May 2022
edgartownlibrary.org 508-627-4221
Library Hours
Please note: Masks are optional when visiting the library.

Monday: 10am-5pm
Tuesday: 10am-6pm
Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm

Library closures this month:
Monday, May. 30th - Closed for Memorial 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 programs at the Edgartown Library are supported in large part by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library. To make a donation, please read their 2021 Annual Appeal Letter, and consider supporting the Friends today.

The Friends' next monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, May 5 at 9:00am, and all are welcome to attend. Send an email to director@edgartownlibrary.org for a link to the meeting.

To learn how to sign your child up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a partnership with the Friends that provides free books to children from birth through age five, click here.
Library Friends Spring Open House
Saturday, May 7
10am - 2pm
Visit the library during the Friends Spring Open House! Purchase a beautiful spring plant for $5, enter to win a raffle item, enjoy a kids' Mother's Day craft, and attend an open reading for the 10th Annual Mother of the Year Essay Contest at 11:30am. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Edgartown Library.

Many thanks to Donaroma's Nursery for donating the plants and supporting our Friends!
New: Water Bottle Filling Station
The library is pleased to announce that a water bottle filling station has been installed in the first floor lobby just in time for summer. The filling station provides cool and refreshing filtered water while reducing the need for single-use plastic cups. Many thanks to the Vineyard Conservation Society for helping to make this possible.
Adult Programs
[Online] Author Talk with James Tate Hill: Blind Man's Bluff
Tuesday, May 3
6pm
At age sixteen, James Tate Hill was diagnosed with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a condition that left him legally blind. For fifteen years, Hill hid his blindness from friends, colleagues, and romantic interests, even convincing himself that if he stared long enough, his blurry peripheral vision would bring the world into focus. Join us for a discussion with the author of this humorous and heartbreaking memoir.

Registration is required.

This program has been generously co-funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, Brewster Ladies' Library, Eastham Library, Vineyard Haven Library, Provincetown Library, and Whelden Memorial Library.

[Online] Build it; Build it Better: Poetry Workshops
with Donald Nitchie
Wednesday, May 4 & Wednesday, May 18
4:30pm
In poet Donald Nitchie’s writing workshop, participants will have the opportunity to build a poem prompted and inspired by poetry that Donald will choose for the exercise. Poets will also have a chance to submit a poem or two of their own for the group to read and discuss during the second half of the workshop. Positive peer assessment can help you through a writing problem and give you a new perspective on your work.

Registration is required.

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

[In Person] Kombucha Workshop, with Nina Gordon
Thursday, May 5
6:30pm
Join us for a workshop with the owner and brewmaster of Kulture Club MV, Nina Gordon. Learn how to brew your first batch (and beyond) of kombucha with simple ingredients.

Registration is required.

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

[In Person] Vinyasa Power Yoga, with Camille Beauzile (all levels)
Thursdays starting May 5
8am
Camille Beauzile will be teaching 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. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it with you. The library will have a limited number of mats available for use. All levels are welcome; each pose is guided from the foundation to the full expression.

No registration necessary.

This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
[In Person] Floral Arrangement Class
Saturday, May 7
10:30am
Learn the art of floral design by making a bouquet for the special mom in your life with florist Louise Sweet. Louise has over 30 years of experience designing stunning floral arrangements for the Vineyard's most beautiful weddings.

Registration is required.


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

[In Person] Salt ater Wednesdays
Wednesday, May 11
4pm
Have you ever wanted to learn how to gut a fish or shuck an oyster? Sign up for this monthly workshop where you will learn about all aspects of Island seafood, from preparation to the ecological importance of buying local. You'll leave with not only a filet (or shellfish) for dinner, but also the knowledge of how to process your next catch. In our first workshop, we'll learn how to shuck local oysters and clams with Nic Turner, owner of Honeysuckle Oyster Farm.

Registration is required.

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

This program is a part of MV Climate Action Week.

[In Person] Tick Talk, with Richard Johnson
Thursday, May 12
7pm
Dick Johnson will discuss the different ticks and tick-borne illnesses prevalent on Martha's Vineyard, as well as the new alpha-gal red meat allergy caused by lone star ticks. He will also outline steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick-borne diseases, and answer your tick-related questions. Public health biologist Patrick Roden Reynolds will also participate and be available to answer your questions. No registration necessary.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
[In Person] Backyard Chicken Raising, with Danielle Mulchay
Saturday, May 14
10:30am
Chicken enthusiast and owner Danielle Mulcahy will be giving a talk on raising backyard chickens as pets and for eggs. Find out if you're ready to take the plunge and raise your own by learning about everything from egg hatching, to keeping your beloved flock safe from predators, to the different personalities of various breeds. There will also be some chicks and a rooster visiting during the presentation. No registration necessary.

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

This program is a part of MV Climate Action Week.
[Online] Birdscaping: Home Sweet Habitat, with Joan Butler
Monday, May 16
7pm
This beautifully illustrated program, presented by Joan Butler, explores the importance of creating welcoming habitats for birds through thoughtful landscape choices, including native plants vital for food and nesting sites. Learn about the benefits and joys of creating beautiful layered gardens designed for birds as well as people.

Registration is required.

This program has been generously co-funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, West Tisbury Library, Vineyard Haven Library, Oak Bluffs Library, and Chilmark Library.

[Online] Chef Look Cooks: Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Steak, and Salad
Thursday, May 19
5pm
This month Chef Chris Look will be making balsamic glazed sweet potatoes, steak, and (for the first time ever) a salad! To welcome in the warmer weather, he will prepare an arugula, fried shallot, roasted radish, and candied nut salad topped with a gorgonzola vinaigrette.

Registration is required.

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

[In Person] Spring Birding Walk, with Robert Culbert
Saturday, May 21
9am
Robert Culbert, Island birding expert and “Bird News” columnist for the Vineyard Gazette, will guide a birding excursion to one of his favorite avian “hot spots” in Edgartown.

Registration is required.

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

[In Person] Film Screening: Krisha (United States, 2015)
Tuesday, May 24
7pm
Trey Edwards Schults' directorial debut is a deep dive into mental health, the complexities of substance abuse, and the delicate balance of staying sober. It is also an exploration of what bonds families together, and what can tear them apart.

"Raw, bracingly honest, and refreshingly unconventional, Krisha wrings fresh - and occasionally uncomfortable - truths from a seemingly familiar premise."
-Rotten Tomatoes

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
[In Person] Intercultural Language Exchange
Tuesday, May 31
6pm
The Intercultural Language Exchange Event Series is an initiative which aims to bring Martha's Vineyard residents together through the art of conversation. Drop in and practice a different language, learn something new, or help others learn English. We'll provide the coffee and refreshments, you supply the conversation. All language learners are welcome. Basic phrases in English, Portuguese and French will be provided.

No registration necessary.
Kids & Families
[In Person] Drop-in Mother's Day Craft
Saturday, May 7
10am - 5pm
The Children's Room craft table will be stocked with all the supplies for you to make beautiful tissue paper flowers for the special mom in your life.
[In Person] Storytime with Tony the Pony
Thursday, May 12
10:30am
Tony the Pony will join us on the library's front lawn (weather permitting) during our regular Wiggle with the Words storytime as our special guest. He'll do some tricks and teach you about horses!
[In Person] Fit Camp with Bonnie Kingsbury
Mondays
(no program on 5/30)
3:10pm - 4:10pm
Kids can get their bodies moving on the library lawn, weather permitting. This after-school youth fitness program will offer healthy activities incorporating simple cardio, agility, and mind over matter drills. No registration necessary. For kids 8 and older.

This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
[In Person] Drop-in Paint Group
Tuesdays
10:30am - 12pm
Free-paint using our collection of finger paints and paintbrushes in the Children's Room. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
[In Person] Discovery Days at the Library
Wednesdays
10:30am - 11:30am
Come to the library for this joint program with the Family Center on Wednesday mornings. Caregivers and children will read, discover, and explore a new theme together each week.
[In Person] Drop-in LEGO Club
Wednesdays
3pm - 5pm
Do you have a LEGO-crazy kid? They can meet up with fellow LEGO fans and play with the library’s stash. This is an opportunity for kids of all ages to get creative and build anything they choose. Kids can either work on their own creations or build as a team.
[In Person] Wiggle with the Words
Thursdays
10:30am
Join Elyce in the Program Room for a movement-based storytime using fun props and interactive stories. This program is geared toward ages 1-5, but all are welcome.
New Children's Books
Want to find out what new books can be checked out at the library? Take a look at our regularly updated lists of brand new children's books. From picture books to graphic novels to chapter books, we've got it all.

Click here to find your next favorite read.
Community Service Opportunities
Does your child want to make a difference in the community? The Children's Room provides many flexible opportunities for volunteer work. Volunteering in the Children's Room can also count toward community service requirements for school.

Call the library or email childrens@edgartownlibrary.org for more information.
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.

Teens
Teen Library Fair
at the YMCA
Friday, May 13
2pm - 3:30pm

Library Assistant Chris will be at Alex's Place as part of the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard's Teen Library Fair, so stop by and say hello! He'll have two mechanical typewriters as well as paper, envelopes, and stamps so you can write to your friends or family while pretending you're in a different time period. You can also enter a free raffle to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

Chris will be running a group roleplay and improv experience using Dungeons & Dragons and classic improv game rules. There will also be micro-RPG bags available to take home.

Dungeons & Dragons
Fridays starting in June
3pm - 6pm

Jump into adventure with the library's teen D&D program. Explore mysterious parts of a wide open world, become a hero, and protect your peace by using all of your considerable skills and weaponry. Get ready for a brand new adventure and find out everything you need to know to survive this strange new world by emailing Chris at clook@clamsnet.org. For ages 12-17.

A free DnD Beyond account is helpful, but not required.
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.
Get the CLAMS
Library App

The CLAMS app lets you browse collections, manage your account, add a digital library card, and more. It also includes special features like integrated NYT bestseller lists and Coming Soon titles. Take a tour of the app with Chris by clicking on the video.

Available for iOS and Android.
Library Card Signup

For information on how to sign up for a library card, 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: Tech Time at the Anchors
Tuesday, May 10
11am - 12pm

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 tech time sessions every month at The Anchors. Call 508-627-4368 to register.

You can also stop by the library during our open hours for help with tech-related issues.
MV Climate Action Week
Climate change impacts are affecting our health and well-being, the natural world, the built environment, and the Island economy. What can you do to make a difference? Take part in MV Climate Action Week! Join us May 8-14th for a week of climate-related events to acquire the awareness and resources to make informed decisions and take positive action.

Click HERE for the full list of events.

Climate Action Week is a community engagement project organized under the MV Climate Action Plan developed by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to create a resilient community in the face of climate change. Connected to our Past, Committed to our Future: The Vineyard Way. 

@mvclimateactionweek #mvclimateactionweek #thevineyardway
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