Friday, April 30, 2010

What Is Your Library Worth To You? Try Our Interactive Calculator

We know you value the services and resources provided by your public library, but just how much are those services worth? How much would you pay out-of-pocket if the library didn't exist, or if these services and resources weren't available at no cost? To find out, complete the Value of Library Service Calculator on the library website.

This Value of Library Service Calculator was developed by the Massachusetts Library Association Legislative Committee.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Library eBook Collection Expanded

Dozens of new eBook titles have been added to the CLAMS Digital Download collection. Visit our download site at http://clamsnet.lib.overdrive.com/ and select the first featured list "New eBooks" to find the latest. Follow the link "Browse all eBooks" to see complete list of available titles (this appears under "Collections" on the Digital Download page). The website also features information on compatible portable eReader devices.

Register Now For Brazilian Cooking Class

Bella will share some of her favorite Brazilian recipes in a class at the library on Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30pm. The Vineyard Grocer will be supplying the wonderfully fresh ingredients.

Attendance for this free event will be limited. To sign up, call or stop by the library, or register online.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Upcoming Events With Local Authors

The library is pleased to present several appearances by local authors who have received national attention:

Susan Wilson: One Good Dog
Wednesday April 28, 7pm
Martha's Vineyard author Susan Wilson will read from her recently published book, One Good Dog. The book tells the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each other—in ways they never could have expected. Susan’s book has made the New York Times extended bestseller list. A reception will follow Susan’s reading.

Alan Brigish: Breathing in the Buddha
Tuesday May 4, 7pm
Alan Brigish is documentary photographer and writer of in-depth photo essays and well-researched stories. His coverage of cultures, people, and history are legendary. He will share stories and pictures from his most recent book, Breathing in the Buddha.

America According to Connor Gifford
Friday May 7, 5:30pm
Connor Gifford’s book about the history of the United States covers 400 years of our nation trying to get it right. His book offers the gift of hope and inspiration from an amazing young man who has Down’s syndrome.

Holly Nadler: After Life Encounters
Tuesday May 11, 7pm
Holly is the author of several books and has spent a great deal of time investigating and trying to understand paranormal research. She will be sharing the experience of her six or more encounters.

Art Show Submissions Needed by May 1st

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are looking for emerging artists to participate in their first annual art show.

The show will be held on June 7-19th, with an evening reception on Tuesday June 8th.

The deadline for submissions will be May 1, 2010.

For more information, visit the library or view the Friends website: www.vhlibrary.org/artshow.shtml

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Special Event with Alex the Jester!

On Saturday, May 1st, the Martha's Vineyard Library Association and the Vineyard Playhouse will host two special shows by Alex the Jester, an internationally renowned and talented performer. He will perform at 11am for children ages 4 and up, and at 2pm for children 9 and up. Performances will be at the Vineyard Playhouse and tickets are $5 each. Visit the Vineyard Haven Library Children's room to learn how you can win free tickets for this event.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Researching Family History Using the Massachusetts Archives

The Archives Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office is the repository for Massachusetts records generated by state government. Archives holdings date from the beginning of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1628 and document the settlement of lands in Maine and Massachusetts, the arrival of immigrants, and the development of state government.

The Massachusetts Archives holds a number of records that can be used for genealogical and family history research. Whether you are just starting your family tree, or have been researching for many years, the Archives is a great place to get information about your ancestors. On Saturday, April 24th at 10:30am, visiting reference Archivist Autumn Haag will be at the Vineyard Haven Library to present a free program for the public. She will discuss how to begin your research and the resources available at the State Archives, resources available online, and how to request copies of records from the Archives by mail and email.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Early Closing Due To Annual Town Meeting

The library will close at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 13th, due to the Tisbury Annual Town Meeting which will take place at the Tisbury School Auditorium beginning at 7pm. Library computers will be shut down at 6:00pm.

The annual town meeting warrant is available on the Town of Tisbury's website. This year, ARTICLE 4 (Capital appropriations and other new equipment), includes a request for $7,185 to be expended by the Library to replace three computers for use by the public, to purchase a system for public access computer session management, and to purchase a network printer and related equipment for public use.

2010 Pulitzer Prizes Announced

These 2010 Pulitzer prizewinning titles are available from CLAMS libraries:

FICTION: “Tinkers,” by Paul Harding

DRAMA: “Next to Normal,” music by Tom Kitt; book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

HISTORY: “Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World,” by Liaquat Ahamed

BIOGRAPHY: “The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt,” by T.J. Stiles

POETRY: “Versed,” by Rae Armantrout

GENERAL NONFICTION: “The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy,” by David E. Hoffman

A complete list of winners and finalists is available at www.pulitzer.org.

Last Minute Tax Information

Many Federal and State tax forms and instruction books, including the 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, and associated schedules, are available at the library. If there’s a form we don’t have, you can print a copy of the form from the IRS website at the library at no charge (instruction books excluded).

Taxpayers who need more time to complete their returns can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file their tax returns by filing Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File. The extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file the tax return An extension does not give the taxpayer an extension of time to pay, but the IRS does offer some payment options.

Many taxpayers can e-file their extensions at no cost from a home computer using IRS traditional FreeFile or Free Fillable Forms. For more information, visit IRS.gov.