May 2025 News

Become a Sustainer and Support

Sturgis Library Year-Round!

At Sturgis Library, we believe in the power of knowledge, community, and lifelong learning. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep our programs running and our doors open to the public. That's where you come in.

By becoming a Sustainer, you can provide ongoing support to the Library with a monthly donation that fits your budget. Whether it's $5, $15, or $50 a month, your contribution will have a lasting impact on our ability to offer free access to books, educational programs, and cultural events. As a Sustainer, you'll join a special group of donors committed to helping us serve the community year-round.

Your monthly gift will ensure that Sturgis Library remains a hub of learning and connection for future generations. Plus, setting up and managing your recurring donation online is easy. Regardless of size, every gift helps us continue our mission and ensures we can keep providing the resources and programs our community needs. Together, we can create a lasting legacy of knowledge and connection in our community.

To become a monthly Sustainer, click the button below and make sure the "frequency" option is set to monthly. Thank you for your support!

Become a Sustainer

Special Events & Adult Programs

Philosophy Series: Exploring Paths to Meaning and Purpose

From 5:30pm-6:30pm on

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

Tuesday, May 20th, 20205

Join Professor Keli Gates for this three-part lecture series that delves into the core tenets and enduring relevance of Stoicism, Existentialism, and Spiritualism.

Each session will provide a focused exploration of one of these profound schools of thought, examining their key principles, influential thinkers, and potential applications for navigating the complexities of human existence.

For more information, and to register, visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

The Art of Picture Books

Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 12:30pm

Adults are invited 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 focus on the work of Oliver Jeffers.

To register, email Christy at youth.adult@sturgislibrary.org

Poisoning the Well:

How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America

Friday, May 30th, 2025 from 10:30am-11:30am

Join author Sharon Udasin as she discusses her most recent book, Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America.

This is the shocking true-life story of how PFAS—a set of toxic chemicals most people have never heard of—poisoned the entire country. Based on original, shoe-leather reporting in four highly contaminated towns and damning documents from the polluters’ own files, Poisoning the Well traces an ugly history of corporate greed and devastation of human lives.

Registration is requested. To register, please visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

The Book of Flaco: The World's Most Famous Bird with David Gessner

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 at 5:30pm

New York Times bestselling author David Gessner is coming to share insights from his latest book, The Book of Flaco: The World's Most Famous Bird. This captivating story follows Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo and spent a remarkable year making the park—and the city around it—his home, all while capturing the world's imagination.

David Gessner is the author of thirteen acclaimed books that weave together a deep appreciation for nature with humor, memoir, and environmental themes.

Following the talk, join us for a book signing with books available for purchase on-site from Titcomb’s Bookshop.

To learn more and to register, visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

Short Story Group

Meets one Thursday a month at 11:00am

Next meeting: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 11:00am

Join us each month for a relaxed gathering with friends—sip coffee, enjoy delicious treats, and dive into discussions about captivating short fiction! Copies of the selected stories are now available at the circulation desk. Everyone is welcome!

To register, email Gabrielle at reference@sturgislibrary.org

Neurodiversity Reading Group

Meets one Thursday a month at 11:00am throughout the spring

Next meeting:

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 11:00am

Adult readers of all reading levels are welcome to join this neurodiverse reading group. At each meeting the group will read and discuss an engaging picture book followed by a hands-on activity.

Registration is not required. To learn more, email reference@sturgislibrary.org.

Barnstable Council on Aging:

Dementia-Friend Training

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am

To become a Dementia Friend, you must participate in a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session offered by a Dementia Friends Champion. You will learn five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it’s like to live with dementia. As a Dementia Friend, you turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone with dementia living in your community. Your action can be as big or as small as you choose – because every action counts!

Questions? Contact Stacey Cullen at stacey.cullen@town.barnstable.ma.us

or call 508-862-4765

Kids' Programming

Make Your Own Comic

Friday, April 25th, 2025 from 12:00pm-1:00pm

Drawing inspiration from select graphic novels, participants of all skill levels will create their own unique comics using colored pencils and ink.

For kids ages 7+ and adults who want to join in, too!

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

Kindness Rock Painting

Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 10:30am-11:30am

Kindness rocks are painted rocks that are placed in public spaces for others to find to help spread positivity! All ages are invited to join students from Cape Cod Community College to paint happy rocks and spread the joy!

Registration is requested. To register, please visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

Weekly Storytime

Wednesdays at 10:30am-11:00am

Kiddos and their grownups are invited to join Children's Librarian Christy to share a story, illustrate a picture, talk with friends, and learn about nature at Sturgis Library's weekly Storytime!

Geared to ages 1-3 but all are welcome to attend.

Registration is not required.

Questions? Email Christy at youth.adult@sturgislibrary.org

Lego Club

Saturday, April 26th & May 17th from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Swing by Sturgis Library to create a Lego masterpiece!

Lego creations will be put on display for one week in the children’s room for all to admire.

No registration required.

Questions? Email Christy at youth.adult@sturgislibrary.org

The Bookish Society of Young Readers

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 from 4:30pm-5:00pm

Readers ages 10ish-13ish are invited to join The Bookish Society’s monthly book club! Group members take turns choosing the featured book each month, and then we gather to chat about what we’ve read!

This gathering will focus on the book Wild Born by Brandon Mull

Copies of the selected book are available at the circulation desk.

For more information and to register, please email Christy at youth.adult@sturgislibrary.org

Special News

Sharing Kindness Grief Backpack

A carefully curated set of children’s books intended to help kids of all ages navigate death and loss is now available to be checked out.

Also included are tips for reading and talking with kids about grief.

Generously donated by Sharing Kindness

Dog Stick Library is Open!

Dogs are invited to swing by Sturgis Library's Dog Stick Library where pups can help themselves to a fun toy or a stick. No library card necessary and no overdue fines!

Please help us refill the Dog Stick Library with donations of good sticks, balls, or chewies.

Many thanks to Roy Tolliver for building the Stick Library, to Christy Munier for her artistic decoration, and Marc Grenier for installing it.

Mark Your Calendars!

Hydrangea Festival Garden Tours – July 12 and 14, 2025 from 10-4

We will be hosting 4 garden tours this July as part of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. Admission is $5 per garden, payable at each garden. Also make sure to tour the native and edible gardens and rain gardens here at Sturgis Library at no charge! More information will be available on our website soon.

Low Tide: A New Musical by Edie Vonnegut @ the Barnstable Comedy Club – August 15, 16, and 17, 2025 at 7:30 (doors open at 6:30 for refreshments.)

Don’t miss this world premiere production by artist and playwright Edie Vonnegut. Ticket sales will benefit Sturgis Library. More information coming in June on our website. Proceeds benefit Sturgis Library.

We need volunteers for the two events above!

We need people to check in visitors at the 4 gardens on the tour on July 12 and 14. Shifts are two hours each -- 10-12, 12-2, or 2-4. Volunteers get free admission to all 4 gardens.
We need folks to help check people in on the 3 nights of the musical, help people find seating, hand out programs, assist with refreshments, and help with cleanup. Volunteers get free admission to the play!

If you are interested in volunteering for either event, please contact Library Director Lucy Loomis at director@sturgislibrary.org or 508-362-6636.

Coming in August/September

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Sale -- Now accepting donations of new and gently used antiques, art, baskets, pottery, collectible items, tools and hardware, art and craft supplies, glassware and dishes, household items, décor, signs, small furniture, kitchen stuff, toys, puzzles and games, holiday items, jewelry and accessories, and so much more! No plastics, clothing, or electronics please.

Special Collectible Book Sale -- Now accepting donations of new and gently used antiquarian, collectible, and fine books, works on paper, and ephemera including first editions, vintage children's books, books on Cape Cod and the Islands, history, art, music, literature, nature, poetry, and more. No mass market paperbacks please.

Recommended Titles: Beyond the Bestsellers

Adult Fiction

Twelve Post-War Tales

by Graham Swift

An exquisite new collection of stories from the Booker Prize–winning author, about lives shaped and haunted by war.

Old School Indian

by Aaron John Curtis

An astonishing coming-of-middle-age debut about an Ahkwesáhsne man’s reluctant return home, a striking exploration of the resonance of love and family, culture and history.