About the Woods Hole Public Library

The library is a nonprofit corporation open to public use without charge. Support comes from membership gifts, fundraising events, endowment income, and appropriations from the Town of Falmouth. It is a member of CLAMS (Cape and Islands Automated Materials Sharing Network)

The Library’s collection of books, magazines and newspapers, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, music CDs, eBooks, and eAudiobooks totals over 55,000 items. The Thomas G. Ratcliffe Room houses a circulating theater arts collections, the Gretchen Ward Warren dance collection, local history, and a special collection of maritime titles. A collection of special items like sewing machines, nature kits, soil block makers, a digital projector, and more are also available for checkout. A unique collection of historic paintings by Franklin L. Gifford is also housed in the Library.

Library services include:

• Online catalog that includes the holdings of all CLAMS libraries
• Access to downloadable eBook and eAudiobook collections through OverDrive and the Commonwealth eBook Collections
• Interlibrary loan services
• Book delivery for homebound patrons
• Summer Reading Program for children
• Library visits and story hours for preschool children
• Internet access/WiFi
• Photocopy and fax machine

The Woods Hole Historical Museum is a subdivision of the same nonprofit corporation. Established in 1977 to bring together people interested in the history and character of the Woods Hole community, the museum maintains an active schedule of exhibits, talks, and special events designed to highlight many aspects of Woods Hole life, history, and culture.