Saturday, December 31, 2016

New Year's Resolution: Learn a Language!


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!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Final Tisbury Housing Workshop December 15th

Along with the five other towns on the Vineyard, Tisbury has begun a process to produce a Housing Production Plan (HPP). The HPP can be a guide to the Town’s decisions in addressing housing that is affordable for our workers, families, elders and children.  In Tisbury, the “how” of being proactive will be balanced with the equally important question of “where” it can happen.

Please join the conversation on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 6:30pm at the Tisbury Senior Center, for the final interactive community workshop to examine the “who, how, where and when” in Tisbury. The workshop will be professionally facilitated by planning consultants from RKG Associates, Inc., JM Goldson Community + Planning.

For more information including information presented and gathered at earlier meetings, visit the Tisbury HPP page on the Martha's Vineyard Commission website http://www.mvcommission.org/tisbury-housing-production-plan

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Best Books of 2016: A List of Lists

Some choices for the best of 2016, from the media, associations, and readers:

American Library Association (ALA)
Notable Books For Adults:
http://www.ala.org/rusa/awards/notablebooks/lists/2016
Notable Books For Children:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb
Best Fiction for Young Adults
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2016-best-fiction-young-adults

Bookpage
http://bookpage.com/bestof2016

Goodread's Choice Awards
http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2016

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

Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2016/section/fiction/

LA Times Holiday Book Guide
http://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-holiday-books-guide-20161201-htmlstory.html

Library Journal
http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/2016/12/best-of/ljs-best-books-of-2016/

Library Reads
http://libraryreads.org/favorite-favorites-2016-libraryreads/

Mother Jones
http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/11/notable-best-books-2016

National Public Radio's Book Concierge‬, guide to 2016's great reads
http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2016/

New York Times Notable Books
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/books/review/100-notable-books-of-2016.html

Publisher's Weekly
http://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2016

Seattle Times
http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/the-best-books-of-2016-from-our-critics/

Smithsonian's Best Books About Science of 2016
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/best-books-about-science-2016-180961274/

The Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/top-50-books-year/

Wall Street Journal Best Books of 2016 for People of a Certain Age
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-books-of-2016-for-people-of-a-certain-age-1480302421

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/entertainment/2016-best-books/

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Literary Programming Survey

Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of Literature, emeritus at Swarthmore College, will present a multi-part literature workshop in Fall 2017, sponsored by Vineyard Haven Library. We would like your input to help select the topics that will be covered. Dickens? Shakespeare? Donna Tartt? You can help us decide!

Follow this link to the survey:
Take the survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCQ32HC

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Friends Mini Book Sale FREE DAY December 17th

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 Saturday, December 17th, from 10am to 2pm. 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.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Phyllis Dunn

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Phyllis Dunn. Her photographs will be on display on the art wall on the lower level during regular library hours, until the end of December. According to the artist, life on Martha's Vineyard has given her the opportunity of photographing the environment and the beauty that surrounds her, especially water scenes that draw her in.

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.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Tisbury Housing Workshops and Survey

Along with the five other towns on the Vineyard, Tisbury has begun a process to produce a Housing Production Plan (HPP). The HPP can be a guide to the Town’s decisions in addressing housing that is affordable for our workers, families, elders and children.  In Tisbury, the “how” of being proactive will be balanced with the equally important question of “where” it can happen.

Please JOIN our conversations  - SAVE these dates:

Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 6pm, Tisbury Senior Center

Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 6pm, Tisbury Senior Center

We invite you to participate in these very important interactive community workshops. During these three sessions we will examine the “who, how, where and when” in Tisbury. The workshops will be professionally facilitated by planning consultants from RKG Associates, Inc., JM Goldson Community + Planning.

You can also participate by taking this brief 5 minute survey. Tell us about your housing needs and your priorities and concerns about housing issues: Take The All Island Planning Board Housing Survey

Printed copies of the survey are available at the Library.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Vineyard Haven Library Joins a Nationwide Reading of "It Can't Happen Here"

On Wednesday, October 26th at 7pm, Vineyard Haven Library will join theaters, universities and libraries across the country to imagine the rise of fascism in America with a reading of Sinclair Lewis's semi-satirical "It Can't Happen Here." The play was adapted by Tony Taccone and Bennett S. Cohen from the novel by Sinclair Lewis, and will be performed by the Peter H. Luce Play Readers. Admission to this event is free, and doors will open at 6:30pm.

Published in 1935, "It Can't Happen Here" tells how the fictional Senator Buzz Windrip, a charismatic and power-hungry politician, is elected president. Windrip easily defeats his opponents, including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then quickly becomes a dictator, enacting martial law and throwing dissenters into labor camps. Shortly after it was published, the novel was recreated as a play and opened in 21 cities nationwide on October 27, 1936.

This year, the Sinclair Lewis estate is allowing libraries, theaters, schools and other institutions to hold readings of "It Can't Happen Here" royalty-free. The readings coincide with the opening of the play at Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley, California.

The reading at Vineyard Haven Public Library will be performed by the Peter H Luce Play Readers, under the direction of Paul Doherty. For more than 15 years, the Peter H. Luce Play Readers have met every Wednesday at the Tisbury Senior Center, to read plays of every era and of every genre, from the Greek and Roman classics to the cutting-edge works of contemporary playwrights... and everything in between. The group is named for its founder, Peter Luce, who died in 2007.

Read more about the Nationwide Reading on the Berkeley Repertory Theater website:
http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1617/10650.asp#tabbed-nav=reading

Monday, October 10, 2016

Halloween, Sunday Hours, and Holiday Closings

Vineyard Haven Library will be open special evening hours for Halloween on Monday, 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 6th 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.

For the sixth year, The Library will be hosting a series of crafting classes for adults and teens, offered monthly on Sunday afternoons throughout the winter. The classes are supported by the Friends of the Library and led by artist in residence Jennifer Langhammer. The classes are free of charge and materials are provided. This year’s Adult Craft series at the Vineyard Haven Library will begin Sunday November 13th at 1pm, with mini weaving.

The library will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday on Friday November 11th. The library will also close early at 1pm on Wednesday November 23, 2016, and remain closed on Thursday November 24th and Friday November 25th for Thanksgiving. The library will be open regular hours on Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Library awarded $10,000 Grant

Vineyard Haven Public Library has been awarded a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for $10,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The grant program, called "Mind in the Making," supports the development of innovative programming and spaces that encourage invention and tinkering, where children ages 0-6 can explore simple concepts in tactile, real ways. This kind of space fuels a child's natural curiosity and teaches valuable lessons by helping them develop fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and peer relationships. Vineyard Haven Library will use the funding for enhancements to the Children's Room and Children's programming, and creativity kits that can be borrowed by parents and caregivers, or used in local preschools.

Libraries use LSTA grants from the MBLC in a variety of ways, including implementing literacy programs that benefit all ages, increasing library access to underserved populations, providing advanced automation services, training staff, and preserving valuable historical documents. Two other Martha's Vineyard libraries also received LSTA grants this year: West Tisbury, for Health Literacy, and Oak Bluffs, for Serving People with Disabilities.

In addition to the direct library grant program, the MBLC uses LSTA funds to support statewide programs and services, including summer reading programs, databases, the Commonwealth eBook program, the Commonwealth Catalog (the new virtual catalog), and mass.gov/libraries which provides information and resources for residents. LSTA is administered on the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in the Commonwealth by the MBLC. More information about LSTA can found at www.mass.gov/mblc.

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

All Island Flu Clinic & Health Fair

An all-island seasonal flu immunization clinic will be held on Saturday, October 1st from 11am to 2pm at the Martha's Vineyard High School Cafeteria. The clinic will provide flu shots for adults and children over 6 months, plus BMI testing, Cholesterol/Glucose screening, Blood Pressure checks, Bone Density Screening & Aromatherapy.

Forms and additional information are available at the library or may be downloaded here. Contact your local Board of Health if you have any questions or seek further information about the clinic.

Do you have questions about the flu? Flu.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. Government information on H1N1, avian and pandemic flu. Other recommended resources are provided below.

Staying Healthy

The two most basic practices a person can do to help prevent catching and spreading germs and viruses are hand washing and covering your cough.

Hand Washing: People in the United States are being advised to be very diligent about hand washing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on their web site about when and how you should wash your hands.

Covering Your Cough : Another important way to prevent the spread of diseases is to properly cover your cough. The CDC provides information on covering your cough.

Other Healthy Practices: There are several other steps the CDC recommends as ways to prevent the spread of flu and other diseases:
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick or when you are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick. Keep your children home if they are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Practice other health habits of getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
Additional Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): information on the Seasonal Flu and Novovirus.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH): Flu Website includes information in English and Spanish.

Medline Plus: Flu information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Library 5k Results

Rene DaSilva of Vineyard Haven was first to finish the 19th annual Run to the Chop 5K race with a time of 17 minutes and 50 seconds. Heather Lucas of Hopkinton was the first female with a time of 20 minutes, 22 seconds. Complete results including winners in all age groups will be posted on www.coolrunning.com and on the Library's Facebook Page. 64 runners completed the 5k, which was preceded by a half mile kid's Fun Run.

The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library, and proceeds support library programs. Community sponsors for this year's event 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, Stop & Shop, and Vineyard Grocer.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Photographs of Belgium by Lisa Anne Brown

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs of Belgium by Lisa Anne Brown. Her photographs will be on display on the art wall on the lower level, during regular library hours throughout the month of September.

Photographing for 30 years and still working in film, Lisa's eye is drawn to the antiquated. She chooses to frame her photographs in vintage 18th and 19th century molding. These wooden frames were destined for the rubbish and with the help of a friend Lisa saves them and reclaims them for a new life as a beautiful art pieces. When you see these images, the combination of Lisa's whimsical eye and these unique frames will make you smile. For more information on the artist visit http://labphoto.com/.

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.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Register for Phil Weinstein's Seminar "American Baroque"

Beginning in September, Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of Literature emeritus at Swarthmore College, will present a six-part workshop entitled American Baroque, on Melville’s Moby Dick and Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! The series will be presented at the Katharine Cornell Theater, 54 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven, on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Professor Weinstein will cover Moby Dick on September 7th, 21st, and 28th, and Absalom, Absalom! on November 2nd, 16th, and 30th.

Professor Weinstein describes these two works as "larger than life, harder to read than any bestseller, yet unforgettable once you’ve made them yours. Making them yours is labor, but as you succeed in making your way in, it can become a labor of love. Our three September sessions on Melville, like our later three on Faulkner, aim to enable your journey."

Professor Weinstein will use Norton's 2nd Critical Edition for Moby Dick, and the 1966 corrected edition of Absolum, Absolum! 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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Try Encore, a New Way to Search the CLAMS Catalog

When you visit the CLAMS Catalog you will be invited to try our new "Encore" Search. 

Based on feedback from library patrons, CLAMS has added an intuitive, yet powerful search option that includes features common to search engines such as Google, commercial web sites, and social networking sites. It is a new way to search for books, DVDs, digital titles, etc. in the CLAMS libraries.  Encore is particularly powerful when you begin with a broad search and want to narrow it down.

Encore integrates the patron’s OverDrive eBook checkouts and holds into “My Account” and allows access to full-text articles from Gale General OneFile, an online reference resource provided through the state. For more details, please visit the CLAMS Encore Help Page.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Annual 5k Run/Walk & FREE Kid's Fun Run on September 18th!

On Sunday, September 18th, 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 local stores. 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.

Community sponsors for this year's event 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, 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.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Sunday with Friends: Honoring Nicole Galland & Chelsea McCarthy

On Sunday, August 7th at 2pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an afternoon honoring Nicole Galland and Chelsea McCarthy, creators of "Shakespeare for the Masses." As part of the celebration, Nicole and Chelsea will offer a sample of their work with a 20-minute version of Shakespeare's Pericles. This event is free, and refreshments will be served. The library will open at 1:30 pm for this event.

Nicole Galland and Chelsea McCarthy met in 2007 at the Tisbury Amphitheatre working on a production of The Tempest. The following year, Nicole directed Chelsea in As You Like It, and by summer’s end they decided to start Shakespeare for the Masses to introduce off-season Vineyard audiences to the off-season works of William Shakespeare. Modeling the rehearsal process on the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse’s popular Monday Night Special series, their original adaptations are performed script-in-hand with one day’s rehearsal. Duels, sporting events and physical tomfoolery all performed off-book.

Their first season, consisting of seven plays including Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear, earned them a small cult following. Early in Season 2, they realized humor was their greatest ally in seducing Bardophobes to love the Bard, and they haven’t looked back since. After eight seasons and approximately 37 shows, they are still at it. They are grateful to the brave and generous troupe of players who have thrown themselves with abandon into each project, and to MJ Bruder Munafo and the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse for producing them all these years.

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, Rose Styron, and William Styron.  For more information contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library, (508) 696-4211.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Bill O'Callaghan

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs and sculpture by Bill O'Callaghan, the “Mad Potter” of Martha's Vineyard. His photographs are on display on the lower level of the library, and sculptures are placed throughout the building. Visitor may view the show during regular library hours throughout the month of July.

Bill is inspired by a combination of the folklore of Ireland, where he grew up, which is very nature based, and the beauty he sees around him here on the Vineyard. According to the artist, "I took some pottery courses here as a hobby originally, and liked it so much I continued on my own. Most times I have a rough idea of something and it grows and changes as I explore it, and I end up with something new. That is the real fun."

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.

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

Registration for the Summer Reading Program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library began Monday, June 27th. 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, July 2nd, 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.

Free programs for children this summer will include a visit by storybook characters Elephant & Piggie, musical story times with Ellen Allard, Jeremy Berlin, Hugh Hanley, Joyce Maxner, and Sara Piazza, and a yoga storytime with Anne Caldwell. Older children can participate in weekly crafting and building programs, Wii gaming, robotics, cartooning, and lantern painting for Illumination Night. Details are available at the library and on our website, www.vhlibrary.org.

For the sixth 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, pick up a Summer Reading bookmark at the Library. Read at least one book in a category of your choosing, and hand in your bookmark including your name and contact information. Prize drawings will be held at the end of July & August.

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 The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, Candy Haven, Chipotle, Island Cove Mini Golf, MV Film Society (Capawock and Strand Theaters), Sandy's Fish and Chips, The Toy Box at Tisbury Marketplace, Wolf Den's Pizzeria, 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.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Susan Johnson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Nature, Identity, Creativity: A Retrospective," an exhibit of paintings by Susan Johnson. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of June.

"Nature, Identity, Creativity," is an exploration of time and topographical memory in everyday experience, including twenty-one paintings of landscapes, portraits and still-lives spanning from the mid-nineties to today. Islander Susan Elizabeth Johnson is a graduate of Pratt Institute and Boston University, and currently a Ph.D student in Aesthetics and Art Theory at the Institute of Doctoral Studies of the Visual Arts.

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, June 14, 2016

Tisbury Family Shellfishing Day

The Tisbury Shellfish Department will host Family Shellfish day to introduce kids, parents, and grandparents to the joys of shellfishing. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 25th at the Lagoon Pond boat landing on Beach Rd. Activities will begin at 9:00 am. Rain date is June 26. Through hands-on activities family members will explore the pond ecology, learn about shellfish, and how to harvest, handle, and prepare them. This is a family event. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

There is no charge for this event but participants must register. Online registration is available on the town website at http://www.tisburyma.gov/Pages/TisburyMA_News/055EA08F-000F8513. For phone reservations or questions call Shellfish Constable, Danielle Ewart (508) 684-8304 and leave your name and phone number.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Memorial Day: Schedule and Special Events

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 30th.

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. Bring your own picnic supplies; volunteer cooks will grill the hot dogs and hamburgers you bring.


Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Mobile Printing at the Library

Vineyard Haven Public Library patrons can now print to the library printer from their mobile device or their internet-enabled computer though the PrinterOn service, from home or in the library. PrinterOn works with our current Envisionware printing system. Print jobs can be emailed, uploaded to a web portal or sent through a mobile app, available for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Nook. The apps can be found in your device’s app store or from the PrinterOn website: http://www.printeron.com/apps.html.

The library's printer also has a unique email address assigned to it. Patrons are able to send print jobs from their smartphones or laptops by simply sending an email with an attachment to the email address at any of our locations. Patrons can submit documents from wherever they are – on the road, in their home office or in the library. Documents will not be printed until the patron comes to the library and releases their print job within 24 hours during regular library hours. Printing costs are the same from either your mobile device or on a library computer. (Note: You may want to bring the file you wish to pring on a flash drive or have it accessible via the cloud just in case there is a problem with the mobile printing system.)

The service supports many file types, including but are not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, Open Office, and image formats such as TIFF, JPG, PNG, and GIF.

For detailed instructions, visit our Mobile Printing page at http://vhlibrary.org/mobileprint.shtml

Mobile printing at Vineyard Haven Public Library has been made possible by a donation from the Friends of the Library.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Martha's Vineyard Photography Club Group Show

Photograph by Nat Woodruff
This June, members of the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club will showcase their work in the 6th 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 Thursday June 2nd from 6 - 7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

The photographs will be on display during regular library hours from June 1st through June 11th. Featured photographers include Sara Piazza, Harvey Beth, Uta Kirchlechner, Les Goldstein, Lynn Khosla, Phyllis Dunn, Maria Thibodeau, Siobhan Beasley, Scott Tuttle, Bill O'Callaghan, Cynthia da Silva, Sharon Simonin, Henry Stephenson, and Nat 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.

Friday, May 6, 2016

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration on National Readathon Day

http://vhlibrary.org/1000Books.shtmlOn Saturday, May 21st from 10:30am to Noon, Vineyard Haven Public Library will host a party to celebrate the first year of the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program at the Library. At the event, the Library will be recognizing current readers and welcoming new participants. There will be refreshments and playtime for preschoolers, and parents who enroll their child in the program will receive a gift and be entered to win a door prize.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced, do-it-at-home early literacy program 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. 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.

To participate, parents or other caregivers visit the Library to register their child, at any age before they enter kindergarten. Each family will receive a reading log to record the books read together, and will receive rewards for every 100 books read, including passes for overdue fines, gift certificates, or other small prizes including books. There is no charge to participate and the Library provides everything you need to complete the program, including an easy-to-use iPhone App.

Since Vineyard Haven Library launched the program last spring, nearly 50 families have signed up, and at least three children have completed the program by reading 1,000 books, including Juniper Begin and Milo Agnew, both 2 1/2 years old.

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. More information about the program can be found on the Library’s website.

Saturday May 21st is also National Readathon Day, a day dedicated to the joy of reading and giving, when readers everywhere can join together to read and raise funds in support of literacy. That afternoon from 2-4pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will hold their monthly mini book sale. In the spirit of Readathon Day, all books in the sale will be free, although donations to the Friends of the Library will be gratefully accepted and used to fund children's programs at the library.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Vasha Brunelle

Down near Tashmoo Opening on a Windy Day - V. Brunelle
The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Vasha Brunelle. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of May.

The artist describes her inspiration: "There are some things in life one just can't explain. Briefly, I get most inspiration from nature, and seem addicted to mixing colors that look good together. I suppose some of the stuff I see outdoors -- water, trees, birds, etc. --I just really want to honor in some way, you know, like a poet, but with paint."

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.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Vineyard Haven Library Receives Rural Gateways Grant for STEM Programming in Community

Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce it has received a $3,500 National Science Foundation grant from the Califa Library Group to provide science-based programs for adults. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) are popular topics for children's education, but rarely mentioned in relation to adults.

The programs funded by the grant are essentially “book club meets science café.” Attendees read a pre-announced popular book selection, then to come to the library for an event in which they discuss the book, and then watch and discuss a short human interest video where scientific ideas touched on in the book intersect everyday life. Programs will be scheduled starting in 2017.

“The videos are engaging. There are no scientists in white coats. They're people you would want to sit down and talk to,” said previous grant recipient Dwight McInvaill, Director of the Georgetown County Library in Georgetown, SC.

Rural Gateways is funded through the National Science Foundation and was created through a collaboration of Dartmouth College, The Califa Library Group, the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, Dawson Media Group, and the Institute for Learning Innovation.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Art in the Stacks: David Gray

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

David Gray moved to Martha's Vineyard with his family when he was 11 years old, in 1962. Throughout his schooling he always took as many art classes as he could, and continues to study watercolor painting at Featherstone. Now in his fifties, David is fully entrenched in his work. He sketches and uses watercolors to portray marine scenes and other Vineyard landscapes.

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.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Early Closing April 12th due to Town Meeting

Vineyard Haven Library will close early on Tuesday, April 12th, 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
FY2017 Operating Budget

Friday, March 18, 2016

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.

http://www.vhlibrary.org/calculator.shtml

Friday, March 4, 2016

The Tisbury Annual Town Meeting: Preparing for Participation

On Thursday, March 10th and Thurday March 24th at 6pm, Tisbury's Vision Council will hold a meeting at Vineyard Haven Library to discuss the upcoming Town Meeting. This meeting is intended to help community members better understand Town Meeting procedures and the warrant articles that we will be voting on at the Annual and Special Town Meetings to be held on April 12th.

Deborah Medders, Town Moderator, will provide an overview of the Town Meeting process, share her thoughts on how we can prepare for Town Meeting, and discuss things that she has learned over the years. Following her presentation, she will answer questions from the group.

Deborah's presentation will be followed by a discussion of specific warrant articles. Warrant sponsors will present the background and intent of their articles. This will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the warrants that we will be voting on in April. The meeting will help community members prepare for town meeting so that we will be able to hold a constructive conversation and make informed decisions.

Articles sponsored by Vineyard Haven Public Library and Community Preservation Committee were discussed on Thursday, March 10th. Additional articles will be discussed on Thursday, March 24th.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Photographs by Lynn Khosla

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

Lynn Khosla is an amateur photographer who will photograph almost anything that doesn’t move. After arriving on the Vineyard in the winter of 2013, she has made it her home, and is particularly drawn to the beauty of the Island in winter. The photographs in this collection demonstrate her predilection for the minimalist view, the minute detail, the abstract, the unexpected, and sometimes the absurd.

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.

Newton Nomadic Theater Performs "Molly Sweeney"

On Sunday, March 13th at 5:30pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to present a free performance by the Newton Nomadic Theater, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Newton Nomadic Theater, a new theater company dedicated to producing simply staged, high quality theater in interesting and unconventional theater spaces, will perform Brian Friel's Molly Sweeney. From one of Ireland’s best modern playwrights, this striking piece of dramatic writing is a daring piece of theater. Three points of view about a poignant drama are related by three characters addressing the audience directly. Their stories interweave on stage, threading in and around each others’ lives, until the unexpected and touching conclusion to this striking tale. This wonderful play by Brian Friel is the tale of a blind woman, her sighted husband and her doctor, inspired by an essay by Oliver Sacks. Newton Nomadic Theater vet Billy Meleady is back, both directing and acting, joined on stage by Nomadic newcomers Stephen Cooper and Noni Lewis in the title role. The event is free and refreshments will be served.

Billy Meleady (actor, director) has been a regular performer on Boston stages for 25 years. He was a regular performer with The Sugan Theatre Co. for over a decade. He received both Elliot Norton and IRNE awards for his work with Sugan and also for his work with The New Repertory Theatre and Boston Playwrights Theatre. He was nominated for a 2011 Elliot Norton award and an IRNE award for his performance in TirNa Theatre Co's Trad a 2013 LA Ovation award for "featured actor" in The Belle of Belfast (world premiere) and received the 2014 Best Actor award at Boston's 48 film festival. He recently performed with The Revels in Sander's Theatre and off Broadway in the Irish Repertory Theatre Co's  east coast premiere of The Belle Of Belfast.  He recently appeared in Black Mass (Warner Bros. released Sept. 2015). Newton Nomadic audience will remember Billy for his performances in Faith Healer and in Turn of the Screw, in which he both directed and played four different characters. He is delighted to be back with the "Nomads" and to perform in another play by the late great Brian Friel.

Noni Lewis is a Welsh actress and voiceover artist currently based in Boston. Having spent many years as a stage and screen performer, in more recent years has enjoyed voice acting from her home studio. Fresh from performing in The Christmas Revels at Sanders Theatre, Harvard, Noni is delighted to join Billy Meleady on stage once again. Previous credits include Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Aardman Animations/Dreamworks), poetry readings, plays and audiobooks for BBC Radio Four, Macbeth and Twelfth Night (Orange Tree Theatre, London), Odysseus’s Journey (Bristol Old Vic). Noni has also recently appeared as Tessa in the Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm and can be heard on radio and television advertisements across Wales, on websites, phone messages, apps, computer games, audio trails, in museums and even lifts through her work at www.welshvoiceover.co.uk.

Stephen Cooper returns to Brian Friel after appearing as Hugh in Translations (Bad Habit Productions) at Boston’s Calderwood Pavilion in 2014 – a production he was forced to leave after he suffered a serious injury.  After his recovery in 2015, Stephen appeared in Michael Frayn’s Alphabetical Order (Mugford Street Players) and in Pinter’s Ashes to Ashes (Exiled Theatre). Other recent roles include the haunted widower in Conor McPherson’s Shining City and Picasso in Jeffrey Hatcher’s A Picasso (both with Salem Theatre Company). Stephen is a member of SAG-AFTRA; his radio drama work has been broadcast on NPR and can be heard at www.scribblingwomen.org. He formerly lived in Los Angeles, where he studied acting for seven years under the late Susan Peretz.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Register For 2016 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 7th.

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 $25 from the FPA website at www.fpa.org, or by calling (800) 477-5836. (A limited number of books will be for sale at the library.)

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 7th
Shifting Alliances in the Middle East
From a proxy war in Yemen to an ongoing civil war in Syria, a number of conflicts have shaken the traditional alignments in the Middle East to their core. As alliances between state and non-state actors in the region are constantly shifting, the U.S. has found itself between a rock and a hard place. In a series of disputes that are far from being black-and-white, what can the U.S. do to secure its interests in the region without causing further damage and disruption?

Thursday, April 14th
The Rise of ISIS
Born out of an umbrella organization of al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) burst onto the international stage after it conquered Fallujah in December 2013. Since then, the group has seized control of a number of critical strongholds in both countries and declared itself a caliphate. Still, the question remains: what is ISIS, and what danger does it pose to U.S. interests?

Thursday, April 21st
The Future of Kurdistan
Kurdistan, a mountainous region made up of parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, is home to one of the largest ethnic groups in West Asia: the Kurds. Now, most in the West know them for the small, oil-rich autonomous region in northern Iraq called Iraqi Kurdistan—one of the U.S.’ closest allies in the Middle East, and a bulwark against the expansion of the so-called Islamic State. What does the success of Iraqi Kurdistan mean for Kurds in the surrounding region?

Thursday, April 28th
International Migration
As a record number of migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea, seeking refuge in Europe, the continent is struggling to come up with an adequate response. Although Europe’s refugees are largely fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa, their struggle is hardly unique. Today, with the number of displaced people at an all-time high, a number of world powers find themselves facing a difficult question: how can they balance border security with humanitarian concerns? More importantly, what can they do to resolve these crises so as to limit the number of displaced persons?

Thursday, May 5th
Korean Choices
At the end of World War II, Korea was divided. The northern half of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the Soviet Union, the southern by the United States. Today, North and South Korea couldn’t be further apart. The North is underdeveloped, impoverished and ruled by a corrupt, authoritarian regime, while the South advanced rapidly to become one of the most developed countries in the world. With such a wide gap, some are asking if unification is possible, even desirable, anymore?

Thursday, May 12th
The United Nations Post-2015
On the eve of the international organization’s 70th birthday, the United Nations stands at a crossroads. This year marks a halfway point in the organization’s global effort to eradicate poverty, hunger and discrimination, as well as ensure justice and dignity for all peoples. But as the UN’s 193 member states look back at the success of the millennium development goals, they also must assess their needs for its sustainable development goals—a new series of benchmarks, which are set to expire in 2030. With the appointment of the ninth Secretary-General in the near future as well, the next U.S. President is bound to have quite a lot on his or her plate going into office.

Thursday, May 19th
Climate Geopolitics
In the past few years, the American public has become more aware of the damage wrought by climate change. From droughts in the west to extreme weather in the east, a rapidly changing climate has already made its footprint in the United States. Now, it is expected that the presidential election in 2016 will be one of the first to place an emphasis on these environmental changes. What can the next President do to stymie this environmental crisis? And is it too late for these efforts to be effective?

Thursday, May 26th
Cuba and the U.S.
The U.S. announced in December 17, 2014, that, after decades of isolation, it would being taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba, its neighbor to the south. The announcement marked a dramatic shift away from a policy that has its roots in one of the darkest moments of the Cold War—the Cuban missile crisis. Although the U.S. trade embargo is unlikely to end any time soon, American and Cuban leaders today are trying to bring a relationship once defined by antithetical ideologies into the 21st century.

Register online

Saturday, February 13, 2016

RESTORED Public Internet and Wifi Outage February 13th

We regret that public internet and wifi are not working this morning due to a Comcast outage. Library eBook Training cancelled today.

Internet and wifi have been restored

Friday, February 12, 2016

Islanders Read the Classics: Phil Weinstein Presents Toni Morrison's Beloved

Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of English Emeritus at Swarthmore College, will launch a new program series, "Islanders Read the Classics", with a talk about Toni Morrison's Beloved. In selecting Beloved to launch this series, Mr. Weinstein says, “It is the novel that takes on most imaginatively and movingly — as probably only a black writer could — the curse of American slavery: its origins in the Middle Passage, its traumatic damage in the mid-19th century, its fallout later on.”

The "Islanders Read the Classics" series is presented by the Martha's Vineyard Library Association in partnership with the Martha's Vineyard Times. Once each month, an island library will host a free talk by an educator who has a passion for a specific book. Participants are encouraged to read the book in advance, however it is not required. Copies of the books may be requested through your local CLAMS library. For further details, contact the hosting library.

Currently scheduled events in the series:

7pm Thursday, March 3rd. Hosted by Vineyard Haven Library, at the Katharine Cornell Theater. Philip Weinstein discusses Toni Morrison’s Beloved.

6:30pm Tuesday, April 19th, Oak Bluffs Library.
John Crelan discusses Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

5:30pm Wednesday, May 19th, Chilmark Library.
Holly St. John Bergon discusses Sylvia Plath’s Ariel.

7pm Tuesday, June 28th, West Tisbury Library.
John Hough discusses Charles Dickens' Bleak House.

7pm Thursday, July 14th, Edgartown Library.
Dan Sharkovitz discusses William Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Tax Forms Now Available

Selected Federal and State tax forms are now available at the library. This year, the IRS has only provided the 1040, 1040EZ, and 1040A forms and instruction booklets.

If you need additional forms, you can request that they be mailed to you. Most forms are also available online.

To obtain tax forms not available at the library:

Order forms be delivered by mail:
Download from the IRS website:

Monday, February 8, 2016

Closed for the Day Monday February 8th

Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed on Monday February 8th due to storm conditions, anticipate reopening at 10am on Tuesday February 9th.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Art in the Stacks: Photography of Henry Stephenson


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

The images featured are based on familiar sights found in and around Vineyard Haven -- the Black Dog Museum, the Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway, and along Beach Road at the R.M. Packer Company property.
The images consist largely of multiple close-up photographs of ordinary objects -- boats under repair and the tools and materials found in the yards.

The photos are then assembled into multiple overlapping layers. The edges of the individual photos often remain visible in the final product creating asymmetrical compositions and images more akin to a painting than a photograph. The photographer's intention is that by lifting these objects out of their familiar context, the viewer will see them in a fresh way and gain an appreciation of the beauty, detail and complexity of the work involved.

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.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Schedule Change for Friday February 5th

The library will be open from 10am to 1pm today, instead of our regular hours. Afternoon programs are cancelled for the day.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Call to Makers: 1st Annual MV Mini Maker Faire

We are very pleased to announce that the First Annual MV Mini Maker Faire will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 10am to 4pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Come enjoy a great day of perfect Vineyard weather, arts and crafts, science and engineering, food and music, fire and water! The MV Mini Maker Faire is organized by librarians from the six Vineyard libraries under the umbrella of the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association with initial support from area businesses and community groups, including the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Featherstone Center for the Arts and MV Community Services. Not sure what the Mini Maker Faire is all about? Visit our website and start getting excited!

Call to Makers

We're currently looking for Makers, Presenters & Performers! A Maker is a person or thing that makes or produces something. Makers include everyone from cheesemakers to Lego builders and tinkerers to computer coders. If you like to make stuff, grow stuff, compile stuff, or re-purpose stuff you're a Maker. You're a Maker even if what you make is music, performance, or an awesome idea.

Take part in the action by filling out our online Participation Form.

Here are just some of the topics that we’re looking for:

Student projects
Robotics
Homegrown Drones
Arduino projects
Raspberry Pi
Space projects
Food makers (not concessionaires, more info below)
Conductive materials projects
Kit makers
Interactive art projects
3D Printers and CNC Mills
Textile Arts and Crafts
E-Textiles
Home Energy Monitoring
Rockets and RC Toys
Sustainability & Green Tech
Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
Electronics
Electric Vehicles
Science, Biology/Biotech, and Chemistry projects
Puppets, Kites, and Other Whimsical Creations
Bicycles
Large-scale Art
Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)
Music Performances and Participation
Unusual Tools or Machines
How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)

Monday, January 25, 2016

"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.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Early Close January 23rd, Programs Cancelled due to Weather

Due to the storm forecast for Saturday, January 23rd, Library Programs including eBooks training and Friends of the Library meeting have been cancelled.

The Library will open at 10am and close at 12 noon. A parking ban has been issued for the downtown area beginning at noon.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

System Maintenance Alert


CLAMS services, including the online catalog, CLAMS Digital Downloads (Overdrive), and the Commonwealth Catalog, will be unavailable between 9 PM on Wednesday, January 20th and 3 AM on Thursday, January 21st due to system maintenance.