Join us for a conversation with acclaimed author Dawn Tripp about her new novel, Jackie, which offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Using biographies, historical accounts, archives, and photographs, Tripp tells the story of a woman who forged a legacy out of grief, shaping history even as she lived it.

A Q&A and book signing will follow the discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, and is presented in collaboration with Edgartown Books.

Hear from Jaws insider Wendy Benchley, renowned global speaker and ocean conservation advocate, as she shares how a book and movie shocked the world into loving sharks and the ocean. The horror novel, (written by her late husband Peter Benchley) and later the movie, transformed their lives forever and sparked a pop culture phenomenon. Wendy will reel you in with stories of her adventures with Peter during the filming of Jaws, as well as her work with nonprofits and global leaders to champion policies that protect our oceans and environment.

A Q&A and book signing will follow the discussion, with copies of the 50th anniversary edition of the novel Jaws available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served.

This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, and is presented in collaboration with Edgartown Books.

Join author Dr. Ala Stanford for an evening of conversation with Dr. Stacey Leftwich, as they discuss Dr. Stanford’s new book, Take Care of Them Like My Own: Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon’s Fight for Health Justice. Her book highlights the devastating racial injustices in our nation’s healthcare system and the importance of fighting for healthcare equality and justice for all. Dr. Stanford is a pediatric surgeon and founder of the Black Doctors Consortium. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Stacey Leftwich of Rowan University.

A Q&A and book signing will follow the discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Meet Martha Hall Kelly, the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, for a discussion of her latest book, The Golden Doves. In this extraordinary novel inspired by true events, two former female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II. Martha will also give a sneak preview of her novel forthcoming in April 2025, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, inspired by her mother’s life growing up on the Island during World War II.

A Q&A and book signing will follow the discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Want to get to know more Island farms? The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society has created farm passports for the summer. Stop by any Island library to pick one up for yourself or your family. Visit eight farm stands or markets, stamp your passport at each one, and return to any Island library before the end of August to receive a prize! All ages are welcome to participate.

To view a map of local farms, click here.

Join us for the opening reception of painter Jane Alter, whose exhibit will be on display in our program room throughout the month of August. Alter’s whimsical Island landscapes and scenes of beachgoers make for a charming tribute to summer on the Vineyard.



Light refreshments will be served.

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

Author Madeline Bilis will discuss her book 50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts, with a special focus on coastal view walks. While the Berkshires tend to get all the recognition when it comes to hiking in Massachusetts, the eastern part of the state is packed with treasures for lovers of the outdoors. Madeline will share her years of outdoors experience in eastern Massachusetts and provide hiking suggestions for people of all skill and experience levels.

Registration is required.

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

For more info and to register, click here.

Beach BeFrienders is a collaboration between the Vineyard Conservation Society, Island libraries, Island DPWs, and the MV Refuse District, and is dedicated to tending our beloved Island beaches.



Join us every fourth Saturday to clean up an Island beach. Beach BeFriender official cleanup kits are available at the library, and disposal is free at any Island transfer station. August’s beach cleanup location is Edgartown (Lighthouse Beach, Fuller Street, and Wilson’s Landing).

Click here for more details.

You have an iPad and you’re excited to use it—but where to begin? Or perhaps you’d just like to refresh your skills and learn a few new tricks? Kathy Lavieri, a technology trainer with over twenty years of experience working with adult learners, will hold an in-person iPad workshop.

Registration is required.

For more info and to register, click here.

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. August's challenge is "a book whose title starts with the same letter as your birthday month".

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.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to shuck an oyster, clam, or scallop? Sign up for this workshop to learn all aspects of Island shellfish, from preparation to the ecological importance of buying local. You'll leave with not only some delicious shellfish, but also with the knowledge of how to process your next harvest. This month, we will be learning how to shuck some of our island's finest bounty: local oysters.

Please note: consuming raw or undercooked seafood or shellfish may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

Registration is required.

Thank you to the Edgartown Shellfish Department for donating shellfish for these programs.

For more info and to register, click here.

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 them 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.

Come to the library every Monday for our drop-in Mah Jongg sessions. These sessions will not include formal instruction, but they will provide a chance to practice your skills and get together with other players. Experienced players are encouraged to join. Mats, tiles, and cards will be provided.

Please note: there will be no program on August 12th.

Enjoy live music on the library lawn! There's a different band weekly, and all shows are family-friendly and free. Bring a blanket and make it a picnic, or just come for the show. Please note: concerts will be held indoors if raining.

August 6th: Jon Zeeman

August 13th: Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish

August 20th: Darby Patterson

August 27th: Rose Guerin & Friends

This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Public Library, the Martha's Vineyard Cultural Council, and the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation.

This adaptive yoga class for adults, taught by Jason Mazar-Kelly (YogiJay) and offered in collaboration with Island Autism Group, is designed for every body and every ability. We will explore gentle and relaxing poses that are adaptable to all levels and needs. A limited number of yoga mats and props are available.

Please note: there will be no program on August 13th.

This program is generously funded by Island Autism Group.

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 August 14th.

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 them with you.

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