February Newsletter from the Yarmouth Town Libraries

From The Director

February is upon us and I know that this is winter in earnest, but, where is the snow? At my house, we have used our fireplace often to stay comfortable during the long dark evenings. And we’ve been reading a lot. I enjoyed the January start of the Massachusetts Center for the Book challenge: a book with fewer than 100 pages. My thanks to Frances and Joe, on the Circulation staff, who suggested I read Fox 8, by George Saunders. I recommend everyone read it! For February, the challenge is to read a book that takes place near where you live. I have read 2 books with a Cape Cod setting already since the start of the year. You know there are many – and they are often a great way to learn more about our Cape Cod heritage. Happy reading, everyone.

-Jane Cain
Library Director

Join the Mass Center for the Book

2003 Reading Challenge!

The January challenge may be over, but there are 11 more months of different topics to explore. February's challenge is to find a book that takes place in your hometown, state, or region. July's challenge, (our favorite), is to read a book checked out from your local library...Have fun with it! Learn more and sign up at https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge to be eligible for great prizes and good reading.

Mark Forest February Office Hours

This Friday, February 3, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
South Yarmouth Library
Yarmouth Selectman Mark Forest now holds office hours at the South Yarmouth Library on the first Friday of each month: this Friday, February 3 will be a time you can speak with Mr. Forest in person. Please call (508) 394-7606 X 1330 to make an appointment. If you can’t make it, feel free to email the Selectman at: mark.r.forest@comcast.net.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, February 4, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Children of all ages and parents welcome

Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD) encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. Come to the South Yarmouth Library and enjoy an ice cream sundae while learning more about the importance of the library in the life of a child. Join the celebration! Sponsored by the South Yarmouth Library Association.

Tropics in the Winter

Friday, February 10, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Ages 12-18

Avoid the winter blues with a tropical party at the South Yarmouth Library! It may be cold outside, but we will be in warm spirits inside! Enjoy pizza, tropical punch, and mini-umbrella crafts. This is a teen event for ages 12 to 18. Registration recommended. Visit www.yarmouthlibraries.org, Calendar of Events to

sign up.

Learn to Read the Label,

Plant-Based Whole Food Living

Sunday, February 12, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library

By popular demand: Dr. Jeanne Schumacher returns for another session of Tips and Tricks for Plant-Based Whole Food Living SUCCESS - learning to read the labels on products in the grocery store. See how food marketing has re-worked our understanding of what is in our foods. Think of this as an interactive class (it's 3 hours, broken into 3 sessions...) Become a better consumer and heal thyself with Jeanne's program of smart eating. No sign up required - bring a friend or neighbor!

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Join us for BookTeasers

The Next Meeting will be Thursday, February 16, at 3:30 p.m. at the West Yarmouth Library

In this book group, readers bring a favorite book to share with others over tea and cookies. The guidelines are:

-All types of books are welcome as long as they are available through the CLAMS catalog.

-Be prepared to tell us in 2-3 minutes what you enjoyed about the book.

Bring your favorite reads and hear about others’ great finds! Food and drink allowed. BYO snacks.

Registration is necessary. To sign up, or for more information, contact the West Yarmouth Library at

508-775-5206.

My Own Creation Club

Thursday, February 16, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

West Yarmouth Library

Ages 5+

School break means more time to build! Join Ms. Nika for SUPER DELUXE M.O.C.C night. With two hours to build what will you create? The Library provides all the bricks for you to build whatever you choose. Let your imagination run wild! For ages 5 and up. Children under 10 years old must come with an adult.

Storytime at the Yarmouth Winter Carnival

Saturday, February 18

Storytimes at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m.

The Yarmouth Town Library’s Yarmouth Yeti is back for some storytime fun at the Yarmouth Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 18. The Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Yarmouth Recreation Department, will host its Winter Carnival from Saturday, February 18 - Monday, February 20 at Skull Island (Bass River Sports World) in South Yarmouth (weather permitting). Enjoy an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink, s'mores fun, and family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy! Family-friendly activities include a petting zoo, face painting, a balloon artist, hula hoop & fire show, stilt walkers, a caricature artist, magic shows, a live performance by the Drumming Nomads, and craft vendors! Kono Pizza and Veteran's Lunch Box food trucks, Meatball Bombs, and Papa Gino's will be there,

Ice skating registration will open on Monday, February 6, 2023. A schedule of events will be available soon!

Good Stories, Well Read

Saturday, February 18, 2:00 p.m.

West Yarmouth Library

Experience contemporary and classic short stories in a most entertaining way, read by local Cape Cod actors. No registration is required, but come early for a good seat in front of the fireplace at the West Yarmouth Library. This program is coordinated by Toby Wilson, who sometimes reads a piece. You don't want to miss this. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The Yarmouth Town Libraries

will be closed on

Monday, February 20,

for Presidents Day

Pokémon Training Camp

Tuesday, February 21 - Thursday, February 23,

10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Readers age 8+

Trying to catch them all? During our 3-day training camp, Matt from Cape Cod Toy Chest will teach trainers how to master the battling card game of Pokémon. Learn how to read a basic Pokémon card and understand the three types of Pokémon cards: Energy, Pokémon, and Trainer. You will be able to use the cards so you can evolve your Pokémon and use energy cards so your Pokémon can attack during game battle. You'll know how trainer cards work and when they should be used during game play. Registration is required for each day of training. Visit yarmouthlibraries.org, Calendar of Events to sign up.

Prerequisite: You must know how to read in order to play the game and do simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication).

Smash Bros

Friday, February 24, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Ages 12-18

School break is Smash Bros time! Battle your friends in a Super Smash Bros Tournament on the Library's Nintendo Switch. Enjoy some snacks, friendly competition and see if you have what it takes to be the Smash champion! This is a teen event for ages 12 to 18.

Sunday Author Visit

The Mourning Swim by Mike Bernard

Sunday February 26, 2:00 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library.

Join us for a talk by West Yarmouth resident Mike Bernard on his latest book, The Mourning Swim--a nostalgic tribute to childhood summers on Cape Cod-- wiffle ball and mini golf, rope bracelets and shell necklaces, penny candy and ice cream. And of course, those hot summer days and wild summer nights at Cape Cod Happy Hours. Goodreads says this is, "A hilarious and heartwarming story about Irish tempers, softrock music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and the enduring power of family." The Sunday Author Series is funded by the South Yarmouth Library Association. Registration is optional. Bring a friend or neighbor! Books will be available at the talk.

Pokéball Terrariums

Monday, February 27, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Ages 12-18

Registration recommended

Celebrate Pokémon Day, the anniversary of the release of the very first Pokémon game, with a special Pokémon-themed craft! We’ll supply all you need to create a terrarium home for your very own mini Poké Pal, as well as some snacks. To register, visit www.yarmouthlibraries.org, Calendar of Events.

Musical Discoveries in February

Saturdays: February 4 and 18 at 11:00 a.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Birth - 5 years old

Experience the joy of Musical Discoveries with Rachel Youngling during February. This program is appropriate for babies to 5-year-olds and their caregivers. Enjoy singing, movement and instruments. Drop in. Mark your calendars and join us on February 4 and February 18. We thank the South Yarmouth Library Association for funding this popular program.

Adventures in Storytime

Tuesdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:30 a.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Come and join storytime, featuring interactive stories and songs for you and your child! No registration needed. Birth through 5 years old. Children must come with an adult.

Family Fun Days

Saturday, February 11 and 25, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

South Yarmouth Library

Family fun for all. Bring the family to the library to enjoy a family-based activity. Parents are encouraged to participate. To ensure everyone who wants to is able to participate, we recommend you sign up - and, please register each participating family member. Visit yarmouthlibraries.org, Calendar of Events to register. Children under the age of 8 must come with an adult. Recommended for ages 8+.

February 11- DIY Pokémon Stress Balls

February 25 - Make Your Own Jigglypuff Punch and Pokémon Twinkie Treats

Maker Mondays

Mondays are for makers. Each week, a new Pokémon craft will be in the Children's area at the South Yarmouth Library and West Yarmouth Library. For ages 5+

Teen Programs

Drop-In Teen Crafts

South Yarmouth Library Teen Room

Relax, create, and socialize. Each week in February a new activity just for teens makes its way to the South Yarmouth Library teen room. Come on in!

Monthly Book Discussion Group Their Eyes Were Watching God

By Zora Neale Hurston

Tuesday, February 28, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

Join us as we discuss Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This novel tells of Janie Crawford, a Southern Black woman in the 1930s, whose journey from a free-spirited girl to a woman of independence and substance is rooted in Black folk traditions and steeped in mythic realism. The story of Janie's life and her three marriages pays quiet tribute to a woman who, though constricted at times, still demanded to be heard.

Copies of this book are available at both libraries. You can also listen to the audiobook or read the ebook on Overdrive/Libby or the Hoopla app. Please email ckaufmann@clamsnet.org or call the library at 508-760-4820 to register to receive a Zoom link or with any questions. If you need Zoom help, please call 508-760-4820 to set up a troubleshooting session or if you need any other assistance.

Staff Picks J Picture Book

Knight Owl

by Christopher Denise

Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial–a frightening intruder. It's a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.

J PIC DEN Reading Age: 3-7

Teen Graphic Novel

American Born Chinese

By Gene Luen-Yang

Jin Wang is pretty average. At least, he was your “average '' high schooler in an immigrant family, until he crossed paths with a new student on the first day of the new school year — a student who is also an immigrant — and suddenly, the two of them are battling Chinese mythological gods. Read the story now before it becomes a Disney+ series later this year.

YA GRAPHIC YAN Grade 8 and up

CLAMS is getting a new catalog!

When will this happen?
Our new catalog will be live on Monday, February 27. Your account will be unavailable February 25-26. The current catalog will be available to search, but you will not be able to place holds or check item availability. ComCat loans will pause on February 3.

What do I need to know now?
February 25 & 26: You will be able to borrow items at the library, but you must have your library card with you. If possible, make sure you have a current phone number and valid email address on file. This will make it much easier to access your account for your first sign-in to the new catalog.

How do I access my account after this change?
After February 26, you will be redirected to a new website. Choose your local library and click "Select Library Catalog" then SIGN IN using your library card number and the last 4 digits of your phone number on file.

For more information, visit: https://info.clamsnet.org/new-catalog-coming-soon/

Online Services Spotlight Hoopla/Craftsy

Whatever you like to create, Craftsy gives you the video tools to get the job done. Craftsy offers talented experts teaching across more than 20 categories.

Visit www.yarmouthlibraries.org/eBranch and click on Hoopla.

Library Planning Committee

Seeks New Members

The Library Planning Committee (LPC) is looking for new members. The group meets monthly and is currently working on a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultation on a Community Needs Assessment. If you are interested in the LPC, please stop by and visit Library Director Jane Cain at the South Yarmouth Library, or call her: 508-760-4820 X 1312.

Town Library Board

Seeks a New Member

At its January meeting, the Town Library Board acknowledged the resignation of its Chair, Sue Loveland. We thanked her for her years of contributions to both the Board and the LPC and wish her a fine retirement! The Board selected George Bovino as its new Chair and Kathryn Basile as Vice Chair. There is now the opportunity for another community member to join the Library Board. If you are interested, please get in touch with our Library Director Jane Cain at the South Yarmouth Library, or call her at 508-760-4820 X 1312.