Saturday, June 27, 2009

Getting Into Genealogy

On Friday, July 10th, from 10am-noon, the library will offer a free class called "Getting Into Genealogy". This two-hour workshop will provide sufficient information about how to get started in genealogy and family history. The workshop will be presented by Patricia M. Stano-Carpenter, President of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc.

Please register online through the library event calendar, or contact the library (508) 696-4210.

The library is offering the class as part of the EqualAccess Grant Program, funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Library recently used grant funds to purchase the Ancestry Library Edition database, a genealogy database for use by library patrons, and a new collection of genealogy books.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Good News for iPod Users!

Upgrade to OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 and most titles in our WMA Audiobook collection will instantly become compatible with your iPod and other Apple devices for users with Windows PCs. OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 is free!

Titles in MP3 format are compatible with MAC computers and most portable devices including iPods. See the 'Plays on' icons next to each title for compatibility information.

OverDrive is a new collection of downloadable digital media available through participating libraries in the CLAMS network, including Vineyard Haven.

To get started, browse the OverDrive Digital Catalog, then use your CLAMS card to check out an audiobook, ebook, or music title to download and play on your home PC or portable audio device. Selected titles can also be burned to CD.

For more information, ask a Vineyard Haven library staff member, or visit the Digital Help section of the OverDrive website.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Events Added to Library Schedule!

The library has added some additional events to our series celebrating the popular culture of India. On Tuesday, June 23, at 7PM, Kiran and Latika Chihbber will present dancing from India and the special music that goes with it. They will be wearing their beautiful traditional garments, and audience members who wish to will have an opportunity to participate.

On Thursday, June 25th at 7pm, the library will be screening a classic film from acclaimed Indian director Satyajit Ray. This first film in a trilogy tells the story of Apu, a boy from a poor Brahmin family in a village in Bengal.

Details for these and other programs are available on the library's Event Calendar.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Library Cultural Programs

The library's month-long celebration of the culture of India continues with a variety events including films, workshops and performances. Details for all of these free events are available on the library event calendar.

In addition, the library will host a Thai history talk and cooking demonstration on Saturday, June 20th at 2pm. This will accompany a celebration of the Trail of Thai Royalty Day on Martha’s Vineyard. A plaque will be placed at 2 locations on West Chop. The plaques on this trail honor Thailand’s longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The plaques will be placed on Sunday, June 21st. Advance registration is required for the library cooking program.

Monday, June 1, 2009

June Events: Popular Culture of India

The library is hosting a month-long exploration of Indian cultural topics in June. The series begins on Tuesday June 2nd at 7pm, with a screening of the 2009 Best Picture Oscar winner, a film about a teenager from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."

On Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm, guest lecturer Kara Baer will talk about the Bollywood film phenomenon. On Tuesday, June 16th from 6pm-9:45pm the library will be showing a Bollywood epic about the people of a small village in Victorian India who stake their future on a game of cricket against their ruthless British rulers.

On Sunday, June 14th at 2pm, Nancy Shai from Body Art will present a henna workshop in the garden. Priya Datta will demonstrate Indian cooking techniques on Wednesday, June 24th at 7pm. (Advance registration will be required for this event).

Our series on India will conclude with a performance on Saturday, June 27th at 2pm. The Spindrift Marionettes will present “The Butter Thief”, a story from the childhood of Krishna.