Small Pieces from the Big Composers with Silas Berlin

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome pianist Silas Berlin for an evening of classical piano music. This event will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18th, at the Vineyard Haven Public Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Silas will perform a wide array of eras and styles in short form composition, including preludes, etudes, and salon music by Chopin, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff and others. 

Raised on Martha's Vineyard, Silas currently lives in Seattle, where he teaches private piano lessons and performs when the occasion arises. Silas deeply values the opportunity to share music with the island community that itself places a deep value on music.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

War for the Dawnland: Reimagining King Philip's War

Philip, King of Mount Hope,
line engraving by Paul Revere
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Wôpanâak citizen and lifelong educator Brad Lopes for a Wôpanâak retelling of the events surrounding the historical conflict often referred to as King Philip’s War (1675 - 1678). This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11th, at the Vineyard Haven Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public. No registration required.

The events commonly known by scholars and settlers as King Philip’s War (1675 - 1678) have been largely told through settler-colonial perspectives. Viewing events “from the land” instead of “from the boat,” participants will hear a retelling of the events leading up to, during, and after this historical conflict from a Wôpanâak perspective that takes into account written historical sources, oral history, and continued cultural epistemologies. The presentation will explore Metacom's (Philip’s) life, Indigenous resistance against English encroachment, violent and nefarious treatment by English settlers and courts, and the northern theater. Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the local and international context behind this war, often considered the bloodiest conflict in “American” history and a global moment of reverberation.

Brad Lopes is an Aquinnah Wampanoag citizen and life-long educator currently working within the traditional homelands of his people, the Wampanoag Nation. He currently serves as the Education Director for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Education Department (TED) and as the Education and Public Programs Manager for the Aquinnah Cultural Center, an Aquinnah Wampanoag museum located on Nôepe (Martha's Vineyard). Brad has a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Maine Farmington, located in Wabanaki Homelands. After graduation, he went on to teach Social Studies for five years to students in grades 7 - 12. In his time in education, Brad has sought to decolonize the pedagogies, content, and ways of understanding education, including the ways in which public education can reinforce stereotypes and harmful understandings of Indigenous people.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Author talk – Triage: A Novel by Elisa Speranza

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome local author Elisa Speranza for a conversation about her latest historical novel, “Triage.” This event will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 6th, at the Vineyard Haven Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven, with books available for sale by Edgartown Books. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

When the ghosts of war won’t stay buried, a former Army nurse must find a way to heal—or risk losing everything. In 1951 New Orleans, Laura Marino works as a nurse at Charity Hospital. She’s been home from World War II for six years, but peacetime has brought its own challenges. She’s frustrated at work, and her childless marriage to Nicholas, a surgeon she met in the Army, is strained. Laura is devastated when news arrives that Frances, her best friend from the front, has taken her own life. Turning to the wartime journal she has kept hidden away, Laura is plunged back into memories of the bonds forged amid chaos on the front lines of North Africa, during the siege of Anzio, and at a refugee camp in Italy. While her husband takes on an overseas assignment, Laura wrestles with her grief and guilt over Frances’ death. Then she meets Boyer, a wounded veteran who shares her pain. Their connection is intense— and dangerous, threatening to upend her life entirely. Triage is an intimate portrait of a woman’s hard-won journey through love, loss, and a quest for redemption. 

Elisa M. Speranza is the author of two historical novels, “Triage” (May 2026) and “The Italian Prisoner” (2022), a finalist in the Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Competition. She is board chair and an instructor for the nonprofit New Orleans Writers Workshop and has been a featured author at the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, the Louisiana Book Festival, Islanders Write, and the Salem LitFest. She is co-founder of the Washashores Writers Collective on Martha’s Vineyard and was a co-editor for and contributor to the 2025 anthology Washashores Review, Volume 1. She writes “The Bricklayer’s Daughter” newsletter on Substack. Originally from Boston, Elisa lives in New Orleans and Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. 

Elisa will be in conversation with Robin Stratton Rivera. Robin is a former Emmy-winning producer and programming executive for ABC Sports, who continues to work on independent writing and video projects at her home in Chilmark.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Re-Engraving Paul Revere: "The Boston Massacre" with Andy Volpe

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome living history presenter Andy Volpe for a presentation on Paul Revere’s "Boston Massacre” print. This program will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 28th at the Vineyard Haven Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required. 

Revere's "Bloody Massacre" print is arguably one of the most infamous propaganda prints in American history. Better known today as the "Boston Massacre," its image has found its way into hundreds of publications, history books, and video. While the event itself is heavily analyzed and debated, the plate and print have an interesting backstory that is not often talked about. Andy will also touch on his own work replicating Revere's prints, including how he went about producing a hand-engraved, full-size replica of the Massacre—one of only two such replicas created in the 21st century—which he created for the event's 250th anniversary.

Andy Volpe is an artist, printer and living history presenter in Worcester MA. Since 2010, he has collaborated with Gary Gregory of the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which replicates important American Revolutionary documents and images, notably the Declaration of Independence, using the same techniques and replica presses. Andy’s work focuses on replicating prints by Paul Revere as well as other notable 18th century prints. He is also involved with the Museum of Printing in Haverhill MA, where he gives tours, presentations and printing demos, and focuses on intaglio, graphics and illustration printing, spanning the years 1450-1800.  He holds a degree in Fine Arts from Westfield State University, where he fell in love with the printers in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods. He also regularly presents at the Higgins Armory Collection at Worcester Art Museum on various Arms & Armor periods with a few living history groups.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Book talk: “The Best Women's Travel Writing: True Stories from Around the World,” with Lavinia Spalding and Natalie Baszile

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome editor Lavinia Spalding and author Natalie Baszile for a conversation about the latest edition of “The Best Women's Travel Writing: True Stories from Around the World.” This event will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 24th, at the Vineyard Haven Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Volume 13 of this award-winning series features twenty-seven inspiring and thoughtful writers as they traverse the planet, crisscrossing all seven continents and exploring the ways travel can illuminate, heal, inform, and transform a life. The essays probe themes as diverse as the locations, immersing us in experiences of kindness, adventure, nature, friendship, strength, marriage, motherhood, spirituality, the environment, belonging, healing, history, identity, romance, and resilience. This beautiful and far-ranging collection helps us celebrate an appreciation for other cultures while proving that travel can be a profound gateway to connection, self-awareness, and an expanded worldview. 

Lavinia Spalding is the seven-time series editor of "The Best Women’s Travel Writing," author of “Writing Away: A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Keeping Traveler” (named one the best travel books of 2009 by the L.A. Times), and co-author of four other books, including “This Immeasurable Place,” one of NPR’s best books of 2017. She has published two Modern Love essays in the New York Times, and her writing also appears in The Walrus, Longreads, Tin House, AFAR, River Teeth, Post Road, Off Assignment, The Guardian, and many other national and international publications. Her work has been widely anthologized, has won gold SATW Lowell Thomas and SOLAS travel writing awards, and has been noted in “The Best American Travel Writing.” She lives with her family in New Orleans. Spalding will be in conversation with Natalie Baszile.

Natalie Baszile is a writer and filmmaker. Her new novel, "Friends and Family," will be published in October 2026. Natalie’s previous novel, "Queen Sugar," was adapted for seven television seasons by writer/director Ava DuVernay and co-produced by Oprah Winfrey. Her non-fiction work includes the book "We Are Each Other’s Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land & Legacy" and has appeared in National Geographic, The Bitter Southerner, O, The Oprah Magazine, and numerous anthologies. Natalie’s documentary film, HARVEST, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. A native Californian, her southern roots stem from Louisiana, South Carolina, and Alabama. She lives in the Bay Area. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

The Tristan Israel Band in Concert!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome The Tristan Israel Band for an evening of true “Americana” music, with roots in folk, rock, blues, and even some jazz. This program will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 21st at the Vineyard Haven Public Library, located at 200 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Free and open to the public. No registration required.

An island classic, The Tristan Israel Band plays mainly original tunes written by Tristan Israel, along with a few covers. The band is composed of Tristan Israel, Paul Thurlow and Nancy Jephcote. Tristan sings vocals and plays acoustic guitar and harmonica, while Paul plays bass, piano, keys, electric guitar, percussion and backing vocals, and Nancy Jephcote plays the fiddle. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Virtual: Navigating the Alpha-Gal Diet with Prudence Athearn Levy of Vineyard Nutrition

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Prudence Athearn Levy, dietitian and co-owner of Vineyard Nutrition, for a virtual conversation about navigating life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). Hosted in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program and the Alpha-Gal Support Group of Martha’s Vineyard, this virtual program will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 14th, via Zoom. Interested patrons may register on the Vineyard Haven Library’s event calendar. 

The presentation will explore some of the most common questions people have about food triggers, hidden mammalian ingredients, cross-contamination concerns, providing practical day-to-day strategies for living with AGS. Prudence will also elaborate on an important reality of AGS: not everyone reacts to the same exposures or at the same level. While some individuals are highly sensitive to trace ingredients, others may tolerate dairy and experience inconsistent reactions to mammal meats. The goal of this program is to provide practical guidance that helps those suffering from AGS to better understand their own triggers, navigate recommendations safely, and make informed choices without becoming overwhelmed. Prudence will be in conversation with local epidemiologist Lea Hamner of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. Audience questions and participation are encouraged!

Prudence Athearn Levy, MS, RDN, LDN, earned her Masters’ degree in Human Nutrition from Colorado State University in 2003 and completed her dietetic internships through the University of Northern Colorado in 2004. Since then, Prudence has dedicated her work to providing medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling for nutrition-related diseases and conditions in clinical, community and outpatient settings. Her experience includes counseling and education for cardiovascular health, diabetes, weight loss, weight gain, eating disorders, food allergies including alpha gal syndrome (AGS), nutrition therapy for the management of gastrointestinal diseases, sports nutrition and all stages-of-life nutrition, from childhood to senior nutrition. Prudence provides nutrition counseling and recommendations in a variety of settings, but the majority of her practice is focused on one-on-one nutrition counseling tailored to meet the specific nutrition needs of each client. Her true passion is helping people achieve their nutrition goals with a positive perspective and the knowledge that they can realistically maintain them for life. Prudence’s diverse background in farming, advertising, literature and writing add to her nutrition perspective and experience. Prudence is an 11th generation islander (the first Athearn, Simon, came to the island in the mid 1600s) and thrilled to be practicing nutrition in her own community. Prudence is also an avid cyclist, runner, hiker, gardener, cook, and mother.

Lea Hamner, MPH, is a public health epidemiologist specializing in tick-borne diseases, Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), and community-based public health systems. She works with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program, local boards of health, and the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, focusing on disease surveillance, public education, healthcare collaboration, and tick-borne disease prevention. With 10 years of experience in local public health epidemiology, Lea is recognized regionally and nationally for her work on AGS surveillance and advocacy. She is on the board of the Massachusetts Epidemiology Collaborative, the Alpha Gal Alliance and a steering committee member of the Alpha-Gal Expert Advisory Council. A graduate of Yale College and the Yale School of Public Health, she is passionate about translating complex science into practical, community-centered information and “bringing science to the community, and the community to the science.”

The Alpha-Gal Support Group of Martha’s Vineyard is a welcoming space to connect with others who understand the challenges of managing food allergies, lifestyle changes, and ongoing health concerns related to Alpha-Gal. The group provides: peer support & shared experiences; education & coping strategies; resources for managing symptoms & navigating care; and a safe, judgement-free environment. This support group meets at the Up-Island Council on Aging in West Tisbury from 5:00-6:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Virtual: Managing Food Allergies with the FIG App

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Max Rebarber, co-founder and CEO of the FIG (Food Is Good) website and app, for a presentation on this practical tool that has become increasingly popular within the Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) and broader food allergy communities. Hosted in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program and the Martha’s Vineyard Alpha-Gal Syndrome Support Group, this virtual program will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30th, via Zoom. Click here to register.

FIG helps users identify potential allergens through barcode scanning, ingredient analysis, recipe tools, and peer-shared information about allergy-friendly restaurants. Developed over years of research and database building, the app was designed to help people navigate the often-complicated reality of food allergies — especially when labeling standards may not fully address their needs. This session will include a live demonstration of the app, a conversation about the story behind FIG and its development, and practical tips for using the platform to navigate AGS and other food allergies in everyday life. Audience questions and participation are encouraged. 

Max Rebarber is co-founder and CEO of the FIG (Food Is Good) website and app. Tired of seeing people told what they COULDN'T eat, Max and fellow co-founder Andrew Hollar created FIG to show people everything they COULD eat. Max brings years of experience building and leading health-tech startup teams to this endeavor. He believes food is an under-utilized resource in treating chronic disease, resulting in billions of dollars of unnecessary medical spending each year. Through the FIG app, Max is working to fill this gap in care and help millions feel their best through food. As a new resident of San Diego, he enjoys learning to surf the waves in his downtime. Max will be in conversation with Lea Hamner of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. 

Lea Hamner, MPH, is a public health epidemiologist specializing in tick-borne diseases, Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), and community-based public health systems. She works with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program, local boards of health, and the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, focusing on disease surveillance, public education, healthcare collaboration, and tick-borne disease prevention. With 10 years of experience in local public health epidemiology, Lea is recognized regionally and nationally for her work on AGS surveillance and advocacy. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

 

The Light of Awareness: The Ancient Art of Zen Meditation and the 21st-Century Work of Byron Katie

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Jonathan Herrick, LCSW, for a two-hour meditation workshop combining two powerful, pragmatic approaches that can reduce personal suffering and increase the capacity for happiness and love. This program will be held on Saturday, June 27th, from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. Click here to register. 

The focus of the workshop is on the nature of awareness and on providing participants with practical skills that can benefit their lives. Herrick will introduce four primary Zen meditation practices, walk participants through Byron Katie’s four-step “CBT on steroids,” and demonstrate the similarities, differences, and strengths of each practice. Ample time is included for questions and answers.

Jonathan Herrick has been in private psychotherapy practice for over 40 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After receiving his master’s degree from New York University, he trained extensively with some of the world’s foremost mentors and institutes, including a decade with Byron Katie, who asked him to write about her work's relationship to Zen Buddhism. Herrick also trained with leading Zen, Tibetan Buddhist, and Advaita Vedanta masters including Philip Kaplea, H.W.L. Poonja, Ramesh Balsekar, Jean Klein, and Anam Thubten. He has practiced and led workshops on the Psychology of Self in Westport, Park Slope, San Francisco, and now on Martha’s Vineyard.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Author talk: “Historic Storms of Martha's Vineyard” with Tom Dresser

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to welcome local historian Tom Dresser for a presentation on his latest book, “Historic Storms of Martha's Vineyard,” which chronicles the major storms of the past four centuries on Martha’s Vineyard, including the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635, Hurricane Bob, and the No Name Storm of 1991, among others. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

“Historic Storms of Martha’s Vineyard” is a compilation of the fiercest weather challenges of the past four centuries on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning with the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635, the granddaddy of our major storms. Dresser also takes note of “the year without a summer,” the devastating Portland gale, and Hurricane Edna, concluding  with Hurricane Bob and the No Name Storm of 1991, a pair of obtusely named windstorms that shook us up but were not in the category of the 1635 tempest. 

Tom Dresser came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1995 to visit the woman who would eventually become his wife, Joyce Dresser. Since then he has written dozens of books, booklets, and articles about the history of Martha’s Vineyard. Tom has also worked as a teacher, a school bus driver, a tour bus operator, a walking tour leader, and a speaker on various aspects of island history.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Virtual Tick Talk: Permethrin-treated clothing with Insect Shield

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Jason Griffin of Insect Shield for a virtual presentation to share information about the use of permethrin-treated clothing for the prevention of tick bites and tickborne diseases. The program is hosted in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. This virtual program will be held via Zoom at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13th. Click here to register.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program has long recommended permethrin-treated clothing as its number one tick-bite prevention method. Yet many still have questions about this tool. Join Jason Griffin, president of Insect Shield, and the MV Tick Program for a virtual Q&A about the innovation and technology behind permethrin-treated clothing, its long-established safety record for human use, and the benefits of long-term permethrin-treatment in preventing tick bites. Insect Shield achieved the first-ever EPA Registration for long-term permethrin treatment of clothing, providing treated clothing to 30+ outdoor suppliers, and supporting human health worldwide.

Jason Griffin joined Insect Shield in October 2002 as the vice president of strategic marketing. He helped manage the military and brand partner business for several years. He subsequently started and led the direct channel as the president of Insect Shield International, LLC. Prior to joining Insect Shield, Griffin served in several management positions at Dobson Cellular Systems, Inc. including acquisitions manager, market manager, and finally national sales director. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering science/management of technology from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School. He has served on the finance committee at Canterbury School which his two children attended.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick-borne Illness Reduction Initiative (aka the Tick Program) is dedicated to reducing the number of ticks and tick-borne illnesses on Martha’s Vineyard through education, advocacy, and cooperation with other organizations and individuals. First founded in 2011 by Dick Johnson, current Tick Program staff include tick & deer biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds and epidemiologist Lea Hamner. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

 

Tick Talk Thursdays: Weekly Community Q&A with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program

With tick season upon us, the Vineyard Haven Public Library and the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program are pleased to announce the launch of weekly, virtual office hours, where members of the community can ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks, tick-borne diseases, and Alpha-gal syndrome. This community Q&A will be held via Zoom from 12:00-1:00 pm on Thursdays, beginning April 30th. 

Tick science can be complicated—but getting answers shouldn’t be. “Tick Talk Thursdays” offer a space for the community to ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about ticks, tick-borne diseases, and Alpha-gal syndrome.

These sessions are informal, conversational, and grounded in local experience and public health science. If we don’t have an answer on the spot, we’ll help find it. Members of the community can drop in anytime—whether they have one question or many.*

*Note that individual medical advice will not be provided. Please consult your medical provider if you have questions about your own health.

The Martha’s Vineyard Tick-borne Illness Reduction Initiative (aka the Tick Program) is dedicated to reducing the number of ticks and tick-borne illnesses on Martha’s Vineyard through education, advocacy, and cooperation with other organizations and individuals. First founded in 2011 by Dick Johnson, current Tick Program staff include tick & deer biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds and epidemiologist Lea Hamner. 

This event will be held via Zoom. Interested patrons may register on the library’s event calendar at www.vhlibrary.org to receive the Zoom link. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

What's New at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital?

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome a team of health professionals from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to share information about some of the new procedures and diagnostic services available on the island, including a new sleep studies service, pulmonary rehabilitation, a growing suite of breast imaging services, ambulatory pharmacy, and the new Community Health Improvement Plan. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Presenters include: Director of Pharmacy, Valci Carvalho, PharmD; Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Natasha Hartmann (R) (M), BS; Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Dan Friedrich, RRT; and Director of Contracts and Community Projects, Amy Houghton.

Director of Pharmacy at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Valci Carvalho, PharmD: Valci will discuss MVH’s new ambulatory care pharmacy service line. The program supports a wide spectrum of needs — from medication reconciliation and chronic disease management, such as diabetes or hypertension, to helping patients better understand complex regimens or recent medication changes.

Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Natasha Hartmann, (R) (M), BS: Natasha will speak about MVH’s growing suite of breast imaging services, including the recent introduction of stereotactic breast biopsy, a minimally invasive, highly precise procedure that helps clinicians evaluate abnormalities detected on mammography. This is in addition to ultrasound guided biopsy, Breast MRI introduced in 2024, and the upgraded mammography system installed in 2025. Together, these services form a comprehensive continuum of care designed to support early detection, timely diagnosis, and improved patient outcomes. These additions mark a major step forward in bringing advanced diagnostic care closer to home for island patients.

Manager, Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab Services, Dan Friedrich, RRT: Dan will speak about a recently launched pulmonary rehab service designed to help people with chronic lung conditions breathe better, move more easily, and improve their overall quality of life. Dan will also speak about a new sleep studies service line coming to MVH later this year.

Director of Contracts and Community Projects, Amy Houghton: Amy will discuss the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that came out of the recent Community Health Needs Assessment, which takes a close look at what affects health on the Island, based on input from residents, community partners, and local data. The assessment found that access to care, education, housing, transportation, food security, and other everyday living conditions play a major role in health outcomes on the Island.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Live at the Katharine Cornell Theatre: The Tristan Israel Band!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome The Tristan Israel Band for an evening of mainly original tunes written by Tristan Israel in true “Americana” style, with roots in folk, rock, blues and even some jazz. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

The Tristan Israel Band comprises Tristan Israel, Paul Thurlow and Nancy Jephcote. Tristan sings vocals, and plays acoustic guitar and harmonica, while Paul plays bass, piano, keys, electric guitar, percussion and backing vocals, and Nancy Jephcote plays the fiddle. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

New: Video recordings of informational programs on ticks and tick-borne diseases now available in both English and Portuguese

The Vineyard Haven Library has presented a series of informational programs on Tick Ecology and Tickborne Diseases, in collaboration with the Martha's Vineyard Tick Program. All programs have been recorded and are available for viewing on the library's Vimeo channel.

Thanks to support from the Inter Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, these recordings are now available with audio in Portuguese. The videos were translated and dubbed by the Community Ambassadors Program.

Topics include:

• Virtual Tick Talk: Prevent the Bite with public health epidemiologists Lea Hamner and Stephanie Barth, August 2025
• Navigating Medicines and AlphaGal Syndrome with Dr. Sachin A. Shah of PillClarity (formerly VeganMed), May 2025
• Tick Ecology, Behavior, and Protection Measures for 2025 with Biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds of the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, March 2025
• How to Talk to Your Doctor About Alpha-gal Syndrome with Candice Matthis and Debbie Nichols of Two Alpha Gals, Sharon Forsyth of the Alpha-gal Syndrome Awareness Campaign, and moderator Lea Hamner of the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, February 2025
• Alpha-gal syndrome: the tick bite-induced epidemic of severe allergic reactions with top Alpha-Gal Expert, Dr. Scott Commins of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, October 2024
• Tickborne Diseases with with epidemiologist Lea Hamner, experts from the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, October 2024
• Tick Ecology with biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds of the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, September 2024

Visit our English showcase here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11413322

Visite nossa vitrine com áudio em português aqui: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12018124

Handouts from some programs are also available by emailing the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Nancy Binzen returns with more Traditional Storytelling for Adults

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to welcome back traditional storyteller Nancy Binzen for another wildcrafted evening of folktale and myth from around the world–especially for adults. This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Storytelling isn’t just for children! Traditional storyteller Nancy Binzen will narrate two tales: “The Woman Who Became a Fox” and “The Handless Maiden,”  

“The Woman Who Became a Fox” is a short Siberian tale. "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" asked poet Mary Oliver. From the steppes of Siberia, "The Woman Who Became a Fox" responds. 

“The Handless Maiden” is an old, old story map of the journey from innocence to wisdom and the courage and commitment required of anyone seeking to claim who they truly are. Today, more than ever, we need this map. Come join us on the journey.

Nancy Binzen has a BA in Theatre Arts, a Certificate in Storytelling from Dominican University, and has studied with noted mythologist, Martin Shaw. She’s been telling traditional tales for 25 years and is a seasonal Vineyard Haven resident. 

For more information, please contact the library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Great Decisions 2026: Join America's largest discussion group on world affairs!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of its annual foreign policy reading and discussion group, Great Decisions. Organized by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, providing interested library patrons the opportunity to learn about and discuss in a thoughtful and courteous manner some of the most critical global issues facing America today. Click here to register.

The group meets weekly for a total of eight sessions to discuss a pre-determined set of topics selected by a panel of foreign policy experts. This year's discussion group will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings, from February 5th through March 25th. Meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Those attending in-person will meet at the Tisbury EMS Facility, located at 215 Spring Street, opposite the far end of the Tisbury School playground. 

In advance of each meeting, participants will read one article from the briefing book and watch one 30-minute video on the topic of the week (video link to be provided). Discounted briefing books will be available in the coming weeks for purchase at the library’s 15 Church Street location for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book will also be available for in-library use at no charge. Alternatively, participants may purchase their copy on the Foreign Policy Association's website here.

One week prior to each session, registrants will be sent an email indicating which article in the briefing book to read and providing a link to the video segment for the week. A Zoom link will be provided for those participating virtually.

The dates and topics for 2026 are as follows:

Session 1: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
Wednesday, February 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
By G. John Ikenberry

Session 2: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
By Michael Mastanduno

Session 3: U.S.-China Relations
Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
By Oriana Mastro 

No session Wednesday, February 25 due to Blizzard!

Session 4: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
By Gideon Rose

Session 5: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
By Thomas Wright

Session 6: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Session 7: U.S. Engagement of Africa
Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
By Jendayi E. Frazer

Session 8: The Future of Human Rights and International Law
Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00-7:00 pm
As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?
By Jose Enrique Alvarez

For more information, please call the VH library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

The Jeremy Berlin - Eric Johnson Duo

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to present an evening of music and community with local piano-guitar duo Jeremy Berlin and Eric Johnson. This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

The Jeremy Berlin - Eric Johnson Duo will play a mix of original songs, music from the Great American Songbook, and jazz treatments of some more modern fare. In the 25 years that Berlin and Johnson have been playing jazz together, the two have figured out the advantages and challenges of a piano/guitar duo, learning how to both accompany and complement one another, to create a full sound with dynamic interplay. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

“A Musical Explosion!” featuring Allie & Paryss

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome musical duo Allie & Paryss for “A Musical Explosion” of Rockin’ Soul and Jazz. This performance will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Allie & Paryss are a dynamic and versatile husband-and-wife musical duo that bring a captivating blend of soul, passion, and musicianship to every performance. Allie’s powerhouse vocals deliver deep, soulful melodies, while Paryss masterfully showcases his skills on lead and acoustic guitar, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

Trained by top professionals, Allie & Paryss have performed at venues across the United States, sharing the stage with award-winning artists. From the charm of local venues on the island of Martha’s Vineyard to grand stages nationwide, the duo seamlessly adapt their sound to any setting. With their deep musical connection and professional expertise, Allie & Paryss transform every event into a soulful, engaging, and memorable celebration of music.

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.

Fauxlore: A Myth-Busting Romp through Colonial Vineyard History with Norah Van Riper

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome back local historian Norah Van Riper for an interactive program about the history of Martha's Vineyard, entitled “Fauxlore: A Myth-Busting Romp through Colonial Vineyard History.” This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 9th at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required.

We all know that “back then" everyone — especially Islanders — grew all their own food and made all their own clothes and never bought anything from anyone… Or did they? Play along as we tackle some of the most pervasive myths about pre industrial life on Martha's Vineyard and across New England in this highly interactive, very lighthearted myth-busting presentation. We’ll dissect everything from the houses they built to the clothes they wore, the food they ate, and the lives they actually lived, all while uncovering how the myths began and how they replaced the realities. Presented by Norah Van Riper. 

Itinerant historian Norah Van Riper has been in the museum and living history trades for the better part of twenty-five years. Her focus is primarily on historical agriculture and domestic life in New England before the Industrial Revolution, however, she’s known to dabble in a number of other subjects and periods. Her real passion lies in giving voice to the forgotten and misunderstood people of the past. She lives in Vineyard Haven.

For more information, please contact the library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.