Evening Lecture Series: July Events

All programs at the Vineyard Haven Public Library are free and open to the public. Please join us!

Tuesday, July 1st, 7 pm
Greg Balco: Antarctica and the Antarctic Ice Sheet
News reports in the past few months have highlighted the fact that parts of the Antarctic ice sheets are shrinking rapidly and likely to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Greg Balco, a scientist at the Berkeley Geochronology Center, studies Antarctic ice sheet change. He will give a talk that aims to put these reports in some context by discussing what ice sheets are and how they work; what exactly is in Antarctica, what it looks like, and what it means that it's "collapsing;" and what is involved in actually getting to and working in Antarctica to learn about ice sheet change.

Thursday, July 3rd, 7 pm
Suzan Bellincampi:  Martha’s Vineyard: A Field Guide to Island Nature
In her new book, author Suzan Bellincampi, director of Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary,  takes you on favorite Island trails and behind the scenes of what the natural Vineyard has to offer. Suzan will talk about how she did the research for the book and will include some slides from her explorations here on the Island.  Reception to follow.

Wednesday, July 9th, 7 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Sam Low: Hawaiki Rising
As the walls of Troy were falling to the Greeks, Polynesian explorers followed star paths across the world’s greatest ocean to settle one third of Earth’s surface. It’s one of the most amazing stories of navigation and maritime exploration, and it has never been properly told — until now. Reception to follow.

Tuesday, July 15th, 7 pm
Neville Frankel: Bloodlines
Novelist and South African emigré Neville Frankel will discuss his literary thriller of the apartheid era. Bloodlines, called "fierce and thrilling" by Kirkus Indie Review, is the riveting story of a family fractured by apartheid and a son who struggles to piece everything back together. The author will read excerpts from his novel and discuss South Africa’s troubled history from a personal and political perspective.  Reception to follow.

Wednesday, July 16th, 7 pm (doors open at 6:30)
William Waterway: Gay Head Lighthouse: The First Light on Martha’s Vineyard
Join us for the launch of this fascinating book. In 2013 it was determined the lighthouse needed to be moved from the eroding cliffs. We will learn about the lighthouse and how as a community we will save it. Slideshow.  Reception to follow.

Tuesday, July 22nd, 7 pm
Susie Bowman from Felix Neck: Martha’s Vineyard Seashells
Susie Bowman, naturalist and educator from Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, will join us to present a program on the seashells of Martha's Vineyard.  She will present a slide show and bring samples. 

Tuesday, July 29th, 7 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.