Sunday, December 6, 2015

Best Books of 2015: A List of Lists

Some choices for the best of 2015, from the media, associations, and readers:

American Library Association (ALA)
Notable Books For Adults:
http://www.ala.org/rusa/awards/notablebooks/lists/2015
Notable Books For Children:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb
Best Fiction for Young Adults
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2015-best-fiction-young-adults

Bookpage
http://bookpage.com/the-book-case?category_id=11542

Boston Globe
https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/books/2015/12/04/the-best-books/pbHAwhg02UDEyRf95kIQiK/story.html

The Economist
http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21679439-best-books-year-are-about-north-korea-detroit-nagasaki-and-being-pilot-shelf

Goodread's Choice Awards
http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2015

The Guardian Best Books of The Year
http://www.theguardian.com/books/bestbooksoftheyear

Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2015

LA Times Holiday Book Guide
http://www.latimes.com/style/holiday/la-jc-holiday-book-guide-2015-20151202-htmlstory.html

Library Journal
http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/category/best-of/


National Public Radio's Book Concierge‬, NPR’s guide to 2015's great reads
http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2015/


New York Times Notable Books
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/06/books/review/100-notable-books-of-2015.html

Publisher's Weekly
http://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2015

Seattle Times
http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/seattle-times-critics-best-books-of-2015/

Slate.com Overlooked Books of 2015
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/11/underrated_books_of_2015_overlooked_novels_collections_and_nonfiction_of.html

The Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/best-books-of-2015/

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/entertainment/best-books-of-2015/

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Holiday Schedule Changes

The Vineyard Haven Library will close early at 1pm on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th, and remain closed on December 25th.

The library will also close early at 1pm on New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31st, and remain closed on January 1st. There will be no Story Time programs the morning of Tuesday, December 29th.

The library is now open on Sundays from Noon until 4pm, however we will be closed both Sunday January 17th and Monday January 18th for the Martin Luther King, Jr's Day holiday.


The Library will be open on Sunday January 17th but closed on Monday January 18th for the Martin Luther King, Jr's Day holiday.

December Programs for Adults

Sunday, December 6, 1-3 pm
Adult Crafts: Pom Poms
Adults and teens age 12 and up are invited to come and learn a variety of pom pom making techniques suitable for a multitude of projects. Great for gift toppers, holiday decor, an even gifts. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and materials are provided.

Tuesday, December 8, 7 pm
Arnie Reisman: Clara Bow Died for Our Sins
Arnie Reisman is an award-winning writer, producer and performer whose work has appeared on television, radio, film, in various publications and theater. He is the second Poet Laureate of Martha's Vineyard and will be presenting his first book of poetry and photography, Clara Bow Died for Our Sins. Books will be available from the author and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, December 10, 6-7:45 pm
Vision Council Meeting
The Tisbury Planning Board has formed the Tisbury Vision Council to coordinate community participation in the implementation of the Tisbury Vision Plan and welcomes participation by all residents and business owners. The Council will focus on the attainment of vision goals through the hosting of meetings and workshops.

Sunday, December 13, 12-4 pm
Mini Book Sale FREE DAY!
Today only, the Friends of the Library will be liquidating excess stock from their monthly mini book sales for the bargain price of free! Includes free books for children, adults and teens.  The Friends will also be selling their reusable library tote bags for $2 each, which can be used to bring your free books home and also make great stocking stuffers and can be used as gift wrap.

Tuesday, December 15, 7 pm
Dean Rosenthal: Contemporary Classical Composer
Martha's Vineyard-based composer Dean Rosenthal will present a talk and presentation of his music, focusing on two of his contemporary pieces, Island and Stones/Water/Time/Breath. These works take different elements of Martha's Vineyard culture as inspiration, one focusing on an outdoor, site-specific performance piece in nature and the other engaging the Island community in a musical documentary work of sound art. Rosenthal will discuss these pieces and play recordings, share scores, and screen two short videos of the work. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments.

Wednesday, December 30, 7 pm
Long Point Five
Celebrate the New Year with a concert by Island repertory ensemble the Long Point Five, featuring John Schilling on trumpet, Jim Athearn on trombone, Julie Schilling on clarinet, Bud Larson on flute and Jeri Larson on piano.  Festive refreshments will be served.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Friends Mini Book Sale FREE DAY

Each month the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library hold "mini" book sales to raise funds for children's programs and other initiatives. This month, instead of offering books for sale, the Friends will be liquidating excess stock from their monthly book sales for the bargain price of free!

The free book day will be Sunday, December 13th, during regular library hours from noon to 4pm. Free books for children, adults and teens will be given away. The Friends will also be selling their reusable library tote bags for $2 each, which can be used to bring your free books home and also make great stocking stuffers and can be used as gift wrap.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Please Take our Patron Survey!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VHPL2015Patron suggestions are the most important resource we have in determining what materials and services to offer at Vineyard Haven Public Library. This brief survey will give you the opportunity to make valuable and specific suggestions to us. Please take a moment to provide us with this important information.

You may complete the survey online, or pick up a printed survey form at the Library.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Library Closed 1-4pm Tuesday November 17th; Thanksgiving Hours

Vineyard Haven Library will be closed from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, November 17th to allow all staff to attend training for all Tisbury town employees. The Library will be open for regular morning and evening hours that day (10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm).
The library will close early at 1pm on Wednesday, November 25th, and remain closed on Thursday November 26th and Friday November 27th for Thanksgiving. The library will be open regular hours on the Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Art in the Stacks: William Carter

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of oil paintings by William Carter. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of November.


William Carter was born in Dublin, Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1988, and became a citizen in 1994. From an early age his parents encouraged creativity, and in his mid-teens he won first place for a rendition of the "Bridge on the River Kwai" built mainly with balsa wood and dowels. In 2000, Mr. Carter began studies with the New York Institute of Photography, and graduated in 2004. In 2015 he became interested in oil painting, and is primarily self-taught through artistic books DVDs, and by studying the work of other artists.


The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Commonwealth Catalog: One Search, All Stacks

https://commonwealthcatalog.org/

Can’t find what you’re looking for in CLAMS? Try the new Commonwealth Catalog.

The Commonwealth Catalog extends your search beyond your local library’s resources. In one easy step, you can search through millions of items at participating libraries across Massachusetts to find the books, DVDs, and music you’re looking for. Your requested items will be delivered to your local library for pickup. To access the Commonwealth Catalog you will need your CLAMS library card and pin number (contact your local library if you do not have a pin).

Visit the Commonwealth Catalog FAQ for more information:
https://commonwealthcatalog.org/mvc/#home/1258|-1

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Mass Memories Road Show is this Sunday, Oct. 25th, at the Hebrew Center!

Share your Martha’s Vineyard memories and help paint a portrait of our community!

The Mass. Memories Road Show, a public history project that digitizes family photos and memories shared by the people of Massachusetts, is coming to Martha's Vineyard. In a joint project of all the Island public libraries, this free program will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the MV Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven. The entire event on Oct. 25 is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit http://vhlibrary.org/MMRS.shtml, or contact your local library.

That Sunday, participants are invited to bring up to three family photos to be scanned and included in the state's digital archive. Contributors can also choose to share the stories behind the photos in a short video, have their own keepsake photo taken, and get advice from professional archivists and historians on dating and caring for their family photos.

The photos you bring to the Mass. Memories Road Show event can be old or new, formal or informal – simply images that are important to you and that you feel are representative of your history, your family or your connection to Martha’s Vineyard.  The photographs can be in any format—prints, digital on a disc or a thumbdrive, or even on your cell phone!  After scanning, which takes only a few minutes, you get the original images back. For examples of photos people have brought to past events, visit the state website maintained by the University of Massachusetts Boston: http://openarchives.umb.edu.

Participants usually spend half an hour or more at community Road Show events. Getting your pictures scanned doesn’t take that long, and people will have enough time to complete their paperwork and linger to look at photos that other individuals have contributed.

Attendees who bring photos to scan can enter a raffle prize drawing for a $100 Bunch of Grapes Gift certificate, very generously donated by the MV Times!

The Mass. Memories Road Show is produced by the University Archives & Special Collections Department at the Joseph P. Healey Library, UMass Boston and co-sponsored by the Patricia C. Flaherty '81 Endowed Fund. Local funding provided by Friends of island Libraries, and a grant from the Martha's Vineyard Cultural Council. Additional support provided by the Mansion House Inn, Twin Oaks Inn, Martha's Vineyard Times, Vineyard Gazette, and Steamship Authority.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Save the Date for the Friends Fabric & Yarn Sale

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are planning a Fabric and Yarn Sale to benefit the library on Saturday, November 14th from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

This will be a de-stash and re-stash event! Please help us get it going by donating fabric, yarns and needles for the sale. Drop items off at the library Sunday, November 1st through Tuesday, November 10th, during regular library hours.

Yarns, fabrics, and needles will be available at bargain prices. Most quilting cotton with be $1/yard and wool yarn as little as $1/skein. From 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, fill a bag for $10! All proceeds will benefit the library.

Please spread the word to fellow fabric and yarn lovers!

Friday, October 9, 2015

New & Improved: Commonwealth eBook Collections!


CLAMS Library cardholders now have access to more than 10,000 popular eBooks and audiobooks through the Axis360 service in the Commonwealth eBook Collection. Use the new Axis360 mobile app to check out and download audiobooks and eBooks to a variety of tablets and other devices (excluding e-ink Kindles).

Other resources in the Commonwealth eBook Collection include BiblioBoard Library, which provides books, articles, documents, audio, images and video from traditional publishers, self-published authors and libraries’ own content collections, and Proquest's EBL (eBook Library), which includes resources to help with academic research as well as personal interests, from cooking to gardening.

In addition, CLAMS continues to offer access to our Overdrive eBook and Audiobook collection, which offers a wide variety of popular eBooks and audiobooks in all genres that work with almost any device.

To learn more, visit Vineyard Haven Library's Digital Media page at http://www.vhlibrary.org/econtent.shtml

The Commonwealth eBook Collection is brought to you by the Massachusetts Library System in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and your local library, funded in part by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. Overdrive eBooks are partially funded by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Art in the Stacks: Sharon Simonin

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Sharon Simonin. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of October.

Sharon Simonin was born and raised on Martha's Vineyard, graduated from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, and now works for the Martha's Vineyard Saving Bank. She loves photographing the beauty of the Island and is a member of the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club, which meets at 6pm on the first Thursday of each month at Vineyard Haven Public Library. 

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Cape Cod & Islands Commission on the Status of Women to Host Public Forum

The Cape Cod and Islands Commission on the Status of Women (CCICSW) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 15, from 5:45 to 7:30 PM at the Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven.

Citizens, government officials and organizations that advocate for women and families on the island are invited to attend and encouraged to participate and inform commission members on issues that are important to women and their families, and their community across Martha’s Vineyard.  Oral and written testimony will be accepted. The hearing is open to the public.  This event will feature networking and an opportunity for those in attendance to offer comments and/or testimony on the issues that are important to them.

The information gathered at public forums is compiled by the commissioners and help frame their priorities on issues for consideration and attention.  A panel discussion and forum on housing insecurity and stability, an issue that is highly prioritized by the commission this year, will follow the public hearing and testimony.  The panel will be moderated by Deborah Medders, town moderator for Vineyard Haven and will also include Philippe Jordi, Director of Island Housing Trust.

The commission is also especially interested in hearing from the public on earned paid sick time and their other legislative priorities including: pay equity and comparable work and equitable coverage in disability policies.  The commission would also like to hear from women interested in serving in public life – being elected to public office or appointed to boards and committees.

An independent extension of the Mass. Commission on the Status of Women, the CCICSW was enacted by law and established in 2009 to advance women toward full equity in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women.

For more information or If unable to attend, please submit testimony/comments to the CCICSW at ppollockccicsw@gmail.com, or to the attention of CCICSW, c/o  Pamela Pollock, vice chair, PO Box 629, Cataumet, MA  02534.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Holiday Closings, Halloween, and Sunday Hours!

The library will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 12th. We will also be closed for the day on Friday, October 30th for computer upgrades and staff training.

The library will be open special evening hours for Halloween on Saturday, October 31st. We will stay open until 8pm that evening so your family can take a break from trick-or-treating and enjoy cider and candy provided by the Friends of the Library.

Sunday, November 1st will be the first Sunday of the season that the library will be open. The library will be open from noon-4pm throughout the winter, except for a few holiday weekends. As in past years, the Friends of the Library will be presenting a variety of special programs on Sunday afternoons, including a play reading and free craft programs with Jennifer for adults and teens.


Tuesday, September 22, 2015

5k Results!

 Martha's Vineyard HS Track & CC Team                               HY-TEK's Meet Manager
                          Vineyard Haven Library 5K - 9/20/2015                          
                                       Tisbury, MA                                       
                                  Last Completed Event                                   
 
Mixed 5000 Meter Run
      Comp#  Name                            Team                             Time Points
=========================================================================================
    1   337  DA Silva, Rene             M29  Unattached                   17:42.00       
    2   348  Steenkamp, Reaan           M48  Unattached                   19:21.00       
    3   366  Condon, Jimmy              M15  Brant Rock, MA               19:36.00       
    4   364  Graves, Joel               M35  Edg, MA                      21:06.00       
    5   352  Goldsmith, Mike            M53  OB, MA                       21:39.00       
    6   331  Gustafson, Kim             W35  Unattached                   21:52.00       
    7   379  Story, Nate                 M9  VH, MA                       22:49.00       
    8   349  Cherry, Catherine          W14  Unattached                   23:08.00       
    9   378  Ferrone, Christine         W44  Tisbury, MA                  24:03.00       
   10   365  Condon, Katie              W20  Brant Rock, MA               24:04.00       
   11   359  O'Mara, James              M50  VH, MA                       24:28.00       
   12   361  Brown, Katie               W40  VH, MA                       24:31.00       
   13   381  Porterfield, Charles        M9  VH, MA                       24:32.00       
   14   369  Condon, Jack               M48  Brant Rock, MA               25:18.00       
   15   370  McCann, Catey              W22  VH, MA                       25:23.00       
   16   382  Coogan, Catherine          W41  VH, MA                       25:33.00       
   17   360  O'Mara, Heidi              W41  VH, MA                       25:42.00       
   18   367  Condon, Michael            M13  Brant Rock, MA               25:45.00       
   19   368  Condon, Julie              W11  Brant Rock, MA               25:47.00       
   20   358  Wendt, Irene               W49  VH, MA                       25:55.00       
   21   335  Donnelly, Kevin            M65  Unattached                   26:09.00       
   22   375  Roberts, Tobey             M10  VH, MA                       26:35.00       
   23   374  Magiera, Kara              W41  Coventry, RI                 26:45.00       
   24   356  Casper, Karen              W46  VH, MA                       27:29.00       
   25   363  Nolan, Diane               W50  WT, MA                       28:04.00       
   26   350  Kirk, Kimberly             W48  Unattached                   29:02.00       
   27   351  Brown, Meghan              W25  VH, MA                       29:37.00       
   28   383  Goodale, Renee             W16  VH, MA                       29:52.00       
   29   336  Connolly, Mary             W60  Unattached                   30:14.00       
   30   372  Kopoyan, Robin             W49  Worcester, MA                30:42.00       
   31   377  Norton, Jonathan           M11  VH, MA                       31:23.00       
   32   345  Austin, Jim                M73  Unattached                   31:57.00       
   33   334  Sawyer, Thomas             M50  Unattached                   32:07.00       
   34   380  Morris-Porterfield, Stacey W45  VH, MA                       34:25.00       
   35   384  Materese, Kim              W52  Wakefield, MA                34:28.00       
   36   330  Clough, Marston            M72  Unattached                   34:56.00       
   37   371  Geraghty, James            M51  Quincy, MA                   35:30.00       
   38   340  Kathryn, Phelps            W30  Unattached                   36:42.00       
   39   373  Chapmann, Michelle         W40  Farmington, CT               37:07.00       
   40   376  Jims, Elizabeth            W36  OB, MA                       37:11.00       
   41   342  Webster, Kara              W36  Unattached                   37:28.00       
   42   329  Clough, Louise             W67  Unattached                   38:21.00       
   43   385  Biggs, Ashley              W13  VH, MA                       38:26.00       
   44   386  Fhagen-Smith, Ayonna       W13  VH, MA                       38:28.00       
   45   362  Callen, Sheylah            W39  Edg, MA                      39:38.00       
   46   355  Pil, Peter                 M48  VH, MA                       40:38.00       
   47   332  Schneider, Audrey          W73  Unattached                   41:36.00       
   48   338  Street, Pamela             W68  Unattached                   43:00.00       
   49   389  Bowen, Dylan               W11  VH, MA                       48:02.00       
   50   339  Street, John               M75  Unattached                   48:10.00       
   51   343  Rose, Tracy                W33  Unattached                   48:17.00       
   52   344  Gatchell, Jennifer         W33  Unattached                   48:18.00       
   53   353  Trani, Susan               W64  Edg, MA                      50:36.00       
   54   354  Trani, Peter               M67  Edg, MA                      50:37.00       
   55   390  Bowen, Susan               W38  VH, MA                       58:03.00       
   56   391  Bowen, Stephen             M47  VH, MA                       58:04.00       
   57   388  Bowen, Linda               W70  VH, MA                       59:34.00       
   58   357  Feldman, Sam               M86  Chilmark, MA               1:04:56.00       
   59   387  Grosson, Pat               M70  VH, MA                     1:05:01.00       
   60   333  Eugster, Elaine            W78  Unattached                 1:05:02.00       
   61   346  Kraljic, Tamara            W32  Unattached                 1:11:26.00       
   62   347  Bruno, William             M35  Unattached                 1:11:27.00       

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Implementing the Tisbury Vision Plan

The Vision Council
The Tisbury Planning Board has formed the Tisbury Vision Council to coordinate community participation in the implementation of the Tisbury Vision Plan and welcomes participation by all residents and business owners as members of the Council.
The Council will focus on the attainment of vision goals through the hosting of meetings and workshops, develop collaborative partnerships, and coordinate community outreach. Resident and business groups will be able to bring forth ideas that support the vision and help shepherd them to completion with support from the Council and volunteers. The Planning Board will provide ongoing support to the Council to facilitate communication and coordination among town committees and departments regarding ongoing projects and accomplishments.
Regularly scheduled Council meetings
The vision council will meet at the Vineyard Haven Library on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The first meeting of the vision council is scheduled for Thursday, September 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Agenda outline:
  • Report and discuss ongoing projects
  • Prioritize additional projects and workshops
  • Review opportunities for volunteer participation

Help be part of the solution by participating in the Vision Council meetings, volunteering to be part of projects teams, and initiating community projects that support the attainment of the town’s vision goals. All residents and business owners are welcome members of the Tisbury Vision Council.

Contact the Planning Board:
(508) 696-4270 Ext. 1122

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Art in the Stacks: Peter Dreyer

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Peter Dreyer. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of September.

Peter Dreyer had his own commercial photography business for 39 years. Now retired to Martha's Vineyard, he still uses black and white film and a "wet" darkroom. His portfolio consists of landscape and nature photography as well as prints manipulated in various ways to create interesting effects. None of the effects in his prints are done with the help of PhotoShop. 

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Annual 5k Run/Walk & FREE Kid's Fun Run on September 20th!

On Sunday, September 20th, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will host the annual Run to benefit the Library. The USATF-Sanctioned 5k Run/Walk starts at the library with runners proceeding to the West Chop lighthouse and back. There will also be a FREE 1/2 Mile Fun Run for Kids (13 and under).

There will be medals for winners in all age groups, and all participants will be eligible to win raffle prizes including gift certificates from Brickman's and The Green Room. 5k registration includes a t-shirt. 5k starts at 10 am; Fun Run for Kids starts at 9:45 am; Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

This year's race sponsors include: Brickman's, Broadway Screen Printing, Coldwell Banker Landmarks Real Estate, Cronig's Market, The Green Room, Island Source, Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rentals & Sales, Plum Perfect Painting, Stop & Shop, and Vineyard Grocer.

Save $5 by registering in advance! Registration forms are available at the library or may be downloaded from our website.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Art in the Stacks: Margaret Emerson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Margaret Emerson. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of August.

Margaret Emerson has a PhD in nursing. She practiced as a nurse, and also taught on the faculty of Northeastern University in Boston.  Since retiring from nursing in 2009, Margaret has indulged her passion to paint. She says her oils, acrylics, and pastels are inspired by "the luminosity of the Island." They are expressionist in style, reflecting her local surroundings and the inner feelings that inspire her poetry. Many of the works in this exhibit were prompted by poems she wrote, which accompany the artwork they inspired.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Register for Phil Weinstein's Seminar on Russian Novels

Beginning in September, Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of Literature emeritus at Swarthmore College, will present a six-part workshop on Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. The series will be presented at the Katharine Cornell Theater, 54 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven, on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Professor Weinstein will cover Anna Karenina on September 9th, 16th, 30th, and The Brothers Karamazov on November 4th, November 18th, and December 2nd.

Professor Weinstein will be using the Pevear/Volokhonsky translations of the books. A limited number of copies will be on reserve at the library, or may be requested through CLAMS. In order to allow the library to prepare class materials and communicate with students, please register in advance at the library or by visiting our website at www.vhlibrary.org.

Click here to access the registration form.


Friday, July 31, 2015

Library Telephone Outages July 31-August 3

We are experiencing some issues with the library telephone system and voicemail.  If you left a message and did not receive an expected call back or if you are unable to reach us, please call again during hours we are open. We regret the inconvenience.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Evening Lecture Series: August Events

7pm Sunday August 2nd, 2015, at the Katharine Cornell Theater
Black Women Intellectuals Writing Their Histories, Telling our Stories
This panel discussion with the four editors of the recently published book Toward an Intellectual History of Black Women will be moderated by Evelyn Higginbotham. Despite recent advances in the study of black thought, intellectual black women often remain neglected. This collection of essays by fifteen scholars of history and literature establish the black woman’s place in intellectual history by examining the work of writers, educators, activists, religious leaders, and social reformers in the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean.

7pm Tuesday, August 4th, 2015
Phil Weinstein: Middle East Musings
Professor Phil Weinstein (Swarthmore emeritus) and his wife spent this past spring in Abu Dhabi, where he taught two courses in the experimental NYU liberal arts program. This layman’s talk explores a number of reflections about the world he encountered there and what it showed him about his own world. Refreshments will be served.

7pm Tuesday, August 11th, 2015
Vintage Films of the Vineyard
Join Tom Dunlop and film editor John Wilson in a trip down memory lane, a part of a pioneering effort by the Vineyard Gazette to save Martha’s Vineyard’s cinematic record. Co-producers Tom Dunlop and John Wilson present clips from home movies and theatrical films shot on the Island dating back as far as the early 1920s. A Q&A will follow, and refreshments will be served.

7pm Thursday, August 13th, 2015
Louise Shelley: Dirty Entanglements
Louise Shelley is the Omer L. and Nancy Hirst Professor of Public Policy and Founder and Director of the Terrorism, Transitional Crime, and Corruption Center at George Mason University. Professor Shelley will speak about her most recent book, Dirty Entanglements: Corruption, Crime and Terrorism. Refreshments will be served.

7pm Tuesday, August 18th, 2015
Fred Abrahams: Modern Albania
Weaving together his personal experiences from more than twenty years of work in Albania, Fred's recent book Modern Albania: From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe, gives readers a front-row seat to the dramatic events of the last battle of Cold War Europe. Included are interviews with key Albanians and foreigners who played a role in the country’s politics since 1990—including former Politburo members, opposition leaders, intelligence agents, diplomats, and founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Refreshments will be served.

7pm Tuesday, August 25th, 2015
Kevin Parnham: The Vineyard We Knew
Kevin Parham, a professional musician, will warmly describe the idyllic African-American childhood summers spent with six cousins on Martha’s Vineyard, before it became a vacation spot for the rich and powerful.

7pm Thursday, August 27th
Why Peace is Possible: Exploring the Anatomy of Violence & War
Paul K. Chappell is the Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. He graduated from West Point in 2002, was deployed to Iraq, and left active duty in November 2009 as a Captain. He is the author of the Road to Peace series, a seven-book series about waging peace, ending war, the art of living, and what it means to be human.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Book Sales Benefit Island Libraries

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library hold monthly "mini" book sales at the library, from 2-4pm on the third Saturday of each month. The July sale will be held on Saturday, July 18th from 2-4pm. Books are priced at $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardcovers, or $12 to fill a bag.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for August 15th, September 19th, and October 17th.

Some of our neighboring libraries will be holding annual book sales on the following dates during the summer:

Library Friends of Oak Bluffs
Thursday, July 23 & Friday, July 24 from 10am - 4pm and Saturday, July 25 from 10am - 2pm

Friends of the West Tisbury Library (at the West Tisbury School)
Friday, July 31 - Monday, August 3 from 9am - 3pm

Friday, June 26, 2015

Evening Lecture Series: July Events

All programs at the Vineyard Haven Public Library are free and open to the public. Please join us!

Tuesday July 7, 7PM
Dr. Yosef Glassman: Medical Cannabis -- From the Bible to Boston
Dr. Glassman is the new Hospitalist at the MV Hospital and also specializes in Geriatric Medicine. He has come across some unique treatments in his study of medicine.  Join us for some new insights in using Cannibis to treat a number of medical conditions.

Tuesday July 14, 7PM
Movie Night: To Kill a Mockingbird
Go Set a Watchman was the novel Harper Lee first submitted to her publishers, before To Kill a Mockingbird. Assumed to have been lost, the manuscript was discovered in late 2014. Go Set a Watchman features many of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird some 20 years later.  To celebrate the publication of Go Set a Watchman on July 14th, 2015,  we will show the award winning film version of To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Gregory Peck.

Tuesday July 21, 7PM
Michael Blanchard: Fighting for My Life
Author and Photographer Michael Blanchard has been capturing images of Martha’s Vineyard for the last 3 years.  Mike’s passion for photography paralleled his first steps toward recovery from alcohol addiction as described in his new book Fighting for My Life:  Finding Hope and Serenity on Martha’s Vineyard. Michael will have some of his photographs on display in the Art in the Stacks Gallery during the month of July.

Tuesday July 28, 7PM
Tom Dunlop: Reflections on Martha's Vineyard
William A. Caldwell was already a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for his work as editor of a New Jersey newspaper when he moved to the Martha's Vineyard in 1972. For the next 12 years, he wrote a column for the Vineyard Gazette called Reflections of That Man Friday. Reflections on Martha's Vineyard, edited by Tom Dunlop, is a collection of those brilliant essays. Whether funny or critical, angry or compassionate, they are irrefutably logical but often philosophically surprising. Tom will present some of the essays from the collection.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Sunday with Friends: Rose Styron

On Sunday, July 12th at 2pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an afternoon honoring poet Rose Styron, who will read from her work. Ms. Styron will be introduced by special guest Jorie Graham. This event is free, and refreshments will be served. The library will open at 1:30 pm for this event.

Rose Styron, poet and international human rights activist, has published three books of poetry: From
Summer to Summer (1965), Thieves’ Afternoon (1973), and By Vineyard Light (1995). She has collaborated on translations of two books of Russian poetry, and contributed a chapter to the book Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression. In 2012, she edited a volume of the selected letters of her husband William Styron. Her work has appeared in Harper’s, the Yale Review, the Hopkins Review, and American Poetry Review among many other distinguished periodicals. In 2009 and 2010 Ms. Styron was a resident fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and its Carr Center for Human Rights. She has chaired PEN’s Freedom To Write Committee and the RFK Human Rights Award, and serves on the board of the American Academy of Poets.

The Friends of the Library support a variety of programs for both adults and children throughout the year, including an annual summer event honoring a local author. Past honorees have included Geraldine Brooks, Art Buchwald, Stephen Carter, Phil Craig, Jules Feiffer, Lillian Hellman, John Hough, Jr., Ward Just, David McCullough, Cynthia Riggs, and William Styron.  For more information contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library, (508) 696-4211.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Summer Reading for Kids, Teens, and Grownups at VH Library

Registration for the Summer Reading Program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library begins Monday, June 29th, 2015. Children may visit the library to sign up, log the books they read, and earn prizes including a T-shirt and gift certificates from local businesses. Teens ages 12 to 18 can register online, then visit the library to claim a prize just for signing up.

The Martha's Vineyard Library Association is hosting a special event to kick off the Summer Reading Program. On Saturday, June 27th, Jungle Jim will perform at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. This fun event for the entire family will feature entertainment and face painting. Jungle Jim's performance will include storytelling, magic, improv and amazing balloons. Doors open at 10:30am; performance at 11am. Admission is $3; face painting is $1. (This event has been cancelled)

Free programs for children this summer will include a visit by storybook character Pete the Cat, musical story times with Jeremy Berlin, Ellen Allard, Joyce Maxner, and Sara Piazza, and a drumming workshop with Rick Bausman. Older children can participate in weekly crafting and building programs, Wii gaming, and lantern painting for Illumination Night. Details will be available at the library and on our website, www.vhlibrary.org.

For the fifth year, the Vineyard Haven Library is offering a Summer Reading Program for “Grownups”. Adults who keep track of their summer reading will be eligible to win a gift certificate and other prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Library. To participate, patrons should create an online account by visiting the library homepage. Patrons may log the books they read over the summer, write reviews, and register for prizes.

The summer reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Programs for children at Vineyard Haven Public Library are supported by the Friends of the Library and are free for participants. Reading incentives have been provided by Bob's Pizza, The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, Capawock Movie Theatre, Island Cove Mini Golf, Murdick's Fudge, Tisberry, The Toy Box at Tisbury Marketplace, and the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Images are copyrighted. Contact the CSLP at 1-866-657-8556 or contact@cslpreads.org for more information.Summer Reading

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Upcoming Dates for the Sustainable Book Club

Please join this island-wide book group, reading and discussing books that examine our relationship with nature. The group is sponsored by Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and all six island libraries.


Thursday, February 19th 5:30pm
at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
The End Of Night by Paul Bogard

Wednesday, April 29th 5:30pm
at Vineyard Haven Public Library
American Catch by Paul Greenberg

Wednesday, June 17th 5:30pm
at Chilmark Free Public Library
The World is Blue by Sylvia A. Earle

Thursday, August 27th 5:00pm
at West Tisbury Free Public Library
Where Our Food Comes From by Gary Paul Nabhan

Thursday, October 15th at 6:30pm
at Oak Bluffs Public Library
The Upcycle by William McDonough and Micael Braungart

December 16th 6:30pm
at Edgartown Public Library
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

February 25th, 2016 at 5:30pm
at Aquinnah Public Library
The Human Age by Diane Ackerman

Please contact your local library or Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for more information: 508-627-4850. 

Sunday, May 31, 2015

George M. Church, PhD: Recent Revolutions in Biotechnology and Medicine, A Personal View














Special Event!
Wednesday June 10, 2015, 7pm
At the Katharine Cornell Theater, 54 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven.

George M. Church, Ph.D., is the Robert Winthrop Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard and MIT, and has been a founding member of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard.

Dr. Church will speak about the revolutionary implications of synthetic biology for human and planetary well-being. He will comment on a combination of breakthroughs that might soon affect the average person such as diseases like Lyme and Malaria, gene therapies, precision medicine, synthetic brains and age reversal.

Learn About the Mass. Memories Road Show, Monday June 16th 6pm

On Monday June 15th at 6pm, members of the public are invited to attend an outreach and planning session at Vineyard Haven Library to learn how they can participate in the "Mass. Memories Road Show", that will be coming to Martha's Vineyard for a one-time event in October. The planning meeting is open to all and refreshments will be served.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places, and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. It is an initiative of University Archives and Special Collections in UMass Boston's Joseph P. Healey Library and co-sponsored by the Patricia C. Flaherty '81 Endowment Fund at UMass Boston. Since its launch, the project has gathered more than 6,000 photographs and stories from across the state, creating an educational resource of primary sources for future generations.

University Archives staff work with local planning teams to organize free public events where residents are invited to bring family photos to be scanned and included in this digital archive. Contributors are invited to share “the story behind the photos” on video, have their own “keepsake photo” taken, and receive advice from professional archivists and historians on dating and caring for their family photos.

The Martha's Vineyard Road Show event has been scheduled for October 25th, 2015, and is being planned and sponsored by the Martha's Vineyard Library Association (MVLA) with funding from local libraries, Friends of Libraries, and a grant from the Martha's Vineyard Cultural Council.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Art in the Stacks: Seaweed Collages by Kathleen Poehler

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of seaweed collages by artist Kathleen Poehler. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of June.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kathy Poehler learned about seaweed walking the island beaches with her father as he collected and classified Algae for teaching purposes. She acquired an understanding of individual seaweeds and their properties, and continued to pursue these interests in aquatic environments at Allegheny College in Meadville Pennsylvania. Later, while teaching at Harvard University, she developed curriculum bridging ocean science and art for young children, and began showing her work to the public. Since returning to the Vineyard, Kathy has received awards for her collage work, and currently shows her work at Featherstone, the Old Sculpin Gallery, and the Vineyard Artisans Festivals.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

In my collages, I’ve merged an understanding of the limitations of my medium with the possibilities for self-expression. Creating images of nature from natural materials. The process of creating these images is as important to me as the finished work. Observing the seaweeds movement in it’s natural state, and trying to stay true to that feeling as I work with it on paper, is an important part of what I hope to reflect. I may have a vision for a given piece, but ultimately I listen to the seaweed, and the finished pieces reflect that balance. They range from abstract to more pictorial depending on the specifics of the seaweed I am working with at any given time. Each of these works is a treasure from nature.

ART IN THE STACKS

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Martha's Vineyard Photography Club Group Show

Photograph by Suzanne Boyer
This June, members of the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club will showcase their work in the 5th annual group art show at the Vineyard Haven Public Library. The show is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, who will host an opening reception on Tuesday, June 2nd from 6 - 7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

The show will be open during regular library hours, June 1st -June 13th. Featured photographers include Harvey Beth, Suzanne Boyer, Peter Dreyer, Phyllis Dunn, Kay Leaird, Michelle Manfredi, Sara Piazza, Sharon Simonin, Norm Stickney, Maria Thibodeau, Scott Tuttle, and Nathalie Woodruff.

The Martha's Vineyard Photo Club meets monthly at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm. The club is open and welcoming to photographers of all kinds and all levels. Club activities include photo sharing, presentations on various aspects of photography (drawing on the expertise of club members and outside sources), and field trips, as well as other areas of group interest.

In addition to the annual group show in June, Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory.

Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210. For more information about the Martha's Vineyard Photo Club, visit the club's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/mvphotoclub.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Memorial Day Week: Schedule and Special Events

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th.

On Monday, the town of Tisbury hosts a Memorial Day Picnic from noon to 4 pm on the grounds of the restored Tashmoo Spring Building on West Spring Street off State Road. Entertainment will include live music by the Flying Elbows, supported by the MV Cultural Council, as well as outdoor games, pony rides, chalk art, rowboat rides, and tours of the Spring Building.

On Tuesday, May 26th, at 11am, the Library will have a special guest performance for children. Kids of all ages are welcome to sing-a-long with Nappy’s Puppets. Jim Napolitano is a shadow puppeteer who integrates story telling with singing to keep his young audience engaged. This event is free to the public through the generous sponsorship of the Anderson Foundation and the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Friday, May 8, 2015

New: Access to 68 Language Courses Online!

http://vhlibrary.org/index.shtml#mango










The Vineyard Haven Public Library now provides a new way to learn a language! Mango Languages is an online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills. You can access Mango from your home computer or mobile device, and login using your library card. Library patrons now have access to 68 languages and 17 ESL courses. To get started, visit the library homepage and click on the Mango icon to begin!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Holiday Closing and CLAMS System Maintenance April 20th

The Vineyard Haven Library and other CLAMS libraries will be closed on Monday, April 20th due to the Patriots Day holiday.

While the libraries are closed that day, CLAMS will be performing system maintenance on our servers. The CLAMS Catalog, Overdrive download services, and some other online services will be unavailable for most of the day (from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.).

Please visit info.clamsnet.org on April 20th for any status updates.We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Early Closing April 14th due to Town Meeting

Vineyard Haven Library will close early on Tuesday, April 14th, due to the Tisbury Annual and Special Town Meetings that will take place that evening at the Tisbury School Auditorium at 7pm. The Library will close at 6:30pm, and library computers will be shut down at 6:00pm.

Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Special Town Meeting Warrant
Proposed FY16 Budget

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Volunteer opportunity: Art Show Coordinator

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are seeking a volunteer to assist with management of the monthly "Art in the Stacks" exhibit at the library.

Responsibilities:
  • Recruiting artists for small monthly shows at the library
  • Maintaining schedule and guestbook
  • Communicating with artists about setup and removal of their exhibits
  • Coordinating with Library staff on publicity and logistics
For more information, please contact Amy Ryan, Library Director at (508) 696-4210 x11

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Chef's Cooking Series Will Honor Friend of the Library

This spring, the Vineyard Haven Public Library will hold a series of free cooking classes by some of the best-known chefs on the Island. The demonstrations offered over the next few months will feature three different types of chefs, who will show how they prepare some of their favorite dishes. Participants will have the opportunity to sample the dishes and learn recipes and techniques to try at home.

All programs will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm. Attendance for each class is limited to 30 people, and pre-registration for each program is required. Advance registration will be in person at the library, or through our online calendar.

The series will kick off on Wednesday, March 25th, featuring Doug Smith, restaurateur of Lucky Hank’s. Jaime Hamlin from Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering will present on April 8th, and Cathy Walthers, a private chef and author of four cookbooks, will conclude the series with her program on May 6th.

This series has been made possible by donations given to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library in memory of Laurel H. Chapman. Mrs. Chapman was a long-time officer of the Friends, and for several years she recruited presenters and organized refreshments for the Friends' Sunday afternoon programs at the Library.

Laurel Chapman was known by her friends as someone who loved to cook, using every occasion to have a tea or celebration, and she loved to dine out. When the Friends of the Library received a number of generous donations in Laurel’s memory, they agreed that the best way to honor her would be to provide funding for a first-class cooking series. The Library plans to make the Laurel H. Chapman Cooking Series an annual event, supported by the Friends of the Library.

Three Stellar Poets Kick-Off National Poetry Month on April 1st

Poets Lee McCormack, Arnie Reisman and Rose Styron will present their work at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on Wednesday, April 1st at 7 pm, in a reading to kick off National Poetry Month. After the readings, the library will host a reception with refreshments and an opportunity to meet, greet and mingle with these three stellar poets. It will be an evening to remember.

Lee McCormack, the first Martha’s Vineyard Poet Laureate whose work has reached out to large audiences not only at Pathways, but also on Facebook, is a very well-known poet on Martha’s Vineyard, where he has lived for over forty years. Mr. McCormack has worked with such poets as Thomas Lux, Galway Kinnell, Charles Simic, Robert Pinsky, Sharon Olds, and others in what he terms “his criminal pursuit of poetry.”

Arnie Reisman, columnist, radio personality, and the current Island Poet Laureate and director of the Vineyard Playhouse poetry reading series, is nationally known, although perhaps not as well-known yet for his poetry. Mr. Reisman moved to the Vineyard four years ago with Paula Lyons, his wife and co-panelist on the weekly comedy quiz program "Says You!" – now in its 19th year. His new play "Not Constantinople" will premiere this June at the Vineyard Playhouse.

Rose Styron, poet and international human rights activist, has published three books of poetry – (From Summer to Summer – Viking, 1965; Thieves’ Afternoon – Viking, 1973, By Vineyard Light – Rizzoli, 1995)  collaborated on translations of two books of Russian poetry – (Poets on Street Corners, 1968 and Modern Russian Poetry – Viking, 1972). Ms. Styron’s work has appeared in Harper’s, the Yale Review, the Hopkins Review, and American Poetry Review among other distinguished periodicals. In 2009 and 2010 Ms. Styron was a resident fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and its Carr Center for Human Rights. She has chaired PEN’s Freedom To Write Committee and the RFK Human Rights Award, and currently serves on the board of the American Academy of Poets.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library hosts a wide range of cultural and literary events, but this one will be a singular opportunity to hear the work of three brilliant, imaginative and very different poets. Their styles reach across a wide spectrum, but their impact on audiences is always unforgettable.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Register For 2015 Great Decisions Discussion Group

Register online

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 2nd.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. The briefing book may be purchased for $22 from the FPA website. (A limited number of books will be for sale at the library.)

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday April 2
Russia and the Near Abroad
As calls for closer ties with the EU failed to be met, Ukrainians took to the streets in in November 2013. As the movement later known as the Euromaidan, or “Euro Square,” pulled western Ukraine closer to its European neighbors, another powerful force threatened to tear away the country’s eastern half: Russia. Putin’s pushback against European expansionism has the West wondering: If Putin’s Russia isn’t afraid to take an aggressive stance against Europeanization in Ukraine, what does that mean for the rest of Russia’s neighbors?

Thursday April 9
Privacy in the Digital Age
The idea of “privacy” has undergone significant changes in the digital age, as has the idea of privacy “harm.” Fearful of British spying, influence and intervention, the founding fathers granted citizens significant protections in the Constitution. Now, the tables have turned: Concerns about what some see as a U.S. “dragnet” and unwarranted privacy intrusions have compelled other countries to revamp their own privacy protections. Legislation, both at home and abroad, hasn’t kept pace with technological developments, leaving some wondering if privacy as we know it is long dead.

Thursday April 16
Sectarianism in the Middle East
Many of the current conflicts in the Middle East have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity. From the crisis in Iraq and Syria to the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the struggle between Sunni and Shi‘i groups for dominance is tearing apart the region and shows no signs of abating. But for all the religious discourse permeating the conflict, much of its roots are political, not religious. How does sectarianism fit into a larger narrative of the Middle East? How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And finally, what is the U.S. doing about it?

Thursday April 23
India Changes Course
Fed up with corruption, dynastic policies and ineffective public services, Indian voters catapulted Narenda Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party to power in the country's 2014 elections. For voters, Modi embodied real change and an India that wasn't stumbling, but running, to greatness. But for the U.S., change in India brings its own set of unknowns, heralding an age ruled by a prime minister new to national office and other policymakers who have been out of the public eye for a decade. Now, the U.S. has to determine how to best secure its interests as India asserts itself on the world stage.

Thursday April 30
U.S. Policy Toward Africa
Africa is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation. The continent is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, and it’s become a draw for foreign investors from across the globe. After the “Obamamania” of 2008 died down, though, the realization that Obama wasn’t going to overturn, or even prioritize, U.S. Africa policy kicked in. Still, the U.S. has promised to promote “strong institutions, not strong men,” and to favor good governance and healthy economies over profit. How can U.S. policy live up to its promise and values while securing its interests in the region?

Thursday May 7
Syria's Refugee Crisis
Syrians have for a century welcomed over a million refugees from Armenia, Palestine, Iraq and other countries around the region. Now, thanks to a multiyear civil war, they are on track to become the source of the world’s largest refugee population in a matter of months. As Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and other neighbors strive to accommodate the millions of Syrians, the risk of allowing Syrians to become dependent on emergency aid and forming a “lost generation” remains. Ultimately, though, the safety of displaced Syrians rests with the whole international community.

Thursday May 14
Human Trafficking in the 21st Century
Human trafficking represents a multibillion in international trade per annum and continues to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries. While undeniably a global phenomenon, the U.S., as one of the world’s leading human trafficking importers, bears a special responsibility to combat this practice. The U.S. and the international community have adopted various treaties and laws to prevent trafficking, but to truly understand and combat the issue, they must find the root causes enabling traffickers to exploit millions of victims.

Thursday May 21
Brazil's Metamorphosis
Brazil — it’s the “B” in the acronym BRICS, five emerging economies once seen as soon-to-be superpowers. After economic troubles in the 1990s, Brazil has risen to new global prominence — it’s drawing in more investment, working on global issues ranging from climate change to peacekeeping, and even hosting the 2016 Olympics. But some of Brazil’s trickiest problems — deep divisions over how to tackle serious income inequality, weak civic institutions and poor regional leadership — have held it back.

Register online

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Delayed Opening, Early Close Thursday March 5th

Vineyard Haven Library will have a delayed opening Thursday March 5th, opening at 12 noon.

Update: All library programs are cancelled today. The MV Photography Club meeting has been rescheduled for next Thursday, March 12th, at 6pm.

Update: The Library will close early at 4pm this evening.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Early Closing Tuesday February 17th

The library will close early at 5:30pm on Tuesday February 17th and the evening program is cancelled.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at VH Library

 
Book by book, step by step, help your child get ready for school and start a lifelong love of reading and learning!

Did you know that by reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing with your child that you can help foster their reading development? 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program that encourages all families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten.

When you register your child for “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” at Vineyard Haven Public Library, you will receive a log to record your child’s progress. In the log, there are lots of tips to help parents and caregivers to read, write, talk, sing, and play with their children in meaningful ways that will help them to be ready to read when they enter kindergarten!

Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary – two important tools for beginning to learn to read when they enter kindergarten. By participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, you will be introduced to the Association for Library Service program called Every Child Ready to Read. Every Child Ready to Read has targeted pre-literacy skills and identified five practices, or activities, that can help children enter school ready to learn to read.
 
How the Program Works:
  • Visit the library to register your child, at any age before they enter kindergarten, for this free do-it-at-home program
  • Your child will receive a reading log to record the books you read together
  • For every 100 books you read, your family will receive fun rewards
Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can sign up for this program? Any child from birth until kindergarten.

Do I have to read books from the library?

You can read books from anywhere, not just library books.

Can I count books that are read to my child in school, or by a nanny or day care provider?

Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.

What if my child wants to read the same book over and over?

Repetition is key to learning. Each time you read the book, it counts.

My child likes to listen to books on the computer/iPad/eReader/etc. Can I count them?

As long as your child listens to the whole book, it counts.

Will I have time to read 1,000 books with my child?
It's easy! 3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books. 1 book a day for 3 years = 1,095 books

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten was started by the 1,000 Books Foundation, whose objectives are to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers and to encourage parent and child bonding through reading. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library has been funded by a grant to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library from the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Library Closed Sunday February 15th and Monday February 16th

Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed on Sunday February 15th and Monday February 16th, reopening at 10am on Tuesday February 17th.

Due to the anticipated storm a parking ban on public streets in Tisbury will be in effect from10pm Saturday until 7am Monday.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Town Vision Planning Meeting Rescheduled for February 12, 7pm

The Tisbury Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen will host a public meeting to review the findings of the vision planning, present action strategies based on the findings and seek community input on near and long-term actions. This meeting will identify projects and set a working agenda for elected officials, town committees and community groups.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center, 34 Pine Tree Rd.  Community members are encouraged to attend this important meeting.  For more information see the vision planning web page on the Town’s website or email the board at visionplan@tisburyma.gov.

Take the Tisbury Vision Planning Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tisbury_vision_plan

Visit the Tisbury Vision Planning webpage:
http://www.tisburyma.gov/Pages/TisburyMA_VisionPlanning/index


Thursday, January 29, 2015

"Food for Fines" Food Drive in February

Vineyard Haven Library will be holding a "Food for Fines" food drive throughout the month of February. During this time, pay your overdue fines with canned goods or healthy non-perishable food items (unopened, current items only, please check your expiration dates). This applies to late fines only and not to replacement charges for lost or damaged items.

The food collected will be given to the Island Food Pantry for distribution to those in need in our community. Suggested donation is one item for each $2 waived in fines.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Weather Related Closings

Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed for the day on Tuesday January 27th and Wednesday January 28th.

A parking ban on public streets in Tisbury will remain in effect until 6PM Wednesday.

UPDATED: The Library will be open on Thursday January 29th at 10am but will close early at 5:30pm.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Martha's Vineyard Photography Club Forming at VH Library

The first meeting of the MV Photo Club will be held at Vineyard Haven Public Library on Thursday, February 5th, from 6pm-7:30pm. The focus of this meeting will be gathering interest and discussing the future shape the club will take.

The MV Photo Club is open and welcoming to photographers of all kinds and all levels. The goal is to establish a regular meeting place and time to share our work and our knowledge for the betterment of all photography on MV. Activities may include photo sharing, presentations on various aspects of photography (drawing on the expertise of our members and outside sources), and field trips, as well as other areas of group interest.

The club is being organized by Maria Thibodeau. For more information, contact Maria at mariathibodeau@gmail.com, and visit the club's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mvphotoclub.

Poetry Workshop with Lee H. McCormack Starts February 14th

CONTENT, IMAGINATION, & SPIRIT IN POETRY
A Winter Study Group Using Uncommon Threads To Map the Journey Through Matter
with Lee H. McCormack, Martha's Vineyard Poet Laureate, Emeritus

Hosted by The Vineyard Haven Public Library

8 sessions on Saturday afternoons from 2pm-4pm, beginning February 14th, and continuing on alternate Saturdays through May.

Intended to be an extended writing/study group meeting twice a month through winter until June, we will explore with each other, in order to grow as poets, writing poetry in depth by studying some important world poets (Transtromer, Machado, Rilke, Vallejo, Rumi, Celan, Milosz, Popa, Ristos, Alberti, Parra, for example), who have shaped and influenced original American poets, in hopes that participants will open up to greater dimensions and creative possibilities by stretching beyond more commonly studied poems and content, imagery, and imagination. Not intended to be academic or technical, it will focus primarily on aspects of writing poetry that will encourage experimentation in in-depth content, metaphor, and imagery, as well as finding original and unique ways to express this amazing experience of being a spirit moving in this journey through matter. It is hoped participants will be able to commit to it through the winter, as I see this as a growing group process to be shared, and hope we will do a reading of work produced at the end of May at the library.

Lee H. McCormack is a 43 year resident of the Vineyard who has been writing and studying poetry for 56 years. In 2012 he was chosen by the Martha's Vineyard Poetry Society as the first Martha's Vineyard poet Laureate. He has studied with Thomas Lux, Galway Kinnell, Charles Simic, Robert Pinsky, Sharon Olds, Peter Klappert, and others in his criminal pursuit of poetry. He is currently engaged in organizing three books of poetry for publication, writing, readings, and hosting poetry events on the Island, and looks forward to connecting with others in this winter study group.

Registration by February 14th is required. To sign up or for more details, contact Lee H. McCormack at 508-560-5071 or mydawgbeans@gmail.com.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Announcement of Community Vision Meeting

The Tisbury Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen will host a public meeting to review the findings of the vision planning, present action strategies based on the findings and seek community input on near and long-term actions. This meeting will identify projects and set a working agenda for elected officials, town committees and community groups.


The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center, 34 Pine Tree Rd.  Community members are encouraged to attend this important meeting.  For more information see the vision planning web page on the Town’s website or email the board at visionplan@tisburyma.gov.

Request Tax Forms Be Mailed To You

The library has been notified that the IRS is not providing the usual level of tax forms and instructions this year because “IRS appropriations were significantly cut in the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill recently passed by Congress.”


The only federal forms that will be available at the library will be 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ, forms only. Instruction books are not being provided to libraries this year.


If you need additional forms, including instructions, you can request that they be mailed to you.
You can obtain tax forms by:

Order forms be delivered by mail:
http://www.irs.gov/orderforms
• Call 1-800-829-3676

Download from the IRS website:
http://www.irs.gov/forms

Monday, January 12, 2015

Travels to Mongolia with Anita Hotchkiss

On Sunday, January 25th at 2PM, Anita Hotchkiss will share slides and impressions of her recent trip to Mongolia. She visited areas in northern Mongolia near the Siberian border, areas in central Mongolia and the Gobi desert in the south. Today’s Mongolia is a land of contrasts, where modern Uluumbataar exists side by side with nomadic life. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, and refreshments will be served.

Anita Hotchkiss is an inveterate adventure traveler. Her travels have taken her to many countries around the world. She particularly likes trekking, and has summited Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Her latest trip took her to Mongolia. When not traveling Anita gives her time to various volunteer organizations and spends time with her husband Fred and grandchildren.

The Vineyard Haven Library is open from noon-4pm on Sundays throughout the winter, except for a few holiday weekends. As in past years, the Friends of the Library will be presenting a variety of special programs on Sunday afternoons, including lectures, performances, and free crafting programs for adults and teens. For more information visit the library's online event calendar.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Take the Tisbury Vision Planning Survey

The Tisbury Planning Board has created an online survey to gather community input as part of their on-going vision planning. This past fall, the Planning Board sponsored a series of community-based vision planning workshops. Through activities and facilitated discussion, participants identified shared community values, discussed concerns, considered our town’s special strengths, and then began to articulate a shared vision for the future. This survey further studies workshop findings and give those unable to attend the workshops an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.

 Please use the link below to take the survey and share your thoughts with the planning board.

Go here to take the Tisbury Vision Planning Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tisbury_vision_plan

Go here to see our new Tisbury Vision Planning webpage:
http://www.tisburyma.gov/Pages/TisburyMA_VisionPlanning/index