Programs & Events

We offer virtual, in-person, hybrid, and outdoor program opportunities for adults. Download our July Adult Programming Calendar & see below for our scheduled programs. Also check out our:

Poetry Walk 2026: "The Triangle"
Adult Craft Club and Digital Resource Classes
EPL Summer Reading Adventure: Unearth a Story
Children & Young Adult programming

Virtual Speakers Series:
Thank you to the Friends of the EPL for their continued support of our adult programing. Some of our talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders are brought to you in partnership with the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and the Library Speakers Consortium. You can view these upcoming and past author programs at https://libraryc.org/eldredgelibrary.

2026 Year Long Presidential Series with Artist Heather Rogers:
Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents. Learn more & register HERE for this VIRTUAL program. You can sign up for one session or for all!

Upcoming Adult Programs

See also our full Calendar of Events

Tuesday, July 7 @ 2:00 pm - How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are - Mark Wolynn (ONLINE)

How do the experiences of our ancestors influence our thoughts and behaviors today? In his award-winning book, It Didn’t Start with You, author and therapy expert Mark Wolynn shares compelling evidence that the roots of our anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain may not reside in our immediate life experience or in chemical imbalances in our brains—but in the lives of our parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. And now, The Official It Didn’t Start with You Workbook is available with practical exercises to take your understanding even further. Registration is required to join this VIRTUAL conversation and learn more about how inherited family trauma impacts your health–and how to break the cycle.

Friday, July 10 @ 10:30 am - Presidential Doodler Series: Andrew Jackson (ONLINE)

Join our year-long journey with Heather Rogers “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, as she shares some of her favorite doodles, observations, and tidbits about the first 12 presidents. This month, our focus turns to Andrew Jackson: Into dueling (and had a bullet near his heart to prove it). Blamed John Quincy Adams for his wife’s death. Last president to conveniently die at the same place where his funeral was held and he was buried (his f*cking swearing parrot was kicked out of his funeral). Don't you want to know more (esp about that parrot!?!)? Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program. You can sign up for one session or for all!

Tuesday, July 14 @ 5:30 pm - Local Author, David J. Farrell, Jr. : Dead in the Water

Join maritime attorney and Chatham resident David Farrell, who delivers the first evidence-driven, insider account of Nathan Carmen who was found floating on a life raft 100 miles south of Martha's Vineyard after a fishing trip with his mother Linda, who disappeared at sea. Drawing on exclusive exhibits and his five interrogations of Carman, Farrell and his team fill in the blanks with oceanography, forensics, and missing documents they hunted down close to home and around the world. A frequent speaker and author on maritime law and public policy issues, Attorney Farrell has written hundreds of non-fiction briefs during his career. Dead in the Water: The Real Story of Nathan Carman is his first non-fiction book. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Tuesday, July 14 @ 7:00 pm - Small Towns and Big Secrets - Author Karin Slaughter (ONLINE)

Join us for a thrilling evening with acclaimed author Karin Slaughter as we chat about her North Falls series, consisting of We Are All Guilty Here, in which two teenage girls vanish in rural Georgia, and her upcoming sequel, The Secrets We Hide, in which Slaughter welcomes readers back to North Falls. A small town with big secrets… Register now to take part in the VIRTUAL discussion, and for an exclusive sneak peek of The Secrets We Hide, coming out August 11, 2026!

Thursday, July 16 @ 2:00 pm - Migrant Heart: The Hidden Cost of the American Dream - Reyna Grande (ONLINE)

In her ambitious new memoir, Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget, beloved bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival. With her signature blend of sophistication and raw honesty, Grande interrogates how living between two nations, two languages, and two identities has shaped the woman, mother, and writer she has become. Moving from the legacy of violence in her hometown of Iguala, Mexico, to a bittersweet family vacation in Europe spent reconciling her own impoverished past with her children’s world of abundance, she uncovers startling truths about the nature of survival. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Monday, July 20 @ 3:00 pm - The Greenhead Chronicles with Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project

Anyone who has visited a beach on Cape Cod in July has probably experienced the painful bite of a greenhead fly. Why do these flies bite and what is the Cape Cod Greenhead Fly Control District doing to reduce the annoyance level? How do those blue boxes on the marshes work and what can you do to fight the bite? Learn the answers to these questions and more. This is an in-person program at the Library. Registration for this event is strongly recommended!

Wednesday, July 22 @ 2:00 pm - Diamondback Terrapins - Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Come learn more about the Diamondback Terrapin, a state-threatened species of turtle and salt marsh specialist. Discover their unique adaptations and the ongoing conservation work supporting this special turtle. Nearly hunted to extinction in the nineteenth century as a culinary delicacy, the Diamondback Terrapin population rebounded after its popularity as a food declined. However, the species is once again threatened throughout its range by increased predation, habitat loss, and the wildlife pet trade. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability. This is an adult program, but suitable for all ages.

Monday, July 27 @ 3:00 pm - Author Jenn Bouchard: Palms on the Cape

Join us to welcome author, Jenn Bouchard and celebrate her new novel, Palms on the Cape, releasing July 2nd, 2026! Jenn will give a reading from the book, which explores the life, loves and challenges of Rachel Sinclair, owner of an upscale beach bar, Palms on the Cape, which is packed with vacationers and regulars throughout the busy Cape Cod summer season. Jenn Bouchard is the award-winning author, whose works include First Course, Considering Us, and several short stories. The author will be available for book purchase and signing after the reading. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Monday, July 27 @ 7:00 pm - Celebrating America's 250th: The Escapes of David George - Gregory O'Malley (ONLINE)

We're thrilled to welcome author and historian Gregory E. O'Malley who will be discussing his book, "The Escapes of David George: An Odyssey of Slavery, Freedom, and the American Revolution" which reveals a remarkable, untold experience of the American revolutionary period. Piecing together archival records and David George’s own brief account of his life—the earliest written testimony by a fugitive enslaved person in North America—Greg O’Malley presents a thrilling narrative and a unique perspective on our nation’s origins, principles, and contradictions. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Tuesday, July 28 @ 2:00 pm - The Power of Connection - Dr. Marisa Franco (ONLINE)

Join us in virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Her book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–And Keep–Friends, explores the science of different attachment styles and how they impact our relationships–often in ways we don’t realize! An enlightening psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and TED speaker, Dr. Marisa G. Franco is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives. Registeration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Thursday, July 30 @ 12:00 pm - Safety at Sea - Fishing Partnership Support Services

Join Fishing Partnership’s Marine Safety Instructors, Russell Kingman and Shannon Eldredge, for an hour of practical skills, survival stories and best practices for safety at sea. Russell and Shannon will demonstrate how to don a survival suit and make a proper Mayday call, discuss person overboard recovery procedures and basic principles of flooding control on board. They will also share fishermen’s survival stories and best practices for safety at sea for all mariners on vessels of any size. Registration is requiredfor this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

AUGUST PROGRAMS

Monday, August 3 @ 7:00 pm - America's 250th: "The Convention" - author Lars D. H. Hedbor (ONLINE)

To kick-off our 9-week series to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are thrilled to welcome author and historian Lars D. H. Hedbor to discuss his book, "The Convention: Tales From a Revolution" which centers on the Convention Army, captured at Saratoga, and initially marched across to Cambridge. While there awaiting release, some of the captives were essentially leased out to local farmers as laborers, and it is that fascinating institution that Lars explores through the eyes of one such captive. The Convention is the Massachusetts volume of the Tales From a Revolution series, in which each standalone novel examines the American War of Independence as it unfolded in a different colony. If you like exploring familiar history from unfamiliar viewpoints, you’ll love The Convention. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Tuesday, August 4 @ 2:00 pm - The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen - Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson (ONLINE)

Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. The book includes interviews with chefs who knew Julia well, commentary on her favorite culinary tools and kitchen gadgets, and a stunning array of photos. Paula J. Johnson is a curator and public historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. As the Director of the Smithsonian’s Food History Project, Johnson was one of the curators who collected Julia Child’s home kitchen in 2001. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Wednesday, August 5 @ 3:30 pm - Kelp Farming with Chatham Kelp

Learn all about kelp farming and how the industry benefits our local aquaculture and how Chatham Kelp's cultivation practices also contribute to coastal resilience. Kelp is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins, making it a valuable addition to the diet. By cultivating kelp locally, Chatham Kelp reduces the need for imported food sources, promoting food security and supporting the local economy. Chatham Kelp, founded in 2018 by Richard Curtiss, Carl Douglass, and Jamie Bassett, is a pioneering kelp farm located in Chatham, Cape Cod. This innovative venture focuses on harnessing the power of kelp cultivation for a variety of sustainable purposes, highlighting its numerous benefits for both the environment and human health. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability. (Note: This is an adult program, but suitable for all ages.)

Wednesday, August 12 @ 3:00 pm - The Last Interviews with Edward Gorey - Christopher Seufert

Join us for an afternoon with local photographer, author and filmmaker, Christopher Seufert, as we delve into his book and film, Memento Gorey: The Last Interviews with Edward Gorey, releasing August 28, 2026. 30 years in the making, both the film and book offer a new window on the often-mysterious Gorey and captures many facets of his personality as he and Seufert worked together to produce the only Gorey documentary film that Gorey approved. The conversations are personal and revealing, with Gorey (draped with cats) sprawled on a chair in his kitchen, chatting over a beer at a nearby tavern, or seated at his daily lunch café. Books will be available for pre-order at the event. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Thursday, August 13 @ 2:00 pm - Street Smarts and Safety Tactics - Dannah Eve (ONLINE)

Join us to learn how to stay sharp, stay ready, and stay safe in every aspect of your daily life from the mindset you move with, to the habits you create and the tools you carry. Based on her book, Street Smarts: Trust Your Instincts, Outsmart Danger, and Stay Safe in a World That Isn’t, Dannah Eve will share advice, self-defense strategies, and safety tips. Dannah’s content is equal parts informative and relatable, making safety feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Her motto, live aware, not in fear, is the foundation of her mission. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL event.

Thursday, August 13 @ 5:00 pm - Sound Meditation with Ashley Woodworth

Join our quarterly session with Ashley Woodworth, local yoga teacher and sound facilitator. The theme for this session will be Listening as Meditation, with reflection questions such as "What does it mean to truly listen, beyond hearing?" Sound meditation is an integrated practice that combines a restorative setting with an emphasis on breath, mindful presence, and judicious listening. Instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, etheric chimes, frame drums, rattles, and crystal pyramids are played during the meditation. Ashley has over 800 hours of professional training in yogic practice and complementary modalities, as well as Master’s degrees in Philosophy (UMiami, 2012) and Psychology (NYU, 2015). Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability. Note: This is an adults (18+) only program.

Friday, August 14 @ 10:30 am - Presidential Doodler Series: Martin Van Buren (ONLINE)

Join our year-long journey with Heather Rogers “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, as she shares some of her favorite doodles, observations, and tidbits about the first 12 presidents. This month we're talking Martin Van Buren: First president born in the United States but English wasn’t his first language. Don't you want to know more? Heather Rogers isn’t a historian, an academic, or an impartial storyteller… but she has read more than one book about every U.S. president. Out of spite. She was dubbed “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler” by one of her favorite biographers and she’s been repeating it ever since. When she’s not reading or doodling history books, she’s a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and content creator. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Wednesday, August 19 @2:00 pm - Mass Audubon: Discover the Joys of Bird Feeding

Are you wanting to attract more birds to your yard but unsure where to begin or what the best practices are to support wildlife? Come learn about the joys of bird feeding with Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary! We’ll discuss different feeder types, the best seeds to use, the birds they’ll attract, how to outsmart squirrels, and other ways to encourage birdlife into your yard and community. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Thursday, August 20 @ 11:30 am - Adult Fire and Life Safety - Chatham Fire Dept

Join us for the first monthly installment of the Adult Safety Series with the Chatham Fire Department, led by CFD Educator and Firefighter/Paramedic, Rachel McGrath! This month we will be learning about adult fire and life safety. Rachel McGrath is a career Firefighter/Paramedic working for the town of Chatham, MA since 2016. Prior to her current position, she worked for two years in the same job at the Wellfleet Fire Department. As part of her training in Wellfleet, she chose to pursue certification as a Fire and Life Safety Educator. Registration is requiredfor this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability. Note: This is an adults (18+) only program.

Tuesday, August 25 @ 2:00 pm - America's Black Botanical Legacy (ONLINE)

Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy. The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. Beronda explores the ways seven trees, as well as the cotton shrub, are intertwined with Black history and reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Thursday, August 27 @ 2:00 pm - ) High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery - Lucy Foley (ONLINE)

Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. With glorious mountain views and exclusive access to powdery slopes, it draws guests from far and wide. Lucy Foley is a No.1 Sunday Times, Irish Times and New York Times bestselling author. More than 10 million copies of her books are in print worldwide, and several are currently being adapted for the screen. Registration is required for this VIRTUAL program.

Thursday, August 27 @ 5:00 pm - Reading & Book Signing with Local Author Pamela Kelley

We are excited to host best-selling local author, Pamela Kelley, as she shares a reading followed by book purchase and signing of her new novel, Nantucket Second Chances, released June 9, 2026! Registration is required; walk-ins are subject to availability. Claire Shipman never imagined she’d be the single mom of a teenager, going through a contentious divorce, and unexpectedly pregnant. On the bright side, at least she’s on Nantucket, where she grew up, and where her mother and grandmother welcome her home with open arms. With the support of Lily, her mother, grandmother, old friends and new, she begins to build a true second chance at a new life. Pamela Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends. Registration is required for this in-person program at the Library. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Adult Craft Club

Adult Craft Club is a great way for adults to try new arts and crafts while easing stress and having a little fun. We will alternate between open crafting, staff-led projects, and art-based programming. The projects focus more on technique and joy than on the outcome, allowing all to tap into their creative freedom. Thanks to the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and craft donations, there is no fee, and no experience is necessary.

Upcoming sessions:

Monday, July 13 @ 11:00 am - Brazilian Embroidery with Esther Begleiter - Registration is required

Monthly registration is required to save your spot and space will be limited. Your space is not secure unless you receive confirmation. (Please be aware this is an 18+ club. Visit our children's programming page or connect with our Youth Services department for more information on events for children.)

Digital Resource Classes

Ready to download eBooks and Audiobooks? Get Started with Libby

Getting Started with Libby - Learn how to download ebooks and audiobooks from the CLAMS digital library through the Libby app by Overdrive. Join Mike McCartney, EPL Circulation Supervisor, at the Library or online via Zoom, to ask your questions and learn how to download items. (Note: the Libby app is currently compatible with smart phones and tablets. eBooks can be downloaded on another device (phone, iPad, etc.) and transferred to Kindle devices.)

Next class: September 24 @ 11:30 am. These hybrid sessions are offered in person and online - Registration is required

Canvassing Canva

What's all the hubbub with Canva? Although Canva has many uses across a variety of different specializations and functional areas, its primary use is as a graphic design platform. You can use Canva to edit photos and videos, design custom graphics, and create or modify other image-, text-, and video-based projects. From Presentations and Flyers to Social Media Posts and Birthday Cards, Canva has something for everyone! Join our Circulation Supervisor, Mike McCartney, for a guided tour of this special tool.

Next class: October 14 @ 11:00 am (@ the Library) - Registration is required

Google Suites

If you have a Gmail address, then you have access to Google Suites. Google Docs, Sheets, and Presentations give you almost all the same functionality as Microsoft Office but for free - and with the ability to share your work or even collaborate. Join our Circulation Supervisor, Mike McCartney, for a guided tour of this special tool.

Next classes: September 9 @ 10:30 am (@ the Library) - Registration is required