Great News for Kindle Users! Free Library eBooks are Now Available for Your Device!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce that our downloadable eBooks are now compatible with the Kindle eReader. This update allows most existing eBooks in the library’s collection to be read on all Kindle devices or by using free Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile devices.

Here is the process for checking out a library eBook for Kindle:

• Visit the CLAMS ‘Virtual Branch’ website: http://clamsnet.lib.overdrive.com/
  
• Browse and "check out" a Kindle book, using your CLAMS library card number.
• Click the ‘Get for Kindle’ button. This opens the Amazon.com website. You may be required to sign in with your Amazon.com account if you are not already logged in.
• Select a Kindle device or Kindle reading app. Click the ‘Get library book’ button and sync your device or app to download the book, or choose to send it to your device via USB.
• An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. If your Kindle is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon’s instructions for transferring files via USB.

CLAMS patrons may check out up to 5 books at a time for a two-week checkout period. If a book is currently checked out to another patron, you may place a hold on the item and will receive an email notification when the eBook becomes available. For more information, visit the "My Help" section on the CLAMS digital downloads website.

Freegal: Download Music from the Vineyard Haven Public Library

The Vineyard Haven Public Library now offers free MP3 music file downloads on its website through Freegal Music. Freegal Music is an online service that provides access to over 500,000 songs from Sony Music artists, and new music is added to the collection daily.

The music files are DRM-free and do not expire, and are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPods, iPads and other MP3-compatible devices. Vineyard Haven Library cardholders are eligible for two MP3 downloads per week. A Library card number and PIN is necessary to access and download songs.

To view, browse and download music from Freegal, go to www.vhlibrary.org and scroll down the page to find the "Freegal Music Collection."

Discount Passes to the Museum of Fine Art Available Now

Discount passes for the Museum of Fine Art in Boston have been made possible again this year by generous donations from the community to the Friends Annual Appeal for the Library. Passes may be picked up at the library and used any time through November 30th, 2012. Each pass will admit up to two visitors at a reduced admission of $7.00 per person, payable at the museum. Passes do not need to be returned to the library.

The MFA has recently undergone an historic expansion, opening an expanded Art of the Americas Wing. Catalogs from several current exhibits are also available at the library, including Degas and the Nude, Ellsworth Kelly: Wood Sculpture, and Modernist Photography: 1910–1950.

The MFA is free to children ages 7-17 on weekdays after 3pm, weekends, and public school holidays.

Art in the Stacks: Bill Buckley

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Bill Buckley. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of December. "Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.

Artist's Statement:

My name is Bill Buckley and I would like to share with you my enthusiasm for painting. Through the forty years I have been painting I have found countless points of inspiration allowing me to work in various mediums. As a painter I work mostly in acrylics, oils and mixed media, but I also enjoy drawing, printmaking and sculpture. I am interested in contrast in colors, the geometry of lines and circles, and visual imagery. My influences are many, and include Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, Botticelli, Magritte, Hopper and Dali to name a few. Much of my subject matter comes from inner visions and dreams and looking at the world though an abstract eye. I have recently been painting more on location and I use the Martha's Vineyard scenery as inspiration.

For more information on this artist, visit http://paintingsbybillbuckley.com

Take our Survey to Participate in the Future of the Library

The Library is planning ahead and setting our priorities and goals for the next 5 years. Your input is critical as we develop our Long Range Plan. What is important to you? What can we improve or add to make the library more valuable to you? Your responses will help in the process and help the community in years to come.

You may complete a brief survey with some demographic information and 20 yes or no questions, or, if you have more time, a longer version. To take the survey online, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vhlibrary. Hard copies are also available at the library.

Tony Horwitz and Sheldon Hackney: John Brown's Raid and the Origin of the Civil War

On Wednesday, December 14th at 7pm, please join us as we host a discussion of the significance of the 1859 bloody raid on the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry by anti-slavery activist John Brown and a small group of his followers. Leading the discussion will be Pulitzer Prize winning author and Island resident Tony Horwitz and noted historian Sheldon Hackney, David Boies Professor of History, Emeritus and retired president of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Horwitz’s book Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid that Sparked the Civil War was published in October and currently sits on many bestseller lists. The evening’s program will not a be a lecture but a moderated discussion with the audience, so to get the most of out of the event, participants should have at least some familiarity with the history of the raid and its aftermath. (Reading Horwitz’s book would be a great way to prepare for the discussion. Several copies of Midnight Rising are at the library, and it’s available for sale at Bunch of Grapes bookstore.) Refreshments and a book signing will follow the discussion. Please join us for what is certain to be an evening of stimulating conversation.

This program kicks off six months of programs at the library related to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation. At the heart of the programming is a seminar series sponsored by the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Let’s Talk About it Series, entitled “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War”. The “Let’s Talk About It” format was developed by the ALA and NEH to promote the use of public libraries as centers of education, communication among citizens, and exploration of the ideas of what America is all about. The “Let’s Talk About It” program will also feature Dr. Hackney as Program Scholar and discussion leader.

"Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War", has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. http://www.vhlibrary.org/civilwar.shtml#series

"Let's Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War"

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL.

"Let's Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War" is designed as a series of five conversations exploring different facets of the Civil War experience, informed by reading the words written or uttered by powerful voices from the past and present, and complemented by related programming before and during the series. These conversations include both short introductory lectures and small discussion groups led by facilitators.

The group will meet the following Tuesday evenings at 7pm:

Session One (January 10th)"Imagining War"

Session Two (February 7th)"Choosing Sides"

Session Three (March 6th) "Making Sense of Shiloh"

Session Four (April 17th) "The Shape of War"

Session Five (May 8th) " War and Freedom"

The program is designed to probe meanings of the Civil War that are “hidden in plain sight” behind the key questions and main characters so familiar to us. Program participants may be surprised to encounter in the readings such a large cast of characters, so broad a range of perspectives, and so dense a web of circumstances. After considering the vast sweep and profound breadth of Civil War experience, participants will understand that the American Civil War was not a single thing, or a simple thing. And yet they will also see emancipation—the end of the most powerful system of slavery in the modern world—takes its place as the central story of the war.

The discussions will be led by Dr. Sheldon Hackney, PhD., David Boies Professor of History, Emeritus and retired president of the University of Pennsylvania. As part of the program, group discussions will be held once per month from January through May on the following works:

• March, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Island resident Geraldine Brooks
• Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam, by James McPherson
• America’s War: Talking about the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries, an anthology of historical fiction, speeches, diaries, memoirs, biographies and short stories edited by national project scholar Edward L. Ayers.
• Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War, Essay by Edward L. Ayers, President, University of Richmond.

Each session will include an introductory talk by Dr. Hackney, sometimes followed by a guest speaker, after which smaller groups will be formed to discuss suggested open ended questions. Each discussion group will have a facilitator. At the end of each session, the entire group will reconvene to share insights.

Program participants will be given packets of information, including the three books. The library hopes this series will be on the order of a college symposium. This means that homework is important and expected. Everybody is welcome, of course, as long as they’re willing to do the homework and read the assignments before the discussion sessions.

For additional information, including a list of reading assignments, online resources, and suggestions for further reading, visit the library's "Let's Talk About It" webpage at www.vhlibrary.org/civilwar.shtml

Packets for "Let's Talk About It" may be picked up at the library on December 15th.

"Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War", has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

Vineyard Haven Library Gains National Recognition

We're happy to share that the Vineyard Haven Public Library has been named one of 256 "star" libraries (out of 7,513 rated) in Library Journal's annual national rating of public libraries. The rating is based on four public service indicators from 2009 data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This year there are 8 "star" libraries in Massachusetts, also including West Tisbury Library on Martha's Vineyard. More information is available in the November 1st issue of Library Journal, on the Web at http://features.libraryjournal.com/star-libraries/

Sunday Programs Include Play Reading, Crafts for Grownups

The Friends of the Library have invited the Peter H. Luce Play Readers to perform a reading of 4 short comic plays from the collection "All in the Timing" by David Ives, directed by Leslie J. Stark, on Sunday, November 13 at 2pm. The reading is free and refreshments will be served.

SURE THING is a classic of contemporary comedy: Two people meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux pas onthe way to falling in love. THE PHILADELPHIA presents a young man in a restaurant who has fallen into "a Philadelphia," a Twilight Zone-like state in which he cannot get anything he asks for. His only way out of the dilemma? To ask forthe opposite of what he wants. VARIATIONS ON THE DEATH OF TROTSKY shows us the Russian revolutionary on the day of his demise, desperately trying to cope with the mountain-climber's axe he's discovered in his head. MERE MORTALS eavesdrops on a lunch hour on a girder 50 stories over the street, as three construction workers share increasingly amazing secrets of their past.

Beginning Sunday, November 6th at 2pm, the library will offer a monthly crafts program for "grownups". This month we will be making GOURD CANDLES, great for your Thanksgiving centerpiece or as a hostess gift. Bring your melon ballers and old candle stubs. Everyone 12 and older is welcome to participate. Contact Jennifer at the library for more information.

Art in the Stacks: Jo Scotford Rice

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of artwork by Jo Scotford Rice. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of November.

Ms. Rice has a bachelor’s degree of fine arts from Ohio Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in art education from Case Western University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, a master’s in expressive arts therapy from Lesley University, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has taught art at the secondary and university levels in Ohio and on Martha’s Vineyard.

"Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.

Teens -- Get Your Voice Heard at VHPL!

Want kinds of programs do YOU want to see at the library? What books are YOU reading? Any new games YOU want the library to buy? Get your voice heard at VHPL. The Teen Advisory Group is a great way to get involved in the library and in your community. Email Sarah at yalibrary@gmail.com to sign up, or get more info.

Meetings would include, talk of recent book releases, program ideas, technology, and who doesn't love FREE food? Tell your friends, and email, yalibrary@gmail.com

Art in the Stacks: Wilfrid Dantis

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Haitian artist Wilfrid Dantis. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of October.

Wilfrid Dantis is a self-taught artist from Port-au-Price, Haiti. He began his painting career in Haiti as a street artist in the Haitian vernacular. As he gained more skill and was exposed to different kinds of painting he developed a powerful style of his own.

Wilfrid enjoys painting scenes from everyday Haitian life; often his canvases depict the hard work and challenges faced each day by the "common people". Mr. Dantis says, "Sometimes I put onto the canvas things that I've experienced in my life, and it is through my paintings and their vivid colors that I can express myself, share my culture, and offer the stories of my country. I hope to convey something of the Haitian spirit."

"Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.

Sunday Hours Resume Beginning October 16th!

Sunday, October 16th, will be the first Sunday of the season that the library will be open. The library will be open from noon-4pm throughout the winter, except for a few holiday weekends.

The library will be presenting a variety of special programs on Sunday afternoons. Visit our website or stop in the library to view a detailed calendar of events!

Great News for Kindle Users! Free Library eBooks are Now Available for Your Device!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce that our downloadable eBooks are now compatible with the Kindle eReader. This update allows most existing eBooks in the library’s collection to be read on all Kindle devices or by using free Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and other mobile devices.

Here is the process for checking out a library eBook for Kindle:

• Visit the CLAMS ‘Virtual Branch’ website: http://clamsnet.lib.overdrive.com/
  
• Browse and "check out" a Kindle book, using your CLAMS library card number.
• Click the ‘Get for Kindle’ button. This opens the Amazon.com website. You may be required to sign in with your Amazon.com account if you are not already logged in.
• Select a Kindle device or Kindle reading app. Click the ‘Get library book’ button and sync your device or app to download the book, or choose to send it to your device via USB.
• An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. If your Kindle is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon’s instructions for transferring files via USB.

CLAMS patrons may check out up to 5 books at a time for a two-week checkout period. If a book is currently checked out to another patron, you may place a hold on the item and will receive an email notification when the eBook becomes available. For more information, visit the "My Help" section on the CLAMS digital downloads website.

Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library Fun Run Results!

Name - Age - Time

1 Nicholas Cranston - 7 - 2:54

2 Nathaniel Porterfield - 8 - 3:07

3 Lilly Miller - 8 - 3:17

4 Jason Davey - 10 - 3:22

5 Keats Brown - 9 - 3:30

6 Kate Goldsmith - 7 - 3:36

7 Nate Story - 5 - 4:22

8 Elise Casso - 3 - 6:25

9 Silas Campbell - 2 - 7:25

Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library 5k Results!

14th Annual 5k Run / Walk for the Library "Run to the Chop"
Vineyard Haven, MA
September 11, 2011
Timing and Score by ORGANIZATION PLUS Road Race Management Services

Place Div/Tot No. Name City St Ag S Time Pace
===== ======== ==== ===================== =============== == == = ======= =====
1 1/10 206 CAMPBELL SETH WEST CHOP MA 40 M 17:58 5:47

2 2/10 235 STEENKAMP REAAN Vineyard Haven MA 44 M 19:40 6:20

3 3/10 283 GOLDSMITH MIKE VINEYARD HAVEN MA 49 M 20:23 6:34

4 1/12 281 SPENCER HAYLEY OAK BLUFFS MA 30 F 21:09 6:49

5 1/3 280 TAN DOUG OAK BLUFFS MA 32 M 21:11 6:50

6 1/5 265 KATZ STEVE WEST TISBURY MA 61 M 21:22 6:53

7 1/7 218 GOUSEN EMILY Arlington VA 25 F 21:23 6:53

8 2/12 242 LEWIS HILDA VINEYARD HAVEN MA 30 F 21:33 6:57

9 1/7 222 KANIA ROBERT Southington CT 59 M 22:01 7:06

10 2/3 274 BROWN DONALD VINEYARD HAVEN MA 37 M 22:20 7:12

11 1/3 254 HUTH TIM W TISBURY MA 25 M 22:26 7:14

12 2/7 259 ZEIDEL REBECCA NEWTON MA 26 F 22:34 7:16

13 1/12 225 MILLER KRISTEN Claremont CA 44 F 22:49 7:21

14 2/3 217 GITLITZ SAM VINEYARD HAVEN MA 25 M 23:21 7:31

15 4/10 271 CONDON JACK BRANT ROCK MA 44 M 23:46 7:39

16 1/2 270 CONDON KATIE BRANT ROCK MA 16 F 24:07 7:46

17 2/7 211 DECK STEVEN Lancaster PA 57 M 24:14 7:48

18 2/12 257 BURKE KAREN WINEYARD HAVEN MA 42 F 24:23 7:51

19 3/12 273 BROWN KATHLEEN VINEYARD HAVEN MA 36 F 24:43 7:58

20 3/3 229 PRESTON RYAN TROY NY 34 M 25:17 8:09

21 4/12 276 CAMPBELL VICTORIA VINEYARD HAVEN MA 36 F 25:24 8:11

22 1/2 269 PORTFIELD OWEN VINEYARD HAVEN MA 10 M 25:27 8:12

23 2/5 264 KRONSTEIN ELLIOT WEST TISBURY MA 62 M 25:37 8:15

24 5/12 246 KASSNER KIERON E GALMOUTH MA 30 F 25:42 8:17

25 3/7 255 ROSANSKY ANA NEW YORK NY 29 F 26:01 8:23

26 2/2 243 BURKE PETER TISBURY MA 9 M 26:10 8:26

27 5/10 284 CURRAN PAUL TISBURY MA 47 M 26:12 8:26

28 3/7 272 CLOHERTY JOSEPH OAK BLUFFS MA 50 M 26:28 8:32

29 1/8 201 ANDERSEN ARENA Edgartown MA 51 F 26:31 8:33

30 6/10 219 HAND STEPHEN Woodside NY 44 M 26:57 8:41

31 3/12 233 ST.AMAND BECKY MILFORD MA 49 F 27:05 8:44

32 3/5 248 SMITH SCOTT VINEYARD HAVEN MA 68 M 27:06 8:44

33 7/10 250 DE LA CRUZ JOSEPH HUNTINGDOWNIY PA 48 M 27:16 8:47

34 8/10 245 BURKE JONATHAN TISBURY MA 42 M 27:17 8:47

35 4/12 263 KOSTMAN BETH VINEYARD HAVEN MA 47 F 27:32 8:52

36 2/8 258 FREEDMAN SUSAN CAMBRIDGE MA 58 F 27:33 8:53

37 4/7 209 COLAPELLE JOSEPH Otterburn Park QC 54 M 27:59 9:01

38 5/12 238 WILLIAMSON ANNE EDGARTOWN MA 46 F 28:08 9:04

39 4/7 241 JACKSON NICOLE JAFFREY NH 24 F 28:10 9:04

40 6/12 285 MITCHELL KIMBERLY VINEYARD HAVEN MA 43 F 28:37 9:13

41 7/12 251 NOLAN DIANE VINEYARD HAVEN MA 46 F 28:40 9:14

42 6/12 262 ZAMARRO JILL OAK BLUFFS MA 38 F 28:43 9:15

43 8/12 249 DE LA CRUZ ANE HUNTINGDOWNIY PA 43 F 29:19 9:27

44 9/12 224 LOGUE MARIE Rosemont PA 49 F 29:22 9:28

45 7/12 203 BEUTTEL JULIE PLYMOUTH MA 37 F 29:26 9:29

46 9/10 226 PATRICK RALPH RIVERSIDE RI 43 M 29:35 9:32

47 1/5 215 GEROSA-BEAL BRENDA HINGHAM MA 60 F 29:37 9:32

48 5/7 234 ST.AMAND JOHN MILFORD MA 52 M 29:41 9:34

49 10/12 231 SHAW MARTHA Hartford CT 49 F 30:20 9:46

50 10/10 253 CASSO MICHAEL FALMOUTH MA 43 M 30:30 9:50

51 8/12 247 LITTLEJOHN JENNIFER VINEYARD HAVEN MA 34 F 30:42 9:53

52 9/12 282 SPENCER KATE OAK BLUFFS MA 31 F 31:53 10:16

53 6/7 205 BUSSMANN JIM GUILFORD CT 53 M 32:07 10:21

54 10/12 228 PRESTON JESSICA TROY NY 38 F 32:12 10:22

55 11/12 268 PORTFIELD STACY VINEYARD HAVEN MA 41 F 32:57 10:37

56 4/5 208 CLOUGH MARSTON Southborough MA 68 M 34:17 11:03

57 2/5 230 SCHNEIDER AUDIE Vineyard Haven MA 69 F 34:50 11:13

58 12/12 214 DYER KATHY OTIS MA 46 F 34:51 11:14

59 5/7 256 GLYNN KATE NORTHAMTON MA 29 F 35:41 11:30

60 3/8 213 DOVE ROSAMOND ANNAPOLIS MD 59 F 35:43 11:30

61 11/12 236 WILSUZ KRISTEN VINEYARD HAVEN MA 30 F 36:26 11:44

62 4/8 216 GITLITZ ROBIN VINEYARD HAVEN MA 54 F 36:45 11:50

63 3/5 207 CLOUGH LOUISE Southborough MA 63 F 38:21 12:21

64 1/2 227 PETERSON CYNTHIA MIDDLE HADDAM CT 78 F 42:13 13:36

65 5/8 210 CORR JUDY VINEYARD HAVEN MA 55 F 44:03 14:11

66 1/3 220 HEATH DON POTOMAC MD 70 M 46:28 14:58

67 2/3 289 JOHNSON NORMAN VINEYARD HAVEN MA 75 M 46:45 15:03

68 6/8 232 SMITH SUSAN Oak Bluffs MA 54 F 47:49 15:24

69 7/8 267 NEWMAN HELLIE CHILMARK MA 50 F 50:19 16:12

70 3/3 266 MAFFEI DANIEL WINTHROP MA 23 M 50:19 16:12

71 7/7 278 SPENCER JEFF EMERALD AU 58 M 50:38 16:18

72 8/8 279 SPENCER KAY EMERALD AU 55 F 50:48 16:22

73 5/5 277 ROBINSON 68 M 50:49 16:22

74 4/5 252 CHALK ROSEMARY VINEYARD HAVEN MA 63 F 51:43 16:39

75 5/5 261 BAILEY SUE VINEYARD HAVEN MA 68 F 51:45 16:40

76 3/3 260 KILLIAN REX VINEYARD HAVEN MA 70 M 51:46 16:40

77 12/12 239 JACKSON SADIE JAFFREY NH 37 F 54:09 17:26

78 2/2 240 JACKSON LUCY JAFFREY NH 5 F 54:09 17:26

79 2/2 237 EUGSTER ELAINE VINEYARD HAVEN MA 74 F 54:43 17:37

80 6/7 287 BENDER SARA BROOKLYN MY 29 F 54:44 17:38

81 7/7 288 KURITSKY NIKKI BROOKLYN NY 28 F 54:45 17:38

"Fictions of Colonial Encounter" Series at Island Libraries

Throughout the 20^th century western colonial empire has been retreating from its earlier domination over vast nonwestern territories. During this same period novelists white and black, western and nonwestern, have sought to make sense of colonial encounter. Drawing on two white British writers (Joseph Conrad and E. M. Forster) and two black Nigerian writers (Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta), this course will explore the ways in which differently positioned writers represent colonial encounter—as it was administered, as it was felt on the receiving end.

Philip Weinstein, Professor of English at Swarthmore College and part-time resident in Aquinnah, will lead the discussions. He has taught these novels in his courses at Swarthmore and published on some of them as well. During the past decade, he has given lectures and led discussions on fictions of race, at different libraries on the island.

The course will take place from 4:00 to 5:30 on Thursday afternoons (with one exception) during fall 2011. Conceived as a program offered to participants all over the island, the lectures and discussions will be held at the following libraries:

Thursday, September 15th, Aquinnah Public Library: Conrad, Heart of Darkness (1899)

Thursday, November 3rd, Chilmark Free Public Library: Forster, A Passage to India (1924)

Wednesday, November 16th (7pm), Vineyard Haven Public Library: Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1966)

Thursday, December 15th, Oak Bluffs Public Library: Emecheta, The Joys of Motherhood (1979)

Friends "Mini" Book Sales Held Monthly

The Friends of the Library hold "mini" book sales at the library, from 1pm-3pm on the third Saturday of each month. The September sale will be held on Saturday, September 17th.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for Saturday, October15th, and Saturday, November 19th, from 1pm-3pm. There will be no sale in December, but sales will resume in 2012!

Art in the Stacks: Tuscany Landscape Studies by Susan Johnson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of landscape studies by painter Susan Johnson. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of August. "Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.

The artist, Susan Johnson, has recently returned from an intensive six-week study program for plein air landscape painting and art history with Boston University. This collection of landscape studies were produced during June and July. Oil Paint on board, all were painted directly on-site--plein air-- in the dramatic Tuscan hillsides, inspired by strong light, cypress, olive groves, and grape vineyards. Ms. Johnson holds a BFA and MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute, and will complete an MA in Art Education from Boston University in January 2012.

Freegal: Download Music from the Vineyard Haven Public Library

The Vineyard Haven Public Library now offers free MP3 music file downloads on its website through Freegal Music. Freegal Music is an online service that provides access to over 500,000 songs from Sony Music artists, and new music is added to the collection daily.

The music files are DRM-free and do not expire, and are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPods, iPads and other MP3-compatible devices. Vineyard Haven Library cardholders are eligible for two MP3 downloads per week. A Library card number and PIN is necessary to access and download songs.

To view, browse and download music from Freegal, go to www.vhlibrary.org and scroll down the page to find the "Freegal Music Collection."

Register for the September 5k Run/Walk and Fun Run

On Sunday, September 11th, 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.

Registration forms are available in the library or may be downloaded from the library website. Online registration is also available at https://registration.strands.com/ .

Art in the Stacks: Kathleen Poehler, Seaweed Collage

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of seaweed collages by artist Kathleen Poehler. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of July.

"Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kathy Poehler learned about seaweed walking the island beaches with her father when she was young, and continuing her interest in her studies at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. Later she was able to integrate this interest with her creative expression as she sought to introduce the young children she was teaching about life in the ocean.

Interest in the medium proved to be contagious and led to several private showings at Harvard University, and the placement of her work in homes from San Francisco to Seoul, South Korea. Kathy has recently returned to the Vineyard after a sixteen year hiatus. She has participated in the All-Island Art Show, and was awarded the Rose Treat Award for her Island Collage.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I grew up on the island with parents who instilled an appreciation and understanding of our natural habitats. I accompanied my farther as he collected, classified, and mounted seaweed (Algae), for teaching purposes, and I’ve acquired a deep understanding of individual seaweeds and their properties.

In my collages, I’ve merged an understanding of the limitations of my medium with the possibilities for self expression. The process of creating these pieces is as important to me as the work itself. Being in the ocean observing the seaweeds movement in its natural state and trying to stay true to that feeling as I work with it on paper is an important part of what I hope to reflect in my work.

My collages are created the same day the seaweed is gathered to maintain its color and structural integrity. I may have a vision or direction I would like to move in, but ultimately I listen to the seaweed and the finished pieces reflect that balance. They vary from the abstract to the more sculptural depending on the specifics of the seaweed I am working with at any given time.

New! Early Literacy Station for Ages 2-10

The Vineyard Haven Public Library System has added an Early Literacy Station in the Children's Room, a complete educational solution loaded with 50 educational software titles for kids ages 2–10. The Early Literacy Station offers children a safe, standalone computer not connected to the Internet that is age-appropriate, engaging, and academically relevant for children. The ELS has a colorful keyboard and child-size mouse to promote easy learning and discovery, however children may also interact with the ELS using the touchscreen! Children may sign up to use the ELS for 30 minutes per day.

The Early Literacy Station's educational software covers seven curricular areas: reading, math, science, social studies, writing, arts and music, and reference. The system is designed to attract and educate toddlers through early elementary school ages. The multimedia and educational content has been evaluated by early childhood specialists, educators, and family focus groups using the latest developmental models.

The Early Literacy Station was obtained through generous community support for the Friends of the Library 2011 Annual Appeal.

Free Online Ebooks, Games, and Language Learning for Kids

The Vineyard Haven Public Library has just subscribed to TumbleBooks, a collection of online ebooks and games for kids. Library patrons have unlimited access from their home computers with internet access. To connect, click on the TumbleBooks logo on the library homepage, www.vhlibrary.org.

The TumbleBookLibrary is a collection of TumbleBooks (animated, talking picture books) with fiction, non-fiction and foreign language titles, Read-Alongs (chapter books with sentence highlighting and narration but no animation), TumbleTV which consists of pre-set playlists of a sequence of books, and Tumble Puzzles & Games. TumbleBooks are created from existing picture books which have been converted to the TumbleBook format.

You may want to explore the site by checking out all the books, games and features. The catalogue has book descriptions, book reviews, and author/illustrator/publisher information. You can view a TumbleBook by clicking on the ‘View Online” button or on the cover of the book. There are a number ways you can access a book: The index page lists all the TumbleBooks. Click on the title (hyperlink) and you will be taken right to that TumbleBook. Scroll through the collection in any of the sections to read the descriptions and view the reading levels.

Automatic/Manual Button: TumbleBooks are designed to be experienced in either automatic or manual mode. In automatic mode, the pages turn by themselves and are narrated; in manual mode, the readers turn the pages at their own speed.

The Pause Button: Use the pause button to stop the story at any time in order to practice story prediction, interpret pictures, discuss new vocabulary words, empathize with a character, discuss possible consequences of actions, encourage problem solving, or provide historical, geographical, or other perspectives.

Word Helper: This feature allows you to click on a book to hear a sentence repeated, or click on a vocabulary word in order to hear it pronounced.

Reading Levels: Each title has recommended reading levels: Grade, Lexile and Accelerated Reader information. Click on the reading level to see other books at the same level.

TumbleGames: The TumblePuzzles and TumbleGames are great educational tools.

Language Learning: The Language Learning section has a growing collection of books in Spanish and French, to name a few.

Navigate en Español/ en Français: The drop down menu on the top right hand corner of the site allows you to view the entire site in Spanish or French.

Summer Reading and Activities for Children and Teens

Registration for the Summer Reading Program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library begins June 27th. 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 by visiting our website.

The theme for this year's program is "One World, Many Stories." 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.

A few of our special summer programs include:

Wednesday, July 13th, 3- 4:45PM: Movie for ages 8-11, based on the second book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Rated PG.

Thursday, July 21st, 11AM, Special Musical Performance with the Allards. For ages 4 and up. This event is made possible by a generous contribution from The Anderson Foundation and the Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, July 26th, 10:00AM (ages 0-2) & 11:00AM (ages 3-5): Music & Songs w/Jeremy Berlin.

Tuesday, August 2nd, 10:00AM (ages 0-2) & 11:00AM (ages 3-5): A visit from storybook character Madeline!

Thursday, August 11th, 3:30PM, African Drum and Dance, for all ages. This event is made possible by a generous contribution from The Anderson Foundation and the Friends of the Library.

"One World, Many Stories" is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Library System, 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 MV Bagel Authority, Bob's Pizza, Bunch of Grapes, Capawock Theatre, Dinghy Dogs, EduComp, Island Music, Mocha Motts, Murdick's Fudge, and Riley Reads.

Summer Reading for Grownups

Register now to participate in the Vineyard Haven Public Library's 1st ever Summer Reading Program for Grownups! Read a book a week (8 books July through August) to be eligible to win a free paperback or other prizes. Open to all CLAMS library card holders, age 18 and above.

Create an online account by visiting our summer reading website. Login to your account to log the books you read over the summer, write reviews, and register for prizes. Registration begins June 27th, and all books read should be logged by Saturday, August 27th.

Reading incentives for those who complete the program include a choice from 75 paperback bestsellers donated to the Vineyard Haven Public Library by Geraldine Brooks and Penguin Publishing, in celebration of the publisher's 75th anniversary. Incentives will be awarded the week of August 29th.

"Novel destinations" is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Summer Book Sales Held 3rd Saturday of the Month

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 18th.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for Saturday, July 16th, and Saturday, August 20th, from 1pm-3pm.

June Events Celebrate Art, Music, Nature and History

The library has taken a short break from programing while hosting the Friends of the Library's 2nd Annual Art Show, on display through June 18th.

Adult programs will resume on Tuesday, June 21st at 7pm, when special guests the Gravestone Girls will present a talk and slideshow about the art and history of Martha's Vineyard cemeteries.

On Wednesday, June 22nd at 7pm, Martha's Vineyards own Klezmer Band will perform and discuss their musical tradition.

On Saturday, June 25th, from 2pm to 4pm, join us to play the exotic game of Mahjong. We will be playing only the traditional Chinese version of the game using Henry Snyder's rules and simplified scoring method. Beginners are welcome and refreshments will be served.

On Tuesday, June 28th at 7pm, wildlife biologists Luanne Johnson and Liz Baldwin will talk about the island's beach nesting birds.

Programs for all ages will continue throughout the summer. Check our online event calendar often, for updates and more information.

CLAMS Online Catalog Updated with New Features

The CLAMS online catalog at library.clamsnet.org has a new look and new features! Some of the new functionality was added due to requests from our recent patron survey. Here are a few things you may not have realized you can do online:

To limit your search to DVDs, CDs, or other formats, choose one of the links under "Search by format", or use the "Advanced Search."

Forgot your PIN number, or need to create a PIN? Just visit the "My Account" link and follow the instructions.

Looking for a book that is not in the CLAMS system? Click on "Virtual Catalog" to request an item from other networks and academic libraries statewide.

For more information, click the "Help" link at the bottom of the page, or visit the Frequently Asked Questions page prepared by CLAMS staff.

Vineyard Haven Library staff are also happy to assist you, or give you a one-on-one lesson on searching the online catalog.

Friends of the Library 2nd Annual Group Art Show - Catalog Available

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 6th – June 18th. A reception will be held on Tuesday, June 7th, from 5-8pm. This event is free and open to the public. A catalog for the show is available online.

The library has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. In addition, an "Art Wall" features rotating monthly exhibits managed by the Friends of the Library.

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library encourage public understanding of the Library's vital role in the community, support activities for both adults and children, and provide various other volunteer services. 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.

"Storytime for Grownups" at the Vineyard Haven Library

Love a good story? Experience the pleasure of hearing a great story expertly read aloud at the first “Story Time for Grownups” to be presented at the Vineyard Haven Public Library. On Wednesday, June 1st at 7pm, actor Diane Quaid will read from Pearl S. Buck’s short story collection East and West.

“Story Hour for Grownups” has been a popular program at the Woods Hole Public Library on Sunday afternoons during the winter months. Now the Woods Hole Library is partnering with the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library to bring this program to Martha’s Vineyard. The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Diane Quaid is active in community theater and has appeared in productions with the Barnstable Comedy Club, Cape Cod Community College (“Dead Man Walking,”) the Fundraising Players, and the Falmouth Theater Guild (“Love Letters.”)

Although best known for her works on China, Nobel laureate Pearl Buck was interested in the interplay of East and West, and in her extensive writings considered India and Korea as well as China. “India, India” takes place before India won its independence from the British Empire. It follows a British widower’s attempts to comprehend and appreciate his new wife, a young widow very different from his previous spouse.

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library encourage public understanding of the Library's vital role in the community, support activities for both adults and children, and provide various other volunteer services. 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.

2011 Pulitzer Prizes Announced

These 2011 Pulitzer prizewinning titles are available from CLAMS libraries:

FICTION: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

HISTORY: The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner

BIOGRAPHY: Washington : A Life by Ron Chernow

POETRY: The Best of It: New and Selected Poems by Kay Ryan

GENERAL NONFICTION: The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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

Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with Print Disabilities

In partnership with Bookshare and OverDrive, CLAMS is currently offering a one year free subscription (usually $75) to Bookshare for individuals with a print disability. The program is known as LEAP – Library eBook Accessibility Program.

Print disability or print-impairment or is a condition related to blindness, visual impairment, specific learning disability, and certain physical disabilities (such as tremors.) Individuals diagnosed with a print disability cannot access print in the standard way.

Bookshare (www.bookshare.org) is an online library of digital books (90, 000,) magazines, and newspaper for people with qualifying disabilities. It operates under an exception to the U.S. copyright law thus dramatically increasing the accessibility of books. Bookshare members download reading material in a compressed encrypted file. They then read the material using adaptive technology, typically software that displays the text of the book on screen and/or reads the book aloud (text-to-speech), or Braille access devices. (Qualifying US students can access the Bookshare catalog for free through the support of the U.S. Department of Education and OSEP.)

To learn if you or a family member may qualify for a free LEAP subscription, log on to the OverDirve Catalog look in the upper left hand corner for “Accessible eBooks for the print-impaired - Click here.” (Just above “My HELP!”)

For additional help or questions you may phone (508-696-4211 x 15) or email the reference department: vhpl_questions@clamsnet.org.

"Common Threads" Poetry Discussions in April

Common Threads is a program of MassPoetry.org that seeks to have 10,000 people in the state read seven poems in the month of April, National Poetry Month. All the poets have strong connections to Massachusetts.

Michael West and Clark Myers will lead a discussion of the poems on two evenings in April at the Vineyard Haven Library. Discussions are scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, April 19th, and 7pm on Wednesday April 27th. The seven poems and discussion questions are available at www.masspoetry.org/commonthreads

Art in the Stacks: Joan Walsh

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present an exhibit of acrylic paintings by artist and illustrator Joan Walsh. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of April. Irish artist Joan Walsh lives on Martha's Vineyard. Her whimsical portraits of Martha's Vineyard life are an integral part of the Martha's Vineyard Artist Landscape.

Joan's commissions include works in Watercolors, Acrylics and Oils in Ireland and the U.S.A. Among her stained glass work she designed and made windows for a Novitiate in Dublin, Ireland.

"Art in the Stacks" is a new initiative of the Friends of the Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year. The Friends are also now accepting submissions for their annual group art show in June.

Library Snapshot Day is Coming to Vineyard Haven!

On Wednesday, April 13, Massachusetts libraries will join libraries across the nation to provide a snapshot of what happens in the day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? During Snapshot Day libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.

Everyone can participate just by doing their regular library business, such as using the Internet, checking out books, doing research, or attending a program. Programs that day will include a movie for children ages 6 and up at 1 pm, Wii games for “Tweens” (ages 8-11) at 3 pm.

Patrons who sign a release to have their photo taken and submitted to be used in statewide publications will get a chance to win prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. Stop by and be counted!

Library Book Sales Held Third 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 February sale will be held on Saturday, March 19th.

Proceeds from these sales benefit library programs for children, and other library services supported by the Friends. Sales are also planned for Saturday, April 16th, and Saturday, May 21st, from 1pm-3pm.

Federal Tax Forms Still Available at the Library

Many Federal tax forms, 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.

Online Access to the Cape Cod Times

The Cape Cod Times has eliminated mail subscriptions in addition to home delivery to Martha's Vineyard, so the library will no longer provide print copies of the paper.

Library patrons can access full text articles (without photographs) for the Cape Cod Times from 1998 to the present through an online database. You will need to enter your library card number in order to access the database from your home computer. A link to the database appears on the library home page at www.vhlibrary.org.

Recent articles, including photographs, are available on the Cape Cod Times website at www.capecodonline.com (website users are limited to a monthly quota of articles unless they purchase an online subscription).

If you need help locating an article from the Cape Cod Times, please ask a library staff member for assistance.

Chinese Cooking Class - CLASS IS FULL

The Chinese cooking class scheduled for Wed. March 15th at the library is now full. If you are interested in being added to the waiting list, please contact the library.

If you have previously registered for the class and will not be able to come, please notify the Library so we may release your reservation.