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.