Vote in our new lifelong learners poll today!

Have you visited our Lifelong Learners webpage yet? It is a great resource for finding information about Finances, Health, Technology, Home & Garden, Work & Activism, and Local History.

You can even change the text size on the web page for an easier reading experience!

While you are there, vote in the lifelong learning resource center poll and take our survey to help us provide a high level of service to lifelong learners in the community.

Summer Newsletter Available - Online or in Print

Stay informed about library events, services and resources by reading the latest issue of our new library newsletter - Books & Beyond!

Print copies are available at the library or you can be green and read it online. Ask a friendly library staff member for a copy today!

Past issues of Books & Beyond can be found at the About the Library webpage of the library's website.

Savor the Moment—Art Exhibition & Celebration

Please join us on Saturday, July 25^th at 2 PM, for the Opening and Artists’ Reception for the “Savor the Moment” photography exhibit.

This is the second year that the library has held a contest to select images for the “Savor the Moment” calendar. Contest judges were photographers Alison Shaw and Donalexander Goss; and Francine Kelly, Director of Featherstone Center for the Arts. Photographs were judged on the artful representation of the “Savor the Moment” theme during all four seasons on the Island. The calendar is published to honor Della Hardman, a former library trustee, in conjunction with the 5^th Annual Della Hardman Day, which is celebrated in Oak Bluffs on the last Saturday in July. Please visit www.dellahardmanday.com for more information about Della Hardman Day events.

The photography show will be at the library through August 8th. Copies of the calendar will be available for sale at the library.

England, China, Africa - A Travel by Book Update!

The first discussion in the Adult Summer Reading Program took us from England to China. Simon Winchester's book, "The Man Who Loved China", made for a lively discussion.

Several attendees had visited China and shared their interesting experiences with the group. They recommended reading books by Ha Jin, Amy Tan, and Jung Chang ("Wild Swans") to anyone interested in stories with plots relating to China.

One lucky participant in the discussion won a Black Dog Coffee Mug for attending the meeting. More prizes will be awarded at the future meetings, courtesy of our sponsors, the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs.

Please join us for another fun and thoughtful discussion on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:30 AM. Copies of the book to be discussed, "Out of Africa" by Isak Denisen, are available at the check out desk at the library.

Great news for iPod users!

Our Download Service now offers more free downloads for iPod users! Upgrade to OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 and most titles in our collection will instantly become compatible with iPod and other Apple Devices for users with Windows PCs. OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 is free.

MP3 format is compatible with MAC and most portable devices including iPods.

See the 'Plays on' icons next to each title for compatibility information.

We Want Your Feedback - Take Our Survey Today!

Last spring, the Oak Bluffs Public Library was awarded a grant through the EqualAccess Libraries – Lifelong Access Program. This survey is being used to collect feedback from the community about our efforts relating to the program and to help plan future library programs and services. Thank you for your participation, we value your time and input!
Click Here to take survey

Number Crunchers and Wordsmiths Collide at the Crossword & Sudoku Challenge

This past Saturday a group of word and number aficionados joined us at the library for an all ages crossword & sudoku puzzle challenge.

Prizes were awarded to the highest scoring crossword (a finishing time of 18:15) and sudoku (a finishing time of 13:48) challenge participants courtesy of the Vineyard Gazette. All participants were entered into a door prize - giveaway drawing sponsored by the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs.

If you want to try the puzzles that were used for the contest please visit the library's front desk and ask a staff member for a copy. The contest has been held annually at an Island Library since 2007, so practice your puzzles and prepare for next year's competition!

Thank you to the Vineyard Gazette, Library Friends of Oak Bluffs and our enthusiastic volunteers for making this event possible.

Adult Summer Reading Program Announced!

The library is hosting a series of book discussions this summer based upon popular works of travel, geography and history.

Attend the monthly book discussion meetings to be eligible for monthly prizes, enjoy free refreshments, and to be entered into an end of summer giveaway drawing. The more book discussion meetings that you attend the more chances you have to win the giveaway drawing!

Copies of the books will be available at the library, please read the books and join us for a series of lively discussion meetings:

June's Discussion - "The Man Who Loved China: the Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom" by Simon Winchester on Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30am.

July's Discussion - "Out of Africa" by Isak Denisen on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:30am.

August's Discussion - "A Voyage Long and Strange" by Tony Horwitz on Wednesday, August 26 at 10:30am.

Attention Job and Volunteer Seekers!

Thursday, June 4 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

From Ad to Interview - Finding the Perfect Job or Volunteer Opportunity for You

Elaine Pace, professional author, will facilitate a round table discussion regarding career and volunteer opportunities. Learn how to put your best foot forward when applying for jobs, and how to identify your strengths and skills to find your most fulfilling job or volunteer opportunity. Limited Seating - Please contact the library to sign up

All attendees will be entered into a giveaway drawing to win a gift certificate to Darosa's, where you can purchase resume paper, portfolios, and other essential office supplies!

A former teacher, school administrator, newsletter editor and writing coach, Ms. Pace has interviewed hundreds of job applicants.

New library resources for job, career, and vounteer seekers will also be highlighted at this session.

Illumination for Lifelong Learners

The library is organizing this event as part of the Illumination for Lifelong Learners Series, a series of programs and services for lifelong learners, made possible by grant funding and support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and Libraries for the Future.

Librarians Return from MLA Conference

Library Director, Danguole Budris, Assistant Director, Mathew Bose and Childrens Librarian, Jessica Bowers recently attended the Massachusetts Library Association Conference held in Springfield, MA May 6-8.

Danguole and Mat both signed up to blog the conference in order to waive conference fees. You can read the conference blog to learn about the lectures, exhibits, and networking opportunities that they attended.

Please join us in congratulating Childrens Librarian, Jessica Bowers for applying for and receiving the Kay Bader Scholarship. Based on an essay that she submitted, she was 1 of 6 librarians and students chosen from the state of Massachusetts to receive the scholarship to help pay for attending the library conference and becoming a member of the Massachusetts Library Association. Congratulations Jessica!