Saturday, April 26, 2008

Book Discussion Group - "Mountains Beyond Mountains"

The book discussion group met on April 23 to discuss the book "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder. This non-fiction effort by Kidder focuses on the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer and the Partners In Health Organization.

Much of the book takes place in the country of Haiti where Farmer works diligently to improve health care services to its impoverished citizens.

Farmer specifically focuses on the treatment of Tuberculosis and Aids and in conjunction with Partners In Health he brings his new and unique techniques to other countries around the world (Peru, Russia, etc...).

One group member mentioned that they really enjoyed Kidder's other books as well. You can find more of Kidder's books in the CLAMS Catalog:
  1. House
  2. Home Town
  3. Among Schoolchildren
  4. Old Friends
  5. My Detachment: A Memoir
  6. The Soul of a New Machine
The book that the discussion group will read for the May meeting is "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. Please pick up the book at the downstairs checkout desk and join us for our next stimulating book group discussion!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

National Library Week - Letter to the Editor

Many patrons saw the library's letter to the editor published in the recent issues of the Martha's Vineyard Times and Martha's Vineyard Gazette newspapers. In case you missed it, here is the letter that we sent in celebration of National Library Week 2008:

National Library Week 2008

To the Editor:

April 13-19 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide - and the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge @ your library.

Library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend, and it’s easy to see why. Libraries are places where everyone can go to discover the world. With free resources like books, magazines, DVDs and computer and wifi access, libraries help people find new jobs, do better in school, tackle projects and learn new ways to improve their health.

Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities. At our library, people of all backgrounds can come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, or to do research with the assistance of a trained professional.

What can you discover? National Library Week is the perfect time to find out. Join your family, friends and community. Join the circle of knowledge @ your library.

Respectfully,

Danguole Budris
Library Director
Oak Bluffs Public Library

Friday, April 04, 2008

Overdrive -- Audio Books & Music Downloads

As of April 1st you will be able to browse, check out, and download digital media with your library card 24/7. The Oak Bluffs Library has subscribed to OverDrive which will enable library patrons to install free software, browse and check out titles, and download them to a desktop or laptop. Simply go to clamsnet.lib.overdrive.com and learn about the system requirements and how to get set up for the downloads.

To access these digital materials you will need: A valid CLAMS library card issued by one of the libraries that participate in the CLAMS OverDrive service.

You can begin browsing titles to check out by clicking on the OverDrive picture or link on the Oak Bluffs Public Library's homepage. Start using this fast and convenient service today!