CAPE COD PUBLIC LIBRARIES - COMPLETE GUIDE
Detailed guides to Cape Cod's historic and modern libraries
COMPLETE LIST OF CAPE COD LIBRARIES BY TOWN:
BARNSTABLE (7 Libraries):
- Sturgis Library - Barnstable Village (3090 Main Street)
- Centerville Public Library - Centerville (585 Main Street)
- Cotuit Library - Cotuit (871 Main Street)
- Hyannis Public Library - Hyannis (401 Main Street)
- Marstons Mills Public Library - Marstons Mills (2160 Main Street)
- Osterville Village Library - Osterville (43 Wianno Avenue)
- Whelden Memorial Library - West Barnstable (2401 Meetinghouse Way)
DENNIS (5 Libraries):
- Dennis Memorial Library - Dennis (1020 Old Bass River Road) - (508) 385-2255
- Dennis Public Library - Dennis Port (5 Hall Street) - (508) 760-6219
- Jacob Sears Memorial Library - East Dennis (23 Center Street) - (508) 385-8151
- South Dennis Free Public Library - South Dennis (389 Main Street) - (508) 394-8954
- West Dennis Public Library - West Dennis (260 Main Street/Route 28) - (508) 398-2050
YARMOUTH (3 Libraries):
- Yarmouth Port Library - Yarmouth Port (297 Main Street/Route 6A) - (508) 362-3717
- South Yarmouth Library - South Yarmouth (312 Old Main Street) - (508) 760-4820
- West Yarmouth Library - West Yarmouth (391 Main Street/Route 28) - (508) 775-5206
BREWSTER:
- Brewster Ladies' Library - Brewster (1822 Main Street) - (508) 896-3913
HARWICH:
- Brooks Free Library - Harwich (739 Main Street) - (508) 430-7562
CHATHAM:
- Eldredge Public Library - Chatham (564 Main Street) - (508) 945-5170
ORLEANS:
- Snow Library - Orleans (67 Main Street) - (508) 240-3760
EASTHAM:
- Eastham Public Library - Eastham (190 Samoset Road) - (508) 240-5950
WELLFLEET:
- Wellfleet Public Library - Wellfleet (55 West Main Street) - (508) 349-0310
TRURO:
- Truro Public Library - Truro (7 Standish Way) - (508) 487-1125
PROVINCETOWN:
- Provincetown Public Library - Provincetown (356 Commercial Street) - (508) 487-7094
FALMOUTH (4 Libraries):
- Falmouth Public Library - Falmouth (300 Main Street) - (508) 457-2555
- East Falmouth Library - East Falmouth (310 East Falmouth Highway) - (508) 548-6340
- North Falmouth Library - North Falmouth (11 Chester Street) - (508) 563-2922
- West Falmouth Library - West Falmouth (575 West Falmouth Highway) - (508) 548-4709
SANDWICH:
- Sandwich Public Library - Sandwich (142 Main Street) - (508) 888-0625
MASHPEE:
- Mashpee Public Library-Wampanoag Indian Museum - Mashpee (64 Steeple Street) - (508) 539-1435
BOURNE:
- Jonathan Bourne Public Library - Bourne (19 Sandwich Road) - (508) 759-0644
TOTAL CAPE COD LIBRARIES: 32
- Barnstable: 7 libraries
- Dennis: 5 libraries
- Yarmouth: 3 libraries
- Falmouth: 4 libraries
- All other towns: 1 library each (13 towns)
DETAILED LIBRARY GUIDES
DENNIS LIBRARIES (All 5)
1. DENNIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY - DENNIS
Location: 1020 Old Bass River Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 385-2255
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (check website for current hours)
About: Dennis Memorial Library serves the Dennis village area with comprehensive library services including books, digital resources, programs, and community space.
Services:
- CLAMS network access
- WiFi and public computers
- Children's and adult programs
- Museum passes
- Meeting rooms
Parking: FREE parking available
2. DENNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY - DENNIS PORT
Location: 5 Hall Street, Dennisport, MA 02639
Phone: (508) 760-6219
Website: dennispubliclibrary.org
Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 10 AM - 8 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Closed Sunday-Monday
About: Dennis Public Library is the main library facility for Dennis, offering the most extensive hours and comprehensive services of all Dennis libraries.
Services:
- Extensive book collections
- DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks
- E-books and digital downloads
- Free WiFi and public computers
- Printing, scanning, photocopying
- Technology assistance
- Museum passes
- Children's and adult programming
Extended Evening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday until 8 PM provides convenient access for working residents
Parking: FREE parking lot adjacent to library
3. JACOB SEARS MEMORIAL LIBRARY - EAST DENNIS
Location: 23 Center Street, East Dennis, MA 02641
Phone: (508) 385-8151
Website: jacobsearslibrary.org
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM (Closed Sunday)
Historic Significance:
- Built: 1895
- Architecture: Exceptional Shingle Style design
- Architect: Rand & Taylor (Boston firm)
- National Register: Listed 2009
- Founder: Jacob Sears bequest
About: Jacob Sears Memorial Library is one of Dennis's most architecturally significant buildings, a stunning example of Shingle Style architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic gem combines architectural heritage with active library service.
Special Features:
- Historic Shingle Style architecture
- National Register of Historic Places designation
- Morning hours perfect for quiet library visits
- CLAMS network access
- Local history collection
Parking: Street parking on Center Street
4. SOUTH DENNIS FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY - SOUTH DENNIS
Location: 389 Main Street, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 394-8954
Website: southdennislibrary.org
About: South Dennis Free Public Library serves the South Dennis community with library services, programs, and community space in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Services:
- Book collections for all ages
- CLAMS network access
- Children's programs
- Adult programs and book clubs
- Free WiFi
- Community meeting space
Parking: FREE parking available
5. WEST DENNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY - WEST DENNIS
Location: 260 Main Street (Route 28), West Dennis, MA 02670
Phone: (508) 398-2050
Website: westdennislibrary.org
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Closed Saturday
About: West Dennis Library provides intimate, community-focused library services on convenient Route 28 location.
Unique Feature: One of few Dennis libraries open Sundays (11 AM - 2 PM)
Services:
- Book collections
- CLAMS network access
- Community programs
- Personal, neighborhood atmosphere
- Route 28 convenience
Parking: FREE parking at library
YARMOUTH LIBRARIES (All 3)
1. YARMOUTH PORT LIBRARY - YARMOUTH PORT
Location: 297 Main Street (Route 6A), Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
Phone: (508) 362-3717
Email: [email protected]
Website: yarmouthportlibrary.org
Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 AM - 3 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM - Noon
- Closed Sunday & Monday
About: The Yarmouth Port Library is a privately funded, public library open to all. Located on historic Route 6A in Yarmouth Port village, this library serves the northern Yarmouth community.
Special Features:
- Privately funded public library
- Historic Route 6A location
- Ancestry.com access in library
- Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850
- Genealogy resources
- Historic Yarmouth materials
Services:
- Book collections for all ages
- CLAMS network access
- Genealogy and local history resources
- Research assistance
- Children's and adult programs
- Free WiFi
Parking: Parking available at library
2. SOUTH YARMOUTH LIBRARY - SOUTH YARMOUTH
Location: 312 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Phone: (508) 760-4820
Website: yarmouthlibraries.org
About: South Yarmouth Library is Yarmouth's main library facility, serving the community for over 150 years with comprehensive modern services and extensive programming.
Historic Legacy: Serving Yarmouth for 150+ years
Comprehensive Services:
- Extensive book collections
- DVDs, music CDs, games
- E-books and audiobooks
- Free WiFi and public computers
- Printing, scanning, photocopying
- Technology assistance
- Museum passes
- FREE parking
Programs:
- Children's story times and activities
- Adult book clubs and author events
- Technology classes
- Cultural programs
- Summer reading program
Parking: FREE parking lot
3. WEST YARMOUTH LIBRARY - WEST YARMOUTH
Location: 391 Main Street (Route 28), West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Phone: (508) 775-5206
Website: yarmouthlibraries.org
Established: 1891 (130+ years of service)
About: The West Yarmouth Library Association was incorporated February 4, 1891. Today it continues as one of two Yarmouth Town Libraries, offering comprehensive services on convenient Route 28.
Historic Tradition:
- Founded 1891 by library association
- Original dues: 50 cents per year
- Original hours: Saturday afternoons only
- Now: Full modern library services
Friends Organization: West Yarmouth Library Association (WYLA) continues as active Friends group supporting library
Services:
- All Yarmouth Town Libraries services
- Same collections and programs as South Yarmouth
- CLAMS network access
- Museum passes
- Free WiFi, printing, technology help
- Children's and adult programming
Parking: FREE parking
ALL CAPE COD LIBRARIES OFFER:
✅ CLAMS Network - Borrow from 35+ Cape Cod libraries
✅ Free WiFi - Internet access at all locations
✅ Children's Programs - Story times and youth activities
✅ Adult Programs - Book clubs, author events, classes
✅ Digital Resources - E-books, audiobooks, databases
✅ Museum Passes - Free or discounted attraction admission
✅ FREE Parking - All locations offer free parking
✅ Professional Staff - Knowledgeable, helpful librarians
✅ Community Space - Meeting rooms and gathering areas
✅ Accessibility - ADA compliant facilities
CLAMS NETWORK BENEFITS
Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing (CLAMS):
All Cape Cod public libraries participate in CLAMS, providing:
- Borrow Anywhere: Use your card at any CLAMS library
- Return Anywhere: Return materials to any CLAMS location
- One Catalog: Search entire Cape Cod collection online
- Digital Resources: Shared e-books, audiobooks, magazines
- Interlibrary Loan: Access to libraries across Massachusetts
- ComCat: Borrow from any Massachusetts library
CLAMS Digital Resources:
- OverDrive/Libby - E-books and audiobooks
- Hoopla - Movies, music, audiobooks, e-books
- RBdigital - Digital magazines
- And many more databases and online resources
LIBRARY CARD INFORMATION
Getting a Library Card:
- Residents: Free cards for town residents with proof of address
- Non-Residents: Some libraries offer visitor cards or fees
- CLAMS Card: Works at all 35+ Cape Cod libraries
- Immediate Use: Cards typically active same day
What You Need:
- Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- Complete application form
- Parent/guardian signature for minors
MUSEUM PASS PROGRAM
Most Cape Cod libraries offer free or discounted museum passes to:
- Boston Museums: MFA, Science Museum, Aquarium
- Cape Cod Museums: Heritage Museums, Glass Museum, Natural History
- Plymouth Attractions: Plimoth Patuxet, Mayflower II
- New Bedford: Whaling Museum, other attractions
- And many more throughout Massachusetts
How to Reserve:
- Check library website or call
- Reserve in advance (passes are popular)
- Pick up at library
- Return on time for others to use
- Save significant admission costs
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & SERVICES
Genealogy Resources:
- Sturgis Library (Barnstable): Premier genealogy collection
- Yarmouth Port Library: MA Vital Records to 1850, Ancestry access
- Local History: Most libraries maintain local history collections
- Research Assistance: Librarians help with family history research
Historic Libraries:
- Sturgis Library (1644): Oldest library building in America
- Jacob Sears Memorial Library (1895): National Register, Shingle Style
- Many others: Historic buildings throughout Cape Cod
Technology Services:
- Computer classes and tech help at most libraries
- 3D printing (select locations)
- Digital media labs (larger libraries)
- WiFi hotspot lending (some locations)
VISITING TIPS
Best Times to Visit:
- Weekday mornings: Quieter, more staff availability
- Avoid first week of month: Busiest for new materials
- Off-season: Less crowded, more personal service
- Call ahead: Verify hours, especially holidays
Making the Most of Your Visit:
- Get a library card: Even if visiting, consider temporary card
- Reserve museum passes: Plan ahead for popular attractions
- Ask librarians: They're experts on local resources and attractions
- Explore digital resources: Download books before you leave
- Attend programs: Great way to experience local culture
For Researchers:
- Call ahead: Confirm collection access and research hours
- Appointment option: Some libraries offer research consultations
- Bring information: Come prepared with what you know
- Document everything: Take notes, photos (with permission)
CAPE COD LIBRARY COMPARISON
Best for Historic Architecture:
- Sturgis Library (1644 - oldest in America)
- Jacob Sears Memorial Library (National Register, 1895 Shingle Style)
Best for Genealogy Research:
- Sturgis Library (Barnstable)
- Yarmouth Port Library
Best for Extended Hours:
- Dennis Public Library (evening hours until 8 PM)
Best for Weekend Access:
- West Dennis Library (Sunday hours)
- Many libraries open Saturdays
Largest Collections:
- Hyannis Public Library (Barnstable)
- Falmouth Public Library
- South Yarmouth Library
Most Convenient Locations:
- Route 28 Libraries: West Yarmouth, West Dennis (easy beach access)
- Route 6A Libraries: Historic Old King's Highway locations
CONTACT INFORMATION SUMMARY
DENNIS LIBRARIES (5):
- Dennis Memorial Library: (508) 385-2255
- Dennis Public Library: (508) 760-6219
- Jacob Sears Memorial Library: (508) 385-8151
- South Dennis Free Public Library: (508) 394-8954
- West Dennis Public Library: (508) 398-2050
YARMOUTH LIBRARIES (3):
- Yarmouth Port Library: (508) 362-3717
- South Yarmouth Library: (508) 760-4820
- West Yarmouth Library: (508) 775-5206
OTHER MAJOR LIBRARIES:
- Sturgis Library (Barnstable): (508) 362-6636
- Hyannis Public Library: (508) 775-2280
- Brooks Free Library (Harwich): (508) 430-7562
- Brewster Ladies' Library: (508) 896-3913
- Eldredge Public Library (Chatham): (508) 945-5170
- Snow Library (Orleans): (508) 240-3760
- Provincetown Public Library: (508) 487-7094
- Falmouth Public Library: (508) 457-2555
CLAMS Network: info.clamsnet.org
Last Updated: [10/5/2025]
Report Changes: business@mustseein.com
Explore Cape Cod's 32 public libraries - from America's oldest library building to modern community resource centers, all connected through the CLAMS network for your research, reading, and lifelong learning needs.
