Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Libraries Offer New Language Learning Service

Did you know that you can use your Oak Bluffs Public Library card, a computer and Internet connection to start learning a new language at home or at the library?

The service is called Mango and it can be accessed from the library's homepage (www.oakbluffslibrary.org). Just scroll down the page and click on the Mango link or picture to get started.


Read an article published in the Cape Cod Times about this exciting new service:

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091229/NEWS/912290309&emailAFriend=1

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Holiday Hours At Your Island Libraries

Here is a list of the holiday hours at your Island libraries:

Edgartown: Dec. 24 - Closing at 2pm, Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed, Dec. 31 - Closing at 5pm, Jan. 1 – Closed, Jan. 2 – Open (Regular Hours). Call – 508-627-4221 for information.

Vineyard Haven: Dec. 24 - Closing at 1pm, Dec. 25 - Closed, Dec. 26 – Open (Regular Hours), Dec. 31 - Closing at 1pm, Jan. 1 – Closed, Jan. 2 – Open (Regular Hours). Call 508-696-4211 for information.

Oak Bluffs: Dec. 24 - Closing at 3pm, Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed, Dec. 31 - Closing at 3pm, Jan. 1 – Closed, Jan. 2 – Open (Regular Hours). Call – 508-693-9433 for information.

West Tisbury: Dec. 24 - Closing at 3pm, Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed, Dec. 31 - Closing at 3pm, Jan. 1 - Closed, Jan. 2 - Open (Regular Hours). Call 508-693-3366 for information.

Chilmark: Dec. 24 & Dec. 25 Closed, Dec. 26 Open (Regular Hours), Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 & Jan. 2 - Closed. Call 508-645-3360 for information.

Aquinnah: Dec. 24 & Dec. 25 - Closed, Dec. 26 - Open (Regular Hours), Dec. 31 - To Be Announced, Jan. 1 - Closed, Jan. 2 - Open (Regular Hours). Call 508-645-2314 for information.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

MV Libraries Support The Island Food Pantry

During the month of December the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association is promoting a fine amnesty program to support the Island Food Pantry.

The Oak Bluffs Public Library will be offering fine amnesty between the dates of Tuesday, December 15 and Saturday, December 19. During this time, library patrons may bring a donation of a non-perishable food items to the library, along with any library materials that are overdue. We will waive the fines on these materials for making a donation to the Island Food Pantry.

Each Island library will be offering fine amnesty differently. Please call your local library for full details. Thank you for helping us support Island community members in need.


Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Holiday Party, Polly Hill Arboretum & Movies - Highlight December Programming

Enjoy a variety of free programming at your library during the month of December. A few of the highlights include:

Thursday, December 10 at 6:00 PM - Tom Clark, Collections and Grounds Manager at the Polly Hill Arboretum will talk on the topic of, "The Seasons of the Polly Hill Arboretum".


Friday, December 11, from 1 PM - 4 PM, the annual holiday party sponsored by the Library Friends. The party features food, music and good cheer. There will be entertainment for all ages, don't miss out on the festivities!

Saturday, December 12, at 2 PM - An afternoon movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Based on the best selling book about a woman following in the footsteps of Julia Child. Rated PG-13. Popcorn and beverages will be served.

Visit our events calendar for information about more upcoming programs.






Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Perfect Gift Idea - "Savor The Moment" Calendars

Are you still looking for the ideal present for a friend or family member during this holiday season?


The picturesque 2010 "Savor The Moment" calendar is available for purchase at the library. Supplies are limited, so beat the holiday rush and buy your copies today! All proceeds from calendar sales will support the library.

About the "Savor The Moment" Calendar:

The annual DELLA HARDMAN DAY, a celebration of the arts established by the Town of Oak Bluffs in 2005, was inspired by the life of Della B. Hardman, PhD (1922-2005), Vineyard activist, civic activist & writer who chronicled cultural and social events in Oak Bluffs for the Vineyard Gazette for nearly a decade. A former library trustee, lifelong learning advocate, and photographer, Dr. Hardman ended each column with her credo, "Savor the Moment," and inspired others to fully embrace each day. (www.dellahardmanday.com)

During the Spring and Summer of 2009, the Oak Bluffs Public Library, in conjunction with the annual Della Hardman Day celebration, sponsored a second annual photography contest to select images featuring Martha's Vineyard that reflect the "savor the moment" theme.

The winning entries are published in this beautiful local calendar that is the perfect holiday gift!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Library Receives 3 Star Rating From Library Journal

Library Journal released the latest LJ Index of Library Services rankings and as you may have read in the MV Times, "Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven received three star ratings, joining only 256 other libraries to be top-rated nationally for excellent service".

The ranking is based on the circulation of materials, visits to the library, public computer usage and attendance at library programs. Congratulations to the Oak Bluffs community, the library trustees, friends, staff and volunteers for receiving this award.

Click here to read the Library Journal Article.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Poetry Reading & Undersea Slideshow Highlight November Events

Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 PM, Former West Tisbury Poet Laureate, Dan Waters, will read selections from several of his published books, recent work and his unpublished poems.

Mr. Waters' poetry has appeared in the Martha's Vineyard Gazette, Yankee Magazine, chapbooks and other publications. His recorded verses have also been played on the Cape & Islands NPR station.

To learn more about the poet please visit: www.indianhillpress.com

Thursday, November 19 at 6:00 PM, Michael Wooley will narrate a free slideshow and short film presentation showing the mysteries and fascinating undersea life of Earth's two largest barrier reefs.

Mr. Wooley is a local artist and swim instructor, and an underwater diving enthusiast. He will share his knowledge and thoughts about some of the most interesting creatures of Central America and Australia. Special guests like the many different shark species, eels, sea dragons, lionfish, and much more will be on hand.

To learn about more free entertainment and educational opportunities at your library please visit the library events calendar.

We Invite YOU To Be A Volunteer!

Are you looking for a good cause to donate your time and energy to? Do you have a skill that you want to share with other community members? Do you need to fulfill your school community service requirements or improve your resume for going to college or for a career change?


The library is seeking volunteers to help with shelving children’s books, community programs and events, computer training and other activities. Please speak to a library staff member today and fill out a volunteer survey. We will compare your background and skills with the library’s needs and try to create a rewarding volunteer opportunity for YOU at your local library.


Veterans' Day Display

Please come to the library and see our book displays that have been created in honor of Veterans' Day. The displays include information about the Veterans' History Project, an effort to collect first-hand accounts by United States Veterans from the following wars: World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The project was created by the United States Congress:
http://www.loc.gov/vets/vets-home.html


Just a reminder, on Wednesday, November 11 the library will be closed in observance of Veterans' Day.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

A Message From The Library Director

Summer is behind us and what a summer it was! The use of the library increased again this year. During July and August more than twenty two thousand people visited the library, and 27,836 books, movies, music and other library materials were borrowed, or about 80 items per hour. Close to two thousand attended programs for children and adults at the library. Public computers, as well as Wi-Fi were also very popular.

The staff was very busy, and we could not have managed without the help from our volunteers. A big “thank you” to them for all the work they do to support their library. We are grateful to many individuals and organizations, such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Polar Bears, Black Dog Kids, Inc., the Pequot Hotel, who donated funds for library programs and materials. Community support for the library is very important as we strive to overcome the current economic challenges and continue to meet the community’s needs.

We are looking forward to your next visit. Many programs for all ages are planned, and the library offers a variety of valuable resources to help you save time and money. You can visit www.masslib.org/value-new/calculator and use the “library calculator” to learn how much you can save by using your library.

Danguole Budris,
Library Director

Please read the fall edition of Books & Beyond, our library newsletter -
Fall 2009 - Volume 1, Issue 4