Belly Babies Prenatal Storytime!

Come join Vineyard Haven Library's Children's Librarian, Emily for newly added program, Belly Babies Prenatal Storytime. Belly Babies is a new storytime program that is geared toward pregnant moms-to-be. We will read stories and sing songs to our growing babies. Come meet and chat with other pregnant mamas, eat some light/healthy snacks and bond with your bump. Belly Babies Prenatal Storytime is happening on Sunday, January 13th from 2:00-3:00 pm, in the Vineyard Haven Library Program Room. Other dates to be announced. This event is free and open to all pregnant moms-to-be. Call Emily for any questions: 508-696-4211 (x114).

New: Free Digital Magazines from Overdrive!

All CLAMS library card holders now have access to an all-new collection of digital magazines from OverDrive. Available through the popular Libby App platform, OverDrive App, and via web browsers, library users can access 50 popular magazine titles to check out digitally on their devices using their CLAMS library card. Overdrive magazines are always available with no wait times, and they do not count against patron checkout limits. Readers can also download magazines on Libby for offline use. You can browse the OverDrive Magazine collection here. For help getting started accessing any of our online resources, contact the library for a one-on-one lesson.

Public Affairs Discussion Group at Vineyard Haven Public Library

Leading up to the annual Great Decisions Discussion Group Series in April/May 2019, the library will be hosting a monthly Public Affairs Discussion Group from 6pm to 8pm on the third Thursday of each month, beginning January 17th.

Dennis Agin will be our group coordinator for both programs, working with our Reference Librarian Alexandra Pratt. Please register online if you wish to receive updates on this program.

Thursday January 17th, 6-8 pm
The Economy and Jobs
What are the inequalities and dislocations? How are major problems fixed, near and long term? Recommended viewing: 60 Minutes program on A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) and the future of jobs, this Sunday, January 13 at 7 p.m. on CBS.
Topic Leader: Julia Burgess

Thursday February 21st, 6-8 pm
Electoral System – Gerrymandering – Voter Suppression & Fraud
Do we have a democracy? How well is it working? How is our system anti-democratic?  How can voting equality be improved?
Topic Leader: Denny Agin

Thursday March 21st, 6-8 pm 
Climate Change – Energy Policies – Environmental Initiatives
Is the world on a path to Environmental Disaster? What should we be doing?
Topic Leader: Mike Kobran

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Vineyard Haven Public Library will be hosting the 2019 Great Decisions Discussion Group on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm for eight weeks, April 4th through May 23rd.

A limited number of Great Decisions Briefing Books will be available for purchase at the library in mid-January, for $25. You may reserve a copy by paying in advance at the library main desk, with cash or check made out to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. Great Decisions topics for 2019 are on the Foreign Policy Association Website: https://fpa.org/great_decisions/

Best Books of 2018: A List of Lists

Some choices for the best of 2018, from the media, associations, and readers:

American Library Association (ALA)
Notable Books For Adults: https://www.rusaupdate.org/awards/notable-books-list/
Notable Children's Books: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb
Young Adults: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-best-best

Boston Globe
http://apps.bostonglobe.com/arts/graphics/2018/12/year-end-books-2018/

Chicago Review of Books Best Science Fiction
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2018/11/28/the-10-best-science-fiction-books-of-2018/

Chicago Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-books-best-books-2018-1209-story.html

Financial Times
https://www.ft.com/booksoftheyear2018

Goodread's Choice Awards
https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2018

The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/books/series/best-books-of-2018

Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2018

Library Journal
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?page=best-books-2018

Library Reads Favorites of 2018
http://libraryreads.org/favorite-of-favorites-2018/

National Public Radio's Book Concierge, guide to 2018's great reads
https://apps.npr.org/best-books-2018/

New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids and Teens
https://www.nypl.org/books-music-dvds/recommendations/award-winners/childrens-ya

New York Times Notable Books
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/19/books/review/100-notable-books.html

Publisher's Weekly
https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2018

Smithsonian
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/best-books-2018-180970895/

Time Magazine
Fiction: http://time.com/5454708/best-fiction-books-2018/
Nonfiction: http://time.com/5454719/best-nonfiction-books-2018/
Youth: http://time.com/5453063/best-ya-kids-books-2018/
Best books you might have missed: http://time.com/5458670/best-books-you-missed-2018/

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/entertainment/books/best-books-of-2018/

Survey: Topic Selection for 2019 Weinstein Seminar

Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of Literature, emeritus at Swarthmore College, will present a multi-part literature workshop in Fall 2019, sponsored by Vineyard Haven Library. We would like your input to help select the course of study. You can help us decide with this single question survey!

Follow this link to the survey: Take the survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7RD7JC

Sharks, skunks, lovelorn birds, and butt breathing frogs: Talking Nature with Suzan Bellincampi

On Tuesday December 11th at 7pm at Vineyard Haven Library, Suzan Bellincampi will give an illustrated talk based on her newest book, The Nature of Martha’s Vineyard. A book signing and refreshments will follow the talk.

The book is a gathering of the best of Suzan's nature columns over the last sixteen plus years and includes stunning full-color photographs by talented Island photographer Tim Johnson. Amphibians and reptiles, birds, fish, mammals, plants, sea life and more are covered, and share not only science, but history, art, and local lore. Island book publisher and consultant Jan Pogue calls this book, “a smashing retrospective of Suzan's Vineyard Gazette columns over the last almost two decades. Just wait until you read it.”

Suzan Bellincampi has spent 20 years on Martha’s Vineyard sharing nature through teaching, writing, and speaking.  She is Director of Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and writes the weekly All Outdoors column for the Vineyard Gazette.  Her first book, Martha’s Vineyard: A Field Guide to Island Nature was named one of the Best Books of New England by the Boston Globe in 2014.  Her latest book, The Nature of Martha’s Vineyard, is a retrospective of her best essays. She lives in West Tisbury with her bees and her honey in a home they built by hand.

Red Stocking Fund Book & Toy Drive at Vineyard Haven Library

Since 1938, the Red Stocking fund has been distributing gifts to children from needy families. The Red Stocking Fund is expected to reach 300 children and their families this holiday season.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is collecting books and toys for The Red Stocking Fund. Please bring your donations of new, unwrapped gift items for ages 0-14 to the Vineyard Haven Public Library through December 10th.

For more information, see the Red Stocking Fund display in the library display case.

Friends Mini Book Sale FREE Day December 15th!

Each month the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library hold "mini" book sales to raise funds for children's programs and other initiatives. This month, instead of offering books for sale, the Friends will be liquidating excess stock from their monthly book sales for the bargain price of free!

The free book day will be Saturday, December 15th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Free books for children, adults and teens will be given away. The Friends will also be selling their reusable library tote bags for $2 each, which can be used to bring your free books home and also make great stocking stuffers and can be used as gift wrap.

To learn more about the Friends of the Library or to become a member, visit http://vhlibrary.org/libraryfriends.shtml

Art in the Stacks: Photographs by Harvey Beth

The Friends of the Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Harvey J. Beth, on display on the lower level during the month of November.

Harvey J. Beth is a fine art photographer who lives in Oak Bluffs. His work includes travel images from over fourteen different countries as well as seascapes and floral images from Martha's Vineyard. He has also contributed photographs to the book "Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti", which profiles humanitarian efforts to relieve poverty in Haiti by establishing and supporting women's quilting cooperatives. The current show at the library includes photographs from his recent safari Maasai Mara, Kenya, as well as images from around the island.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Listening Session at Tisbury Senior Center November 8th

On Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 pm in the Tisbury Senior Center, 34 Pine Tree Rd., the Town of Tisbury will hold a public “listening session” to both present and hear comments on the results of the recently completed Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Workshop.  This full-day workshop was held on Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 with the goal of identifying the hazards facing Tisbury that may be exacerbated by climate change and to prioritize actions the town can take to prepare for the identified hazards.  This workshop was planned and facilitated by a core team of local officials, town residents, and the Horsley Witten Group, and was funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs through an MVP Planning Grant, issued to the Town of Tisbury during the fiscal year of July 2017 through June 2018.

One of the results of the project is MVP Certification, which allows certified communities access to additional state grants for projects related to climate change resiliency.   At the November 8th Public Listening Session, the town will present the results of the workshop and ask for public comment and questions.

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Learn more about the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program:
MVP Program Information

Fall Schedule Changes, Including Sunday Hours!

Sunday, October 14th 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 closed for Veterans Day on Sunday November 11th.

Due to a staff training event, the library will open late at 2pm on Thursday, October 25th.

For Thanksgiving, the library will close early at 1pm on Wednesday November 21st, and remain closed on Thursday November 22nd and Friday November 23rd. The library will be open regular hours on Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Art in the Stacks: Jack Ryan's NYC Pen & Ink Drawings

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of pen and ink drawings by Jack Ryan, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of September, 2018.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jack Ryan attended the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan, and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn where he studied under renowned architectural illustrators Stanley Salzman and Albert Lorenz. Mr. Ryan has illustrated numerous books and been published world-wide in publications including the London Sun and Stern magazine. His work is on display in several New York city galleries.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Register for Philip Weinstein's Proust Seminar

Philip Weinstein, the Alexander Griswold Cummins Professor of English Emeritus at Swarthmore College, will present the next in the ongoing program series "Islanders Read the Classics", with a six-part seminar on Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. This free seminar will be held at the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven.

In order to allow the library to prepare class materials and communicate with students, please sign up in advance at the library, or register online.

Professor Weinstein will be using the Random House/Modern Library edition, translated by C.K. Scott Moncrieff and Terence Kilmartin ; revised by D.J. Enright. A limited number of copies are available through CLAMS, or may be requested through the Commonwealth Catalog. Reading assignments for each session appear below.

Wednesday, September 26th, 7 pm
Swanns’s Way, “Combray” pp 1-160

Wednesday, October 10th, 7 pm
Swann’s Way, “Combray” pp 161-265
“Place-Names: The Name” pp 545-606

Wednesday, October 24th, 7 pm
Within a Budding Grove pp 299-376, 417-74, 500-516

Wednesday, November 14th, 7 pm
Within a Budding Grove pp 549-606
The Guermantes Way pp 403-71, 487-99, 786-819

Wednesday, November 28th, 7 pm
Sodom and Gomorrah pp 1-44, 204-45
The Captive pp 83-123
Time Regained pp 173-218

Wednesday, December 12th, 7 pm
Time Regained pp 238-355, 502-32

The "Islanders Read the Classics" series is presented by the Martha's Vineyard Library Association in partnership with the Martha's Vineyard Times. Participants are encouraged to read the books in advance, however it is not required.

Trustees of Reservations "Go Passes" Now Available at the Library!

Vineyard Haven Public Library has partnered with the Trustees of Reservations to provide library patrons the opportunity to get outside and explore places on Martha's Vineyard and elsewhere in Massachusetts.

Trustees "Go Passes" may be picked up at Vineyard Haven Public Library and used at Trustees properties for free or reduced admission. Go Pass admission is equivalent to the admission of a Family level Trustees membership, for two adults and children under 18. Go passes are valid for admission only; not valid for discounts at parking kiosks, stores, cafes, Inns, Campgrounds, special events and programs, on any equipment rental, or in place of any other permits or passes.

The Trustees care for more than 100 special places all around Massachusetts, including Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Long Point Wildlife Refuge on Martha's Vineyard. Not every Trustees property charges an admission fee and some fees vary seasonally. For detailed information about admission at each property, please visit thetrustees.org.

Other passes available at Vineyard Haven Public Library include reduced admission passes for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and free parking passes for Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation parks. Library passes are made possible by community donations to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library's Annual Appeal.

21st Annual 5k Run/Walk & FREE Kid's Fun Run on September 16th!

On Sunday, September 16th, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will host the annual Run to benefit the Library. The USATF-Sanctioned 5k Run/Walk starts at the library with runners proceeding to the West Chop lighthouse and back. There will also be a FREE 1/2 Mile Fun Run for Kids.

Medals will be awarded to winners in all age groups, and all participants will be eligible to win raffle prizes including gift certificates from local stores. 5k registration includes a t-shirt. 5k starts at 10 am; Fun Run for Kids starts at 9:45 am; Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Community sponsors for this year's event include Brickman's, Broadway Screen Printing, Cape Cod Five, Cronig's Market, The Green Room, Island Source, Martha's Vineyard Harley Riders, Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rentals & Sales, Stop & Shop, and Vineyard Grocer.

Save $5 by registering in advance! Registration forms are available at the library or may be downloaded from our website.

Online registration is now available here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/VineyardHaven/VineyardHavenLibrary5kRunWalktotheChop

Art in the Stacks: Opal Wortman

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Opal Wortman, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of August, 2018.

Opal Wortman was born and raised on the island, and graduated from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School in June. She will be attending Parsons School of Design at The New School, in Manhattan this fall. There she will be studying fine arts, and while painting will be her main focus, she is excited to explore the varying mediums they offer.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Announcing New Expanded eBook Access for Library Patrons!

Now there are more ways than ever to access ebooks and other online content with your local library card! The Vineyard Haven Public Library, along with the CLAMS sharing consortium of which we are a part of, is excited to be part of a pilot program to share ebooks with four other Massachusetts libraries. Now anyone with a CLAMS public library card (which is all libraries on the island) are able to borrow digital titles (including ebooks, eaudiobooks and online magazines) from other Massachusetts library networks, such as MLN, OCLN, SAILS and CWMARS. Library patrons will continue to use Overdrive.com or the mobile app Libby to request and download ebooks. The only change is that now when one logs on there will be the option at the top of the page to sign in, with one’s library card number and PIN, to additional libraries online ebook catalogs. This exciting new sharing opportunity is the first step in an eventual statewide digital sharing catalog, offering a better range and selection of digital titles to all library users. If you would like help access ebooks and other online materials please don’t hesitate to contact your local librarian today! Tech help appointments are available; email vhpl_questions@clamsnet.org or call 508-696-4211 for logon help to Overdrive.com or to set up an appointment. 

 

Upcoming Author Appearances at Vineyard Haven Public Library

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

7 PM Tuesday July 24th
Chris Baer: Martha's Vineyard Tales from Pirates on Lake Tashmoo to Baxter's Saloon
Chris Baer is an endless well of Martha’s Vineyard arcana who has written over 150 columns for the Martha's Vineyard Times. His newest book is a collection of 65 of these columns with wonderful photographs.

7 PM Wednesday July 25th
Daniel Goleman: A Force for Good
Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized psychologist known for his bestselling books including Emotional Intelligence, Focus, and Altered Traits. Dr. Goleman will speak about his collaboration with the Dalai Lama on the recent book A Force for Good: the Dalai Lama's Vision for our World. Doors open at 6:30pm, attendance limited to first arrivals.

7 PM Tuesday August 7th
Rob Bierregaard: Belle’s Journey
Belle was one of the first Ospreys to be tagged at her nest on Martha’s Vineyard in 2013. The travels of Belle to Brazil and back is the heart of the book Belle's Journey: An Osprey Takes Flight.

3:30 PM PM Thursday, August 9th
Storytime and Book Signing with Rosemary Wells
Rosemary Wells is the author of 120 books for children, including more than 40 about the beloved bunnies Max and Ruby. This afternoon Rosemary Wells will read her new story, Kit & Kaboodle.

7 PM Thursday, August 9th
Richard Taylor: Race Property and the Power of Place
Martha's Vineyard is an exceptional community in America that has seen blacks and whites live together without the burden of structural institutional racism. This book uncovers, frames and connects the dots of a historical narrative that defines the vision and values class on the Island as well as the Age of Brooke and the Age of Obama.

7 PM Tuesday, August 14th
Andrew Robinson: My Island, My Memories
Andrew Robinson spent his summers on Martha's Vineyard from childhood on. In this book, he combines description and history of the resort and its changes over the years with memories of his own, his family's, and his friends' lives.

7 PM Wednesday, August 22rd
All the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World
All the Women in My Family Sing is an anthology documenting the experiences of women of color at the dawn of the twenty-first century. WGBH’s Callie Crossley will moderate a panel of four other contributors to the anthology, including award-winning documentarian Lisa A Jones, freelance writer Kristin Leavy-Miller, social justice activist and business leader Deborah Santana, and Lalita Tademy, author of Cane River and other novels. This event will be held at the Katharine Cornell Theater, 51 Spring Street.

Sunday with Friends: Holly Nadler

On Sunday, July 15th at 2pm, the Friends of the Library will present an afternoon honoring local author Holly Nadler, whose popular books include Vineyard Confidential and Haunted Island. Holly will be introduced by Jenny Allen, and refreshments in the library garden will follow the talk. The library will open at 1:30 pm for this event.

The Friends of the Library support a variety of programs for both adults and children throughout the year, including an annual summer event honoring an author with ties to the Vineyard. Past honorees have included Geraldine Brooks, Art Buchwald, Stephen Carter, Phil Craig, Jules Feiffer, Lillian Hellman, John Hough, Jr., Ward Just, David McCullough, Cynthia Riggs, Rose Styron, William Styron, Amor Towles, and Shakespeare for the Masses creators Nicole Galland and Chelsea McCarthy.

Mice Against Ticks: 7 pm Thursday, July 12th

Mice Against Ticks is a community-guided project which aims to reduce the number of disease-carrying ticks on Martha’s Vineyard by enlisting our local white-footed mice. At 7pm this Thursday July 12th at the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vinyard Haven, The Vineyard Haven Public Library will present a panel discussion about community-guided science and the ethical implications of altering our shared environment to reduce tick-borne disease.

The New Yorker’s Michael Specter will lead the discussion. Panelists will include MIT assistant professor Dr. Kevin Esvelt, Dr. Sheila Jasanoff, Professor of Science and Technology Studies at the Harvard Kennedy School, Dr. Duane Wesemann of Brigham & Women's and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sam Telford of Tufts, and Dr. Carolyn Neuhaus of The Hastings Center.

The program will include opening remarks by local science-fiction author John Sundman, lightning talks on the cutting-edge science behind Mice Against Ticks, and a game of Lyme prevention trivia with permethrin-treated prizes. Everyone is invited to ask questions of the lead scientists involved in the effort, and join the conversation in this program about biotechnology, bioethics and the fight against tick-borne disease!

7 pm Thursday, July 12th
Katharine Cornell Theater, 51 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven

Art in the Stacks: Lanny McDowell's Avian Art Plus

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of “Avian Art Plus,” a photographic series by Lanny McDowell. The photographs will be on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of July, 2018.

Lanny McDowell grew up outside the small town of Kent, in the northwest corner of Connecticut. He attended Hotchkiss School, earned a BA in Art History at Yale in the late 1960s, and moved to Martha’s Vineyard full-time in 1970. His fine art paintings have been shown them in a number of Vineyard galleries, including his own Ott Gallery in West Tisbury from 2004 to 2007.

His photographs of birds appear online, in newspapers, periodicals, nonprofits’ publications and videos, and adorn people’s houses from here to Miami to Scottsdale to Oahu. Mr. McDowell has said of his work "I choose to share what I observe and feel by carefully selecting images that reflect themes essential to my world view and that will resonate with both the artistic and the spiritual sense of the viewer."

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

"Little Free Libraries" Come to Vineyard Haven!

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.

Phil Fleischman of Vineyard Haven constructed a “Little Free Library,” now in Owen Park. The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library have volunteered to maintain it and see that it continues to be stocked with donated books.

There are currently more than 50,000 registered Little Free Library book exchanges in all 50 U.S. states and over 70 countries around the world. There has been a Little Free Library in Oak Bluffs Post Office Square since 2013, and several are located across Cape Cod.

Vineyard Haven resident Lynne Fraker has also built a Little Free Library, which will soon be placed at the recently refurbished Lake Street Landing.

Summer Reading for Kids, Teens, and Grownups!

Sign-up for Summer Reading at the Vineyard Haven Public Library began Saturday June 23rd. Children and caregivers can visit the Children's Room at the library to sign up, log reading time, and earn prizes, including a T-shirt!

Free programs for young children at Vineyard Haven Library will include a visit by storybook character Paddington, musical story times with Joyce Maxner, Jeremy & Rob, Ellen Allard, Hugh Hanley, and Songs of Peace, a performance by of Chinese folktales by Behind the Mask Studio, and visiting authors Consie Berghausen, Dr. Oneeka Williams, and Rosemary Wells.

Older kids can participate in weekly crafting, gaming, and maker programs, including a collage art workshop with Michael Albert, STEAM challenges, rocket building, lantern painting for Illumination Night, and Jedi Training Camp with Jedi Jim. For complete details, pick up a calendar at the library or visit our website, www.vhlibrary.org.

The Teen Summer Reading Challenge is open to students 6th-12th grade. Once a day participants can get a scratch-off ticket when they check out books. All tickets are instant winner for prizes like candy, iTunes gift cards, gift certificates from local businesses, a selection from the prize basket, and Grand Prizes. Teens can also visit the library to claim a $5 coupon that you may use to pay off fines on overdue items. The coupon may be redeemed at the Vineyard Haven Library at any time, but cannot be used to replace lost items.

Each summer, Vineyard Haven Library has a program for adults 18 and up that is fun and easy to participate in. This summer, participants will complete 10 challenges on a literary-related BINGO card, and bring the completed BINGO card to the library to receive a scratch-off ticket. All scratch-off tickets will win a prize, such as a re-useable library bag or a gift certificate. Leave the scratch-off ticket with your name and phone on the back to be including in a Grand Prize drawing in August.

The summer reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Programs for children at Vineyard Haven Public Library are supported by the Friends of the Library and the Anderson Foundation and are free for participants. Reading incentives have been provided the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, the MV Film Society (Capawock and Strand Theaters), Mocha Motts, Tisberry Frozen Yogurt,  Stop and Shop, Rocco's, Nat's Nook, The Green Room, Educomp, Bobby B’s, and Bernie’s Homemade Ice Cream.

The Commonwealth eBook Collection is Moving to Overdrive

On June 30, 2018, access to Axis 360, BiblioBoard and eBook Central through the Commonwealth eBook Collections will end. That means that any eBooks checked out from Axis 360, BiblioBoard, and eBook Central will no longer be available, and any holds on eBooks through those platforms will be cancelled. Library patrons will continue to have free access to eBooks through the CLAMS Overdrive collection.

COMING IN LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL: CLAMS will soon participate in an exciting Massachusetts pilot program for eBooks and will allow you to borrow OverDrive material from several other Massachusetts library consortia using your CLAMS library card. This cooperative effort is funded by the Automated Resource Sharing Networks, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners —made possible in part with Institute of Museum and Library Services funding—, the Massachusetts Library System, and local libraries.

If you havn't tried Overdrive eBooks, visit the "Getting started with OverDrive" page to download the app for Android, iOS, Kindle, Chromebooks, or Windows 10:
https://help.overdrive.com/customer/en/portal/articles/1481729-getting-started-with-overdrive

Late Opening June 27th, CLAMS Services Offline

Vineyard Haven Library will open late on Wednesday, June 27th. Library hours will be 1pm to 5:30pm that day. Due to scheduled system maintenance, CLAMS services, including online catalogs, OverDrive and Commonwealth eBook Collections, and the Commonwealth Catalog, will be unavailable to CLAMS library users. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Other Martha's Vineyard Libraries may be closed or have reduced hours that day, please check your library's website for details. Library patrons visiting any CLAMS library that day must have a library card with them in order to checkout materials.
 
In case the downtime causes a delay in check in of returned items, patrons will not accrue late fees June 27th through 29th.

Art in the Stacks: Susan Johnson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Color" and Color, an exhibit of paintings by Susan Johnson. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of June.

"Color" and Color is the first series for Shifting Boundaries: Bass Creek Painting Project, a new studio art project Susan is working on with the Vermont College of Fine Art. “Color” and Color combines the CYMK color palette of printing with en plein air style landscape painting. Susan Elizabeth Johnson is a graduate of Pratt Institute, Boston University, The Institute of Doctoral Studies of the Visual Arts, and is currently an MFA candidate in Visual Studies at the Vermont College of Fine Art.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Children's Programs Schedule Update

Vineyard Haven Library's weekly children's programs are on hiatus for the first two weeks of June. On June 18th the library will resume weekly Preschool Storytimes, every Monday and Tuesday at 10:30 am throughout the summer. (There will be no Wednesday storytimes during the summer.)

Afternoon programs including Wednesday Build Club, Thursday Crafts, and Friday Game Time, will also resume the week of June 18th, at 3:30pm.

Special musical events for preschool age children will be offered on the following dates at 10:00 am and 11:00 am, instead of our regular 10:30 am programs:

"Music Together" with Joyce Maxner
Tuesday, July 3rd at 10:00 am & 11:00 am

Musical Storytime with Jeremy Berlin and Rob Meyers
Tuesday, July 10th at 10:00 am & 11:00 am

Check our online calendar for the latest information on library programs, and stay tuned for an announcement of our full Summer Reading Program schedule of special events!

Martha's Vineyard Photography Club Group Show

Aquinnah Rocks by Michael S Cohen

This June, members of the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club will showcase their work in the 8th annual group art show at the Vineyard Haven Public Library. The show is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, who will host an opening reception on Tuesday June 5th from 6 pm - 7 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

The photographs will be on display during regular library hours from June 4th through June 15th. Featured photographers include Michael Cohen, Phyllis Dunn, Dianne Holt, Bruce Kinch, Lynn Khosla, Betsi Luce, Jeannie Pierson, Maria Thibodeau, and Susan Waldrop.

The Martha's Vineyard Photography Club meets monthly at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm. The club is open and welcoming to photographers of all kinds and all levels. Club activities include photo sharing, presentations on various aspects of photography (drawing on the expertise of club members and outside sources), and field trips, as well as other areas of group interest.

In addition to the annual group show in June, Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory.Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

For more information about the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club, visit the club's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/mvphotoclub

Memorial Day: Schedule and Special Events

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th.

On Friday May 25th, students from the Tisbury School will participate in their annual Memorial Day parade. Students will carry flowers from the School to the harbor, commemorating those who gave their lives for their country. The ceremony will begin at the School at 12:30pm, marching via Spring Street and Main Street, and ending at Owen Park at approximately 1:15pm.

On Monday, the town of Tisbury will hold a Memorial Day Picnic from noon to 4 pm on the grounds of the restored Tashmoo Spring Building on West Spring Street off State Road. Entertainment will include live music by the Flying Elbows, as well as outdoor games, chalk art, and rowboat rides. Grills and free ice cream will be provided by the Town. An historical exhibit by Chris Baer will also be showcased at the Spring Building. Bring your own picnic food and supplies, and please leave your dogs at home.

Art in the Stacks: John Holladay

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by John Holladay, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of April, 2018.

John Holladay's work includes many medias. He is an illustrator and painter known for his watercolors, oils and acrylics, and is known nationally for his sports cartoons. His work has been included in the New England Watercolor Society for the past three years. He also has a line of Martha's Vineyard posters.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Early Closing April 10th due to Town Meeting

Vineyard Haven Library will close early on Tuesday, April 10th, due to the Tisbury Annual and Special Town Meetings that will take place that evening at the Tisbury School Auditorium at 7pm. The Library will close at 6:30pm, and library computers will be shut down at 6:15pm.

Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting
Warrant for the Special Town Meeting

Universal Class: Online Continuing Education Courses

Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce the availability of the online continuing education service Universal Class. Vineyard Haven cardholders have access to lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs). More than 500 courses are available, and all are designed and led by professional instructors to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter. Universal Class includes videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for social media interaction with other learners. Patrons may take multiple classes and learn at their own pace.

From technical courses on computer software to digital photography to babysitting 101, a huge range of topics is available. Universal Class offers courses in Exercise and Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Music, Home and Garden Care, Cooking, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and Legal, Parenting and Family, Pet and Animal Care, plus hundreds more.

Please see a library staff member for more information on how to access this service, or visit www.vhlibrary.org.

Register For 2018 Great Decisions Discussion Group

Register online

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 5th.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. This year, a limited number of briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $24, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library.

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 5th
The waning of Pax Americana?
During the first months of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. began a historic shift away from Pax Americana, the liberal international order that was established in the wake of World War II. Since 1945, Pax Americana has promised peaceful international relations and an open economy, buttressed by U.S. military power. In championing “America First” isolationism and protectionism, President Trump has shifted the political mood toward selective U.S. engagement, where foreign commitments are limited to areas of vital U.S. interest and economic nationalism is the order of the day. Geopolitical allies and challengers alike are paying close attention.

Thursday, April 12th
Russia's foreign policy
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia is projecting an autocratic model of governance abroad and working to undermine the influence of liberal democracies, namely along Russia’s historical borderlands. Russia caused an international uproar in 2016, when it interfered in the U.S. presidential contest. But Putin’s foreign policy toolkit includes other instruments, from alliances with autocrats to proxy wars with the U.S. in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria. How does Putin conceive of national interests, and why do Russian citizens support him? How should the United States respond to Putin’s foreign policy ambitions?

Thursday, April 19th
China and America: the new geopolitical equation
In the last 15 years, China has implemented a wide-ranging strategy of economic outreach and expansion of all its national capacities, including military and diplomatic capacities. Where the United States has taken a step back from multilateral trade agreements and discarded the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), China has made inroads through efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). What are Beijing’s geopolitical objectives? What leadership and political conditions in each society underlie growing Sino-American tensions?  What policies might Washington adopt to address this circumstance?

Thursday, April 26th
Media and foreign policy
State and non-state actors today must maneuver a complex and rapidly evolving media landscape. Conventional journalism now competes with user-generated content. Official channels of communication can be circumvented through social media. Foreign policy is tweeted from the White House and “fake news” has entered the zeitgeist. Cyberwarfare, hacking and misinformation pose complex security threats. How are actors using media to pursue and defend their interests in the international arena? What are the implications for U.S. policy?

Thursday, May 3rd
Turkey: a partner in crisis
Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. One year on, an overwhelming majority of the population considers the United States to be their country’s greatest security threat. In this age of a worsening “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West, even more important than its place on the map is what Turkey symbolically represents as the most institutionally Westernized Muslim country in the world.

Thursday, May 10th
U.S. global engagement and the military
The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its military. Some argue for an “America First” paradigm, with a large military to ensure security, while others call for a more assertive posture overseas. Some advocate for a restoration of American multilateral leadership and a strengthened role for diplomacy. Still others envision a restrained U.S. role, involving a more limited military. How does the military function in today’s international order, and how might it be balanced with diplomatic and foreign assistance capabilities?

Thursday, May 17th
South Africa's fragile democracy
The African National Congress (ANC) party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface. Given America’s history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy.

Thursday, May 24th
Global health: progress and challenges
The collective action of countries, communities and organizations over the last 30 years has literally saved millions of lives around the world. Yet terrible inequalities in health and wellbeing persist. The world now faces a mix of old and new health challenges, including the preventable deaths of mothers and children, continuing epidemics of infectious diseases, and rising rates of chronic disease. We also remain vulnerable to the emergence of new and deadly pandemics. For these reasons, the next several decades will be just as important—if not more so—than the last in determining wellbeing across nations.

Spring Schedule Changes

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closed for the day on Easter Sunday April 1st, and closed on Monday April 16th for the Patriots Day holiday.

The Library will close early at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 10th, due to the Tisbury Annual and Special Town Meetings which will take place at the Tisbury School Auditorium beginning at 7pm. Library computers will be shut down at 6:15pm that evening.

The Library will be closed on Sundays beginning April 22nd. Sunday hours will resume after Columbus Day.

Tisbury School Building Model and Public Presentations

An architect's model of the planned new Tisbury School building and campus is on display at the Vineyard Haven Library.

On Tuesday, March 27th at 7pm, join the Tisbury School Building Committee at Vineyard Haven Library as they present their plans for the new Tisbury School. The new school project will be voted on at the Town Meeting on April 10th followed by a ballot vote on April 24th. This is the time to get the facts and ask your questions about the project.

The Tisbury Vision Council will also host a presentation for the public on Thursday, March 28th at 7pm, at the Katharine Cornell Theater.

New! Kanopy Streaming Film Service

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free through Vineyard Haven Public Library. Library cardholders can access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting http://vhlibrary.kanopy.com.

Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, world cinema, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. Currently users are limited to 4 films per month.

Weather Related Schedule Changes

Updated Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Vineyard Haven Public Library will be open regular hours starting at 10am on Wednesday, March 14th. Power, heat, computers, internet, wifi all working!

Updated Monday, March 12, 2018
All Town offices including Vineyard Haven Public Library are expected to be closed Tuesday March 13th due to oncoming inclement weather.

Updated Sunday, March 4, 2018
Opening Early at 10am on Sunday, March 4th
Vineyard Haven Public Library will be open extended hours from 10am to 4pm this Sunday March 4th (Regular Sunday hours are noon to 4pm).

Updated Saturday, March 3, 2018
Library Hours Saturday March 3rd
Please be aware that heat is not working at library this morning. We plan to open at 10am but there is a possibility of closing if heat is not restored.

Updated Friday, March 2, 2018
Library Closed on Friday, March 2nd
Vineyard Haven Library will be closed for the day due to weather. Afternoon programs are cancelled. Tisbury Town Hall will also close at noon.

"Food for Fines" Food Drive in March

Vineyard Haven Library will be holding a "Food for Fines" food drive throughout the month of March. During this time, pay your overdue fines with canned goods or healthy non-perishable food items (unopened, current items only, please check your expiration dates). This applies to late fines only and not to replacement charges for lost or damaged items. The food collected will be given to the Island Food Pantry for distribution to those in need in our community. Suggested donation is one item for each $2 waived in fines.

While all non-perishable, unopened, and unexpired groceries are appreciated, the Food Pantry suggests donating the following:

Pasta Sauce - Salsa - Ketchup/Mustard - Mayonnaise - Olive Oil - Salad Dressing - Dried Fruits & Raisins -Salted or Unsalted Nuts/Sunflower Seeds - Coffee/Teas - Canned Protein (Tuna/Salmon/Chicken) - Hearty Soups - Crackers - Muffin/Cake/Bread Mixes - Gluten Free Foods - Interesting Cold Cereals - Boxed 100% Fruit Juice - Fruit Leather - Graham/Animal Crackers - Granola Bars - Baby Food

New CLAMS Library Text Messaging Service

CLAMS library patrons can sign up for a new text messaging service powered by Shoutbomb beginning on March 1st, 2018.

With the Shoutbomb Text Messaging Service, you can use your mobile phone to:

• Receive text notices about: your holds that are available, items that are due soon, overdues, and fines.
• Send a text to renew an item.
• Receive text alerts for other cards within your family.

All you need is a text messaging capable phone and a subscription to a text messaging plan with your wireless carrier. You do not need a smartphone.

To sign up, visit http://info.clamsnet.org/text-messaging-sign-up/

NOTE: There is no charge from the library for this service; however, you may see a charge for incoming text messages at the standard rate applied by your cell phone carrier, depending on your plan or package.

Tax Forms Now Available

Selected Federal and State tax forms are now available at the library. This year, the IRS has only provided the 1040, 1040EZ, and 1040A forms and instruction booklets.

If you need additional forms, you can request that they be mailed to you. Most forms are also available online.

To obtain tax forms not available at the library:

Order forms be delivered by mail:

• http://www.irs.gov/orderforms
• Call 1-800-829-3676

Download from the IRS website:

• http://www.irs.gov/forms

Art in the Stacks: Reflective Abstractions, Photographs by Paul Doherty

Join us for a talk by the photographer on Tuesday March 13th at 7pm!  
Talk by Paul Doherty has been rescheduled for 2pm Sunday March 25th!

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Reflective Abstractions," an exhibit of photographs by Paul Doherty, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours from February 20th through March 30th, 2018. The photographs are all reflections of things in water -- often taken from his kayak as he moves around the harbor.

Paul Doherty moved to Martha's Vineyard following a 30-year career in theatre, television and film as a New York–based actor. Now his passion for abstract art, love of kayaking, and proximity to Vineyard Haven Harbor allow him the opportunity to create his own version of abstract art through photography. According to Paul, "I am fascinated with the reflection in the water that comes off the beautiful sailboats and vessels, images that change in an instant depending on the waves, wind and light to create something completely new and unique. My optimum time to photograph is just before the sun rises when these beautiful colors take center stage. The images that nature creates in those fleeting moments are forever moored to the boats that created their palette but transcend the physical to become ephemeral reflections of time that will never be repeated."

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

School Vacation Week Activities February 26th - March 2nd

Vineyard Haven Library has planned special programs for kids of all ages during school vacation week.

Monday February 26th

10:30 am Over the Top Storytime including active play and simple craft. Best for ages 2-4.
11:45 AM  -  12:45 PM    Community Soup & Bread Lunch by Island Grown Initiative. All are welcome! Drop-in craft to follow.

Tuesday February 27th

10:30 am Tales for Tots: Traditional storytime. Best for ages 3-5.

7pm Dick Jennings: Osprey on Martha's Vineyard

Wednesday February 28th

10:30 am Wee Ones: Lapsit storytime. Best for ages 0-2.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Build Club: Minecraft Perler Beads. For ages 8 and up.
3:30 pm to 5pm Kids Movie: Enjoy an ice cream sundae while you watch a movie  based on a New York Times bestseller, the film tells the inspiring story of a boy with facial differences who attends mainstream elementary school for the first time. Rated PG.

Thursday March 1st


2:45-3:45 Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with cake and a very special guest reader.
4:00-5:30 Kids Movie: A fun-loving bulldog, a wise golden retriever, and a hilarious Siamese cat travel through the rugged Sierras in a search of their missing human family. Rated G.

Friday March 2nd

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Craft: Day of the Dead confetti eggs. For ages 8 and up.
3:30 pm to 5pm Kids Movie: Despite his family's generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Rated PG. Also enjoy some Mexican themed treats!

Daily: Visit the Children's Room to create something amazing at the Tinker Table during school vacation days.


Children under age 8 should be accompanied by a parent or mature caregiver.