National Library Week - April 11 - 17

During National Library Week April 11 – 17, we are encouraging community members to use the “Library Savings Calculator” to learn how much money they are saving by using their local library.

To calculate your savings visit:
http://oakbluffslibrary.org/library_calculator.shtml

National Library Week - Facts:

Americans check out an average of more than seven books a year. They spend $33.56 a year for the public library—about the average cost of one hardcover book.

Americans go to school, public and academic libraries nearly three times more often than they go to the movies.

Reference librarians in the nation’s public and academic libraries answer nearly 5.7 million questions weekly. Standing single file, the line of questioners would span from Long Island, New York, to Juneau, Alaska.

A 2009 poll conducted for the American Library Association found that 96% of respondents agreed that public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed because it provides free access to materials and resources.

*Facts taken from the "Quotable Facts About America's Libraries 2010" produced by the American Library Association

3rd Annual Savor the Moment Photography Contest

The Oak Bluffs Public Library, in conjunction with the annual celebration of DELLA HARDMAN DAY on Saturday, July 31st, is sponsoring a photography contest to select 14 images featuring Martha’s Vineyard that reflect Della Hardman’s legacy theme ~ “savor the moment.” The winning entries will be published in the Oak Bluffs Public Library Calendar for 2011. An exhibition is planned of a representative sample of the works submitted. The contest is open to all who wish to participate.

Entry deadline: May 29, 2010

View and print an entry form online, or pick one up at the library during your next visit. Please speak to a library staff member or read the entry form for more details.

Workshop for Nonprofit Grant Seekers Introduces GRN:MV

The library recently hosted a two-day workshop for nonprofit grant seekers that attracted over 30 attendees. The workshop focused on how to find and apply for grants using a collection of print and online resources referred to as the Grant Resource Network: Martha's Vineyard (GRN:MV), available at the Oak Bluffs Public Library. It includes access to online grant databases provided by Associated Grant Makers of Boston (includes over 400 local funders) and the Foundation Center (includes 97,000 national grant makers).

If you missed the workshop, please visit the library during our open hours to use the collection. You can also contact the Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative to arrange for a trainer to assist you when using the grant databases. Send an E-mail to grnmv@mvdonors.org to make an appointment with a trainer.

The GRN:MV was made possible by the collaboration of Associated Grant Makers, the Oak Bluffs Public Library, and the Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative, and also a grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.

Winter Reading Series & Technology Fair!

The library has two very exciting programs coming soon that you will not want to miss:

Thursday, March 11 at 5:30 PM - Winter Reading Series

Samuel Leader and Greg Shultz, Fiction Fellows at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown will talk about their writing. Refreshments Served. Read more...

Saturday, March 20 at 1:00 PM - 2nd Annual Technology Fair

Community, school, library and business leaders will present examples of new information and communication technologies to the public. This is a free event and one lucky attendee will win an MP3 Player courtesy of the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs. Read more...

Computer Classes Full - Signing Up Alternates

The series of computer classes that are being offered at the library are filled to capacity. The library will continue to sign up alternates for the classes so that if someone cancels their seat will be filled. Please call 508-693-9433 and speak to a library staff member to sign up as an alternate. The computer classes have been made possible in part by a generous donation from the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank.

Black History Month - Displays & Resources

The Martha's Vineyard chapter of the NAACP has created a display at the library to honor former presidents of the local chapter and to commemorate the centennial celebration of the NAACP. The display is located on the top floor of the library near the stairs. You can learn more about the NAACP of Martha's Vineyard by visiting their website at http://www.mvnaacp.org.

The library has also created a display consisting of materials related to Black History Month, including the highly acclaimed African American National Biography, Africana, The Underground Railroad: an encyclopedia of people, places and operations and Harlem Renaissance Lives. These resources are very helpful for students doing homework assignments, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about black history.

Please come to the library and visit these two displays celebrating Black History Month.

Tax Forms Are Now Available

State and federal tax forms have been delivered to your local library. Visit the upstairs reference area to pick up the forms that you need. Please speak to a staff member if you can't find a form and we will help you print a copy or request it from the state or federal government.

FREE Computer Classes At Your Library

A series of free computer skills classes for beginners and intermediates will be offered at the library this winter. Sign up today to improve your computer knowledge and skills, learn how to use Microsoft Word and Excel, and discover new Internet search tools and techniques. Space is limited for the classes, please speak to a library staff member to learn more and to reserve a seat. The series has been made possible in part by a generous donation from the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank.

Richard Hammond, an employee at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, a continuing education instructor and the owner of Hammond & Associates, will be the instructor for the classes.

Schedule of Classes - Please remember, seating is limited, call the library (508)-693-9433 to sign up:

Thurs., Feb. 4 at 6 PM - Basic Computer Skills
Thurs., Feb 11 at 6 PM - Inter. Computer Skills
Sat., Feb 13 at 2 PM - Microsoft Office Word
Thurs., Feb 18 at 6 PM - Microsoft Office Excel
Sat., Mar. 6 at 2 PM - Internet
Sat., Mar. 13 at 6 PM - Basic Computer Skills

Robert B. Parker - A Tribute & Book Display

Robert B. Parker September 17, 1932 – January 18, 2010

Novelist Robert B. Parker epitomized the spirit of Massachusetts ; its Yankee tenacity, hard-boiled character, and deep-rooted loyalty. Born in Springfield , educated in Maine , and finally dying at his writing desk in Cambridge , New England ran through him and into his beloved characters.

His legions of fans are just as loyal to their favorite Parker characters as they are to the author himself. Be it Spencer, Jess Stone, Susan Silverman, or Hawk fans can often be found arguing the merits of one over the other.

The news of Mr. Parker’s death hit New England as hard as the blowing January cold. We all asked the same selfish question, “Did he leave us any books?” The answer is yes but not nearly enough. For now we will carefully pick our favorite Parker book from the shelf, let our fingers smooth the cover, open it slowly, and reread his words savoring each and every one.

Please visit our display of Mr. Parker's books by the downstairs check out desk.

Winter Newsletter - Now Available!

Learn about new library services, events and news by reading our winter newsletter - Books & Beyond.

The most recent issue is now available for your reading pleasure. Pick up a copy at the library today or view it online - Winter 2010 - Volume 2, Issue 1