Art Show and Reception for Haitian Artist Wilfrid Dantis

The Library will present a special exhibition featuring the work of visiting Haitian artist Wilfrid Dantis. His paintings will be on display in the library program room during regular library hours on Friday, July 9th and Saturday, July 10th. The library will host two receptions with the artist from 4pm-7pm on Friday and from 11am-1pm on Saturday.

Haiti "Peace Quilt" Now On Display At the Library

The Haitian "Peace Quilt" that was given to the library by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library is now on display in the program room on the lower level. The quilt bears a Haitian saying that translates to "eat fruit and don't get sick" (equivalent to "an apple a day keeps the doctor away").

The PeaceQuilts Project is enabling Haitian women to earn a living through meaningful, creative work -- improving their lives and those of their families. Women from the community produce one-of-a-kind original art quilts informed by Haitian imagery. They earn a daily wage plus a portion of the sale price when their quilts sell. PeaceQuilts, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, is an outgrowth of the Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project, helping the poor of Haiti since 1998.

Author Nora Nevin and photographer Harvey Beth have both contributed to a new book about the project, “Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti and their Power to Change Women’s Lives.” The book is available for checkout from the Vineyard Haven library and other CLAMS libraries.

Contributions for Haiti Relief Can be Deducted on Your 2009 Tax Return

A new law allows you to choose to deduct certain charitable contributions of money made after January 11th and before March 1, 2010 on your 2009 tax return instead of your 2010 return.

The new law was enacted after the 2009 forms were printed. For more information and details on how to deduct you charitable contributions, visit the IRS Website, or pick up Notice 1396 at the library.

Many Federal and State tax forms and instruction books, including the 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, and associated schedules, are available at the library. If there’s a form we don’t have, the library can make a copy of the form at no charge (instruction books excluded).