Upcoming Programs

We are offering virtual, in-person, hybrid, and outdoor program opportunities. See below for our scheduled programs.

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.

Poetry Walk - June 12 - October 12 @ McCoy Tree Farm

The Poetry Walk is a collaboration between the Eldredge Public Library, The Town of Chatham, and the Chatham Conservation Foundation, promoting literacy, learning and a deeper appreciation of and connection with the natural world. McCoy Tree Farm is located at 1575 Old Queen Anne Road. The McCoy Family operated the 11-acre woodland as a working tree farm, planting 1,500 seedlings in a 20 year period. Once boasting the tallest pines in the state, it was purchased by the Town of Chatham in 2006. Today, McCoy Tree Farm offers a half-mile trail loop through woodland habitats, an abundance of wildlife, and is home to a cherished community natural space.

Free Online Courses - From 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group

The Library 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group meets via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am, starting Aug 6 - Dec 17. Informal networking takes place from 9am to 9:30am and 11:30am to noon.

If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your "Encore Career," this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking! This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. This series is made possible in partnership through the Tewksbury Public Library. Each session is a different topic. Find Out More and Register Today!

Topic Schedule: Aug. 6: Self Assessment Aug. 20: Mastermind Sept. 3: Career Story Sept. 17: LinkedIn Oct. 1: Resumes Oct. 15: Using Artificial Intelligence Nov. 5: Networking Nov. 19: Interview Strategies Dec. 3: Second Act Careers Dec. 17: Marketing Plan

Thursday, September 18 @ 6:30 pm - Mystery/Thriller Book Recommendations with Bestselling Author, Joseph Finder

Love Mysteries and Thrillers but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Joseph Finder, for this quarterly session of his recommendations of some of the best of mystery/thrillers out there! We're sure you'll find something to like from Joe's many enthusiastic reviews. Joseph Finder is the New York Times bestselling author of 17 suspense novels, most recently The Oligarch’s Daughter. Registration required through Ashland Public Library.

Tuesday, September 23 @ 3:30 pm - Chatham Great Books Discussion Group Presents: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolf 100th Anniversary

The Great Books Discussion group is inviting guests to this unique discussion that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Mrs. Dalloway. The Great Books members will be facilitated in this discussion by Alice Van Buren Kelley, Phd, retired Dean of Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. Alice was born and raised in Harwich, and has published two books on Virginia Wolf; To the Lighthouse - the Marriage of Life and Arts and Fact and Fiction: The Novels of Virginia Wolf. After an introduction, Alice will pose questions to the Great Books members who will be seated around a conference table. This will be an interesting discussion for the audience to experience.

Chatham Great Books group is for people who want to talk about outstanding writings in history, literature, philosophy, politics, science, theology, and other disciplines. Great Books discussion groups use an approach to discussion called Shared Inquiry, which follows a few simple guidelines designed to make a discussion more rewarding by keeping the group’s attention focused firmly on the text and its interpretation.

Wednesday, September 24 @ 11:00 am - Coastal Resilience on the Cape

Join us for “Coastal Resilience on the Cape: How to Prepare Your Home, Assets, and Yourself for a Changing Climate.” with Extension’s Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Specialist, Shannon Hulst, as she guides you through the Massachusetts Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Coast Hazards and discuss what it means to live on Cape Cod in our changing environment. Coastal resilience is key to making life and the environment better on Cape Cod, especially in floodplain areas. Learn about the challenges we face and how to prepare.

Thursday, September 25 @ 4:00 pm - Author Cynthia Blakeley

Please join us for a short reading and discussion with Cynthia Blakeley about her memoir, The Innermost House (University of Massachusetts Press). We’ll talk about the craft of memoir, growing up as a local on the Outer Cape in the 1960s and 70s, family secrets, and the ways that stories—both those we remember and those we forget—shape our life. Book signing to follow!

Saturday, September 27 @ 10:30 am - 1:00 pm - 3rd Annual Fixit Clinic

Gather up your broken items and join us for Chatham's 3rd annual Fixit Clinic presented by Chatham Recycles and the Eldredge Public Library! Fixit Clinics are do-it-together, hands-on community-based exploration and discovery workshops where people bring broken household items and learn to assess, disassemble and possibly repair items instead of throwing them away. Find out more information!

Thursday, October 2 @ 2:00 pm - Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators

Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. The stories in Nuestra América cover each figure's cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history. Adrián Aldaba, a Chicago native, is the national programs manager for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. Emily Key is the assistant director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino where she developed the museum’s learning continuum and education vision centered on creating opportunities for visitors to experience, learn, reflect, and transform by sparking curiosity and encouraging life-long learning. Registration is required for this virtual program, which will be recorded.

Monday, October 6 @ 2:00 pm - A Funny Program About Funny Programs: The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time

Award-winning author and pop culture historian Martin Gitlin hosts this fun and enlightening presentation based on his book, The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time. He is the only author to actually rank the best of the best, including I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, All in the Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Cheers, The Golden Girls, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond and The Big Bang Theory. He will show funny snippets from those shows and others, challenge patrons with sitcom trivia (including identifying cool theme songs!), discuss the criteria he used to rank 70 years of sitcoms and talk about how they have evolved over the decades in humor, presentation and content. This program is really entertaining so join in on the fun! This program is virtual; Zoom link required.

Thursday, October 9 @ 4:00 pm - Helltown: Provincetown’s fabled fishing outpost urban legend unmasked

Helltown, a cobbled-together winter shantytown of Portuguese dorymen’s huts at Herring Cove in the late 1800s, was a far cry from the tidy fishing village founded on Long Point in 1818. The fishermen of Helltown arose before sunrise to trek miles of frozen trails to Herring Cove. They warmed up around crackling stoves, donned oil clothes and woolen mittens, and at times braved nor’easters and gales to fish for cod and haddock. Join us to explore the history and legends of Helltown and its courageous dorymen. Stephan Cohen, a retired associate professor of education, modern dancer, and author of The Gay Liberation Youth Movement in New York: “An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail” and is currently working on a book about Helltown.

Thursday, October 9 @ 7:00 pm - Author Leigh Bardugo

Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm–and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully-structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself, celebrating the release of her Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition). Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Familiar, Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology—and much more. Registration if required for this virtual program, which will be recorded.

Tuesday, October 14 @ 6:30 pm - Historical Fiction Book Recommendations with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey

Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Jane Healey, monthly, for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there! We're sure you'll find something to like from Jane's many enthusiastic reviews.

Jane Healey is the author of The Beantown Girls, The Secret Stealers, and her debut, The Saturday Evening Girls Club. Goodnight from Paris is her newly released novel from Lake Union Publishing. Jane is also the host of Historical Happy Hour, a monthly webinar and podcast featuring interviews with premier historical fiction authors and their latest novels. This program is in collaboration with the Ashland Public Library. Registration is required.

Thursday, October 16 @ 6:00 pm - Mysterious Massachusetts

Every state has its ghost stories, but no other state has the Dover Demon or the Salem Witch Trials. From sea-side ghosts, to UFOs over the Berkshires, Massachusetts has a rich history of paranormal legend, odd events, and strange denizens. In this presentation, we have a look at some of the most famous of Massachusetts paranormal history. You may want to keep the lights on for this one! Librarian Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe is a librarian in Springfield, MA. In her secret Identity as Geekgal, she tours New England, lecturing on various aspects of geek culture. This program is virtual; Zoom link required.

Wednesday, October 22 @ 7:00 pm - Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai

You are invited to join us online and be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is. Finding My Way is an intimate look at the life of a young woman taking charge of her destiny and is a deeply personal testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Malala Yousafzai is an education activist, the youngest-ever Nobel laureate, bestselling author, and award-winning film producer. She was born in Mingora, Pakistan, in 1997 and graduated from Oxford University in 2020. Registration is required for this virtual program, which will be recorded.

Thursdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 @ 1:30-3:00 - Family History Series

Join us at the Library for an exciting five-part Family History Series, presented by Eldredge Public Library genealogist Nancy Barr, and David Martin from the Cape Cod Genealogical Society, along with educator and author Walter McClennen. Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or are a seasoned researcher, you’ll find valuable tips, tools, and inspiration to bring your family’s story to life.

Oct 23 : Introduction to Genealogical Research – David Martin kicks off the series with the essential skills you need to begin exploring your family tree.

Oct 30: Records from Daily Life: From Deeds & Maps to Directories & Newspapers / Resources at the EPL – Nancy Barr shows you how everyday documents can reveal extraordinary details and explores the resources available in the EPL Genealogy collection.

Nov 6: How to Preserve and Publish Family Memoirs and Histories – Walter McClennen shares expert advice on turning your research into a lasting legacy.

Nov 13: Immigration and Migration for Genealogists – David Martin explores how movement and migration shaped family histories.

Nov 20: Using the Census for Genealogical Research – David Martin closes the series with tips for unlocking the stories hidden in census records.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today! Registration is required.

Saturday, October 25 @ 7:00 pm Love Letters with Richard Figge and Sara Patton

This performance, starring Richard Figge and Sara Patton, is co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Chatham and the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library. Love Letters, written by A.R. Gurney, is a tender comedy-drama of a love affair spanning a half-century. Tickets are $25. Please call 508-945-0800 for tickets and information.

Wednesday, October 29 @ 2:00 pm - Author Philippa Gregory

Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025). With a rich tapestry of new historical insights and lyrical language honed over decades of writing, Gregory's return to the Tudors is a new definition of this most fascinating era. As the world becomes more extreme and unpredictable, Jane’s story of survival and ingenuity offers a compelling parallel, serving as both a powerful historical narrative and an echo of the challenges we face. Dr. Philippa Gregory is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen. Registration is required for this virtual program, which will be recorded.

Thursday, November 6 @ 4:00 pm - An Afternoon with Poet Rachel Hadas

Join us for a virtual afternoon with poet, essayist, and translator Rachel Hadas. Rachel is the author of many books of poetry, including, most recently, Ghost Guest (2023) and Pandemic Almanac (2022), both from Ragged Sky Press. A selection of her essays and criticism, Piece by Piece, was published by Paul Dry Books in 2021. Her newest collection of poems, Forty-four Pastorals is forthcoming from Measure Press later this year, and a prosimetrum (alternating poetry and prose) entitled From Which We Start Awake, is due out in 2025 from Able Muse Press. Her poem "Voyage" is included in the 2024 edition of The Best American Poetry anthology, edited by Mary Jo Salter.

Hadas’s honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry, an Ingram Merrill Foundation grant in poetry, and an award in literature from the Academy-Institute of Arts and Letters. She is a recipient of the O.B. Hardison Poetry Prize from the Folger Shakespeare Library and has been a Fellow at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she has been a resident of the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. This program is virtual; Zoom link required.

Monday Craft Club

Monday 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.

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

Monday, July 14 @ 11:00 am - This month's project will be Hammered Botanical Prints. Registration is required

Monday, August 11 @ 11:00 am - Kreative Paint Party with Jackie. Registration is required.

Monday, September 8 @ 11:00 am - Beautiful Bookmarks. Registration is required

Monday, November 10 @ 11:00 am - Fall Garlands. Registration is required.

Digital Resource Classes

Ready to download eBooks and Audiobooks? Get Started with Libby

Next class: October 9 @ 11:00 am (@ the Library) and October 23@ 11:00 am (virtual) Registration is required

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 through a Zoom program or in-person and he will show you how to download items and answer your Libby questions. Registration is required for both the zoom and the in-person program. *Libby app is currently compatible with smart phones and tablets. EBooks can be download on another device (phone, ipad, etc) and transferred to Kindle devices.

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: September 11 @ 1:00 pm (@ the Library) Registration is required