Cotuit Public Library Events

Music and Movement

Bring your little ones for music and play! Join us on Mondays at 10 a.m. for fun activities at Cotuit Library.

Rep Kip Diggs

Lap Babies

For ages 0-18 Months: Connect with other parents and bond with your child through songs, books, and play. Miss Julie will lead with fingerplays, songs, a few stories, and time to play and connect with other families.

Cribbage

Join the cribbage group at Cotuit Library on Mondays for a friendly game from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.!

Build a Glove Puppet with local Puppeteer

This workshop is for children who love creating and crafting. We will make glove puppets using specially prepared gloves, yarn, buttons, fabric scraps, and other interesting materials. Following simple steps, participants will assemble unique and beautiful puppets that may inspire joyful puppetry play. Children will go home with their own handcrafted puppets. Jacek Zuzanski, founder of Dream Tale Puppets, will guide young puppet makers through this fun and creative exploration. For children ages 4 and up. Parents and caregivers are warmly welcome, especially to assist children younger than 7.

Scrabble

Drop in for a game of scrabble or two. Whether you're a wordsmith or literary lover or just someone who likes playing tile games, Scrabble at the Cotuit Library spells F-U-N.

When Trees Testify: Reclaiming America's Black Botanical Legacy with Beronda Montgomery

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. These trees, and others, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that, like Native American traditions, predates the United States entirely. In  When Trees Testify , award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees, as well as the cotton shrub, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. As Montgomery shows, trees are material witnesses to the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Combining the wisdom of science and history with stories from her own path to botany, Montgomery talks to majestic trees, and in this unique and compelling narrative, they answer. Register today for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mastery.  This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cotuit Library. Thank you, Friends!

Walk and Talk

Come meet in the library parking lot for some light stretches and then a relaxed stroll over Cotuit's sidewalks and down the sidestreets. Bring a waterbottle and friendly, community vibes.

Virtual: JOB SEARCH HELP -- How To Use AI In Your Job Search

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**  Job seekers are using AI more than ever, and most of it is making things harder, not easier. In this session, recruiter Kelli Hrivnak breaks down exactly where AI genuinely helps in a job search and where it backfires, from sharpening a resume to turning an existing LinkedIn network into a real outreach list. You'll see a live demo of the "cultivate list" method, sorting connections and drafting personalized outreach at scale, the kind of tactic recruiters use, not generic AI tips. Expect practical, tested advice from someone who reads hundreds of AI-assisted applications a week.  Click to register.

Insect Identification with Escher Cattle

Curious about the insects in your backyard? Escher Cattle from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, presenter of the in-demand Make Ticks Take a Hike talk, is back with a presentation featuring insect identification. The presentation will go over different methods and tools of identification for the casual bug-watcher and the garden pest-fearer. You will learn defining characteristics for common insect orders and have fun participating in quick-fire identification activities. Come join us for an engaging and entertaining talk about how to identify what "bugs" you. Hope to see you there!

Morning Mahjong Group

Join our Thursday morning Mahjong group at the Cotuit Library. This is an ongoing, social play group designed primarily for experienced players who are comfortable with the rules and have been playing regularly for at least a few months. Players are encouraged to bring their own Mahjong set if they have one. We typically offer a mix of experienced tables and a beginner-friendly table; however, “beginner” in this context means players who already know how to play and are continuing to build confidence through regular play. No registration is required — simply drop in and join us. Please plan to arrive promptly (or a few minutes early) so tables can be set up and play can begin by 10:00 a.m. If you are brand new to Mahjong or are looking for formal lessons, please contact the library. We can connect interested patrons with a local instructor who offers instruction privately outside the library. For questions, please contact Averyl Clemons at  aclemons.ct@clamsnet.org .

Bridge Group

Come drop in for a game of Bridge on Thursdays at 1 in the afternoon. Groups of four are welcome to join. No sign up required but interested players please contact Susan Boynton at 508-527-9783. We hope to see you there!

High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery with Lucy Foley

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.  The notorious actress.  The high-flying politician.  The society wife.  The reckless friend.  The shrewd doctor.   But not everyone is here for a winter holiday. Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple. When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next… Register today! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cotuit Library. Thank you, Friends!

Eclectic Selections Book Club

Meets at the library on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:30. Contact Susan Cohen for more info at susanlcohen.ma@gmail.com. All are welcome!

Fun Friday Storytime

Kick off your weekend with a morning of fun: 📖 Interactive stories to spark young imaginations 🎨 A creative craft activity 🔍 An engaging scavenger hunt Parents and children are invited to stay afterward for open play – the perfect chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy our welcoming space. Due to the popularity of our children’s programs, registration is now required. This helps us balance group sizes, parking, and ensures that Miss Julie has enough space for each child to play safely and comfortably. Registration opens one week prior to the program. If a session fills up, you'll be added to the waitlist and contacted as space becomes available. Caregivers may register all children in their group under one name. We can't wait to see you there on Fridays to make your weekends even more special! 🌟

Author Talk with Gil Newton: "Discovering the Cape Cod Seashore"

Author Gil Newton will be giving a presentation on "Discovering the Cape Cod Seashore." This presentation will survey the marine plants and animals along the Cape shoreline, their ecology, and the diverse habitats in which they are found such as local beaches, salt marshes, sand dunes, tide pools, and rocky areas. There is a fascinating diversity of life along the edge of the sea. Participants will learn about local marine life including mollusks, crabs, echinoderms, horseshoe crabs, seaweeds, and other common species.

Music and Movement

Bring your little ones for music and play! Join us on Mondays at 10 a.m. for fun activities at Cotuit Library.

Cribbage

Join the cribbage group at Cotuit Library on Mondays for a friendly game from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.!

Virtual: Women of War -- Italian Assassins, Spies & Couriers Who Fought The Nazis

Author Suzanne Cope will discuss her new book,  Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies, and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis . Discover the gripping, true, and untold history of the Italian anti-fascist resistance during World War II, told through the stories of four spectacularly courageous women fighters. Cope, a professor at New York University, is a narrative journalist, whose work has appeared in  New York Times ,  The Atlantic ,  Los Angeles Review of Books ,  Food & Wine , BBC,  Washington Post , and others.  Click to  register  for the event. This Virtual program is offered in partnership with Tewksbury Public Library.

Cape Light Compact

You might know you are paying an "energy efficiency surcharge" on your monthly Eversource electric bill and/or National Grid gas bill, but what you might not know is how to access the full benefits of this paid-for service. Cape Light Compact has some information for you on The Home Energy Assessment program, a service that connects residents to an Energy Specialist to identify energy efficiency opportunities in their home. Come find out the next steps you can take to have a more energy-efficient home!

Virtual Author Talk: The Democracy We Must Keep: Why the Ideas that Built America Still Matter with David O. Stewart

Join us as we chat with award-winning historian David O. Stewart about his newest work,  The Democracy We Must Keep , and the question he explores throughout the book: What did America's founders say about democracy, and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. In  The Democracy We Must Keep , historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry's thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: Power must be limited. Leaders must answer to the people. Individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary,  The Democracy We Must Keep  urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. Register today to gain a deeper understanding of how American democracy started, why it still matters, and the active role each generation must play to uphold it. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cotuit Library. Thank you, Friends!

Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association Meeting

Walk and Talk

Come meet in the library parking lot for some light stretches and then a relaxed stroll over Cotuit's sidewalks and down the sidestreets. Bring a waterbottle and friendly, community vibes.

Morning Mahjong Group

Join our Thursday morning Mahjong group at the Cotuit Library. This is an ongoing, social play group designed primarily for experienced players who are comfortable with the rules and have been playing regularly for at least a few months. Players are encouraged to bring their own Mahjong set if they have one. We typically offer a mix of experienced tables and a beginner-friendly table; however, “beginner” in this context means players who already know how to play and are continuing to build confidence through regular play. No registration is required — simply drop in and join us. Please plan to arrive promptly (or a few minutes early) so tables can be set up and play can begin by 10:00 a.m. If you are brand new to Mahjong or are looking for formal lessons, please contact the library. We can connect interested patrons with a local instructor who offers instruction privately outside the library. For questions, please contact Averyl Clemons at  aclemons.ct@clamsnet.org .

Bridge Group

Come drop in for a game of Bridge on Thursdays at 1 in the afternoon. Groups of four are welcome to join. No sign up required but interested players please contact Susan Boynton at 508-527-9783. We hope to see you there!

Historical Book Club

Run by the historical society of Santuit and Cotuit.

Fun Friday Storytime

Kick off your weekend with a morning of fun: 📖 Interactive stories to spark young imaginations 🎨 A creative craft activity 🔍 An engaging scavenger hunt Parents and children are invited to stay afterward for open play – the perfect chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy our welcoming space. Due to the popularity of our children’s programs, registration is now required. This helps us balance group sizes, parking, and ensures that Miss Julie has enough space for each child to play safely and comfortably. Registration opens one week prior to the program. If a session fills up, you'll be added to the waitlist and contacted as space becomes available. Caregivers may register all children in their group under one name. We can't wait to see you there on Fridays to make your weekends even more special! 🌟

Library is Closed for Labor Day

Barnstable Council on Aging: Reducing your Risk of Dementia

This program will review healthy lifestyle choices that may help lower your risk of dementia.  Have any questions about caregiving, Medicare, respite programs, memory issues, community resources, local supports and programs that the Council on Aging offers? The BCOA Caregiver/Support Service Coordinator has office hours every month at the library.

Virtual Author Talk: Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** 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. Register directly on Zoom  HERE . You can sign up for one session or for all! We'll send out a list of all recommendations for those who register. We will also be recording our meetings and uploading them to the Ashland Library  YouTube Channel . Please register for this event, and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom. This program is sponsored by the  Friends of the Ashland Public Library  and is in collaboration with a multitude of MA and NH libraries.

Virtual Author Talk: Writing the Nightmare: A Ship Called Sickness and One Unforgettable Space Crew with Daniel Kraus

Prepare to launch into the darkest depths of deep space! Join us online as we sit down with master storyteller Daniel Kraus, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel,  The Sixth Nik. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars  The Sickness : a ship woven from biomatter and capable of reacting to every need of its human crew. Sisilla, a nine-year-old cultist with a brain enhanced by arcane tech known as “niks,” has boarded to investigate the enigma of Fém—a plague-riddled planet that has abruptly gone rogue. The mysterious crew includes a faceless assassin, a beautiful engineer jigsawed by plastic surgery, a peyote-addicted medic, and—most lethal of all—a rugged, NonModded captain with a score to settle with Sisilla. Other dangers abound. A hacked robot begins to believe Sisilla is its daughter.  The Sickness  itself is mutating, possibly even pregnant. And the secret of Fém is more horrific than anyone could have imagined. To survive, Sisilla will need to forsake her predetermined fate and embrace the unknown. Register now to gain exclusive insight from one of the most visionary voices in modern fiction. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cotuit Library. Thank you, Friends!

Walk and Talk

Come meet in the library parking lot for some light stretches and then a relaxed stroll over Cotuit's sidewalks and down the sidestreets. Bring a waterbottle and friendly, community vibes.

Making Faces: Learning how to Sketch Photorealistic Portraits

Averyl Clemons taught herself how to sketch photo-realistic faces at fifteen-years-old, and she's here to tell you that if she can do it, you can do it too. She will take you step by step through the process of sketching a personal graphite portrait of your own face or the face of a loved one. Send the photo you would like to sketch to aclemons.ct@clamsnet.org prior to coming to the event so they can be printed for you. Please note that since the results are near copies of the original photographs, participants must submit photos taken by their own cameras to ensure there are no copyright infringements. This is an adult craft intended for audiences 16 and up.

Office Hours with Town Councilor Seth Burdick

Morning Mahjong Group

Join our Thursday morning Mahjong group at the Cotuit Library. This is an ongoing, social play group designed primarily for experienced players who are comfortable with the rules and have been playing regularly for at least a few months. Players are encouraged to bring their own Mahjong set if they have one. We typically offer a mix of experienced tables and a beginner-friendly table; however, “beginner” in this context means players who already know how to play and are continuing to build confidence through regular play. No registration is required — simply drop in and join us. Please plan to arrive promptly (or a few minutes early) so tables can be set up and play can begin by 10:00 a.m. If you are brand new to Mahjong or are looking for formal lessons, please contact the library. We can connect interested patrons with a local instructor who offers instruction privately outside the library. For questions, please contact Averyl Clemons at  aclemons.ct@clamsnet.org .

Bridge Group

Come drop in for a game of Bridge on Thursdays at 1 in the afternoon. Groups of four are welcome to join. No sign up required but interested players please contact Susan Boynton at 508-527-9783. We hope to see you there!

Fun Friday Storytime

Kick off your weekend with a morning of fun: 📖 Interactive stories to spark young imaginations 🎨 A creative craft activity 🔍 An engaging scavenger hunt Parents and children are invited to stay afterward for open play – the perfect chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy our welcoming space. Due to the popularity of our children’s programs, registration is now required. This helps us balance group sizes, parking, and ensures that Miss Julie has enough space for each child to play safely and comfortably. Registration opens one week prior to the program. If a session fills up, you'll be added to the waitlist and contacted as space becomes available. Caregivers may register all children in their group under one name. We can't wait to see you there on Fridays to make your weekends even more special! 🌟

Presidential Series with Doodler Heather Rogers: William Henry Harrison

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**  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. This month, we turn to a lesser-known president, William Henry Harrison. His wife had more children than any other First Lady. He had a super-catchy campaign song (which we hope to hear!). He was the first president to die in office; the shortest presidency. He once had a 2,000-beaver bounty on his head.  Don't you want to know more?  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.  Don't you want to know more? 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.  Register directly on Zoom  HERE . You can sign up for one session or for all!  RECORDING NOTE:  This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. This event is offered in collaboration with a multitude of MA and NH libraries.  MA: Amherst, Andover, Chatham, Chelmsford, Cohasset, Cotuit, Falmouth, Groton, Hanover, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Maynard, North Reading, Quincy, Shutesbury, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wellesley, West Newbury, and Woburn; NH: Amherst, Dover, and Greenfield.

Music and Movement

Bring your little ones for music and play! Join us on Mondays at 10 a.m. for fun activities at Cotuit Library.

Cribbage

Join the cribbage group at Cotuit Library on Mondays for a friendly game from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.!

Virtual - In Conversation with Author Heather B. Moore: "Her America"

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**  From award-winning, starred-review author Heather B. Moore comes a powerful portrait of eight American women whose courage and conviction drove them to smash stereotypes and build a nation - we'll be discussing "Her America", released just a few weeks ago. We loved chatting with Heather earlier this year so we just had to have her back for this new book! We hope you can join us for another fascinating conversation. Register here!

Lap Babies

For ages 0-18 Months: Connect with other parents and bond with your child through songs, books, and play. Miss Julie will lead with fingerplays, songs, a few stories, and time to play and connect with other families.

Virtual Author Talk: The Art of Fighting: Building Better, Stronger Relationships with Priya Parker

Join us for a paradigm-shifting, essential event as we sit down with world-renowned master facilitator Priya Parker to discuss her groundbreaking new book,  The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict .  In  The Art of Fighting , Priya Parker explains that we can’t form and grow effective relationships without a fight. She rejects the idea that conflict is abnormal or that good groups don’t fight. All groups change and evolve; indeed, it’s because people disagree that good groups flourish. As she did in the now-classic  The Art of Gathering , Parker draws on her far-reaching experience as a conflict facilitator, her own detailed research, and real-world examples to lay out the ways that people can identify disputes, determine how to address them, and what to do if they are insurmountable. Whether people disagree in the boardroom or the locker room, on a playground or in church, online or in person, conflict is a part of life, and understanding healthy conflict and how to harness its power is more important than ever.  The Art of Fighting  is a vital primer to help all of us understand how to do that. Register today to learn how to turn everyday arguments into profound moments of connection and trust! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cotuit Library. Thank you, Friends!

Walk and Talk

Come meet in the library parking lot for some light stretches and then a relaxed stroll over Cotuit's sidewalks and down the sidestreets. Bring a waterbottle and friendly, community vibes.

Morning Mahjong Group

Join our Thursday morning Mahjong group at the Cotuit Library. This is an ongoing, social play group designed primarily for experienced players who are comfortable with the rules and have been playing regularly for at least a few months. Players are encouraged to bring their own Mahjong set if they have one. We typically offer a mix of experienced tables and a beginner-friendly table; however, “beginner” in this context means players who already know how to play and are continuing to build confidence through regular play. No registration is required — simply drop in and join us. Please plan to arrive promptly (or a few minutes early) so tables can be set up and play can begin by 10:00 a.m. If you are brand new to Mahjong or are looking for formal lessons, please contact the library. We can connect interested patrons with a local instructor who offers instruction privately outside the library. For questions, please contact Averyl Clemons at  aclemons.ct@clamsnet.org .

Bridge Group

Come drop in for a game of Bridge on Thursdays at 1 in the afternoon. Groups of four are welcome to join. No sign up required but interested players please contact Susan Boynton at 508-527-9783. We hope to see you there!

Virtual - Mystery/Thriller Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Hank Phillippi Ryan

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** Love Mysteries and Thrillers, but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan for this quarterly session of her recommendations of some of the best mysteries/thrillers out there! We're sure you'll find something to like from Hank's many enthusiastic reviews. Register directly on Zoom  HERE . You can sign up for one session or for all! We'll send out a list of all recommendations for those who register. We will also be recording our meetings and uploading them to the Ashland Library  YouTube Channel . Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom. This program is sponsored by the  Friends of the Ashland Public Library  and is in collaboration with a multitude of MA and NH libraries.

Cotuit Chronicles: Finding Moody Crocker: Researching and Restoring an Historic Cape Home

Speaker:   Jeanne Pelletier, Historic Preservationist; Jeanne is a lawyer and preservationist with more than 35 years of experience in research and restoration. Topic:   Jeanne Pelletier tells the story of researching and restoring her house, barn, and farm at 46 Cedar Street in West Barnstable, originally attributed to Moody Crocker and his wife, Mercy Nye, who married around 1795.  Dating an historic house, however, is more of an art than a science, and sorting out conflicting stories requires some creative sleuthing. Enjoy an armchair tour of the restoration process, and learn how historic deeds, wills, and other records can bring a two-hundred-year-old family back to life.

Fun Friday Storytime

Kick off your weekend with a morning of fun: 📖 Interactive stories to spark young imaginations 🎨 A creative craft activity 🔍 An engaging scavenger hunt Parents and children are invited to stay afterward for open play – the perfect chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy our welcoming space. Due to the popularity of our children’s programs, registration is now required. This helps us balance group sizes, parking, and ensures that Miss Julie has enough space for each child to play safely and comfortably. Registration opens one week prior to the program. If a session fills up, you'll be added to the waitlist and contacted as space becomes available. Caregivers may register all children in their group under one name. We can't wait to see you there on Fridays to make your weekends even more special! 🌟

Steeple St. Poetry Group

Connect & Crochet

Join us for Connect & Crochet, a relaxed program where kids can learn the basics of crochet, work on ongoing projects, and connect with friends. As you stitch you can chat about the books you're reading, share what you've been up to, and enjoy a creative afternoon together. Beginners and experienced crocheters are all welcome! *Supplies will be provided for beginners!