Saturday, September 29, 2007

September Book Discussion Group: "The Death of Vishnu" by Manil Suri

This story of one apartment building becomes a metaphor for the social and religious divisions of contemporary India, and Vishnu's ascent of the staircase parallels the soul's progress through the various stages of existence. We had a lively discussion on several topics, such as racism, rights of women, and religion in India during the 1960's and 70's. We were very fortunate to have a member of our discussion group with first-hand knowledge of India's culture and religion.

The author, Manil Suri, infused his tale with many details and insights into everyday Indian life -- its hardships and customs. His descriptions of food, particularly the many sweets that are consumed, was mouth-watering.

Please join us in October when we will be reading "Cod" by Mark Kurlansky. The Discussion Group Meetings will be held in conjunction with The Sustainable Book Club, an Island-wide book group, which is reading and discussing books that examine our relationship with nature. The group is sponsored by all six Island Libraries, Felix Neck Sanctuary, Polly Hill Arboretum and The Vineyard Conservation Society. The group will meet at the Oak Bluffs Library on Tuesday, October 23rd, at 6:30 pm and Wednesday, October 24th, at 10:30 am.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Summer Memories: Past and Present - Jessica Harris


Popular author, Jessica Harris, performed readings and reminisced about topics from her latest book, “The Martha’s Vineyard Table”. A crowd of 18 people came to the event. The intimate environment allowed for some great discussion and input from the audience!



About Jessica Harris:Excerpt from Ebony Magazine (March 2007, pg 118)
Culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, Ph.D. has authored nine acclaimed cookbooks that document the foods and foodways of the African Diaspora. A culinary historian, she has lectured on food at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as well as at numerous institutions and colleges throughout the United States and abroad.
Harris has written for major food magazines, including Gourmet, Food & Wine, Cooking Light and Eating Well. In addition, she has given presentations at prestigious events, including meetings of the international Association of Culinary Professionals and the American Institute of Wine and Food conference. Dr. Harris also has appeared on The Today Show and Good Morning America, and she has served as culinary and cultural expert on two Burr Wolf series for PBS.
A tenured professor of English at Queens College, C.U.N.Y., Harris holds degrees from Bryn Mawr College, Queens College, The Universite de Nancy, France, and a doctorate in performance studies from New York University. She speaks French fluently and is conversant in Spanish and Portuguese.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Oxford African American Studies Center - New Library Resource!

About the OAASC: Excerpt from the OAASC Website



The Oxford African American Studies Center combines the authority of carefully edited reference works with sophisticated technology to create the most comprehensive collection of scholarship available online to focus on the lives and events which have shaped African American history and culture.









To learn how you can begin using the Oxford African American Studies Center please speak with an Oak Bluffs Public Library Staff Member today!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Triad Club Display!

The Library would like to thank the Martha's Vineyard Museum and Susan Wilson for contributing materials to the Triad Club Display (by the staircase in the upstairs of the library).

The materials were on display during the month of August, and library patrons enjoyed viewing the collection and reading Susan Wilson's article, For 70 Years, the Triad Club of Oak Bluffs Was a Forum For Members' "Improvement", which appeared in the Dukes County Intelligencer (August 2007 Edition).

You can learn more about other topics related to local history by visiting the Library and reading a book from our Martha's Vineyard Collection!