April 2024

edgartownlibrary.org 508-627-4221

Library Hours

Monday: 10am-5pm

Tuesday: 10am-6pm

Wednesday: 10am-6pm

Thursday: 10am-5pm

Friday: 10am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Library closures this month:

Tuesday, April 2 - Saturday, April 6: Closed for staff library conference

Monday, April 15: Closed for Patriots' Day


Questions?

Please CLICK HERE to visit our website and learn more.


Still have questions? We’re here to help. Please call us at 508-627-4221 or email info@edgartownlibrary.org with your inquiries or special requests.

The Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library are a volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds and support the library and its programs. To make a donation, please read their latest Annual Appeal Letter and consider supporting the Friends today.


Want to join? The Friends' next monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, April 11th at 9:30am, and all are welcome to attend. Please email director@edgartownlibrary.org for a link to the meeting.

Town Meeting and Elections

Edgartown's Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9th at 7pm at the Old Whaling Church.


Edgartown's Annual Town Elections will be held on Thursday, April 11th from 10am-7pm at Town Hall.

Adult Programs Survey

We want to hear from you! Through this survey, we hope to gain valuable information about how we can better serve our patrons and offer an exciting array of programs in 2024. The survey is anonymous and takes less than five minutes to complete. Click here to get started.

Adult Programs

National Library Week

Sunday, April 7 - Saturday, April 13

Join us in celebrating National Library Week by sharing your favorite library memories, experiences, and moments with us! Stop by the Edgartown Library and write us a note to tell us what you love about our library. Whether it's a kind and helpful conversation with staff, an incredible program, or an opportunity for connection, we want to hear what makes our library special for our patrons.

Eclipse Day & Glasses Giveaway

Monday, April 8

2pm - 4pm

Come view the solar eclipse on the library lawn! We will have a limited supply of eclipse glasses available for patrons of all ages to safely view the solar eclipse (glasses are limited to 2 per family). Books and other resources on the eclipse will be on display for patrons to explore.


Locally, the eclipse will begin at 2:16 pm, with its peak at 3:29 pm. For more information on viewing the eclipse safely, please visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/.

[Online] Minimizing and Eliminating Food Waste, with Sarah Robertson-Barnes

Thursday, April 11

7pm - 8pm

Join sustainability blogger Sarah Robertson-Barnes for a discussion about how to minimize or eliminate food waste in your family, especially with kids. Learn about small steps you can take to save, use, or compost food scraps so that as little as possible goes into landfills. For more information, click here.


Registration is required.


This program is funded by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, in partnership with other Massachusetts libraries.


For more info and to register, click here.

Drop-in Tech Help at the Anchors

Friday, April 12

12pm - 1pm

Do you have questions about using your laptop, smartphone, iPad, or other devices? The Edgartown Library is partnering with the Edgartown Council On Aging to provide drop-in tech help every month at the Anchors during their Friday Cafe.


You can also stop by the library during our open hours for tech help, or schedule a tech appointment by clicking here.

Opera Club: Verdi’s Otello

Sunday, April 14

1pm - 4pm

The Metropolitan Opera opened its 1995 season with Giuseppe Verdi's Otello, adapted from Shakespeare by librettist Arrigo Boito, and it remains a beauty these many years later. The wondrous Plácido Domingo sings the title role as the hero of Venice. Bass-baritone James Morris is the vicious Iago, determined to destroy him, and a rich-voiced Renée Fleming is Otello's wife, the wrongly accused Desdemona. Maestro James Levine conducts the Met Orchestra and Chorus through Verdi's dramatic score.


The opera runs approximately 2 1/2 hours, plus intermission. Sung in Italian with English subtitles; all adults are welcome.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.

Chef Look Cooks - Food Look-Alikes: Beet Tartare and Vegan "Egg" Yolk

Thursday, April 18

2pm - 3:30pm

Join us for the cooking series all about making look-alike food from surprising ingredients. This month, we’ll make a convincing looking beet tartare mixed with spices and fermented gherkins, and topped off with a special vegan “egg” yolk. The egg will be flavored with black salt, whose sulfurous quality will make you swear you're eating the real thing.


Registration is required.



This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.


For more info and to register, click here.

[Online] The War in Ukraine After Two Years: A Talk with Prof. Michael Strmiska

Thursday, April 18

5pm - 6:30pm

Join Professor Michael Strmiska via Zoom for a discussion on the war in Ukraine, two years after it began. Prof. Strmiska will discuss Russian and Ukrainian perspectives on the war, Russia’s kidnapping of Ukrainian children, sanctions on Russia, Russia’s links with China, Iran, and North Korea, the anxiety of the Baltic States and Poland, and why Americans should care.


This program is funded by the Brewster Ladies’ Library, in partnership with other Massachusetts libraries.


For more info and to register, click here.

Acrylic Painting Workshop, with Jennifer Burkin

Saturday, April 20

1pm - 3pm

Join professional artist and art educator Jennifer Burkin for a group acrylic painting class. You will create your own painting inspired by the work and techniques of Vincent Van Gogh. This is a chance to explore your creativity and develop your artistic skills. All levels, including beginners, are welcome. All materials will be provided.


Registration is required.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.


For more info and to register, click here.

[Online] Author Talk: Find More Birds, by Heather Wolf

Wednesday, April 24

7pm - 8pm

Birder, photographer, and educator Heather Wolf will be discussing her latest book, Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are. Join us for a conversation about being in the moment and noticing the wonderful and varied birds around us. A Q&A will follow the discussion.


Registration is required.


This program is funded by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, in partnership with other Massachusetts libraries.


For more info and to register, click here.

Sound Bath with Trish Ginter

Saturday, April 27

11:30am - 12:30pm

A sound bath creates an environment that allows you to pause and deeply listen, immerse yourself in sound, and offer your mind and body moments of reprieve and restoration. This experience will be led by Trish Ginter, who will use crystal singing bowls as well as other instruments to create a soundscape that will help you relax and explore deep listening.


Limited yoga mats and blankets are available; if you have your own, please bring it with you.



Registration is required.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.


For more info and to register, click here.

Vineyard Poets Read

Saturday, April 27

6pm - 7pm

Join us for an evening of poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month, featuring Island poets Donald Nitchie, Ellie Bates, Fan Ogilvie, and Susan Puciul. All will read their own original works. Coffee, tea, and dessert will be served. All adults are welcome.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.

12 Months 12 Books Book Club

Tuesday, April 30

4pm - 5pm

Join Library Director Lisa Sherman in taking on the 2024 Reading Challenge! All year long, book group participants may select a book of their choosing based on each month's theme, and we'll get together to discuss our selections. Theme-related book recommendations for this month are offered here, but participants may select any book related to the theme. April’s challenge is “a book about nature, the environment, or climate change.”


The 2024 Reading Challenge is brought to you by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. It gives people of all ages in Massachusetts a chance to set and meet the goal of reading a book each month in a specific category and to share their experience within their reading community. Participating readers can enter to win prizes. Bookmarks with all monthly themes are available at the circulation desk. For more information and to sign up, click here.

Weekly Adult Programs

Vinyasa Yoga with Colleen Macsuga

Saturdays (no program 4/6 or 4/13)

9am - 10am

A Vinyasa class that is therapeutic, creative, and powerful. Vinyasa (a practice designed to help you heal while keeping you in peak physical shape) incorporates elements of strength building, making it a dynamic experience. Limited yoga mats and blankets are available; if you have your own, please bring it with you. All levels are welcome; each pose is guided from the foundation to the full expression.


Please note: there will be no program on April 6 or April 13.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.

Drop-in Mah Jongg

Mondays (no program 4/15)

1pm - 3pm

Come to the library every Monday for our drop-in Mah Jongg sessions. These sessions do not include formal instruction, but they will provide a chance to practice what you have learned! Experienced players are encouraged to join. Mats, tiles, and cards will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. 



Please note: there will be no program on April 15.

Drop-in Knitting Group, with Cindy Bonnell

Wednesdays (no program 4/3)

3pm - 5pm

Master knitter Cindy Bonnell presides over a sociable group of knitters on Wednesday afternoons. Experts and aspiring knitters of all levels of experience are welcome to bring their projects and drop in for support, inspiration, and advice.


Please note: there will be no program on April 3.

Restorative Reset, with Jelisa Difo

Wednesdays (no program 4/3)

5:30pm - 6:30pm

This class will explore Restorative Yin postures done close to the ground to promote deep rest and encourage physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace and focuses on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. A limited number of yoga mats and props are available; if you have your own, please bring them with you.


Please note: there will be no program on April 3.

Contemporary French Cinema Night

Thursdays (no program on 4/4)

6pm - 8pm

In April, join us at the library for an enchanting taste of contemporary French cinema. These three magical films explore themes of memory, the complexities of family bonds, and the profound connections between generations. Dessert and light refreshments will be served.



These programs are generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Public Library.

Kids & Families

Book Bunny Scavenger Hunt

All month long in the Children's Room

Grab your clue sheet from the Children’s Room desk and find all the hidden bunnies around the room, but beware - they may be disguised as some of your favorite book characters! Turn in your completed clue sheet for a prize.

Dog Man Party

Tuesday, April 16

3pm - 4pm

The 12th book in the beloved Dog Man series is out now! Come celebrate with fun Dog Man games, activities, and light refreshments.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.

Paint with Collette Wednesday, April 17

3pm - 4pm

Collette Jordan will guide the group through creating a masterpiece for kids to take home. We will provide the canvases and paint so you can explore your creative side. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.


Registration is required.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.


For more info and to register, click here.

Move It Mondays

Mondays (no program on 4/15)

10:30am

Every Monday our program room will be open for music-based play and fun. We will provide the playlist as well as instruments and fun props to encourage creative movement and play between you and your littles. Geared toward ages 1-5, but all are welcome!


Please note: there will be no program on April 15.

Cooking with Maria

Mondays (no program on 4/15)

3pm

Learn how to cook something delicious with Maria every Monday! Each week Maria will teach kids how to cook something new in the library's kitchen. For ages 8 and up.


Please note: there will be no program on April 15.

Drop-in Play-Doh Group

Tuesdays (no program on 4/2)

10:30am - 12pm

Create and play using our collection of Play-Doh and sculpting toys in the Children's Room. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.


Please note: there will be no program on April 2.

Crafts with Kim

Wednesdays (no program on 4/3)

10:30am - 11am

Join Edgartown Animal Control Officer Kim Andrade for a new craft every week. Geared toward ages 1-5, but all are welcome.


Please note: there will be no program on April 3.

Fit Camp with Bonnie Kingsbury

Wednesdays (no program on 4/3 or 4/17)

3pm - 4pm

This after-school youth fitness program will offer healthy activities incorporating simple cardio, agility, and mind-over-matter drills. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.


Please note: there will be no program on April 3 or 17.

Wiggle with the Words Storytime

Thursdays (no program on 4/4)

10:30am

Join Elyce in the program room for a movement-based storytime using fun props and interactive stories and songs. This program is geared toward ages 1-5, but all are welcome.


Please note: there will be no program on April 4.

Big Little Muscles with Abbey

Fridays (no program on 4/5)

10:30am - 11:30am

Join us for this new program focused on promoting physical health for young children. Led by Abbey Entner, we will start with opening stretches and movement, then open play with tumble toys and music. Geared toward ages 1-5, but all are welcome.


Please note: there will be no program on April 5.

Story Walk at Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary

The Edgartown Library and Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation have partnered to bring you a story walk every month.

This self-guided activity takes place at the Sheriff's Meadow Sanctuary and is for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Book Besties

Let us find the perfect books for your child

Too busy to make requests and browse online? Let us do the choosing for you! Just fill out this form with some details about your child's reading preferences, and our talented library staff will place items on the hold shelf for you to pick up.



CLAMS and Library Services

Free Extended WiFi


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.


You can enjoy the library's WiFi from the comfort of your car in both of our parking lots, or, when the weather agrees, outdoors, where there is plenty of seating.

Lendable Technology

Chromebooks
Chromebooks run the Chrome operating system and use Google services such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

WiFi Hotspots
Need internet access? Check out a mobile WiFi hotspot from the Edgartown Library to get internet on the go.

For more information, click here.

Library Card Signup


For information on how to sign up for a library card, click here.


To apply for a library card online, 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.


New Adult Fiction

New Adult Nonfiction

New DVDs

Inkjet Cartridge Recycling Program

Support our local Vineyard League by recycling ink jet cartridges. The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard has drop boxes for collecting used printer inkjet cartridges in all six towns, including at the Edgartown Library. Cartridges are sent to a recycler, keeping them out of landfills. Please note, inkjet cartridges are the only kind that can be accepted.


Questions? Contact Irene Ziebarth at 202-680-8076, or ireneziebarth@gmail.com.

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 by
email: info@edgartownlibrary.org 
website: edgartownlibrary.org
phone: 508.627.4221

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