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.

Each year, Mass Humanities organizes readings of What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?, a speech by the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass, first delivered in 1852.

A free community reading of this famous speech will be presented at the Federated Church in Edgartown, where in 1857 Douglass delivered a thought-provoking speech entitled "The Unity of Man" before a full house at this historic church meetinghouse .

All are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Support for this program was provided by the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard, the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard, the Mass Cultural Council, and Mass Humanities.

Beach BeFrienders is a collaboration between the Vineyard Conservation Society, Island libraries, Island DWPs, 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. July’s beach cleanup location is Chilmark (Lucy Vincent, Squibnocket, and Menemsha).

Click here for more details.

In the mood for some musical relaxation? Sit back and unwind at this live performance by pianist and musicologist David Rhoderick. Serene piano melodies create an atmosphere perfect for meditation and reflection. Rhoderick will perform a range of pieces from Baroque composer François Couperin to jazz musician Pat Metheny, including old favorites and future classics.

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

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. July's challenge is “a book by an author born outside of the United States."

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 quahogs.

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.

Want to learn how to make your home or business more energy-efficient? Vineyard Power will be at the library to discuss options that work for you. They can help you get a no-cost home energy assessment, rebates for energy-efficient home heating appliances, assistance in adopting renewable energy resources, and other incentives available as our island transitions away from fossil fuels. Bring your latest electric bill or account number to sign up for an assessment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 9th: Missis Biskis

July 16th: Peter Halperin & Friends

July 23rd: Joel Harrison Quartet

July 30th: Jeremy Berlin Trio with Theresa Thomason

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, 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.

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.

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. All levels are welcome.

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