Spring 2025

T h exY a r d a r m

The Yarmouth Port Library Newsletter 

297 Main Street (Route 6A), Yarmouth Port, MA 02675   

yarmouthportlibrary.org • PH: 508-362-3717 • Fax: 508-362-6739

Yarmouth Port Library...Where you find more than just books for readers young and old.

YPL is the place to be! It's a place to relax and peruse a book or newspaper in front of the fire. Or chat with the librarians or volunteers about the latest best seller or your recent trip. Or perhaps attend an afternoon informational program. If you are not sure what to read, one of the librarians can give you suggestions — YPL has the best "book whisperers!" You can bring in your child or grandchild and enjoy Storytime or Fun & Games in the Thatcher Children's Room. Or watch them quietly read in the teepee (yes, the library has a teepee!). YPL is your community library — "where you find more than books for readers young and old."

Lee Peters, Editor

Visit our Website

President's Message

LIBRARY HOURS


Sunday       Closed     

Monday       Closed    

Tuesday 

10 AM — 3 PM

Wednesday

10 AM — 3 PM

Thursday   

10 AM — 6 PM

Friday

10 AM — 3 PM

Saturday    

10 AM — Noon


Curbside Pickup Available


Contact Information:


Phone: 508-362-3717


Email: yarp_mail@clamsnet.org


Website: yarmouthportlibrary.org

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Mark Your Calendar


11th Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival


The Festival runs from Friday, July 11th through Sunday, July 20th.


Gardens are open from 10 AM to 4 PM.


The Festival showcases gardens and plants of all kinds across Cape Cod. The main attractions are the daily tours of private gardens, each designed and maintained by the individual homeowners and carrying a unique charm.


The Festival supports a variety of local nonprofits which will benefit from the proceeds of each tour.


Stay tuned for further information and the exact dates that YPL gardens will be open.

President's Message

    by Susan Kiehnau, President


Yarmouth Port Library is unique in that it’s a public library that’s privately funded. Our 2025 Membership Campaign is off to a great start! Please consider a monetary gift if you haven’t donated already.


As a self-supporting organization, our library is dependent upon not only the generosity of its donors, but upon its volunteers’ willingness to help. The library has wonderful volunteers who help out at the library during operating hours. The library Board is comprised of volunteers who serve on a variety of committees. Some of these committees, in particular Building & Grounds, Programs, and Events, are looking for some assistance.


If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering for one of these committees, please email me: susanmadigankiehnau@gmail.com


It’s hard to believe that I’m working on the spring newsletter article with snow outside on the ground, but the weather here is one of the reasons I love living on Cape Cod. Yarmouth Port Library has started 2025 with several great programs on “Cutting the Cord,” “Aging in Place,” “Notre Dame, Arising from the Ashes,” and “Journeys In the Light” that were well received by our patrons. Please join us for some other wonderful programs that will be offered in the upcoming months.


We are in discussions with an architecture firm about updating our library. We love it as it is, but we feel a refresh is needed to have the space work to its potential. We hope to get you some details in the coming months. We’re also looking at our curb appeal which could be improved with some new landscaping, especially in the front of the library.


As YPL’s President, my thanks go out to all who continue to work in and for the library, and to those who have already donated to the 2025 Membership Campaign, an extremely important source of operating funds. Because of you, our library, founded in 1866, remains a vital presence in Yarmouth Port.

Administrative Director’s &

Children's Services Report

by Carrie Bearse, Administrative Director & Children's Services


Sometimes it's difficult to realize how good life can be. George, my golden retriever closing in on 10 years of age, still likes to eat socks and many other no-no items. I really don’t understand how he hasn’t changed his habits after two emergency surgeries in his lifetime. It is so frustrating! Yet George has been with me through many ups and downs and has always been the most loving and faithful and true companion. One look in his eyes tells me that it is all worth it and I simply don’t know what I would do without him by my side. 


And so life goes. The tough days at the library (and, yes they do happen on occasion but pale in comparison to real world troubles) are offset by the wonderful and numerous days of joy at the library, where I get to work with great staff, committed volunteers, and ever-appreciative patrons. In a world that seems to be swirling around me and changing rapidly; I can be assured that there is still kindness, there is still support, there is still deep-seated community involvement, and still the potential to make positive change. I think of our library (all libraries actually, although of course I am partial to YPL) as a community center and all that entails. It’s where community gathers, friendships are made, and intellectual and personal enhancements grow through reading, community programs, and conversation. The library offers positive potential and opportunity, a reminder that the world can be good, the community can be strong, and we can all be friends in spite of our differences.


Every day when I open up the library, turn on the lights, lay out the papers, put out the “open” flag, I think what a wonderful day it will be. Getting books to people who want them, seeing families enjoying the children’s room, having individuals use the Gale Room for business catch-up, observing the daily newspaper readers and computer users, exchanging greetings and news…so much potential in each and every day if we nurture it. Life is full of ups and downs, and at YPL we strive to create the “ups” to the best of our ability. So, thank you for being part of this community, thank you for thinking positively about and supporting this community library.


And as one of our dedicated volunteers may come to learn (or perhaps, already realizes), her new kitty who stole a stick of butter from the counter and hid it under the bed may turn out to be the sweetest, most wonderful cat in a lifetime full of fabulous cats. There is hope, there is comfort, there is appreciation, there is community. Thank you all for reminding me of that every day.



So, let's look forward, let's continue to be optimistic, let's count our lucky stars; and if you happen to have a dog like George in your household, you might also want to count your socks!


With appreciation and hope,

Carrie

Thatcher Children's Room - click here for details.

Storytime                      

Thursdays at 11 AM


Songs, Stories and a Takeaway Craft! Ages 2 to 5. Younger siblings always welcome!


Afternoon Legos!

Thursdays from

3 PM to 5 PM. Ages 6 & up.

Fun & Games            

Second Thursday of each month at 4:30 PM.


Join us for fun games (memory games, puzzles, bingo, etc.). For ages 7 and up. Snack will be served.


REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

“Under the Spiral Staircase Book Sale”

Our sale shelves are stocked with current bestsellers, children’s books, puzzles, and more. 


All at bargain prices!


For this sale corner, we will continue to accept only 2020-2025 titles (10 or fewer books per visit please) during regular library hours.


We add new titles weekly, so check out the “Under the Spiral Staircase Book Sale” the next time you visit the library.

Spring Programs - click here for details.

Note: Please call the library to register as space is limited for programs.


Introduction to Chess


Thursday, March 6th at

3 PM


Please join our neighbor, former educator and chess aficionado, Ralph Menconi, for his ever-popular introduction to chess.


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

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MOSTLY TECH is back!


Thursday, March 6th & 20th from 4 to 5 PM


Come with your phone or tablet tech questions on the first and third Thursday of each month and our staff will try to assist you and/or steer you in the right direction.


Please call us to make an appointment, so we know you are coming.

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31 Titles - Women in History                              


Presented by author Janis Robinson Daly


Friday, March 21st

at 1 PM


Local historical fiction author, Janis Robinson Daly, will share a curated list of 31 books to celebrate Women’s History Month.


Come share which novels you’ve read from the list and discover others to add to your “To Be Read” list.

 

Edward Gorey/Mr. Sinister Cozy


A Presentation

by Gregory Hischak


Friday, April 4th at 1 PM


Edward Gorey’s work as an author, book artist, illustrator, and designer is frequently categorized as Whimsically Macabre or Sinister Cozy as described by Mr. Gorey himself.


Terrible things unfold in an Edward Gorey Book—children get swept out to sea, abducted by murderous insects, fall into unsavory company, or get carried off by giant birds. Sometimes they die of boredom. Edward writes, and draws, about everyday life and—for reasons that get covered in this presentation—his books are a delight and extremely funny—mostly.

____________


Friday, May 16th at 1 PM


Columnist Daniel Harrington presents Larchmont Remembered, about the wreck of the Larchmont, Rhode Island's Titanic.

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Interested in Helping the Program Committee?


The Yarmouth Port Library Program Committee would like to extend an invitation to our patrons. We would love to hear from you if you’d like to join us in helping to generate ideas and plans for our programs. 


Call the library at 508-362-3717 and leave your name and phone number; someone from the committee will contact you.

Annual Book & Plant Sale

Heads Up! YPL’s Annual Book & Plant Sale is scheduled for late June.

Book Donations Resume


Book Donations Info: We are receiving book donations on Mondays from 1-3 PM at the east side door.


If you’re considering bringing in books, please have a look at the guidelines posted in the library and on the website (click here). 


Volunteers Needed


Traditionally, members of the community have joined library volunteers the day of the sale to help with plants or books. Sign-up sheets will be posted at the Circulation Desk in early June.

Want To Donate Plants?


Plant Sale Info: Once spring is really here and people start working in their yards, some may want to donate plants in advance of the sale. 


Lucky for us, Sally Hockenbury will visit, dig up, and pot whatever you would like removed from your garden, and tend it in her own garden until June. This is a win-win opportunity for everyone, while increasing plant inventory for the sale.


Please contact Sally at 508-362-6045 or by cell at 508-918-6675.

Ongoing Events - Click here for details.

Drop-in Chess Club      


Every Thursday at 4:00 PM


Novice and experienced players are welcome. The club is open to adults and children (ages 8 and up, please)


Scrabble!


Wednesdays at 10 AM


Come join the fun! Bring friends! We have one Scrabble board, but feel free to bring your own as well. Registration not needed.


Note: There is a chess set, Scrabble board, cribbage set, and checkers set in the Reading Room for the pleasure of our patrons.

YPL’s Knitting Group


First and third Mondays

at 9:30 AM


We invite knitters of all levels, as well as those who do other forms of needlework, to bring their projects and join us. Please use the east staff door.


For information:

Contact: Dinah Wolff    

Phone: 508-362-7660

Email: dg.wolff@gmail.com


Reading Room Puzzle

There is a jigsaw puzzle to work on in the reading room. Whenever you stop in, take a minute or two or ten (it can be pleasantly addictive!) to help complete the puzzle. A big thank you to Christine Huggins for our puzzle mat, which allows us to move the puzzle as needed.

Book Groups - click here for details.

YPL Book Group, led by Leslie Altman, meets the third Thursday of the month at 2 PM.


March: Thursday, March 20th

at 2 PM

   

The Muse of the Revolution: The Secret Pen of Mercy Otis Warren and The Founding of a Nation

by Nancy Rubin Stuart


April: Thursday, April 17th

at 2 PM


James by Percival Everett


May: Thursday, May 15th

at 2 PM


Interpreter of Maladies

by Jhumpa Lahiri

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Neighborhood Book Group, led by Rick Woods, meets the second Thursday of the month at 4 PM. 


March: Thursday, March 13th at 4 PM

   

Small Things Like These

by Claire Keegan


April: Thursday, April 10th at 4 PM

    

Woman in White

by Wilkie Collins

__________________  

Spring Reading Picks

New Releases & Spotlight Books


Click on the links below to help you select your spring reading list!


New Releases

New Spotlight Books

2025 Membership Campaign Update

The total raised as of February 10th is $36,390, but after an excellent start that saw just under $30,000 come in by the end of December, January was a very slow month and early February has been equally slow.


After well over 10 years with a $40,000 goal, some felt it was time to aim for the more ambitious $50,000, in the hope that our patrons will support this objective.


If you haven’t yet contributed, please do so; if you have already contributed, but could consider an additional gift, that would be most welcome. Every Membership dollar is a dollar that does not have to come out of the endowment — already the largest source of operating funds and our safeguard for an uncertain future.


Click here to download a Membership Campaign Form.

Business Sponsors

Mark Baker House

Painting Services 

Bass River Pediatrics

Buyer Brokers of Cape Cod

   Churchill Associates

Downcape Engineering

GreenHow, Inc.

Horgan Insurance

Jack's Outback

John A. Grant, Esq.

Just Picked Gifts

Marshall K. Lovelette Insurance

Agency

Royal II Restaurant and Grill

Sesuit Landscapes

Talin Bookbindery

Voila! Designs by Frederique

Why does YPL have to raise funds?

As a privately funded public library, the Yarmouth Port Library does not receive funding from the Town of Yarmouth. The Yarmouth Port Library Association raises funds through private donations, grants, bequests, and other gifts. Your donations provide the operating funds we need to stay open today and in the future.


Click here for further information.

FYI...

Board of Trustees


Officers and Trustees


President: Susan Kiehnau

Vice President:

Everett Wilson

Treasurer:

Michael Poisssant

Ass't Treasurer: Les Peat

Secretary: Susan Bonnell


Michael Kiehnau

Dinah Wolff


Members of the Corporation                            

Leslie Altman

Maddie Dwyer

Dorothy Halmstad 

Mary Ann Hailer          

Sally Hockenbury        

Lilia Katchmar -

Student Representative

Kim Terrio                      

Jean O’Toole

Lee Peters

Bill Rubidge

Mary Smith

Melissa Wilson

Library Staff                                        Administrative Director & Children's Services 

 

Carrie Bearse:

cbearse@clamsnet.org    


Circulation, Marketing & VolunteerCoordinator


Carol Riley:

criley@clamsnet.org


Circulation Assistant

  

Susan Saposnik:

ssaposnik@clamsnet.org


Adult Collection Development, Book Group


Leslie Altman: laltman@clamsnet.org


Adult Collection Development Ass’t



Alice Lucey:

alucey@clamsnet.org