* * * * * *    FEBRUARY 2015    * * * * * * 
 www.edgartownlibrary.org         508-627-4221

Dear library patrons and friends,  

 

It's hard to believe that this image depicts the site of our new public library less than a year ago. But this is the site, nestled into the campus of the Edgartown School, as it appeared shortly before our groundbreaking ceremonies in March 2014.

 

Just 11 months later, we have have a building with windows, and have begun masonry, insulation, electric and HVAC installations. Here's a look at the building in early February, much of it wrapped in plastic so that work on the brick exterior can advance during this cold season:

A view from across the West Tisbury Road.

On another note, we are pleased to announce the ability to renew your e-books through Overdrive. We have shared your feedback with our vendor, along with other libraries, and they listened! On Monday, you will be able to renew your e-books online. As always, if you have any trouble or questions, stop by or give us a call. 

 

Enjoy this month's newsletter.

Warmly,

 

Jill Dugas Hughes

Director    

Library Hours

Monday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

February Holiday Closings:
The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 16,
for Presidents Day
New Service: Renewing OverDrive Books

The first time you check out an ebook or audiobook on the OverDrive service of the CLAMS library network, it can be a little disconcerting when your two-week term expires and your book suddenly becomes unreadable (or unlistenable!). 

Now, beginning on Monday, Feb. 9, OverDrive is rolling out a new renewal service that lets you reserve another two weeks of time with a book -- as long as no other patrons have requested it. You can do this just once for a title. Here's how it works:
  1. Log into your Account on your library's digital collection website.
  2. On your library Bookshelf, select the Renew icon next to the title you'd like to renew. Note: This option does not appear until three days before the title is supposed to expire.
  3. If there are no existing holds on a title, the Renew icon will be green. In this case, you can use the renew feature to hold a copy of the title for you, so that you can borrow it again immediately once your first checkout expires.


WAR:  Winter Film Series 
Continues Into February 

The Library's winter film series presents a selection of the great war films of all time. All screenings start at 7 p.m. and please note: these programs are for adults. (We close the children's room shortly before each film begins and bring a cart full of the best new materials upstairs for our young patrons.)

We had a blizzard, as you surely recall, which forced the cancellation of our screening on Jan. 27. That film has been rescheduled for Feb. 24, and is listed below.

Here's the lineup of films remaining in our series:

 

Feb. 10: Glory


 A stirring tribute to the men of the Civil War's 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, this film from director Edward Zwick boasts remarkable cinematography and fine performances. (US, 1989)


 

Feb. 17: Master and Commander


Director Peter Weir gives us a ripping seafaring tale set during the Napoleonic Wars, full of salt, sweat and swagger.


 


 Feb. 24: Atonement


A tragic romance set during World War II, this film from director Joe Wright is both wrenching and beautiful. (UK, 2007)

Book Group Meets
The Edgartown Library book group meets on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. to discuss Shilpa Somaya Gowda's novel, Secret Daughter. In this debut novel, writes Publishers Weekly, "Gowda writes with compassion and uncanny perception, while portraying the vibrant traditions, sights, and sounds of modern India."

We have copies of this book available at the library desk, and gatherings of the book group are open to all. The book club, led by Director, Jill Dugas Hughes, meets monthly.
Opera Club Meets
Sunday, Feb. 22

The Edgartown Library continues its monthly gatherings of the Opera Club, for all those who love (and would like to learn more about) the art of classical singing. 

At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, the club will gather to enjoy a screening of Donizetti's great comic opera, La Fille du R�giment. This performance features the superstar soprano Natalie Dessay in the starring role, with acclaimed tenor Juan Diego Florez and the Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House.

All adults welcome to this free program.
Let Them Decorate Cake!
A project from January's cake-decorating class.
Donna Blackburn's Cake of the Month Club continues to be popular, and at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, she'll teach a few flower-making tricks that will be perfect for a Valentine cake. Participants in this class bring their own 9-inch layer cakes, and the library provides all frosting materials and tools of the cake-decorating art. Space is limited, so please call ahead to sign up.

Meanwhile, our knitting group continues to meet Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. -- and no advance signup is necessary. Just bring your latest project along and join in.
Events in the Children's Room

From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, the Children's Room hosts its traditional Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration. Young participants can enjoy refreshments, try their hand at dancing under the Limbo bar and join in the Mardi Gras parade. We'll have supplies on hand for making crowns and masks for the party.




On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Children's Department will hold its annual celebration of Chinese New Year. The Dragon Parade is a favorite and colorful part of this party each year. We'll also help kids making lanterns and there will be fortune cookies for all.




February ends with school vacation week on the Island. If you're traveling, we wish you all an enjoyable week. If you're staying close to home, check the library's website that week, because we'll be scheduling special children's programs for each day we're open.
Bring Donations for the Food Pantry
And Erase Your Overdue Fines 

It's that time of year when the Edgartown Library holds its annual drive for the Island Food Pantry. If you bring a gift of nonperishable food to the library this January and February, we'll erase any fines on your cards relating to overdue materials. Please note, we can't erase fines for damaged or lost materials. And please be generous with your gifts to this important Island program.
Please Help the Friends, Who Help Us

All our programs at the Edgartown Library are supported by the Friends of the Edgartown Library, who have their own page on our website. We hope you'll consider supporting or joining the Friends today.