Book Discussion Group: "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

This book was also chosen as the One Book One Island adult book for 2007. Their Eyes Were Watching God is the unforgettable story of Janie Crawford, an articulate African-American woman in the 1930s, and her quest for identity and independence through three marriages and many interesting adventures. Much of our discussion was about the life of the author, Zora Neale Hurston, who was born in Eatonville, Florida -- an all-black community in the late 1800's. She studied anthropology at Barnard College and did field work in Harlem and Haiti. The group was particularly keen on attending the talk by Hurston scholar, Glenda Carpio, on Friday, April 27th at the Oak Bluffs Library.

For those of you who enjoyed this book, we would like to suggest the following further reading:

Gloria Naylor, Mama Day (1988)
Toni Morrison, Sula (1973)
Randall Kenan, A Visitation of Spirits (1989)
Alice Walker, Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992)

National Library Week - April 15-21

In the spirit of National Library Week here is a list of ten services that you may not have known are available at your library. Also check out the Library Calculator to see how much money you save when you take advantage of library services!

10 Great Library Services You May Not Have Known About!

• Use the library’s website to place holds on the latest books, DVDs, CDs, and more!


• Download Free Audiobooks at Home!


• Renew books & manage your library account from home using our website!


• Learn about fun & educational library programs on our website and online calendar.


• Movie Nights - on a giant projection screen!


• Individual Computer Help Lessons.


• Request materials from libraries in Massachusetts and across the Country!


• Get homework help & answers to all of your questions at the Reference Desk!


• Read a huge selection of newspapers & magazines online.


• Use your laptop to surf the net at the library - We have WIFI!

Celebrate National Jazz & Poetry Month!

Come see our great National Jazz & Poetry Month display in the downstairs of the library! We have a great collection of jazz and poetry materials for you to check out.

For the month of April we will be playing Jazz music during our Wednesday morning Coffee Times (10am-11:30am) for your enjoyment! Drink, Eat, Discuss Jazz Music & More!

In the upstairs of the library we have a display of Martha's Vineyard poets & poetry created using our Martha's Vineyard Historical Collection.

Learn some interesting local poetry history by viewing the display case by the reference desk, and check out our great collection of Shel Silverstein books (many of which are signed) and more in our conference room.