Holiday Schedule Changes

The Vineyard Haven Library will close early at 1pm on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th, and remain closed on December 25th.

The library will also close early at 1pm on New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31st, and remain closed on January 1st. There will be no Story Time programs the morning of Tuesday, December 29th.

The library is now open on Sundays from Noon until 4pm, however we will be closed both Sunday January 17th and Monday January 18th for the Martin Luther King, Jr's Day holiday.


The Library will be open on Sunday January 17th but closed on Monday January 18th for the Martin Luther King, Jr's Day holiday.

December Programs for Adults

Sunday, December 6, 1-3 pm
Adult Crafts: Pom Poms
Adults and teens age 12 and up are invited to come and learn a variety of pom pom making techniques suitable for a multitude of projects. Great for gift toppers, holiday decor, an even gifts. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and materials are provided.

Tuesday, December 8, 7 pm
Arnie Reisman: Clara Bow Died for Our Sins
Arnie Reisman is an award-winning writer, producer and performer whose work has appeared on television, radio, film, in various publications and theater. He is the second Poet Laureate of Martha's Vineyard and will be presenting his first book of poetry and photography, Clara Bow Died for Our Sins. Books will be available from the author and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, December 10, 6-7:45 pm
Vision Council Meeting
The Tisbury Planning Board has formed the Tisbury Vision Council to coordinate community participation in the implementation of the Tisbury Vision Plan and welcomes participation by all residents and business owners. The Council will focus on the attainment of vision goals through the hosting of meetings and workshops.

Sunday, December 13, 12-4 pm
Mini Book Sale FREE DAY!
Today only, the Friends of the Library will be liquidating excess stock from their monthly mini book sales for the bargain price of free! Includes free books for children, adults and teens.  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.

Tuesday, December 15, 7 pm
Dean Rosenthal: Contemporary Classical Composer
Martha's Vineyard-based composer Dean Rosenthal will present a talk and presentation of his music, focusing on two of his contemporary pieces, Island and Stones/Water/Time/Breath. These works take different elements of Martha's Vineyard culture as inspiration, one focusing on an outdoor, site-specific performance piece in nature and the other engaging the Island community in a musical documentary work of sound art. Rosenthal will discuss these pieces and play recordings, share scores, and screen two short videos of the work. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments.

Wednesday, December 30, 7 pm
Long Point Five
Celebrate the New Year with a concert by Island repertory ensemble the Long Point Five, featuring John Schilling on trumpet, Jim Athearn on trombone, Julie Schilling on clarinet, Bud Larson on flute and Jeri Larson on piano.  Festive refreshments will be served.

Friends Mini Book Sale FREE DAY

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 Sunday, December 13th, during regular library hours from noon to 4pm. 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.

Please Take our Patron Survey!

Patron suggestions are the most important resource we have in determining what materials and services to offer at Vineyard Haven Public Library. This brief survey will give you the opportunity to make valuable and specific suggestions to us. Please take a moment to provide us with this important information.

You may complete the survey online, or pick up a printed survey form at the Library.

Library Closed 1-4pm Tuesday November 17th; Thanksgiving Hours

Vineyard Haven Library will be closed from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, November 17th to allow all staff to attend training for all Tisbury town employees. The Library will be open for regular morning and evening hours that day (10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm).
The library will close early at 1pm on Wednesday, November 25th, and remain closed on Thursday November 26th and Friday November 27th for Thanksgiving. The library will be open regular hours on the Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Art in the Stacks: William Carter

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of oil paintings by William Carter. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of November.


William Carter was born in Dublin, Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1988, and became a citizen in 1994. From an early age his parents encouraged creativity, and in his mid-teens he won first place for a rendition of the "Bridge on the River Kwai" built mainly with balsa wood and dowels. In 2000, Mr. Carter began studies with the New York Institute of Photography, and graduated in 2004. In 2015 he became interested in oil painting, and is primarily self-taught through artistic books DVDs, and by studying the work of other artists.


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.

Commonwealth Catalog: One Search, All Stacks

Can’t find what you’re looking for in CLAMS? Try the new Commonwealth Catalog.

The Commonwealth Catalog extends your search beyond your local library’s resources. In one easy step, you can search through millions of items at participating libraries across Massachusetts to find the books, DVDs, and music you’re looking for. Your requested items will be delivered to your local library for pickup. To access the Commonwealth Catalog you will need your CLAMS library card and pin number (contact your local library if you do not have a pin).

Visit the Commonwealth Catalog FAQ for more information:
https://commonwealthcatalog.org/mvc/#home/1258|-1