November 2025 News

Special Events & Adult Programs

November Patron Picks: Spotlight on Molly

Month of November

Our Patron Picks program highlights the readers in our community and the books they love. Each month, we feature a patron, share their reflections on what reading means to them, and showcase their top book recommendations.

This November, we’re excited to spotlight Molly Waterhouse, an English teacher, avid traveler, and lifelong reader. From discovering the power of books in high school to exploring new stories while traveling the world, reading has always been a central part of her life. Molly’s love of libraries and community shines through in her story, and she has picked a wonderful selection of books we think you’ll enjoy.

See Molly’s full write-up online HERE.

Stop by the library during the month of November to see the display and check out copies of her picks!

The Revolution on Cape Cod & the Islands

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:30pm

Historian David Martin reveals the untold stories of the American Revolution on Cape Cod and the Islands—from privateers and shipwrecks to divided loyalties and the local heroes who shaped history.

Copies of The American Revolution on Cape Cod and the Islands will be available for purchase for $25 (cash or check).

To register, visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

The Art of Picture Books

Friday, November 21st, 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.

This gathering will focus on the artwork of Michaela Goade.

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

Tales of the Sea with Cynthia Elder

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 5:30pm

Join author Cynthia Elder for a look at her new historical novels, Tales of the Sea, based on unpublished 1800s ship logs, letters, and journals from West Barnstable’s Jenkins and Fish families. Discover the true story of a seafaring family during the final days of the Great Age of Sail and the Civil War.

Elder’s research at Sturgis Library brings local history to life, featuring references to Captain William Sturgis and The Barnstable Patriot.

Copies of The Journey Begins and The Drumbeats of War will be available for sale, signing, and checkout.

To register, visit sturgislibrary.org/events or click here.

Barnstable Council on Aging: Holiday Stress-Buster

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 10:00am

This time of the year provides many moments of joy and celebration, yet when caregiving, it can cause some challenges. This program will review helpful tools for a successful and enjoyable holiday season.

No registration required. Questions? Email Stacy Cullen at Stacey.Cullen@town.barnstable.ma.us

Kids' Programming

Weekly Storytime

Wednesdays at 10:30am

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, November 29th, 2025 at 1:00pm

Master Builders of all ages are invited to 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.

Registration is not required.

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

The Bookish Society of Young Readers

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at 4:30pm

Readers ages 10ish-13ish are invited to join The Bookish Society’s monthly book club!

This gathering will focus on The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

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

Special News

Whale of a Library Totes

As you read in our October newsletter, Library patron Kathleen Bresette passed away in September. She was an avid Library user, and instilled a love of libraries, learning, and curiosity in her 9 children and many grandchildren.

Kathleen's connection to the Library was symbolized by her worn tote bag, a design and color from decades ago. Faded from years of carrying books, it was a constant companion on her visits. When she could no longer visit herself, her children and grandchildren carried that same tote to and from the Library to collect her books, which had been saved for her by the Library staff. It still hangs on her banister today, reminding the generations of family that pass through her door of the power of books to expand our inner world.

To honor her legacy, Sturgis Library is planning a limited reprinting of Kathleen's tote design, which will be available for purchase at the Library soon. Tote bags will sell for $25, and all proceeds benefit the Library.

We expect the totes to arrive any day now. To reserve yours, please contact Library Director Lucy Loomis at director@sturgislibrary.org or call her at 508-813-5350.

Recommended Titles: Beyond the Bestsellers

Adult Fiction

The Safekeep

by Yale Van Der Wouden

An exhilarating, twisted tale of desire, suspicion, and obsession between two women staying in the same house in the Dutch countryside during the summer of 1961.

The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2025

Edited by Don Winslow

"While a single sentence can turn a novel, a single word can turn a short story,” writes guest editor Don Winslow. The pieces featured in this collection hinge on those small, exacting moments that shock, spook, delight, and change a story entirely.

Cursed Daughters

By Oyinkan Braithwaite

A young woman must shake off a family curse and the widely held belief that she is the reincarnation of her dead cousin in this wickedly funny, perceptive novel about love, female rivalry, and superstition.