Opinion/Brown: A world of good things right under our noses: Cape Cod public libraries
When we use the term civilization, our minds usually wander back to ancient Egypt and Rome. But we're living in a civilization too. There are so many forces internal and external that tend to pry civilizations apart, we want to pay special attention to the institutions that serve as human connective tissue to bind us together.
After I retired from teaching, I was invited to join the board of directors at the Hyannis Public Library. Impressed by its leadership and all the programs it offers, I immediately said yes. Since saying yes, the whole experience has opened my eyes to the network of treasures existing in almost every town on Cape Cod. Cape library directors were kind enough to send me descriptions of some of their latest programs, so let's take a look and see all the neat things going on right under our noses.
Let's start with programs for our kids. Virtually every library offers story hours for children. We know that early literacy in children is one of the best predictors of academic and general success for the rest of their lives. That's why almost every library has a children's section and often a children's librarian who specializes in acquiring an extensive collection of books for the children. Story hour can be a big part of a little kid’s week, and since different libraries often offer stories on different days, kids can be treated to more than one a week.
The Truro Public Library is sponsoring a stuffed animal sleepover next month. Kids will leave their favorite stuffed animals overnight while the staff creates videos of their adventures together for the kids to see the next day. They have a Lego club and musical performances for kids as well.
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Please understand that many local libraries offer many of the same things and space does not permit me to list, library by library, all the offerings available to you and your children. Just go online and see what your local library has to offer.
At the Falmouth Public Library, they have a large glass case where young patrons can display their personal collections ranging from mineral collections to Hot Wheels.
“I love that we acknowledge and validate the interests of our young patrons,” Linda Collins, the library's director, said.
Dennis Public Library in Dennisport has offered a Girls Who Code Club since 2016. Girls Who Code is a national organization that was founded with the mission to close the gender gap in technology. You can find this program at the Hyannis Public Library, too.
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Our libraries have all kinds of programs for grown-ups as well. The Dennis Memorial Library will be offering a “Tranquility Zone” — a peaceful gathering for anyone wishing to contemplate readings or prayers for peace and unity in the world. Come also for games of Trivia and an Irish movie marathon.
The Eastham Public Library is bringing back live musical performances for the winter and on Feb. 28 will offer an Open Mike Night for performers of all kinds.
The Hyannis Public Library will be sponsoring a Young Photographers Contest. Cash prizes will be offered in three categories. Check their website for details.
The Sturgis Library has a rich history, being the oldest building in the country housing a public library. They have extensive special collections and archives that focus on Cape Cod history, genealogy and the maritime trades from the 1600s to today.
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There are too many books and discussion groups to list individually. Some focus on mystery; some on historical novels, and some books are taken from the New York Times Best Sellers list. Nantucket Atheneum is passing out copies of "The Soul of an Octopus" — a fascinating and entertaining book — for their community to read.
Friends of the Hyannis Public Library have invited well-known creative gardener and public speaker C.L. Fornari for a March lecture at Alberto's Ristorante (360 Main St, Hyannis). While most library programs are free, don't be surprised if once in a while they ask for a modest fee for special programs. Libraries are often chronically underfunded and rely on the generosity of their patrons to offer the wide range of programs that they do.
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Libraries are not just repositories of books. They offer all of us — from children to seniors — welcoming places for the life of the mind. If you are bored or lonely, just Google your local library to find out all they offer in programs from language fluency, childhood literacy, computer programming, nutrition, public lectures, adult education and group discussions. They'll offer trained staff to help you find your way around if you're new. They are indeed a treasure in every town.
Lawrence Brown is a columnist for the Cape Cod Times. Email him at columnresponse@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Opinion: Lonely? Cape Cod libraries offer programs for all ages
