Psychology, Music, Ancient History, Literature and much more: https://www.kanopy.com/

JSTOR: JSTOR is one of the largest databases for scholarly articles on the internet. Check them out here: https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.bpl.org/


AtoZFoods: Looking for new and fun recipes from around the world? Look no further: https://www-atozworldfood-com.ezproxy.bpl.org/?c=5EZe6xYqHu

Hoopla: Another great streaming source provided to you with a BPL eCard. Free Movies, TV, Books, and more! https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Royal Shakespeare Company Digital Collection: Ever wanted to watch the Globe Theater perform your favorite Shakespearean Play? Well now you can. High quality recordings of most of his plays are available here: https://search-alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.bpl.org/theatre/browse/title?ff%5B0%5D=unitaccess%3ASHON-V1

Popular Music Library: Listen to thousands of free songs here: https://search-alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.bpl.org/pops/

And MUCH MORE!!!
I Want My Book Page!
We know you look forward to your free issue of Book Page that the Library provides each month to patrons. Because libraries across the country are closed, the publisher of Book Page is making the April edition available online, for free! Read about what to put on your reading list by clicking on the image below.
Virtual Experiences on Cape Cod
A wide array of local museums, businesses, and other organizations are offering free digital experiences. These range from theater lessons, yoga lessons, daily biological enrichment projects, art projects, and much more!

Gale Database Resources

With your CLAMS card, you have access to all the educational databases provided by Gale! If you're working on a research project or just feel like learning more about some subject you are passionate about, follow this link! https://www.galepages.com/mlin_s_sturgis
Open Textbook Library (Grades 9-12+)


Open textbooks are textbooks that have been funded, published, and licensed to be freely used, adapted, and distributed. These books have been reviewed by faculty from a variety of colleges and universities to assess their quality. These books can be downloaded for no cost, or printed at low cost. All textbooks are either used at multiple higher education institutions; or affiliated with an institution, scholarly society, or professional organization. The library currently includes 708 textbooks, with more being added all the time.

Teen Book Cloud (Grades 7-12)

TeenBookCloud is an online database of eBooks and educator resources perfect for your middle school, and high school learners.  Enjoy a robust selection of  Graphic Novels, Enhanced Novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources,  and  audiobooks.  
Tumble Books eLibrary (Elementary Grades)

TumbleBook Library takes existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book. You can read it, or have it read to you!

The Relevator (for animal lovers of all ages)

It feels more important than ever to embrace the power and beauty of nature. Sure, we can’t travel as much these days, but the modern world can still bring the natural world to us.
Check out some great webcams around the globe to help keep you sane in these trying times.
Kiddos: Keep in Touch with Christy via Email

Attention young library-goers! Christy misses you and would love to hear from you! Working on a LEGO masterpiece? Email her a picture! Did you find a special rock or treasure while exploring outside? She'd love to hear about it! If there's anything you'd like to share, she'd love to hear from you! You can reach her at sturgiskids@comcast.net
Lady Puddles Wants Your Artwork!

There are three things Lady Puddles LOVES most of all (in no particular order):
  1. Library visitors (you!)
  2. Fishy Food
  3. BEAUTIFUL artwork
Although Lady Puddles is enjoying her very long sleepover at Christy's house, she really misses her special library visitors! She may not be able to see you, but she'd love for you to draw her a picture! Mail in your Lady-Puddles-inspired artwork to:

Sturgis Library
Attention: Lady Puddles
PO Box 606
Barnstable, MA 02630

When the library reopens, your artwork will be put on display for ALL to see!
Creative Ways to Engage and Learn with Your Kiddos



Be sure to check out our Facebook page regularly for creative, simple ways to engage with your kiddos to nurture their development.
Trustees and Staff

Greg Williams, President, Board of Trustees
John Littlefield, Vice President

Lucy Loomis, Library Director
Corey Farrenkopf, Assistant Director / Adult and Reference Services