Nancy Binzen returns with more Traditional Storytelling for Adults

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to welcome back traditional storyteller Nancy Binzen for another wildcrafted evening of folktale and myth from around the world–especially for adults. This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Storytelling isn’t just for children! Traditional storyteller Nancy Binzen will narrate two tales: “The Woman Who Became a Fox” and “The Handless Maiden,”  

“The Woman Who Became a Fox” is a short Siberian tale. "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" asked poet Mary Oliver. From the steppes of Siberia, "The Woman Who Became a Fox" responds. 

“The Handless Maiden” is an old, old story map of the journey from innocence to wisdom and the courage and commitment required of anyone seeking to claim who they truly are. Today, more than ever, we need this map. Come join us on the journey.

Nancy Binzen has a BA in Theatre Arts, a Certificate in Storytelling from Dominican University, and has studied with noted mythologist, Martin Shaw. She’s been telling traditional tales for 25 years and is a seasonal Vineyard Haven resident. 

For more information, please contact the library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Great Decisions 2026: Join America's largest discussion group on world affairs!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of its annual foreign policy reading and discussion group, Great Decisions. Organized by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, providing interested library patrons the opportunity to learn about and discuss in a thoughtful and courteous manner some of the most critical global issues facing America today. Click here to register.

The group meets weekly for a total of eight sessions to discuss a pre-determined set of topics selected by a panel of foreign policy experts. This year's discussion group will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings, from February 5th through March 25th. Meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Those attending in-person will meet at the Tisbury EMS Facility, located at 215 Spring Street, opposite the far end of the Tisbury School playground. 

In advance of each meeting, participants will read one article from the briefing book and watch one 30-minute video on the topic of the week (video link to be provided). Discounted briefing books will be available in the coming weeks for purchase at the library’s 15 Church Street location for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book will also be available for in-library use at no charge. Alternatively, participants may purchase their copy on the Foreign Policy Association's website here.

One week prior to each session, registrants will be sent an email indicating which article in the briefing book to read and providing a link to the video segment for the week. A Zoom link will be provided for those participating virtually.

The dates and topics for 2026 are as follows:

Session 1: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
Wednesday, February 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
By G. John Ikenberry

Session 2: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
By Michael Mastanduno

Session 3: U.S.-China Relations
Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
By Oriana Mastro 

Session 4: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
Wednesday, February 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
By Gideon Rose

Session 5: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
By Thomas Wright

Session 6: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Session 7: U.S. Engagement of Africa
Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
By Jendayi E. Frazer

Session 8: The Future of Human Rights and International Law
Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?
By Jose Enrique Alvarez

For more information, please call the VH library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Virtual: Personal Writing Series with Caroline Joy Adams 2026

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to offer a series of personal writing workshops with writing instructor Caroline Joy Adams. The workshops will be held via Zoom on the first Thursday of each month from 2:00-3:30 pm, February through June. Topics include: Writing about Love, Writing a Mini-Memoir, The Mindful Art of Haiku, the Return of Spring, and Travel Writing. Click here to register for one or more of Caroline's workshops.

Writers of all experience levels, backgrounds, and interests are invited to attend this virtual series, where we’ll explore various topics and creative writing pathways in a supportive writing community. Writing may take the form of memoir, poetry, fiction, essays, or creative non-fiction; all forms are worthy of exploration. Participants may attend all five sessions, or only one or two. 

Caroline Joy Adams, M.Ed., has been leading workshops for the Vineyard Haven Public Library since 2019. She is the author of several published books, including Great Travel Questions for Fun Conversations. Dividing her time between the sunny Southwest and coastal New England, she has taught college-level writing and led hundreds of art and writing workshops in diverse locations across the country.

Whether online or in person, Caroline creates a relaxed, inclusive, and comfortable atmosphere in all of her classes. Her goal is to inspire everyone to ignite their creative writing energies and get their words flowing, whether they are just beginning or have been writing for many years.

Caroline’s Writing Workshops will take place via Zoom on the first Thursday of the month from 2:00-3:30 pm as follows:

Thursday, February 5th from 2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom – Writing About Love 

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to focus our creative energies on writing short love poems, love letters, tiny love stories, and more, perhaps in time to gift these well-crafted words to a loved one for this upcoming love-focused holiday. 

Thursday, March 5th from 2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom – Writing a Mini-Memoir 

This workshop will explore the art of writing a “Mini-memoir,” a brief bit of personal writing, usually just a few pages, that you can start, work on, and bring to completion in a very short time. The focus will be on a significant event or time in your life when you gained a deep insight, learned something valuable, or experienced something unusual or memorable that you may wish to share with others. 

Thursday, April 2nd from 2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom – The Mindful Art of Haiku 

In honor of National Poetry Month, this workshop will explore the Japanese tradition of writing short bits of memoir in the form of Haibun and Haiku poetry, something everyone can learn and produce excellent results from within a very short time.

Thursday, May 7th from 2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom – Writing About Nature 

Wherever we live—by the sea, in the mountains, or even in a big city—nature, in all its many aspects, has a powerful impact on our lives and unfolding life stories. This workshop offers a chance to contemplate. and then write about and share some of our most memorable, beautiful, dramatic, or surprising nature-focused experiences.

Thursday, June 4th from 2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom – The Great Travels Writing Workshop 

For those who love to travel, this fun, inspiring workshop offers a chance to contemplate, discuss, write about, and share some of our most memorable travel experiences and adventures—either those from recent times or from the long-ago past.

For more information, please contact the library at (508) 696-4211 or via email at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Family-Friendly "First Night" Celebration in Vineyard Haven!

 

For the first time in 25 years, Visit Vineyard Haven and the Youth Task Force (MV) are bringing back First Night! On December 31st, join us at Martha's Vineyard Playhouse in the Cultural District from 6 to 8 pm for a FREE, family-focused, and alcohol-free event! Event will feature crafting tables by non-profits across Martha's Vineyard, a DJ dance party upstairs in the theater, food & snacks, and a brand-new NEW Ball to drop at 8pm sharp!

Request a Text Message Reminder

Beach Befrienders Tisbury Beach Cleanup New Years Day CANCELLED

 Beach Befrienders Tisbury Beach Cleanup has been cancelled due to forecast storm, to be rescheduled

11 am - 1 pm Thursday January 1st at Tisbury Beaches

Tisbury beaches need our help! These winter winds have brought in a lot of debris so join us for our last 2025 cleanup to start the new year fresh and clean. Join Beach Befrienders at the Tashmoo Cut, Owen Park Beach, or Beach Road Landing from 11 am to 1 pm on Sunday December 28th Thursday January 1st, or help tally the trash at 1pm at the Tisbury EMS on Spring Street. Participants can get a free coffee/hot chocolate OR doughnut/muffin at The Black Dog - BYO mug!

Request a Text Message Reminder

Christmas Holiday Hours at Martha's Vineyard Libraries

Vineyard Haven Library will be CLOSED on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, December 24th and 25th. We will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Friday December 26th. Other libraries will also have holiday closures this week.

New! Free Access to the Boston Globe Online

The Martha's Vineyard Library Association, with support from Friends of Island Libraries, now provides free access to the Boston Globe Online for library patrons. To access the Boston Globe online click HERE and enter the required fields to create a Boston Globe account for unlimited 3-day access. 

• Enjoy up-to-the-moment access to Globe.com with no limit on the number of articles viewed.
• Access will be available for the next 3 days (72 hours). A limited number of passes may be issued each day.
• After 3 days, simply come back and click the above link again and register again to regain access.
• This resource requires you to create a free temporary account.  You may use this login and password for every future visit to the Boston Globe online.

Martha's Vineyard Library patrons also have free access to the New York Times and the Washington Post online. For details on accessing these resources please visit https://www.vhlibrary.org/econtent.shtml

Prefer to read the news in print? Visit the Church Street Library where we receive daily delivery of the Boston, Globe, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more than 50 magazines. Newspapers are for library use only, but most magazines can be checked out.