Shakespearean Explorations: Hamlet & King Lear with Professor Philip Weinstein (Virtual)

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce a new literary lecture series with Professor Philip Weinstein entitled, Shakespearean Explorations. This initial set of virtual lectures will focus on two of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Hamlet and King Lear. The four-part series on Hamlet and King Lear will be held via Zoom, from 6:00-7:00 pm on alternate Wednesday evenings in May and June: May 6th, May 20th, June 3rd, and June 17th.  Interested patrons may register here.

All of us have come into contact with Shakespeare’s plays at some point in our lives—in high school, in college, on our own, and at theaters all over the world that continue to put on his plays. For none of us is he an unknown quantity. Yet there is no point in denying that his plays make considerable demands: over 400 years old, they are written in an early modern English that differs profoundly from contemporary usage, and they typically proceed by way of the poetic form we call “blank verse”: 10-syllable lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter. These lines can be dense, even tortuous, but they also rise, recurrently, unexpectedly, to levels of sublimity found nowhere else. We do need the footnotes and the glosses. Yet, as one of Shakespeare’s first-rate critics (Stephen Greenblatt) puts it, his blank verse is “like the dream of what ordinary speech would be like were human beings something greater than they are”—that is, how we might speak if we were gods.

We will encounter other challenges as well. How should we accommodate the capital fact that the plays—every one of them—were written to be acted on a stage? And that, following from this fact, their intended form of “fulfillment” is indeed the stage?  In this regard, plays—crucially unlike novels—lead a double life: one on the stage (varying over time and place, and from stage to stage), and the other on the page. No less, the Shakespeare that many scholars seek to access is an Englishman of the late 16th century. One sustained form of scholarly commentary (called “the new historicism”) has labored hard to unpack what his plays—on the Elizabethan and Jacobean stage between 1591 and 1611—would have meant then.

For us though—in the four sessions we will devote to our two plays—the Shakespeare that we can all access, together, is the one on the page: the writer, the poet, the one we are reading now.  This is the Shakespeare who, as fellow poet and playwright Ben Jonson put it in the dedication to the First Folio, was “not of an age but for all time.” Coming to grips with two of his masterpieces is going to be quite a journey, a journey that Professor Weinstein invites us all to join him on.

Philip Weinstein earned his PhD in English from Harvard University, staying on to teach at Harvard for the next 3 years. He then accepted a position at Swarthmore, where he remained for over 40 years, becoming the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of English. He has written several books of literary criticism, many focused on Faulkner, including “Becoming Faulkner: The Art and Life of William Faulkner,” which won the Hugh Holman Award for the best book of literary scholarship or literary criticism in the field of southern literature published in 2010. In 2015, Weinstein retired from Swarthmore and moved to Martha’s Vineyard full-time. Since then, he’s gone on to write three more books and to continue teaching adults through the Vineyard Haven Public Library, Swarthmore Lifelong Learning, and the 92nd Street Y in New York.

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

Cookbook Talk: The Making of "The Sea Table"

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Shelley Edmundson, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust, and Catherine Walthers, cookbook author and culinary instructor, for a discussion about the making of the new Martha’s Vineyard-based cookbook, “The Sea Table”--a true collaboration between local chefs, fishermen, and photographers. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31st 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. 

This is the third of three Sea Table events hosted by island libraries: January 31st at 1:00 pm at the Chilmark Free Library, March 14th at 3:00 pm at the Aquinnah Public Library, and March 31st at 6:00 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, hosted by the Vineyard Haven Public Library. 

About the cookbook:

“‘The Sea Table’ is more than just a cookbook. It’s a tribute to the waters that surround Martha’s Vineyard and to the fishermen who work hard to bring seafood to our tables. It features 75 recipes curated from island cooks, chefs, and fishermen; involves 19 seafood species found in Vineyard waters—from bay scallops, to fluke, to yellowfin tuna; profiles 21 local fishermen; and invites you into a world where fresh, sustainable seafood is a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a seafood lover, or just someone who cares about where your food comes from, this book offers an inspiring—and delicious—way to eat locally.

‘​The Sea Table’ was created by the Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust, in partnership with cookbook author, chef, and writer Catherine Walthers. The food photography for this book was created by local photographer Randi Baird, and black and white portraits of fishermen were captured by Brook Bartletta. Other contributing professional photographers include Claire Callagy, Alison Shaw, Ben Scott, Larry Glick, Bob Avakian, Parker Bradlee, Susie Middleton and Lisa Vanderhoop.”

About the presenters: 

Shelley Edmundson, Executive Director, MVFPT, spent every summer with her family on Martha’s Vineyard exploring the island’s shores and fishing off her grandfather’s boat, the Seabird. Shelley received her PhD in Zoology/Marine Biology studying channeled whelks (nicknamed 'conchs'), marine snails that support one of the Vineyard's largest commercial fisheries. Throughout her research, Shelley collaborated with many local fishermen with the goal of helping protect the species and sustainably manage the local fishery. Shelley’s love of the Vineyard, marine biology, and the commercial fishing community drives her passion to work for the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. 

Catherine Walthers is a Martha’s Vineyard-based writer, culinary instructor, and private chef. A former journalist, she is the author of 4 cookbooks, including “Kale, Glorious Kale, Soups + Sides,” and “Raising the Salad Bar.” Catherine Walthers is also the food editor of Bluedot Magazine. She also wrote an environmental guidebook called “A Greener Boston” published by Chronicle Books in 1992. 

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

UPDATED: Library Closures, Cancellations, and Storm Information

Updated 2/25:

Vineyard Haven Library will open late at NOON today, Wed Feb 25th. Please note our parking lot may not be accessible.

This week's meeting of the Great Decisions Discussion Group has been postponed due to the ongoing weather event and power outages.

Afternoon Crafts at the EMS Building is CANCELLED today.

Our Virtual event "Burglary at the Louvre" will be held as scheduled at 7pm, register here.

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Updated 2/24:

Vineyard Haven Library will be closed for the day on Tues Feb 24th due to the ongoing weather event.

West Tisbury Emergency Management will operate a warming center at the West Tisbury Library on Tuesday.

Story circle at the MV Family Center is cancelled today, the Family Center will be closed.

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Due to the scheduled downtown Parking Ban and anticipated weather conditions, the library will be closed on Sunday February 22nd and Monday February 23rd.

The Town of Tisbury has issued a parking ban from noon Sunday February 22nd through 11pm Monday February 23rd for the following roads:

Union Street
Spring Street
Center Street
Church Street
William Street
Clough Lane 
Frankline Street
Main Street
Skiff Avenue
Renear Street
All Town Parking Lots

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Blizzard Conditions Expected – MV Closures & Shelter Info

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Dukes County Emergency Management Association (DCEMA)

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34 minutes agoDetails

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Media Contact:

Jennelle Gadowski

Public Information Officer

Dukes County Emergency Management Association

774-563-6110

emd@westtisbury-ma.gov

@DukesCountyEM | @WestTisburyEMD

Winter Storm Hernando Expected to Bring Blizzard Conditions, Heavy Wet Snow & Strong Winds

Dukes County Emergency Management Association (DCEMA), in coordination with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton, is advising all Dukes County residents and visitors to prepare for Winter Storm Hernando, a high-impact Nor’easter is expected to bring heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions to Martha’s Vineyard Sunday evening through Monday evening. Total accumulations of 12-24 inches are possible. Residents are urged to monitor official forecasts at weather.gov/boston and follow @NWSBoston for updates.

 

Expected Impacts

Dangerous travel conditions dangerous and near-zero visibility

Heavy wet snow combined with strong winds

Downed trees and widespread power outages possible

Coastal flooding and beach erosion during early Monday high tide

Hazardous marine conditions with storm-force winds and 15-25 ft seas

 

Shelter Guidance

Residents and visitors are strongly advised to shelter in place at home during the storm and avoid unnecessary travel. Staying off the roads allows Highway Departments, first responders, and utility crews to safely conduct snow removal and emergency operations. For those experiencing power outages or unsafe heating conditions, the following shelters will be available:

 

Daytime Warming Center – West Tisbury              

West Tisbury Free Public Library                                              

1042 State Road, West Tisbury                                       

Monday, February 23 8AM-6PM                                          

Wi-Fi and device charging available                           

 

Overnight Shelter – Harbor Homes of MV

111 New York Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Opens 6PM Sunday through 8AM Tuesday

For entry after 7PM, call 774-563-3687

Meals provided. Regular shelter rules in effect

Emergency Animal & Livestock Shelter – West Tisbury                 

Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society

35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury                              

Contact: Christopher Lyons at 508-889-7891 or facilities@mvagsoc.org

Rules and Regulations: marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/emergency-shelter

What's New at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital?

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome a team of health professionals from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to share information about some of the new procedures and diagnostic services available on the island, including a new sleep studies service, pulmonary rehabilitation, a growing suite of breast imaging services, ambulatory pharmacy, and the new Community Health Improvement Plan. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24th 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.

Presenters include: Director of Pharmacy, Valci Carvalho, PharmD; Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Natasha Hartmann (R) (M), BS; Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Dan Friedrich, RRT; and Director of Contracts and Community Projects, Amy Houghton.

Director of Pharmacy at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Valci Carvalho, PharmD: Valci will discuss MVH’s new ambulatory care pharmacy service line. The program supports a wide spectrum of needs — from medication reconciliation and chronic disease management, such as diabetes or hypertension, to helping patients better understand complex regimens or recent medication changes.

Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Natasha Hartmann, (R) (M), BS: Natasha will speak about MVH’s growing suite of breast imaging services, including the recent introduction of stereotactic breast biopsy, a minimally invasive, highly precise procedure that helps clinicians evaluate abnormalities detected on mammography. This is in addition to ultrasound guided biopsy, Breast MRI introduced in 2024, and the upgraded mammography system installed in 2025. Together, these services form a comprehensive continuum of care designed to support early detection, timely diagnosis, and improved patient outcomes. These additions mark a major step forward in bringing advanced diagnostic care closer to home for island patients.

Manager, Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab Services, Dan Friedrich, RRT: Dan will speak about a recently launched pulmonary rehab service designed to help people with chronic lung conditions breathe better, move more easily, and improve their overall quality of life. Dan will also speak about a new sleep studies service line coming to MVH later this year.

Director of Contracts and Community Projects, Amy Houghton: Amy will discuss the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that came out of the recent Community Health Needs Assessment, which takes a close look at what affects health on the Island, based on input from residents, community partners, and local data. The assessment found that access to care, education, housing, transportation, food security, and other everyday living conditions play a major role in health outcomes on the Island.

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

Author Talk: DAYS OF THE OWL by Basia Jaworska

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome local author Basia Jaworska for a discussion of her newly published book, DAYS OF THE OWL, tracing her mother's extraordinary journey from the Polish Underground Resistance to a WWII POW camp to Martha’s Vineyard. Basia will be in conversation with former WMVY interviewer and programmer Barbara Dacey. This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 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.

About the book: 

“DAYS OF THE OWL is a compelling, often painful, depiction of true heroism in everyday life during the cruel Nazi occupation of Poland. The inner fabric of the society was stretched and torn, friendships were tested, and loyalty to the cause of patriotism was strained to an existential degree. In this beautifully crafted account of her mother Teresa's work as a teenager for the Polish resistance, Basia Jaworska creates an intimate account of life under the oppressive Nazi boot and in a cruelly-managed prisoner-of-war camp. She then follows her mother's post-war transition and marriage and her subsequent immigration with her new husband Zbyszek to start a life and family in America. Throughout her many grim, but ultimately triumphant adventures, Teresa's undaunted will and dignity shine brilliantly despite adversities of all kinds. In DAYS OF THE OWL, Teresa's spirit comes vividly alive to be admired and celebrated for her courage, dignity, and unshakable faith in herself and in those she so strongly loved.” ----Gerald Yukevich, M.D., author of “Blood Pudding” 

About the presenters:

Basia Jaworska is a visual artist, author, and social activist, who has been an Island fixture for over 30 years. Her paintings have been exhibited on Martha’s Vineyard and across the country, on stage sets, murals, book and newspaper illustrations, poster art, and political cartoons on social media. Her art reflects a deeper quest to explore what makes individuals risk it all for a higher purpose, be that music, art, or social and political causes. She comes by her political leanings naturally—her mother and father were active in the Polish Underground Resistance movement in World War II. Her book, DAYS OF THE OWL, is both a legacy and a warning to a generation who may have forgotten how easy it is to fall into tyranny. 

Barbara Dacey is a Buddhist practitioner and musician. For many years, she was a DJ, programmer, and interviewer at WMVY on Martha’s Vineyard, where she helped build and shape the radio station into the locally beloved and nationally respected institution it is today. Before her time at WMVY, she worked as a singer-songwriter and band leader, and as a modern dance accompanist and composer.  She is a volunteer coordinator at Bodhi Path of Martha’s Vineyard and lives in Vineyard Haven.

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

Library Board of Trustees 2025 Annual Report

The year 2025 was an exciting period of transition and progress for Tisbury’s Public Library, as construction began on the Library’s long-planned renovation project. The project will address critical building infrastructure needs and create a new multipurpose meeting room for programs and community use. While undertaking this major project, the Library continued to provide essential services and advance its mission as a community center, meeting the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Island residents and visitors alike.

We look forward to welcoming the community to the fully renovated and expanded Library this summer. The building will include a spacious new meeting room and expanded reading room with garden views, improved IT infrastructure, and refreshed interiors throughout. Among other highlights, the Children’s Room will feature a mural by Margot Datz, made possible by a gift from the Kathryn Goodman Foundation.

The Library Trustees gratefully acknowledge all those whose dedication and hard work have brought the project to this milestone, including the Library staff (past and present), the Building Design & Construction Committee, the Library Building Fund Board, the Friends of the Library, the Tisbury Select Board, Town Administrator, and other Town departments, and the generosity of our many donors, volunteers, and the community. 

View our Annual Report for 2025

Library Closures and Storm Information

• Local, off-season music and dancing with the Delanie & Johnny scheduled for Sunday February 8th has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.