Holiday Concert and Celebration at the Library on Wednesday December 15th

On Wednesday, December 15th, please join us in the main room of the library for our annual holiday concert and celebration. The fun begins at 5:30 with an activity for children and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. The Vineyard Sinfonietta will perform beginning at 6:15pm, and will be joined by a special guest star. Save the date!

Free Books for your Nook, or Sony Reader

Have you tried using Overdrive to download FREE eBooks? If you haven’t tried Overdrive yet, feel free to drop by or call us to setup an appointment to get you started using the service, or for a demonstration of the library's eBook readers.

There are over 1,000 eBooks in the CLAMS Overdrive collection, and an additional 15,000 public domain titles available through the CLAMS site.

CLAMS free library eBooks are compatible with the Sony Reader, Barnes & Noble Nook, and many other portable devices.

Registration Closed for Indian Cooking Class

On Tuesday, November 30th at 7pm, Uma Datta will present an Indian Cooking class using some of her family recipes. The size of this class is limited so register today using the online form on the library event calendar.

Take the CLAMS Library Network Survey to Improve CLAMS Services

As part of our long-range planning process, the CLAMS Library Network, which includes the Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown libraries on Martha's Vineyard, is conducting a survey of library users. We would appreciate your feedback to help improve our services.

To participate, click on the green CLAMS logo. It is not required that you respond to all the questions, and the entire survey can be completed in under 10 minutes.

"Sunday with Friends" Series Returns, with Grace Church Lobster Rolls

For over 25 years, Grace Church in Vineyard Haven has been serving award-winning lobster rolls on Friday evenings from May through October to fund their outreach on the Island and around the globe.

Join us at the library on Sunday, November 14th at 2pm, as lobster roll experts Lorraine Clark and Beatrice Green share their behind-the-scenes stories and the history of this popular Vineyard Haven institution.

This event is presented by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. Cookies and cider will be served following the talk.

Participate in Upcoming Community Focus Groups on Cable Communications Needs

The Vineyard Haven Library will be hosting one of a series of focus groups this November. MVTV (Martha's Vineyard Community Television), in cooperation with the towns on Martha’s Vineyard are seeking your input on the future of cable service, community media, and technology that will be available for the next 10 years.

As a part of the process of exploring the future cable communications needs of Martha’s Vineyard, the Towns in conjunction with MVTV are hosting a series of focus groups on November 16, 17 and 18. The focus groups will provide a chance for interested community members to learn about franchise renewal and provide their opinions regarding future services that could be available through the cable system serving Martha’s Vineyard.

These focus groups will be conducted by Sue Buske of The Buske Group, a nationally recognized public policy consulting group hired specifically to assist during the cable franchise renewal process. The focus groups will provide information on: (1) the cable franchise process that the Towns are currently conducting; (2) how the cable system works and what it could be like in the future; (3) public, educational, and government access; and (4) the ways that community groups and organizations, schools, businesses, citizens, and government agencies could use a cable communication system. The focus groups are designed to get input from participants through brainstorming and completing a brief questionnaire.

In addition, the public is also invited to participate in an on-line survey by going to the MVTV website at http://www.mvtv.org/ and clicking a link for the survey.

The focus groups are free of charge. Persons interested in attending should select the one that is most appropriate or convenient and RSVP on line using the MVTV Website at http/www.mvtv.org or by contacting Julie Turner at 508-696-9760 or focusgroup@mvtv.org The schedule of the focus groups is as follows:

Tuesday, November 16
Health & Human Services: 2:00—4:00 pm, Vineyard Haven Public Library
Arts & Cultural Organizations: 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Featherstone Center for the Arts

Wednesday, November 17
Religious & Spiritual Groups: 10:00 am – Noon, Edgartown Public Library
Educators and Teachers: 4:00 – 6:00 pm, MVRHS Library Conf. Room

Thursday, November 18
Municipal Groups, Town Depts.: 10 am-12pm, VTA Conference Rm., Airport Business Park
Nonprofit Organizations: 6:00—8:00 pm, West Tisbury Public Library

Sunday Hours Resume October 31st, with Halloween Celebration

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be open on Sundays beginning October 31st. To Celebrate, the Library will hold a special Halloween Open House on October 31st from noon to 4pm.

Cider, cookies and other Halloween treats will be provided by the Friends of the Library. There will be a special drop-in crafts program from for children age 5 and up from 2pm-3:30pm. Come in costume, and you may enter a drawing for a variety of prizes for all ages.

The library will be open from noon until 4pm every Sunday throughout the winter, except for some holiday weekends.

"The Charles W. Morgan", and Other Library Programs on Video

The Vineyard Haven Public library offers a wide variety of regular programs and special events for adults, including lectures, performances, films, demonstrations and discussions about timely and fascinating topics, from the arts and literature to global studies.

Selected library programs from the Evening Lecture Series are available on DVD for checkout from the library, or broadcast on MVTV (Martha's Vineyard Community Television). Some programs are also available for online viewing on MVTV.org.

A list of recent programs available for online viewing appears on the library website at www.vhlibrary.org/video.shtml.

Attention Movie Lovers: Blu-ray is Here!

This month the library is introducing a number of current and classic feature films in the new Blu-ray format. Blu-ray discs are shelved on a separate display in the regular DVD section and are clearly labeled. For those of you with a Blu-ray player or PS3, you can enjoy the enhanced quality of this format. Please note, however, that Blu-ray discs cannot be played on a standard DVD player. Additional Blu-ray titles are available by request through CLAMS. Please ask a staff member for assistance in locating titles in this format.

Library 5k Results and Pictures!

Congratulations to Todd Cleland of Oak Bluffs who was first to finish the 13th annual Run to the Chop, with a time of 19 minutes and 56 seconds. Erica Maker of Williamstown, MA was the first female with a time of 22 minutes, 52 seconds.

Complete results including winners in all age groups are posted on www.coolrunning.com.

Lots of pictures from the event, including finish line photos, are posted on the Library Facebook page.

The race is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library, and proceeds will support library programs.

Road Race, Book Sale, and Other September Special Events

Labor Day Holiday: The library will be closed on Monday, September 6th.

Friends of the Library annual 5k Run/Walk for the Library and Fun Run for Kids: Sunday, September 12th. 5k starts at 10 am; Fun Run starts at 9:45 am; registration on race day starting at 8:30 am. Pre-register now at the library or at www.needtorace.com.

Friends of the Library monthly "mini" book sale: Saturday, September 18th from 1pm-3pm.

Check our online event calendar for additional events including movies, lectures, and other programs for all ages.

Special August Events for Kids and Teens

On Thursday August 12th at 3:30 PM, special guest storyteller Diane Edgecomb visits, for kids 5 and up. That evening from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, the library will host a special party just for Teen Summer Reading Program participants.

On Saturday August 14th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, there will be a special Drop-in Crafts for ages 5 and up featuring Illumination Night and Agricultural Fair crafts.

Every Tuesday, enjoy library story times with stories, songs, rhymes, fun for ages 0-2 at 10 AM, and for ages 3-5 at 11 AM. Special guests this month include singer, songwriter and guitarist Julie Austin on August 17th, and musician Jeremy Berlin on August 24th.

Free Movies and Popcorn will be shown throughout the month. On Wednesday August 18th at 3 PM, see an anime film by Hayoa Miyazaki about a young boy befriending a goldfish princess for kids ages 6 and up. On Thursday August 26th, at 3 PM, we will show an award-winning animated film about a robot trying to find his way home, for kids ages 4 and up.

On Thursday August 26th, at 6 PM, the Teen Book Club meets and views a movie for grades 6 and up. This month's selection: The Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera. Read the book and come watch the related film. Refreshments provided.

The Library Chess Club for ages 6 and up meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6 PM to 7 PM.

There will be no programs on Thursday, August 19th, during the annual Agricultural Fair.

"Reverse 911" Community Notification Enrollment for Tisbury Residents

Tisbury residents now have the opportunity to enroll in a community notification "reverse 911" program. Once entered, residents will receive geographically relevant communications in the event of an emergency. Examples include: evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child reports. Notifications can be received by telephone, email, or text message.

To enroll, visit the Tisbury Town website at www.tisburyma.gov, and click on "Code Red". Be sure to enter Vineyard Haven, rather than Tisbury, as your city.

Lecture and Photo Exhibit with Dr. Mariana Chilton

Witnesses to Hunger is a project featuring photographs by women who are working to create better lives for their children. As part of this work, low-income mothers of infants and toddlers have taken digital photographs of their everyday experiences.

On Tuesday, August 10th at 7pm, project founder Dr. Mariana Chilton will give a lecture at the library. One of the mothers participating in this project will be on hand to share her experiences. At the same time, there will be a photo display in the library.

Dr. Mariana Chilton is the Director of the Philadelphia GROW Project/Witnesses to Hunger,Department of Health Management and Policy, Drexel University School of Public Health.

Library Book Sales Held 3rd Saturday of Each Month

The Friends of the Library hold "mini" book sales at the library, from 1pm-3pm on the third Saturday of each month. The August sale will be held on Saturday, August 21st.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for Saturday, September 18th, and Saturday, October 16th, from 1pm-3pm.

Katharine Hepburn Month at the Vineyard Haven Library

Often referred to as a National Treasure, Katharine Hepburn holds the record for the most Best Actress Oscar wins with 4, from 12 nominations. During the month of August the library will be showing 4 of her films on Tuesday evenings. All screenings begin at 7pm, with free popcorn and lemonade.

Tuesday August 3rd: Summertime (1955), with Rossano Brazzi
Tuesday, August 17th: African Queen (1951) with Humphrey Bogart
Tuesday, August 24th: Desk Set (1957) with Spencer Tracy
Tuesday, August 31st: Bringing Up Baby (1938) with Cary Grant

An Evening with Friends: Jules Feiffer appears August 18th

On Wednesday, August 18th at 7pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an evening with Jules Feiffer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comic strip artist and author of the new memoir "Backing Into Forward." A reception and book signing will follow the talk.

Jules Feiffer's Pulitzer Prize-winning comic strip ran for forty-two years in the Village Voice and one hundred other papers. He also penned the Obie Award-winning play Little Murders and the screenplay for Carnal Knowledge.

Copies of the new book will be available for sale during the event.

Ecuadorian Cultural Celebration at the Library July 28th

Francisco de Orellana, the Spanish conquistador, founded Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador (Perla de un pacifico mar) on the 25th of July 1537. Even before the Spanish founded it, it already existed as a native village.

On Wednesday, July 28th beginning at 7pm, the Library will host a celebration of this holiday with the Ecuadorian community of Martha’s Vineyard. We will learn about the culture, traditions and history of Guayaquil, Ecuador; the different cultural manifestations of Guayaquil, the pre-Hispanic life, Spanish conquest, modern life and tourism of this beautiful province. There will be folk music, apparel native to Ecuador and presentation of some of the old fashioned Guayaquilean dances followed by some traditional and delicious snacks.

Alexia Garcia will be presenting this program. She was an intern and is now studying at the Archeology Museum Ecuador Guayaquil Presley Norton. Alexia speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese and will be glad to share the program in all 3 languages.

Register Online for the September 12th 5k Run/Walk and Fun Run

On Sunday, September 12th, the Friends of the Library will host the annual Race for the Library. The 5k Run/Walk starts at the library with runners proceeding to the West Chop lighthouse and back. There will also be a 1/2 Mile Fun Run for Kids (13 & under). There will be prizes for winners in all age groups, and a raffle. 5k starts at 10 am; Fun Run for Kids starts at 9:45 am; Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

To sign up online visit www.needtorace.com. Online registration closes on September 9th.

Art Show and Reception for Haitian Artist Wilfrid Dantis

The Library will present a special exhibition featuring the work of visiting Haitian artist Wilfrid Dantis. His paintings will be on display in the library program room during regular library hours on Friday, July 9th and Saturday, July 10th. The library will host two receptions with the artist from 4pm-7pm on Friday and from 11am-1pm on Saturday.

W.S. Merwin Named Poet Laureate

W.S. Merwin has been chosen to succeed Kay Ryan as the 17th Poet Laureate of the United States. The Poet Laureate is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress and serves from October to May.

Merwin has received numerous awards for his poetry and translations, including the National Book Award for Poetry in 2005, the Tanning Prize from the Academy of American Poets in 1994, and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1971 and 2009.

Why Democracy Needs Books: An Afternoon with Stephen L. Carter

On Sunday, July 18th at 2pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library will host their annual author event in the library garden. This year our guest will be Professor Stephen L. Carter, who will speak on "Why Democracy Needs Books," the subject of his latest work in progress. Light refreshments will follow the talk.

Stephen L. Carter is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale University. In addition to dozens of articles in professional journals and the popular press, Professor Carter is the author of seven non-fiction books, among them The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion (1993) and Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy (1998). Professor Carter is also a novelist. His debut novel, The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002), has sold more than 600,000 copies. He is currently at work on a book about why democracy needs books.

The event is free to the public and tickets are not required. Please remember that parking around the library is limited and seating will be on a first come basis, so please plan to arrive early. Guests will be seated beginning at 1:30 pm.

Haiti "Peace Quilt" Now On Display At the Library

The Haitian "Peace Quilt" that was given to the library by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library is now on display in the program room on the lower level. The quilt bears a Haitian saying that translates to "eat fruit and don't get sick" (equivalent to "an apple a day keeps the doctor away").

The PeaceQuilts Project is enabling Haitian women to earn a living through meaningful, creative work -- improving their lives and those of their families. Women from the community produce one-of-a-kind original art quilts informed by Haitian imagery. They earn a daily wage plus a portion of the sale price when their quilts sell. PeaceQuilts, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, is an outgrowth of the Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project, helping the poor of Haiti since 1998.

Author Nora Nevin and photographer Harvey Beth have both contributed to a new book about the project, “Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti and their Power to Change Women’s Lives.” The book is available for checkout from the Vineyard Haven library and other CLAMS libraries.

Summer Reading Program For Children and Teens

Registration for the Summer Reading Program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library begins June 28th. Visit the Children's Room at the library to sign up, log your books and earn prizes including a T-shirt. Teens ages 12 to 18 can choose to register online at readsinma.org.

The theme for this year's program is "Go Green @ Your Library." A schedule of special programs for children and teens is now available at the library or on the online event calendar. All programs at the library are free.


"Gogreen at your library" is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Summer reading at the Vineyard Haven Public Library is supported by the Friends of the Library and donations from community businesses including the Bagel Authority, Bob's Pizza, Bunch of Grapes, Capawock Theatre, EduComp, Island Music, Mocha Motts, Mosher Photo, Murdick's Fudge, MV Heart Boutique, Riley Reads, Vineyard Transit Authority, and Waterside Market.

Events Added to Library Schedule

Tuesday June 22 at 7:00 PM
Film Screening: Saved by Deportation
Saved by Deportation: An Unknown Odyssey of Polish Jews. As cruel as Stalin's deportations were, ultimately they largely saved Jewish lives, for the deportees constituted the overwhelming majority of Polish Jews who escaped the Nazi Holocaust. Anita Hotchkiss, who was deported with her family to Siberia, will be on hand to answer some questions.

Wednesday June 30 at 7:00 PM
Peter Simon: Through the Lens
For over 40 years, Peter Simon has documented some of the world’s most historic events from the protest-filled 1960’s, hippie communes, nude beaches and the New Age Movement to the greatest names in Rock n’ Roll, Reggae, Pop music; the action of Major League Baseball and the majesty of Martha’s Vineyard. Through his multimedia presentation, Simon speaks honestly about his photographic art, privileged background, alternative lifestyle explorations, and an addictive personality that finally got the better of him and affected his relationships with family and friends.

Tuesday July 6 at 7:00 PM
Susan Klein and Alan Brigish: Now & Zen
Renowned island storyteller Susan Klein and photographer Alan Brigish offer fresh impressions of the Island of Martha’s Vineyard through their new book Now and Zen. Susan, who grew up on the island, tells of the way it was. Alan, with a perceptive sense of the moment, shows the way it is. Join us as Susan spins her tale of the Vineyard and Alan mesmerizes us with his photography. A reception will follow their program and books will be available.

The library will be presenting a variety of special programs throughout the summer. Visit our website or stop in the library to view a detailed calendar of events.

Save With Museum Passes for MFA and ICA

Thanks to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, we offer a variety of museum passes, available from the library circulation desk! This year, library passes have been made possible by generous donations from the community to the Friends Annual Appeal for the Library.

Passes to the Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston, are available through November 2010. Each pass admits 2 visitors at a reduced admission of $5.00 per person, payable at the museum. (Special exhibitions are $8.00 additional, no reservations). The MFA is always free for children under 7, and free to children ages 7-17 on weekdays after 3pm, weekends, and public school holidays.

Passes to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston are available through September 2010. Each pass admits 2 visitors at a reduced admission of $5.00 per person, payable at the Museum.
Passes must be used during month specified. The ICA is always free to children 17 and under.

Recent Books by Local Authors

If you missed one of these authors' recent events at the library, you can still check out their books from CLAMS:

Susan Wilson: One Good Dog
Alan Brigish: Breathing in the Buddha
America According to Connor Gifford
Holly Nadler: Vineyard supernatural
William Marks: Written in water
Susan Klein and Alan Brigish: Martha's Vineyard Now and Zen

For information on upcoming programs, visit the Library Event Calendar.

Friends of the Library Present 1st Annual June Art Show

This June the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will host an exhibition featuring the work of more than 20 Vineyard artists. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours from June 7th – June 19th.

Although the library has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, this is the first special exhibition sponsored by the Friends of the Library. It is planned to be an annual event. A reception will be held on Tuesday, June 8th, from 5-8pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Summer Book Sales at the Library

The Friends of the Library hold "mini" book sales at the library, from 1pm-3pm on the third Saturday of each month. The June sale will be held on Saturday, June 19th in the library garden (rain date June 26th).

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for Saturday, July 17th, and Saturday, August 21st, from 1pm-3pm.

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library is a volunteer organization that encourages public understanding of the Library's vital role in the community, supports activities for both adults and children, and provides various other volunteer services.

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.

Library eBook Collection Expanded

Dozens of new eBook titles have been added to the CLAMS Digital Download collection. Visit our download site at http://clamsnet.lib.overdrive.com/ and select the first featured list "New eBooks" to find the latest. Follow the link "Browse all eBooks" to see complete list of available titles (this appears under "Collections" on the Digital Download page). The website also features information on compatible portable eReader devices.

Register Now For Brazilian Cooking Class

Bella will share some of her favorite Brazilian recipes in a class at the library on Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30pm. The Vineyard Grocer will be supplying the wonderfully fresh ingredients.

Attendance for this free event will be limited. To sign up, call or stop by the library, or register online.

Upcoming Events With Local Authors

The library is pleased to present several appearances by local authors who have received national attention:

Susan Wilson: One Good Dog
Wednesday April 28, 7pm
Martha's Vineyard author Susan Wilson will read from her recently published book, One Good Dog. The book tells the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each other—in ways they never could have expected. Susan’s book has made the New York Times extended bestseller list. A reception will follow Susan’s reading.

Alan Brigish: Breathing in the Buddha
Tuesday May 4, 7pm
Alan Brigish is documentary photographer and writer of in-depth photo essays and well-researched stories. His coverage of cultures, people, and history are legendary. He will share stories and pictures from his most recent book, Breathing in the Buddha.

America According to Connor Gifford
Friday May 7, 5:30pm
Connor Gifford’s book about the history of the United States covers 400 years of our nation trying to get it right. His book offers the gift of hope and inspiration from an amazing young man who has Down’s syndrome.

Holly Nadler: After Life Encounters
Tuesday May 11, 7pm
Holly is the author of several books and has spent a great deal of time investigating and trying to understand paranormal research. She will be sharing the experience of her six or more encounters.

Art Show Submissions Needed by May 1st

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are looking for emerging artists to participate in their first annual art show.

The show will be held on June 7-19th, with an evening reception on Tuesday June 8th.

The deadline for submissions will be May 1, 2010.

For more information, visit the library or view the Friends website: www.vhlibrary.org/artshow.shtml

Special Event with Alex the Jester!

On Saturday, May 1st, the Martha's Vineyard Library Association and the Vineyard Playhouse will host two special shows by Alex the Jester, an internationally renowned and talented performer. He will perform at 11am for children ages 4 and up, and at 2pm for children 9 and up. Performances will be at the Vineyard Playhouse and tickets are $5 each. Visit the Vineyard Haven Library Children's room to learn how you can win free tickets for this event.

Researching Family History Using the Massachusetts Archives

The Archives Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office is the repository for Massachusetts records generated by state government. Archives holdings date from the beginning of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1628 and document the settlement of lands in Maine and Massachusetts, the arrival of immigrants, and the development of state government.

The Massachusetts Archives holds a number of records that can be used for genealogical and family history research. Whether you are just starting your family tree, or have been researching for many years, the Archives is a great place to get information about your ancestors. On Saturday, April 24th at 10:30am, visiting reference Archivist Autumn Haag will be at the Vineyard Haven Library to present a free program for the public. She will discuss how to begin your research and the resources available at the State Archives, resources available online, and how to request copies of records from the Archives by mail and email.

Early Closing Due To Annual Town Meeting

The library will close at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 13th, due to the Tisbury Annual Town Meeting which will take place at the Tisbury School Auditorium beginning at 7pm. Library computers will be shut down at 6:00pm.

The annual town meeting warrant is available on the Town of Tisbury's website. This year, ARTICLE 4 (Capital appropriations and other new equipment), includes a request for $7,185 to be expended by the Library to replace three computers for use by the public, to purchase a system for public access computer session management, and to purchase a network printer and related equipment for public use.

2010 Pulitzer Prizes Announced

These 2010 Pulitzer prizewinning titles are available from CLAMS libraries:

FICTION: “Tinkers,” by Paul Harding

DRAMA: “Next to Normal,” music by Tom Kitt; book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

HISTORY: “Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World,” by Liaquat Ahamed

BIOGRAPHY: “The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt,” by T.J. Stiles

POETRY: “Versed,” by Rae Armantrout

GENERAL NONFICTION: “The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy,” by David E. Hoffman

A complete list of winners and finalists is available at www.pulitzer.org.

Last Minute Tax Information

Many Federal and State tax forms and instruction books, including the 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, and associated schedules, are available at the library. If there’s a form we don’t have, you can print a copy of the form from the IRS website at the library at no charge (instruction books excluded).

Taxpayers who need more time to complete their returns can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file their tax returns by filing Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File. The extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file the tax return An extension does not give the taxpayer an extension of time to pay, but the IRS does offer some payment options.

Many taxpayers can e-file their extensions at no cost from a home computer using IRS traditional FreeFile or Free Fillable Forms. For more information, visit IRS.gov.

Poetry and Music with Naomi Arenberg, Stepanie Miele and Friends

Naomi Arenberg, a local host for "All Things Considered" on WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR Station, and Stephanie Miele will sing selected poems that have been set to music. Poets Muriel Gould and Grant Willis will read each of the poems to be sung. The singers will be accompanied by musicans on keyboard, guitar and concertina. The poems selected, including "This Little Rose" by Emily Dickinson, "The Pasture" by Robert Frost and "Evening of Roses" by Erev Shel Soshanim, concern nature, love and the sea. Other pieces will be from Leonard Cohen, A.E. Housman and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Please join us for a joyous evening of poetry and song to welcome Spring. The program will be presented in the main room of the library and a reception will follow.

Earth Day Drawing!

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library have made available reusable polypropylene bags featuring the library logo, to help reduce the use of plastic bags by library patrons. The Friends have contributed to make the bags available for only $1. The colorful eco-friendly bags can be used to carry books and DVDs home from the library, or may be used for groceries and other personal items.

This year, in honor of Earth Day, the Friends are offering an additional incentive to purchase the bags. Purchase a bag for $1 between April 1st and April 21st, and you may enter a drawing to win a limited-edition sterling silver library charm. The charms are also available for sale at the library for $74.99, with proceeds supporting the Friends' work on behalf of the library. The Drawing will be held on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2010.

Sales of the bags and charms help support Library Children’s Programs, the Summer Reading Program, and other Friends-sponsored events.

Special Time for Poetry Event

On Thursday, March 25th at 5:30pm, the Vineyard Haven Public Library will be hosting an evening of poetry with Kirsten Andersen and Sara Elizabeth Johnson, Poetry Fellows at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. The Fine Arts Work Center is a leading long-term residency program for emerging artists and writers. The poets will read from their work and engaging in a question-and-answer session. A reception will follow the reading.

This is the fourth event in a series sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association, and supported in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Spring Schedule Changes

Sunday hours at the library have been extended for the Spring season. We will be open from noon-4pm every Sunday through May 2nd, except Easter Sunday, April 4th.

The library will close at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 6th, and Tuesday, April 13th, due to the Tisbury Town Meetings to be held on those evenings. Public access computers will be shut down at 6pm, and evening programs have been canceled for those dates. The library will also close for Patriot's Day on Monday, April 19th.

Calling Local Artists for June Exhibition

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are looking for emerging artists to participate in their first annual art show.

The show will be held on June 7-19th, with an evening reception on Tuesday June 8th.

The deadline for submissions will be May 1, 2010.

For more information, visit the library or view the Friends website: www.vhlibrary.org/artshow.shtml

New Travel Books for 2010

A New Crop of 2010 travel books from Eyewitness (DK) and Fodor’s Publishers have arrived at the library. Included are many popular cities such as Vienna, Dublin, Barcelona and Stockholm, and countries including Bali, Kenya, and Mexico.

Prefer not to fly? Check out United States On the Road. Armchair travelers may enjoy reading an account such as Eliza Fay's Original Letters from India, or Paul Theroux's Ghost Train to the Eastern Star.

You can also pick up one of last years' guidebooks for just $1 at the Friends of the Library book sale on March 20th, or hear Joe Doebler, an experienced photographer, talk about his recent visit to Alaska and the Bering Strait on Sunday, March 21st at 2pm.

Puppets! Puppets! Puppets!

On Tuesday, March 2nd, the library will present two special children's programs. Deborah Costine of the Gerwick Puppets will perform for children ages 3-5 at 11am, and for children ages five and up at 1pm. This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Anderson Foundation to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Also, everyone is invited to enjoy the new puppet theater in our children's room, which was recently given to the library in honor of Karen Kennedy on her birthday. Have fun with your family by putting on your own show, and please share with others.

Indian Cooking Class - CLASS IS NOW FULL

On Tuesday March 9th at 7pm, Uma Datta will demonstrate cooking techniques using Indian spices and recipes. Class size is limited, so sign up early for this very popular class. Sign up for this class at the library circulation desk, or register online by visiting the library event calendar.

Yiddish and Jive in American English

This Tuesday, February 23rd at 7pm, the library welcomes Herb Foster, author of the best selling book, Ribbin', Jivin', and Playing the Dozens: The Persistent Dilemma in our Schools. Herb has just finished the manuscript for his new book on Yiddish and Jive in American English. So schlep yourselves to the library, schmooze with your friends, and discuss Professor Foster's new book. This is sure to be an entertaining and informative evening.

Herb Foster is professor emeritus, Graduate School of Education, SUNY/Buffalo. For 3 1/2 years he hosted "Inside Education", a weekly program on National Public Radio. He has been published in innumerable articles always concerning education and preserving the English language.

Contributions for Haiti Relief Can be Deducted on Your 2009 Tax Return

A new law allows you to choose to deduct certain charitable contributions of money made after January 11th and before March 1, 2010 on your 2009 tax return instead of your 2010 return.

The new law was enacted after the 2009 forms were printed. For more information and details on how to deduct you charitable contributions, visit the IRS Website, or pick up Notice 1396 at the library.

Many Federal and State tax forms and instruction books, including the 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, and associated schedules, are available at the library. If there’s a form we don’t have, the library can make a copy of the form at no charge (instruction books excluded).

March Reading Series at Vineyard Libraries

On Thursday, March 25th at 5:30pm, the Vineyard Haven Public Library will be hosting an evening of poetry with Rebecca Lindenberg and Sara Elizabeth Johnson, Poetry Fellows at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. The Fine Arts Work Center is a leading long-term residency program for emerging artists and writers.

This event is part of a series sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association, to be held at Martha’s Vineyard libraries throughout the month of March. Each program will feature poetry or fiction fellows reading from their work and engaging in question-and-answer sessions with the public. The readings will be held Thursday evenings at 5:30pm and are free to the public. A reception will follow each reading.

Other dates in the series:

March 4 at the West Tisbury Library
March 11 at the Oak Bluffs Library
March 18 at the Edgartown Library

The series is supported in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Sunday with Friends: Rev. Dr. Judy Campbell

Writing Your Story: An Author Speaks

On Sunday, February 21st at 2pm, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will host an afternoon with poet and novelist Reverend Judy Campbell. Judy will talk about the writing process and getting your work published. There will be time for questions, and an opportunity to hear Judy read from her work as a writer. Light refreshments will follow the talk.

Two Cool Events: Antarctica and Alaska

On Tuesday, February 16th at 7pm, oceanographer Andrew McDonnell will share photographs, stories, and basic science from his research and travels to Antarctica in 2009. He'll explore some of the scenery, wildlife, and people that make Antarctica such a unique and magnificent place. He will also explain some of the scientific objectives and operations on and around the continent and describe how a rapidly changing climate is threatening the ice, oceans and ecosystems of the region. Andrew McDonnell is a Ph.D. student in the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and MIT.

On Sunday, March 21st, travel to Alaska without leaving Martha’s Vineyard. Joe Doebler, an experienced photographer, will share his recent visit to Alaska and the Bering Strait with a slide show. The program will begin at 2pm, and light refreshments will follow the talk. The Sunday with Friends series is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. The mission of the Friends is to support the Library, to build a partnership between the Library and the community and to advocate for quality library service.

Free VHS Exchange at the Library

The Vineyard Haven library now has a "VHS Exchange" rack in the DVD section on the main floor. A selection of VHS tapes are available to library patrons with no check-out required. You may keep the tapes, or return them whenever you wish. The library will also accept donated VHS tapes to share, but please check with a staff member before leaving a donation. All DVDs, and VHS tapes located on the lower level of the library, should still be checked out using a CLAMS card.

Monthly Book Sales Continue

The Friends of the Library hold "mini" book sales at the library, from 1pm-3pm on the third Saturday of each month. This month's sale will be held on Saturday, February 20th.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Next month's sale will be held on Saturday, March 20th, from 1pm-3pm.

"Red Books" at the Vineyard Haven Library

The Red Book by Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961)

"The Red Book" or "Liber Novus," is Jung’s visionary text composed during a state of "active imagination" -- "The overall theme of the book is how Jung regains his soul and overcomes the contemporary malaise of spiritual alienation.”The Red Book" was never published during Jung’s lifetime (he felt it too personal and quirky for publication.) "The Red Book," was safely locked away in a bank deposit box. As happens, Jung's heirs and disciples have now decided to bring out (the long awaited) facsimile edition. --From The Washington Post's Book World/washingtonpost.com Reviewed by Michael Dirda

The Red Book (Caldecott Honor Book) by Barbara Lehman
This perfectly eloquent wordless book tells the complex story of a reader who gets lost, literally, in a little book that has the magic to move her to another place. Done in watercolor, gouache, and ink, the simple, streamlined pictures are rife with invitations to peek inside, to investigate further, and–like a hall of mirrors–reflect, refract, repeat, and reveal. Lehman's story captures the magical possibility that exists every time readers open a book–if they allow it.
Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

The Red Book : A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark by Sera Beak
Concepts of discernment, embodiment, intuition, meditation, sacred sexuality, direct communication with divinity, humor, authenticity, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance are the solid foundation beneath this book's youthful packaging. Beak encourages her readers to create their own red books as an expression of themselves and their connection to the divine.

Ancestry’s Red Book : American State, County & Town
Whether you are looking for your ancestors in the northeastern states, the South, the West, or somewhere in the middle, Red Book has information on records and holdings for every county in the United States, as well as excellent maps from renowned mapmaker William Dollarhide. In short, the Red Book is simply the book that no genealogist can afford to do without.

--C. Greenaway, Reference

2010 Census Information at the Library

As noted in an article in today's Vineyard Gazette, employment tests for U.S. Census jobs are being administered at the Vineyard Haven library and other venues around the Island. Informational brochures and sample tests are available at the library, however you must contact the Census Bureau to apply for a job and schedule your test. For more information, call the toll-free jobs line at (866) 861-2010, or visit 2010censusjobs.gov.

On Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm, Census representative Gordon Bryden will present a program at the library to explain the importance of the census, how it is used, and how to complete the form. Come and find out the facts about the 2010 Census and how your own information will be used.

New Magazines for 2010!

The Vineyard Haven Library subscribes to approximately 100 magazines and newspapers. Current issues can be enjoyed in the library, and older issues (from the past year) may also be checked out by patrons.

This year, the library has added several new titles by patron request, including New Scientist, Lucky, Foreign Affairs, and Fit Pregnancy. For children, the library has added Discovery Girls. The new titles Twist, Teen Vogue, and GamePro are now available in the Young Adult room.

2009 Tax Forms Now Available

Many Federal and State tax forms and instruction books, including the 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, and associated schedules, are available at the library. If there’s a form we don’t have, the library can make a copy of the form at no charge (instruction books excluded).

This year, anyone, regardless of income, can e-file their extensions at no cost from a home computer using IRS traditional FreeFile or FreeFile Fillable Forms. For more information, visit IRS.gov.

Greg Mortenson on PBS

On Friday, January 15th, Bill Moyers' Journal featured an interview with Greg Mortenson. If you missed the television broadcast, you can watch the video or read the transcript on the PBS website.

Greg Mortenson is the subject of the adult lecture series with Jim Norton at the library this month. His books, "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones Into Schools" are available at the library. For details on the library programs, view our event calendar.

"The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Things Done"

Hey it’s finally here! Only backordered twice. Now is your chance to do things differently. Put a hold on it right away, and then come pick it up before a weeks time.
--C. Greenaway, Reference

Winter Holiday Hours at the Library

The Library will be closed on Sunday, January 17th and Monday, January 18th, for the Martin Luther King Day holiday, and on Sunday, February 14th and Monday, February 15th for the Presidents Day holiday. The library will be open regular hours on Saturday during both holiday weekends.

Community Development Block Grant Information Session

On Wednesday, January 13th, at 6pm, the library will be hosting an information session on the Community Development Block Grant programs. Tisbury and other towns on Martha's Vineyard are applying for Community Development Block Grant funds to provide assistance to income qualified homeowners in need of home repairs. Some funding may also be allocated for childcare subsidies to qualified low- and moderate-income families. To learn more about these programs, please attend this informational session presented by The Resource, Inc. (TRI).

An article about the program appears this week in the Martha's Vineyard Times.

For more information, contact: Melissa Vincent (TRI), (508) 696-3285

Save with Museum Passes!

Thanks to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, we offer a variety of museum passes, available from the library circulation desk! This year, library passes have been made possible by generous donations from the community to the Friends Annual Appeal for the Library.

Passes to the Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston, are available through November 2010. Each pass admits 2 visitors at a reduced admission of $5.00 per person, payable at the museum. (Special exhibitions are $8.00 additional, no reservations). The MFA is always free for children under 7, and free to children ages 7-17 on weekdays after 3pm, weekends, and public school holidays.

Passes to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston are available through September 2010. Each pass admits 2 visitors at a reduced admission of $5.00 per person, payable at the Museum.
Passes must be used during month specified. The ICA is always free to children 17 and under.

What Lessons Can We Learn From Greg Mortenson?

In January and February the Vineyard Haven Public Library is hosting a series on the work of Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea, Stones into Schools), with events for all ages.

On Tuesdays at 7pm, through Feb. 9th, Professor Jim Norton will lead a discussion of some of the lessons that can be learned from Greg Mortenson's work. Each class will stand alone, so you can join the class for one session or come to all six.

On Thursday, January 21st at 1:30 pm, the Vineyard Haven Library Book Group will be discussing Three Cups of Tea, with refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. The Young Adult Book Club will be discussing Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition, on Thursday, February 4th at 6 pm.

On Thursday, February 11th at 3:30 pm, Robin Tuck will present a folk tale from Afghanistan as a puppet show for ages 5 and up, with a special craft following the show. This age group will be reading Listen to the Wind, a picture book for young children written by Greg Mortenson.

Throughout the month of January the Library Friends’ Display Case will feature items of clothing, jewelry, rugs and other artifacts from Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Download Books and Music at the Library

The sleek black computer on the lower level of the library is a brand new service the library is offering -- the Overdrive Audio Download Station. The Friends of the Library were able to purchase the download station terminal and software using funds from their Annual Appeal, thanks to the generosity of donors in the community.

The library has been offering downloadable audiobooks for checkout since 2008, however previously patrons could only download audio files on their home computers. Using the new download station, patrons can checkout audiobooks and transfer them to a portable audio device at the library. Patrons who wish to try the new service and don't yet have their own player can also borrow an MP3 player from the library.

To learn more about the service, visit the CLAMS Overdrive website, or visit the library for a one-on-one lesson.