What Lessons Can We Learn From Greg Mortenson?

In January and February the Vineyard Haven Public Library is hosting a series on the work of Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea, Stones into Schools), with events for all ages.

On Tuesdays at 7pm, through Feb. 9th, Professor Jim Norton will lead a discussion of some of the lessons that can be learned from Greg Mortenson's work. Each class will stand alone, so you can join the class for one session or come to all six.

On Thursday, January 21st at 1:30 pm, the Vineyard Haven Library Book Group will be discussing Three Cups of Tea, with refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. The Young Adult Book Club will be discussing Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition, on Thursday, February 4th at 6 pm.

On Thursday, February 11th at 3:30 pm, Robin Tuck will present a folk tale from Afghanistan as a puppet show for ages 5 and up, with a special craft following the show. This age group will be reading Listen to the Wind, a picture book for young children written by Greg Mortenson.

Throughout the month of January the Library Friends’ Display Case will feature items of clothing, jewelry, rugs and other artifacts from Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Download Books and Music at the Library

The sleek black computer on the lower level of the library is a brand new service the library is offering -- the Overdrive Audio Download Station. The Friends of the Library were able to purchase the download station terminal and software using funds from their Annual Appeal, thanks to the generosity of donors in the community.

The library has been offering downloadable audiobooks for checkout since 2008, however previously patrons could only download audio files on their home computers. Using the new download station, patrons can checkout audiobooks and transfer them to a portable audio device at the library. Patrons who wish to try the new service and don't yet have their own player can also borrow an MP3 player from the library.

To learn more about the service, visit the CLAMS Overdrive website, or visit the library for a one-on-one lesson.

A Bonus for Stieg Larsson Fans!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, the final book in Stieg Larsson's hugely popular Millenium trilogy, is now available at the Vineyard Haven Library. Although the book will not be published in the United States until May, the library has obtained a copy of the British edition. We're currently the only CLAMS library with a copy. Place a hold now through the CLAMS website, so your request will have top priority!

CLAMS Language Learning Makes News

Today's Cape Cod Times includes a feature article about a new service available from the Vineyard Haven Public Library and other CLAMS libraries on Martha's Vineyard.

Mango Languages is an online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills. A Vineyard Haven library card, computer and Internet access are required to access the system from home. Library patrons have access to six language courses: French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and English for Brazilian Portuguese Speakers.

Food For Fines

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is participating in a fine amnesty and food drive from December 16th through December 31st.

Just bring your overdue library materials back to the library along with a non-perishable food donation for the Island Food Pantry, and your fines on those overdue items will be forgiven.

Library Programs Now "On Demand"

Martha's Vineyard Community Television (MVTV) is now offering online video on demand. The new service gives viewers with high-speed Internet access the capability to watch videotaped Island town government meetings and other programming online.

Recent library programs that are available on the website include Dr. Sheldon Hackney on Freedom, Peter Cabana on Energy, author Russ Baker, and the Island Affordable Housing Fund Community Forum.

To access the new service, go to MVTV's website http://www.mvtv.org/ and click on "video on demand" in the list at left. Users who experience difficulties should contact MVTV at 508-696-9760.

Library Holiday Hours and Events

The Vineyard Haven Public Library will be closing early at 1pm on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th, and will be closed for the day on Friday, December 25th. The Library will also close at 1pm on Thursday, December 31st, and will be closed on New Year's Day, Friday, January 1st.

The library will be open regular hours on Saturday and Sunday for both these holiday weekends, 10am to 5:30pm on Saturdays, and noon to 4pm on Sundays.

To celebrate the season, the library will be hosting a free concert and holiday party on Wednesday, December 16th, beginning at 5:30pm. Homemade baked goods and other treats will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Please join us!