Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Tales of Now & Zen with Award-Winning Storyteller Motoko


On Sunday April 28th at 2pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library presents "Tales of Now & Zen" with Award-Winning Storyteller Motoko. In this virtual program for adults, Japanese storyteller Motoko offers an afternoon filled with humor, charm, and elegance. She regales with hilarious tales from her old country, as well as poignant personal stories from her childhood in Osaka and her experiences as an immigrant to the US. Motoko is the recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s 2017 Circle of Excellence Award.

Tales of Now & Zen is a travel itinerary to places as strange and exotic as ancient China and the interior of our own heart. Motoko brings us to long ago and far away, then leads us back to ourselves in this moment, as each of her characters reveal their intentions and desires. We learn why a grandmother is strong, why a child is wise, why a warrior is frightened. It is an excursion like no other.

To register for Zoom access visit bit.ly/48uQiMi

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library.


Friday, March 22, 2024

News Literacy Project: Productive Conversations & Avoiding Election Misinformation


This spring, Vineyard Haven Library and other CLAMS libraries have partnered with the News Literacy Project to present two Cape & Islands virtual community discussions on Zoom.

The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit, is building a national movement to advance the practice of news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals— and ultimately a stronger democracy.

Productive Conversations Without Confrontation
5:30 PM Thursday Apr 25th on Zoom REGISTER

When was the last time you had a conversation about current events with someone who holds an opposing view? If that experience left you feeling frustrated and shut down, join this virtual Cape & Islands discussion with the News Literacy Project to learn tools for speaking about current events and listening across divides. In today’s divided political climate it can feel impossible to hold civil conversations about current events – especially when misinformation and conspiracy theories abound. However, learning a few news literacy skills can help you keep conversations grounded in fact while maintaining the civility that is essential in a thriving democracy.

Avoiding Election Misinformation with Mindy Todd
5:30 PM  Thursday May 23rd on Zoom REGISTER

Finding high quality, trustworthy information can feel overwhelming in today’s noisy media environment, particularly during election season. Luckily, there are tried and true news literacy techniques that anyone can learn to find credible information about candidates, issues, and electoral processes. Join this virtual discussion with the News Literacy Project and WCAI’s The Point host Mindy Todd to find out how you can stay informed with accurate, reliable information this election season. Learn how to access trustworthy news and avoid election misinformation traps.

Mindy Todd is the host and producer of The Point on WCAI radio, a show that examines critical issues for the Cape, Islands, and South Coast Massachusetts. She brings more than 40 years of experience in radio and television to her role as host and Managing Director of Editorial. As the featured guest of this discussion, she will speak to the importance of high quality local news and robust regional reporting in accessing quality election information.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Love Song for the Vineyard Lawn with Vineyard Conservation Society


On Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30pm, join us at the Vineyard Haven Public Library for a presentation about Vineyard Lawns with Sam Look, Executive Director of the Vineyard Conservation Society. Learn the basics of having a lawn that’s safe for children, pets, and ponds. 

A Vineyard Lawn uses no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, and only occasional watering if truly necessary. Mixed grass varieties and native plantings are hardier, better adapted to local conditions, and require less time and attention. And a Vineyard Lawn will always be safe for kids, pets, and wildlife – no need to check product labels and Google for the latest news on potential health effects.

In addition to the presentation, come see the Vineyard Conservation Society’s “Vineyard Lawns” display at the library throughout the month of April. This includes a 3-panel display (a blue ribbon winner at the Fair!), educational handouts, and book recommendations. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Eclipse Viewing and Activities for April 8th Solar Eclipse

 

On April 8th, 2024, a solar eclipse will pass over the northeastern United States. While no location in Massachusetts will experience totality, weather permitting, Martha's Vineyard should see over 90% coverage of the sun, much greater than the 65% obscuration during the 2017 partial solar eclipse. Locally the eclipse will begin at 2:16 pm, with greatest magnitude at 3:29 pm.

While it’s very tempting to look directly at the sun during an eclipse, this is not safe and can cause irreversible eye damage. Most libraries on Martha's Vineyard will be providing certified solar eclipse glasses leading up to the event or on the day of the eclipse. Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses -- regular sunglasses are not safe to view an eclipse.

On Thursday March 28th at 7pm, library patrons are invited to attend a virtual program via Hingham Library with Dr. Tyler Nordgren, a professional astronomer and author of the book, “Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets.” 

Thursday April 4th from 3:30-5pm, Kids are invited to get ready for the eclipse by making an eclipse t-shirt. We'll also have a take-and-make craft and STEM handouts leading up to the event.

Monday, April 8th from 2-4 pm the library will host an eclipse viewing for the public, with eclipse viewing glasses and eclipse-themed snacks. We'll also be streaming the path of totality throughout the day on the library TV. Details and location TBA.

If you don't plan to attend the library's viewing event on the day of the eclipse, free eclipse glasses will be available for pickup while supplies last, beginning March 25th. One pair of glasses will be available per person, with a maximum of two pairs of glasses per family. Eclipse glasses have already been provided to the Tisbury School to be distrubuted to students.

Eclips glasses have been provided through a grant from the Space Science Institute's Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program.

There are other safe methods of viewing a solar eclipse. For do-it-yourself options including making a pinhole projector and other quick and easy viewing techniques, visit:

American Astronomical Society: How to View Safely:
https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety
The Exploratorium: How To View a Solar Eclipse:
https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how-to-view-eclipse
Guide to Building Solar Eclipse Viewers:
http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/home/726-guide-to-building-solar-eclipse-viewers.html



Thursday, February 15, 2024

Employment Opportunity: Adult Program Coordinator

Vineyard Haven Public Library is seeking creative, organized, and tech-savvy candidates for the position of Adult Program Coordinator! This position will be responsible for all aspects of planning and producing appealing, high-quality programs for adults, including generating ideas, booking presenters, and publicizing and hosting events. Writes press releases, creates promotional materials, and performs other professional library work. 

Requires a Bachelor’s degree with work experience in community programming, library services or a related field. The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, comfort with technology, and an interest in current events, literature, arts and culture. 

Permanent year-round position with full benefits under union contract, salary range $55,019 - $68,716. 40 hours per week schedule includes regular evening and weekend hours. Qualified applicants should submit an application, resume and cover letter by March 15th 2024. EOE. 

Apply online: https://towntisbury.seamlessdocs.com/f/Employment_Application_Revised_3_19

Friday, February 9, 2024

Elizabeth Whelan's Latest Art Classes Now Available Online

 

If you missed Elizabeth Whelan's recent in-person classes at Vineyard Haven Public Library and West Tisbury Library, video versions of both lessons are now available on her YouTube page.

Both classes have materials you can download from the Art Classes page on Elizabeth's website, www.elizabethwhelan.com, including some "snowy scenes" you can practice with until it snows on Martha's Vineyard!

Colored Pencils Drawing Tips

Snowy Scenes Drawing Tips

Elizabeth's 'Grab A Pencil Breakfast Club' starts again on Zoom at 6:30 am on February 20, for 10 sessions, running until April 23! Here's a description:

Join Martha's Vineyard artist Elizabeth Whelan and sketch around the world from the comfort of your own home with a virtual breakfast club art gathering every Tuesday from February 20th through April 23, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 am.

This is not a class, just an opportunity to sketch together. There's no need to show your work, and each week we visit a new location via a travel webcam. You also don't need to have your own camera on, so you can attend in pajamas with your coffee and no one will know! It's all about having a bit of fun and sketching the changing light that happens in an hour, just like plein air drawing/painting.

Elizabeth will also have one camera aimed at her sketchbook so that you can see what she is doing during the hour. 

Sign up once for all sessions -- the login info will be the same every week. REGISTER




Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Virtual Event: Museum of Bad Art, 99% Inspiration, 1% Perspiration


Thomas Edison famously described genius as 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Artists featured in the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) may have struck a different balance. In this fun and funny presentation led my Michael Frank, MOBA Curator in Chief, each MOBA piece is shown alongside the classic art that inspired it. You decide -- is this genius?  Register: bit.ly/49iyKEc

The Museum Of Bad Art collects, exhibits, and celebrates art that will be seen in no other venue. Since 1993, they have collected art from thrift stores, yard sales, sidewalk trash, and even the artists who create it. They analyze, compare to classic art, and share with thousands of fans around the world.

Michael Frank, MOBA Curator in Chief, studied under the strict tutelage of the founding Esteemed Curator. Mr. Frank now heads the entire department. His appointment was partially due to his record of contributing more art to MOBA than any other donor. A professional musician, he lives in Boston.

This program is brought to you by the West Tisbury, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven Public Libraries.