December 2020
edgartownlibrary.org 508-627-4221

Library Closures this month:
CLOSING @ 1PM, Thursday, Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve
CLOSED Friday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day
CLOSED Friday, Jan. 1 for New Years Day

Library Service Updates
Curbside Pickup &
Children's Room Pickup Window Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10AM - 4PM

If you need to schedule a pickup time outside of our regular schedule, please contact us. We are happy to make special arrangements.
All six Martha’s Vineyard libraries offer contactless pickup of books, DVDs, and other library materials. Schedules and procedures vary by library, so please call or visit the library's website for details. Click here for information about contactless pickup at the Edgartown Library.

It is not necessary to make an appointment to pick up your materials at the Edgartown Library. When you have received notification that your materials are ready for pickup, please be sure to bring your CLAMS card (now available to add to the CLAMS app) or a photo ID, and wear a mask while inside the vestibule or waiting to pick up your materials.
Current Library Services Checklist

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

  • Contactless pickup of library materials
  • Book drop open 24/7
  • Limited printing services
  • Virtual programs
  • WiFi access (now extended to both parking lots)
  • Tech help, by virtual appointment
  • Remote library card account management

UNAVAILABLE SERVICES:

  • Public use of the building, including:
  • Browsing
  • Computer use
  • In-person programs
  • Restrooms
  • Circulation of items such as musical instruments and kits
New! The Wall Street Journal
The Edgartown Library is pleased to announce that you can now access the Wall Street Journal online for free! From articles, to exclusive podcasts, to an online "print" version of the newspaper, start exploring the WSJ.

Simply click here and create an account. Your access is available for 3 days. After 3 days, simply come back and click the link again and log in as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created.
Home Delivery

Home delivery is now being offered on Thursdays.

Home delivery is available for free for any library patron living in Edgartown who is unable to visit the library.

Please contact us at [email protected] or call 508-627-4221 with your request for library materials.

WiFi Hotspots
Need internet access? Check out a mobile WiFi hotspot from the Edgartown Library. WiFi hotspots are wallet-sized devices that broadcast wireless internet in a 30 foot radius and can connect up to 10 devices. They work anywhere with Verizon coverage, so you can take it on the go. For full details on checking out a WiFi hotspot, click here.
Browse New Library Materials
Click on the lists below to find our newest and most popular titles. Please contact us if you need assistance putting items on hold - we are always happy to help.

Check out our
Browsing Window!

The library's vestibule window display is always stocked with our newest titles. Please stop by and browse anytime during our curbside pickup hours.

All items on display are available for immediate checkout.
Free Extended WiFi
On days when the weather agrees, get connected with free outdoor WiFi from the Edgartown Library. Bring your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to enjoy free internet access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And when the weather doesn't agree, you can enjoy the library's WiFi from both of our parking lots in the warmth of your vehicle.
CLAMS Library App
Take a tour of the CLAMS Library Network app with Chris by clicking on the video.

The CLAMS app lets you browse collections, view upcoming programs, manage your account, and more. It also includes special features, like integrated NYT bestseller lists and Coming Soon titles.

Available for iOS and Android.
To add your digital library card to your phone using the CLAMS app, just follow these instructions:
  • Download the CLAMS Library Network app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Select My Account, Manage Accounts, then Add Account/Add Library Card.
  • Enter your library card number and Password/PIN and select Validate.
  • If you'd like to add more than one card to the app, just repeat this process.
  • You can now use your Digital Library Card to check out items at the library.
Magic the Gathering
Game Night
(virtual program)
Fridays in December (no program on 12/25 & 1/1)
7pm - 9pm
Join us Fridays from 7pm - 9pm on the Edgartown Library's Magic the Gathering Discord server. Meet new and old friends alike on the battlefield as we play all manner of formats and competitive levels. Players of all ages are welcome to join.

Friday December 4, 11, & 18
Note: no program on December 25 and January 1

Follow this link to join the server and start having fun.
Restorative Yoga
(virtual program)
Sundays in December (no program on 12/13)
9am
Certified yoga instructor Jelisa Difo leads a Sunday online class in Restorative Yoga, a practice that allows you to slow down and restore and relax your body through passive stretching. During the long holds of restful poses, your muscles are allowed to release tension and welcome deep relaxation into the body and mind. No experience or flexibility required, however you will need the following props:
 
  • 1 bolster/firm pillow: To make a bolster, stuff a pillowcase with towels, blankets, or clothing until it is firm and packed tightly. Or use a large, firm pillow. 
  • 2 blocks: To make a block, stack hardcover books to a height of about 6-8 inches.

Sunday December 6, 20, & 27
Note: no program on December 13.

Send an email to [email protected] to register, and we'll send you a link to the class.

This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
It's a Crime!
The Gardner Museum Heist
(virtual program)
Monday, December 7
7pm
Our “true crime” series continues with poet, author, and screenwriter Arnie Reisman on the unsolved art theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston’s most notorious art heist. Through his award-winning screenplay Rembrandt Has Left the Building (co-written with Nat Segaloff), Reisman will relate the facts of the crime and his theory of what really happened on that cold March night thirty years ago. Based on interviews with the two chief suspects and a deathbed confession from one of them, the screenplay recounts how the robbery was committed, and the many reasons the investigation was doomed almost from the start. 

Request the link for this program at [email protected].
Wrapping with Adele:
Holiday Music from Pianist Adele Dreyer
(virtual program)
Sunday, December 13
6pm
One thing we all agree we’ll miss here at the library is our annual Open House during Christmas in Edgartown weekend. While we can’t welcome you into our building for sweet treats and hot drinks, we can offer a virtual musical treat with Adele Dreyer, our resident pianist. She will be at her piano sending carols and holiday songs your way, just as she does during our Open House. So, while you wrap those last minute gifts, decorate, or even just relax, come together with us for some tuneful holiday cheer.

Request the link at [email protected].
Holiday Concerts to Stream for Free
For additional holiday season cheer, click here for links to free performances of The London Handel Festival's "Messiah - Reimagined", The Cape Cod Symphony's "Simple Gifts', Toronto Cabaret Production's "Home for the Holidays, A Christmas Cabaret Concert", the Oratorio Society of New York's presentation of Handel's "Messiah", and more.

Author Talk:
Thomas Dresser
(virtual program)
Tuesday, December 15
7pm
A book talk with local historian Thomas Dresser is always guaranteed to fascinate, enlighten, and enrich your knowledge of our island, but this one might even send shivers down your spine. Mr. Dresser’s new book Ghosts of Martha’s Vineyard (his 13th on Vineyard history) is his first step into the paranormal history of the island. With his tested investigative method of carefully looking through historical facts, oral histories, and island legends, Tom has put together stories of ghosts, the supernatural, and other-worldly phenomena all associated with Martha’s Vineyard. In this live Zoom event, Tom will tell some of those spooky tales and, we think, raise your spirits.

Request your front row seat by emailing us at [email protected] for the link.
MVLA Book Discussion
(virtual program)
Thursday, December 17
2pm
Join us for a cozy discussion of life At Home by Bill Bryson. Bryson gives us a fascinating history of the modern home, taking us on a room-by-room tour of his own house, and using each room to explore the vast history of the domestic artifacts we take for granted. We will also discuss how we celebrate the holidays at home.

Request the link at [email protected].

This program is a collaboration of the Martha's Vineyard Library Association.
Chef Look Cooks
(virtual program)
Thursday, December 17
5pm
Our monthly cooking series continues with chef Christopher Look creating delicious dishes live from his own kitchen. A professional chef for almost twenty years, Chris is one of the most imaginative cooks we know, and his affable personality makes him a natural teacher. Get a preview of Chris’s style on his library cooking blog Trash Panda. For December’s recipes Chris is bringing on the holiday spirit in his own inimitable way - in other words, nothing predictable! He’ll prepare savory cookies topped with venison, sliders, and a quick stovetop bacon-onion jam that you’ll want to serve on everything. We’ll send you the recipes so you can cook along with Chris, or just watch and learn. 

Join the fun and request the link at [email protected].

This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
It's a Crime!
The Trial of Lizzie Borden
(virtual program)
Monday, December 21
7pm
Our “true crime” series concludes with perhaps the most sensational crime to take place in New England: the Borden double murders of 1892. On a hot and humid August morning, businessman Andrew Borden and his wife Abby were found hacked to death in their Fall River home. Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie, went on trial for the shocking crime and was acquitted, but there is much more to the story. Author and attorney Cara Robertson spent twenty years researching and writing about the grisly crime and ensuing trial, which was the biggest story in the country for over a year. She’ll recount the notorious case that she documented in her award-winning book, The Trial of Lizzie Borden, and share with us some newly-unearthed evidence.

Email [email protected] for the link.
Movie in Focus: 
Film Discussion Group
(virtual program)
Until the day comes when we can enjoy films together again on the library’s big screen, we’re hosting a monthly virtual film group. View our movie of the month (free on Kanopy or Hoopla) and we’ll meet to discuss it, via Zoom. You’ll have time to watch the film at least once before we meet. Bring your impressions and opinions. Virginia Munro will choose the films and facilitate the group.
I Am Love (Italy, 2009)
Monday, December 28
11am
December’s film I Am Love (Io sono l'amore) from 2009 is a romantic drama from Italian director Luca Guadagnino. With expert, understated performances (particularly Tilda Swinton as the matriarch of a wealthy Milanese family), the director’s elegant visual style tells a story that could easily have veered off into a soap opera. Instead, the film becomes the stuff of grand opera. The agitated John Adams score only adds to its intensity. The film is available for free streaming on Kanopy and Hoopla.

Request the link to join our discussion at [email protected].
New! Brainfuse HelpNow
Brainfuse HelpNow offers personalized academic assistance in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science), a 24/7 Writing Lab, academic content and practice tests for skills-building (including SAT preparation), and much more. Please note that you will need your library card number to create a username and password.
Live online tutoring is available every day from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM EST.

HelpNow's features include:
  • Homework Help: Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • Skills-Building: Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • Personalized eLearning Tools: My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Homework Send Question: Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
  • Adult Learning Center: Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
  • Foreign Language Lab /Spanish-Speaking Support

Need technical assistance or have questions? Contact Brainfuse at 1-866-BRAINFUSE (1-866-272-4638) or send an email to [email protected]. When contacting Brainfuse, please provide an email address and the name of the library from which you are using the Brainfuse service.
Access to Brainfuse HelpNow has been made possible by a generous grant from the Martha's Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation. The Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation provides philanthropic support for nonprofit community service organizations. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations that enhance the societal and economic development in the communities Martha’s Vineyard Bank serves.
Minecraft Meetup for Teens
Tuesdays in December
6pm - 8pm
Sign on, play with your friends, and make new ones in the Edgartown Library's new Minecraft Realm. Explore your creative side and work on your own lasting mark in our new world. Brave the dangers of night to protect your companions, or seek the riches of battle.

Meetups are every Tuesday from 6-8pm for group activities and discussion, but the Realm is open any time of day so participants can jump on and make something happen, together.

This program is for players ages 10-16.

Tuesday December 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Email [email protected] for access to the realm.
Kids & Families
Looking for some fun activities to do at home with the kids? Be sure to visit the Edgartown Library's Children's Place on Facebook! Check out the page regularly for:

  • Live storytimes
  • DIY tutorials
  • Craft ideas
Kids' Winter Reading Challenge
Monday-Saturday
10am - 4pm
Pick up your reading log from the Children’s Room pick-up window. Keep track of the books you read (or have read to you) and bring your log back to the window to receive a stamp. Collect stamps to earn prizes!

Masks are required when visiting the pick-up window.
Children's Room Pick-up Window
Monday-Saturday
10am - 4pm
The Children’s Room pick-up window is open to browse materials through the windows, or place requests with the library staff.

Masks are required, as well as your library card or photo ID.
Craft Pickup Bags
Monday-Saturday
10am - 4pm
Come to the Children’s Room pick-up window to grab an activity bag to do at home. Crafts will change weekly, and kits will be appropriate for children in grades K-3 and 4-8.

Masks are required when visiting the pick-up window.
December Storywalk
The Edgartown Library and Edgartown Board of Trade are pleased to present the Edgartown Storywalk! The walk takes place throughout downtown Edgartown, and is marked by large poster-sized book pages. Follow along with the story at your own pace and on your own time. The Storywalk begins at Rosebud Kids (10 South Summer Street) and ends at lululemon (66 Main Street).

Want to keep the story going at home? You can request both books at the library. To request your copies, click on the titles below, give us a call, or stop by the library to put them on hold.

December 3-13

December 17-26
Live Virtual
Storytime
Fridays
10:30am
Join Elyce on the Edgartown Library Children’s Place Facebook page for storytime. This storytime is geared toward preschool-aged children, but all are welcome. Can’t make it at 10:30? The storytimes are available on the page for you to view with your little one anytime.
magic_ribbons_book.jpg
Santa Visit
Saturday, December 19
2pm - 4pm
Santa is visiting the Library!
Be sure to bring your letter to Santa, who will hand-deliver it to the North Pole. This event will be held outside (weather permitting) in the Children’s Room garden space. Socially-distanced photo ops will be available.

All visitors must wear a mask. Santa will be practicing social distancing guidelines for this event.
Digital Services
There are several digital services you have access to as an Edgartown Library patron, and as a Massachusetts resident. From listening to audiobooks, to streaming Oscar-winning films, to getting free access to the New York Times online, check it all out below.

All you need is your library card number and PIN (if you need a reset or reminder of your library card information, just give us a call
or send an email.)
Libby by Overdrive
Libby offers you best-selling and classic ebooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, and streaming video, all available 24/7 from the library’s digital collection.

Download Libby from the app store, or visit www.clamsnet.overdrive.com.

To see a short video tutorial on how to use the Libby app, click here.

To see a short video tutorial on how to use Overdrive, click here.
Kanopy
Kanopy showcases more than
30,000 titles, including award-winning documentaries, acclaimed films, independent and foreign cinema, rare and hard-to-find titles, and
classic films.

Download Kanopy from the app store, or visit www.edgatrown.kanopy.com.

To see a short video tutorial on how to use Kanopy on your computer, click here.

To see a short video tutorial on how to use the Kanopy app, click here.
Hoopla
Hoopla is a digital media service that allows you to enjoy movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows on your computer, tablet or phone, and even on your TV. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. 

Download Hoopla from the app store, or visit www.hoopladigital.com and click "Sign Up."

To see a short video tutorial on how to use Hoopla on your computer, click here.

To see a short video tutorial on how to use the Hoopla app, click here.
You can now access the New York Times online for free with your Edgartown Public Library card. Simply click here and enter the code c59d2806040934a2, then create a username and password.

Use that information to "Log In" upon every future visit to www.nytimes.com
or when using the app.
Missing your daily dose of the crossword puzzle? Please visit us during curbside pickup hours - puzzles are available in our contactless pickup area in the rear parking lot entrance.
Boston Public Library eCard
Any Massachusetts resident can sign up for a free Boston Public Library eCard, which gets you access to tons of free digital resources like the Jazz Music Library, National Geographic Virtual Library, Lynda.com, and more.

Sign up for a BPL eCard at www.bpl.org/ecard.

See all of BPL's online resources here.
Need a CLAMS Card?
The Edgartown Library issues library cards free of charge to all Massachusetts residents and property owners. Applicants visiting the island may apply for an out-of-state card, which has a one-time $10 fee and may check out up to ten (10) items. To apply for a library card, fill out a Library Card Application and either email it to us at [email protected] or drop it off during curbside pickup hours. 

Stop by the library anytime during curbside pickup hours and present your photo ID in order to pick up your library card. If you need any assistance, please email us at [email protected].

Click here to download the library card application form.
Remote Tech Time
Sign up for a one-on-one session with our tech-savvy library staff and upgrade your tech literacy. You can learn how to access e-books, audio books, language learning software and streaming movies, all with the power of your library card, all for free. Sessions are available every Tuesday-Saturday afternoon.
 
Call or email the library to sign up, or click here to make an appointment.
Library Blog
Trash Panda's Quarantine Food Blog
Get meal ideas using existing ingredients
Feast your eyes on Library Assistant Chris Look's many meal creations on his food blog. Follow his alter ego, Trash Panda, as he spruces up leftovers, digs all the way to the back of his fridge and cabinets, and talks at length about how much he loves eating. Explore techniques for using what you have on hand to create tasty and fulfilling dishes at home.

Feeling overwhelmed and don't know what to cook with what you've got? Send Trash Panda a list of ingredients or a picture of your fridge or cupboards, and get personalized advice on creating something delicious. Email him at [email protected] with all of your food questions.

Check out his blog at trashpandaepl.wordpress.com.
The Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library is a volunteer organization that supports much of the rich programming the library offers.

Their next regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 9:00am, and all are welcome to attend. Send an email to [email protected] for a link to the meeting.

To find out more about the Friends or to make a donation, click here.

To read the Friends 2020 Annual Appeal letter, click here.
COVID-19 Resources
website: edgartownlibrary.org
phone: 508.627.4221