May 2025


LIBRARY CLOSED Monday, May 26th for Memorial Day

Book-A-Likes


Have you ever read a book (or movie) you loved, and then wanted to find another like it? Get a carefully selected recommendation from our Book-A-Likes display! Each shelf features a popular book (or movie) along with three books that are similar to it, either in style, subject, or tone.

Friends' Monthly Meeting

Friday, May 2

9:30am - 10:30am



The Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library is a vibrant and passionate association of volunteers whose mission is to raise funds to support the library's outstanding programming. Much of the programming you'll read about below is generously funded by the Friends. Please consider becoming a member today by clicking here.


Join us! The Friends' next monthly meeting will be held in person at the library and also accessible via Zoom on Friday, May 2nd at 9:30am. All are welcome to attend!

Adult Programs

Home Energy Solutions with Vineyard Power

Thursday, May 1

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Join Vineyard Power for this presentation about lowering energy costs and accessing renewable energy solutions for your home. In partnership with Cape Light Compact and all six Island municipalities, Vineyard Power is your local support through the Mass Save program, offering no-cost home energy assessments, affordable weatherization upgrades, and rebates for energy-efficient heating systems and appliances. A Q&A will follow the presentation.

Afternoon Piano Lounge with Adele Dreyer

Saturday, May 3

1pm - 2pm

Join us for a casual, relaxing hour of piano music performed by Adele Dreyer, featuring pieces that celebrate the beauty of spring. The performance will include light classical works, showtunes, and oldies-but-goodies. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be served.



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

Opera Club: Rossini’s L'Italiana in Algeri

Sunday, May 4

1pm - 4pm

Join us for a delightful production of Rossini's comedy from the 2018 Salzburg Festival, with the role of Isabella (the Italian woman of the title) sung by the fabulous coloratura mezzo, Cecilia Bartoli. Though well known for her skills in the music of Rossini, Bartoli had never sung this role before—and she doesn't disappoint. Bartoli is joined by a superb cast, including bass Ildar Abdrazakov as the Bey of Algiers, the buffa baritone Alessandro Corbelli, and tenor Edgardo Rocha as Isabella's captive lover.


There’s plenty of fun here with a cleverly updated staging by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier. Jean-Christophe Spinosi directs the period instrument band, Ensemble Matheus. In Italian with English subtitles, the opera runs 2.5 hours, plus intermission. All adults are welcome.



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

Library Walking Group

Wednesday, May 7

8:30am - 10am

Join Library Director Lisa Sherman for a walk around town! We’ll meet at the library’s rear entrance at 8:30am to stretch our legs. The walk is between 2.5 to 3 miles through the downtown area, and will take about 60 to 90 minutes. The path is mainly flat and will mostly be sidewalks and pavement, but can be uneven in sections. In case of inclement weather, call 508-627-4221 or visit the library website for cancellation information. All ages are welcome to join.

Drop-in Tech Help at the Anchors

Friday, May 9

12pm - 1pm

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


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

Sound Bath with Trish Ginter

Saturday, May 10

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 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.

Author Talk: The Golden Land by Liz Shick

Monday, May 12

6pm - 7pm

Join local author Liz Shick for an exploration of the true stories behind her award-winning novel, The Golden Land. From Burmese astrology and marionettes to the last king and queen of Burma to the military regime that ruled the country for over 50 years, Liz will share how the six years she lived in Burma (Myanmar) inspired her to write The Golden Land. A Q&A and signing will follow the discussion, with books available for purchase from Edgartown Books. Light refreshments will be served.



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

Brazilian Portuguese for Beginners

Tuesdays, May 13, May 20, May 27, & June 3

6pm - 7:30pm

In this beginner-level Brazilian Portuguese class, you’ll learn the foundational skills for everyday conversation, including vocabulary, pronunciation, and engaging in simple dialogues. You will also learn more about Brazilian culture along the way. This class is taught by Lorena Crespo, a certified ESL instructor who has been a language teacher on Martha’s Vineyard for nearly a decade.


Registration is required. You will be automatically registered for all four classes when you sign up.


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


For more info and to register, click here.

Chef Look Cooks - Chris’s Picks: Mustard and Lemon Zest Potato Salad

Thursday, May 15

2pm - 3:30pm

For this series, we'll follow Chef Look on an exploration of some of his favorite foods. This potato salad was created as a flavor-packed summer treat for those who don’t like mayonnaise. Loaded with whole grain mustard, Chris's favorite sweetened lemon zest, and tender dark greens, it’s perfect for a summer picnic at the beach, alongside a roast for dinner, or as a meal all by itself.


Registration is required.


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


For more info and to register, click here.

Hand Sanitizer 1

International Film Night

Thursdays (no program on 5/1 or 5/8)

6pm - 8pm

Every Thursday evening, we’re showing stellar films from around the world. In May, join us for recent cinema from the US. Coffee, tea, and dessert will be served.



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

Porchfest Edgartown

Saturday, May 17

1pm - 2pm

As seen in towns and cities across the country, Porchfest is a musical event for the community, by the community, where local musical acts perform at various locations around town. 


The Edgartown Library will once again be a Porchest venue, so bring your friends and family for a joyful hour of live music on the library lawn, featuring the eclectic and funky sounds of Red Night Delight. With Allison Roberts on vocals, Perry Dripps on guitar/vocals, Luke Lefeber on bass/vocals, and a horn section, this seven-piece band is sure to delight.


In case of inclement weather, this program will be held indoors.


For more information on Porchfest Edgartown, click here.


This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library, in collaboration with the Edgartown Board of Trade.

12 Months 12 Books Book Club

Tuesday, May 27

3pm - 4pm

Join us in taking on the 2025 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. May’s challenge is “a book with a first sentence of eight words or less.”


Bookmarks with monthly themes are available at the circulation desk. For more information and to sign up, click here.

[Online] Build It, Build It Better: Poetry Workshop with Donald Nitchie

Friday, May 30

4:30pm - 6pm

In this monthly writing workshop with poet Donald Nitchie, participants will have an opportunity to create their own poem, prompted by a selection of poetry which will be read at the beginning of the workshop. Poets will also have a chance to read and discuss their own poem during the second half of the workshop, although there is no pressure to share. This workshop is perfect for beginning writers or anyone curious about writing in groups.


Once registered, you will receive the workshop materials by email.

Registration is required.


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


For more info and to register, click here.

Ballroom Dance Class

Saturday, May 31

11:30am - 12:30pm

Learn some new moves at this ballroom dance class, led by Tom Carberry of the MV Ballroom Dancers. No experience necessary and no need to bring a partner. All ages and abilities are welcome; registration is not required.

The Arborio Duo in Concert

Sunday, June 1

4pm - 5:30pm

Join us for an afternoon of music with The Arborio Duo, featuring violinist Colleen Jennings and pianist Sophie Lippert. This concert will showcase a dazzling collection of works written by global female composers, spanning the Romantic era to the present day. Prepare to be delighted by Cecile Chaminade's lively Rondeau, Clara Schumann's gorgeous and soaring Romances, Grazyna Bacewitz's evocative and esoteric Stained-Glass Window, Rebecca Clarke's dreamy Dumka Concertante, and Ethel Smyth's colorful, expansive Violin Sonata.


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

Ongoing Adult Programs

Drop-in Mah Jongg

Mondays, 1pm - 3pm (no program on 5/26)



These sessions will provide a chance to practice your skills and get together with other players, and do not include formal instruction. Experienced players are encouraged to join. Mats, tiles, and cards will be provided.

Drop-in Knitting with Cindy Bonnell

Wednesdays, 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.

Restorative Reset with Jelisa Difo

Wednesdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm (no program on 5/28)


This class explores Restorative Yin postures done close to the ground to promote deep rest and encourage relaxation. Appropriate for all levels. A limited number of yoga mats and props are available; if you have your own, please bring them with you.

Vinyasa Yoga with Colleen Macsuga

Saturdays, 9am - 10am


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.

Kids & Families

Mother's Day Gift Making

Saturday, May 10

10am - 4pm

Drop in during open hours and choose from an assortment of crafts to make for someone special in your life.The Children's Room craft table will be stocked with supplies. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Musical Instrument

Petting Zoo

Mondays

10:30am - 11:30am (no program on 5/26)

Do you have little ones who are curious about musical instruments? Join us in the Program Room to experiment and play with different instruments every week. All ages welcome.


Please note: There will be no program on 5/26.

Drop-in Play-Doh Group

Wednesdays

10:30am - 11:30am

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.

Fit Camp with Bonnie Kingsbury

Wednesdays

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.


This program takes place outdoors only, weather permitting.

Wiggle with the Words Storytime

Thursdays

10:30am - 11am (no program on 5/29)

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 5/29.

Big Little Muscles with Abbey

Fridays

10:30am - 11:30am

Join us for this 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.

CLAMS and Library Services

Connect to Free WiFi


Get connected with free outdoor WiFi at the Edgartown Library. Bring your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and enjoy free internet access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Check out a Hotspot or Laptop


Chromebooks

Chromebooks run on 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 to get internet on the go.


For more information, click here.

Get a Library Card


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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