February 2024 News

With colds, flu, RSV, COVID, and tummy bugs on the rise on the Cape, we want to remind you that if you're not feeling well, please take advantage of our curbside pickup of Library materials. You can pick up materials that you have reserved in advance or contact us and tell us what you'd like to borrow.


To schedule curbside pickup, just give us a call at 508-362-6636 and let us know when you want to pick up your items. We package them in a bag with your name on it, and they'll be ready for you on the cart outside the main entrance.


If you do need to come into the Library when you're not feeling well, we kindly ask that you wear a mask to protect other patrons and staff.


Thank you!

Your Old House

Do you own an old house in Barnstable Village or Cummaquid? Do you want to know more about its history? If so, stop by the Library and research your house in Historic Homes and Places of Barnstable. This 18-volume set was compiled and annotated by historian Dave Crocker. Dave started with the Massachusetts Historical Commission's 1980s Historic Building Survey, which gives an overview and history of each house or building over 100 years old. Dave then added photographs, anecdotes, newspaper articles, business advertising, and more, to provide rich information on each property. Dave went practically door to door, spoke to homeowners, and made copies of the material about the home or business.


Even if you don't live in a historic home, this is a great set to browse through to learn more about the homes that line Route 6A, and, in some cases, the homes on the connecting side streets.


If you have information on or photographs of your historic home in Barnstable Village or Cummaquid, we'd love to make copies of the material to add to this set. Contact Lucy Loomis, Library Director, at 508-362-6636 or [email protected] for more information.

Learn a New Trade in the New Year

Boston Public Library has recently partnered with Interplay Learning to offer SkillMill for all-things maintenance training and skilled trades training courses online. SkillMill offers the opportunity to:

  • Explore careers in the skilled trades including HVAC, plumbing, solar, and electrical and appliance repair.
  • Gain continuing education units and prepare for certification exams like EPA 608, OSHA 10, NATE and more.
  • Learn how to complete home repair projects.

A Boston Public Library e-library card and an email address are required to use this resource. To get an ecard and register for SkillMill, visit www.bpl.org/skillmill/

Sturgis Library Featured on WCAI's The Point


WCAI's The Point was on the road in January, and one of the stops they made was to Sturgis Library. Host Mindy Todd spoke with staff members Gabrielle Faria-Kalkanis, Jack Sheedy, and Christy Munier about the history of the Library, its important collections, and upcoming programs and events. Mindy also talked with local author Geree Hogan, author of Cape Cod Libraries: a History and Guide. To listen to the hour-long interview, visit https://www.capeandislands.org, click on PROGRAMS and then click on THE POINT.


eNewsletter readers click HERE

Short Stories Series: Humor

In this five-part series, participants will gather weekly to read aloud, laugh, and discuss humorous essays! Drawing inspiration from the featured authors, participants who would like to, will have the opportunity to share their own comedic essays in the final gathering.


5:30pm-6:30pm on:


Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Author: Jenny Slate


Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Author: David Sedaris


Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Author: BJ Novak


Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Author: Gary Janetti


Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Share a humorous essay you've written!


Registration is required. To register, email Christy at [email protected]

Using the Silver Books in Genealogical Research Zoom

Monday, January 29, 2024 11:00am


The Silver Books are a collection of books published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants which document the Mayflower passengers and their descendants.


Bonnie Wade-Mucia, Director of the Silver Books Project, will discuss the Silver Books Project, its history, why they are unique, and how you can use them in your genealogy research.


Visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click HERE to register today.


If you cannot attend the live session, we plan to post a link to the Zoom recording on our website after the program. For more information, contact Gabrielle at [email protected].

Movie Matinee with Film Critic Tim Miller:

Broadcast News

Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 12:30pm


Join longtime Cape journalist and film critic Tim Miller for a movie matinee featuring Broadcast News. The film will be followed by a discussion about the film’s themes and audience reactions. 


About the film: Broadcast News is a romantic comedy-drama about a virtuoso television news producer who has daily emotional breakdowns, a brilliant yet prickly reporter, and the latter’s charismatic but far less seasoned rival.



This film is part of a five-part film series with critic and journalist Tim Miller. This series is made possible by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod


Visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click HERE to register today.

Coming Black to Cape Cod with Robin Joyce Miller

Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:30pm


Join artist, poet, and educator Robin Joyce Miller for a showing of her film Coming Black to Cape Cod: Black History of Cape Cod (Underground Railroad to Present).


This film features Miller's artwork and draws upon both history and her personal experience to tell the story of African American and Cape Verdean people on Cape Cod.


Some of Miller's art will be on display and the film will be followed by a short poetry recitation.


Visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click HERE to register today.

Genealogy 101 Six-Week Course

Six Saturdays in February and March from 10:00-11:30am

2/17, 2/24, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30


Interested in researching your family history and building your family tree? Join this free six-week course to learn genealogical research methods from Cape Cod Genealogical Society educator David Martin.


Saturday, February 17, 2024

General Overview of Genealogy Methods


Saturday, February 24, 2024

Immigration and Migration


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Uses of the Census


Saturday, March 16, 2024

DNA in Genealogy


Saturday, March 23, 2024

Land Deeds and Probate Research


Saturday, March 30, 2024

Breaking Through Genealogical Brick Wall


Email [email protected] to register today. Registration closes on 2/3/24.

We Want Your Garden!

Sturgis Library is participating in the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival again this year by sponsoring tours of local gardens. We would love to feature yours!


Gardens can be large or small, ornamental or rustic, and they don't have to feature hydrangeas. We've sponsored gardens with perennials, vegetables, grasses, water features, views of ponds or the ocean, gardens with artwork and sculpture, and more.


On the days of the tours (this year July 6th and 8th), visitors pay $5 per garden, and tour the grounds between 10 am and 4 pm. Volunteers work at each garden collecting admission, which benefits Sturgis Library. The homeowner need not be present during the tours unless they choose to be.


For more information on participating, please contact Library Director Lucy Loomis at [email protected] or by calling 508-362-6636.

Save the Date for Our Spring Gathering


Sturgis Library's Spring Gathering at the Cummaquid Golf Club is back after a 5-year hiatus! Join Library Trustees, staff, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate spring, enjoy great food and drink, mix and mingle, and learn what's coming up at Sturgis Library in the year ahead. The gathering will be held on Sunday, April 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Tickets will go on sale in March, with the price TBD. A portion of the ticket price benefits Sturgis Library.

Paper Flower Bouquet Workshop

Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:30am


Learn how to make your own flower bouquet just in time for Valentine’s Day! 


All materials provided, just bring your own small vase! 


This program is intended for adults.


Space is limited. Registration is required. To register, visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

The Art of Picture Books

Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 12:30pm



Adults are encouraged to join Children's Librarian Christy Munier for a monthly gathering honoring the brilliance of picture books and picture book art.


Each month a different children's book author and/or artist will be discussed.


This gathering will feature artist/author Cecile Metzger.


To register, email Christy at [email protected]

Come and Share Your Story

February 20, 2024 at 10:00am


A person's life experience is a valued asset to our community. We invite you to come, share your story, and reminisce about the Town of Barnstable and each village.



Questions? Contact Stacey Cullen at

[email protected]

or call 508-862-4765

Creative Writing Group




Meets every Tuesday at 5:30pm


Adults of all skill levels are invited to Sturgis Library to sharpen their skills and spark their creativity!



Writers collectively agree on a prompt and then gather weekly to share their work.



To register, email Christy at [email protected]

Wampanoag Talk: 13 Moons with Darius Coombs

Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 12:30-1:30

at the West Barnstable Community Building


Sponsored by Whelden, Marstons Mills, Centerville and Sturgis Libraries


Learn about the past and present tribal people of Cape Cod.


"Wampanoag people have called this land home for thousands of years. This is where we pray, honor, and respect one another and mother earth. We plant, hunt, fish, and gather nuts and berries for the proper nutrients for our bodies. Come learn how we have lived like this for many generations and what colonization meant to our culture."

-Darius Coombs


Suitable for all ages. No registration is required.

Cornhusk Doll Craft for Kiddos

Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 12:30pm

at the West Barnstable Community Building


Sponsored by Whelden, Marstons Mills, Centerville and Sturgis Libraries


While adults attend the Wampanoag Talk, kiddos can make a traditional Wampanoag doll from corn husks!


Craft is best for ages 6 and up.

 

Please note that although the discussion does not require registration, space and supplies for the craft are very limited.


Registration is required for the Cornhusk craft. To register, visit wheldenlibrary.org/events or click here.

Lego Club

Friday, February 9, 2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm


It's a half day for Barnstable Public School kiddos! Swing by Sturgis Library to create a Lego masterpiece and chat with friends!


No registration required-- drop in!


Questions? Email Christy at [email protected]

Alma Thomas Workshop: Ablaze with Color

Friday, February 23, 2024 from 12:30pm-1:30pm


Join us as we celebrate and honor artist Alma Thomas with this hands-on workshop for kiddos ages 8-12!


Alma Thomas is the first Black woman to have a solo exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York City and the first Black woman to have her work chosen for the White House Collection. Inspired by nature and space, and with the use of vibrant color in her paintings, Alma sought to focus on beauty and joy.


Drawing inspiration from Alma's work, kids will create their own masterpieces.


All materials are provided by the library.


Registration is required. Click here to register or visit sturgislibrary.org/events

Weekly Storytime

Wednesdays at 10:30am


Swing by to read a story, illustrate a picture, talk with friends, and learn about nature at Sturgis Library's weekly Storytime!


Geared to ages 2-4 but all are welcome to attend.


Registration is not required.

Questions? Email Christy at [email protected]

The Sprightly Bright Book Club

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 4:00pm


Let’s choose, read, and discuss books together! This gathering, we’ll be discussing Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan.


Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.


For kiddos 9ish-12ish years old.


Registration is required. To register, please email Christy at [email protected]

Beyond Black History Month

Beginning February 1, 2024


In honor of Black History Month, the librarians at Sturgis Library have compiled year-long reading guides that celebrate Black voices and honor the Black experience every month of the year.


Lists are available at the library for adults and children. Please come in and help yourself!


Recommended New Titles

Click the links to learn more about each book or search the online catalog

Adult Fiction

Daybreak

by Matt Gallagher

Wandering Stars

by Tommy Orange

The Road from Belhaven

by Margot Livesey

The Other Valley

by Scott Alexander Howard

The Fortune Seller

by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

The Problem of the Wire Cage

by John Dickson Carr

Adult Nonfiction

Why not take up a new hobby in the new year, or explore a new interest? Here are 6 new titles to spark your creativity:

Edible Houseplants: Grow Your Own Citrus, Coffee, Vanilla, and 43 Other Tasty Tropical Plants by Laurelynn & Byron Martin

Sacred Spaces: An Interior Design Book -- Everyday People and the Beautiful Homes They Created Out of Their Trials, Healing, and Victories by Carley Summers

Farm & Folk Quilt Alchemy: A High-Country Guide to Natural Dyeing and Making Heirloom Quilts From Scratch by Sara Larson Buscaglia

Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are by Heather Wolf

Painting Calm: Connect to Nature Through the Art of Watercolor by Inga Buividavice

How to Win at Chess: the Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond by Levy Rozman

Kids' Books

Rooting for plants : The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector

by Jannice N. Harrington

Pockets for Two: a Collection of Girlhood by Lindsay Ward

Rose Wolves by Natalie Warmer


Sturgis Library

3090 Main Street P.O. Box 606

Barnstable, MA 02630


www.sturgislibrary.org

[email protected]

508-362-6636


Our hours are:

Monday 10-5

Tuesday 10-7

Wednesday 10-5

Thursday 10-5

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

Sundays and holidays CLOSED


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