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!

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

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!

Patrick MacManaway - Living with the Spirit of Place

Over 45 people attended our recent library program "Living with the Spirit of Place" by Dr. Patrick MacManaway.

Dr. Patrick MacManaway, holistic therapist, author, and current President of the British Society of Dowsers, presented a slideshow and talk about how the places we live and work affect our level of energy, mood and attitude.

March Book Discussion Group - "Peace Like a River"

This debut novel by Leif Enger revolves around a family's search for the oldest son who has gotten into trouble with the law. Much of the action takes place in the Dakota Badlands, and one of the reading group members had actually lived in the Dakotas and experienced the fierce, freezing winters and gale-force winds. We had a lively discussion about the several "miracles" that took place and the dicey moral underpinnings of the family's journey to find the son. Additionally, we discussed the deep family love and trust that were a large part of the story.

February Book Group - The Madonnas of Leningrad

For the most part, The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean takes place in Leningrad (modern-day St. Petersburg) during the first year of the 900-day German siege of the city, which began in 1941. During our meeting in February we saw photographs of the starving people and the horrific conditions during that time in Leningrad. We also viewed color plates of some of the artwork in the Hermitage Museum.

The events in the book are related by an elderly woman who was a docent at the Hermitage before and during the siege. Although she suffers from Alzheimer's and cannot remember anything in her present life, she remembers the artwork and furnishing of all the rooms in the museum in minute detail.

We had an exciting discussion about the book, which all us liked, in spite of the Alzheimer's aspect.

Goodreads - find a book to read today!

The fun new website Goodreads was recently mentioned in a Martha's Vineyard Times article by Susan Wilson. Goodreads is a place where people share their reading interests, and help each other find new reading material.

Visit the Oak Bluffs Public Library's Goodreads Account, and search our virtual bookshelves to find new reading material.

We have created shelves for the library's Book Discussion Group, the library staff's reads, Travel and Adventure and there will be more shelves to come!

Post a comment and let us know what library shelves and reading lists you would like to see us create!

New Art Display at the OBPL!

Amos Group Photography Exhibit at the Oak Bluffs Public Library

Samplings of photographs taken by four students who attend The Rebecca Amos Institute are on display at the Oak Bluffs Public Library during the month of February. Instructor Janice Baer brought her students, Tracy Devine, Vanessa Grant, Hayley Panek, and Amanda Tate to various spots around the Island to inspire their photographic efforts. Please come to the Library during its open hours and enjoy the creative works of these four talented artists!


Click here to see pictures of the exhibit

New Library Resource - Ancestry Library Edition!

Have you been interested in learning more about your family's genealogy?

Come to the Library and use Ancestry Library Edition, a popular tool for online genealogical research.

You can even make an appointment for a 30-minute consultation with a librarian in order to learn how to use this great new genealogical resource at your Library.

New Holiday Party Pictures!

Check out the pictures taken at the Library Friend's Holiday Party that took place in December by clicking on the flickr badge on the right hand side of the screen.

There was gingerbread house making, a surprise visit by Santa, tasty food and drink, and plenty of good cheer!



Thank you once again to the Friends, Volunteers, and everyone who attended to help the library celebrate the holiday season!