IGI Community Lunches Program

April Community Lunch Pilot

Last month, we were able to partner with Island Grown Initiative on their community lunches program. If you were able to try any of the offerings from the free lunches, please click the button below to provide feedback. The survey will be used to shape the 2023 summer meals and future school break programming.

Click to take the survey

Introducing Our May Artist

May Adult Programs

Click here to see our full program calendar

Walk With Us

Wednesdays 8:15am

Join us for a walk around East Chop! We'll start at the library's Pacific Avenue entrance at 8:15am. We'll walk up Pacific Avenue, continue to Washington Park (near Our Market), then continue past the beach club and around the Chop.

Walk is approximately 4 miles and will take about an hour and a half. Ground is mainly flat, but can be uneven in sections so it is not fully wheelchair accessible. Weather dependent.

Email [email protected]

or call 508-693-9433 for more information.

Salsa Suelta

with Christina Montoya

Thursday, 5:00pm (May 4, May 11)

Saturdays, 11:30am(May 20, May 27)

Known as Casino dancing in Cuba, this class will explore basic rhythms and movements of this style and related styles, as well as touch on history and culture. No partner necessary. Class size is limited to 15 attendees and registration is required.

Email [email protected]

or call 508-693-9433 to register.

Saturday Stitchers

Saturday, May 6th 10:00

Make a quilted fabric box with the Martha’s Vineyard Modern Quilt Guild. It’s perfect to hold your craft supplies. Registration required. You will need fabric, batting, interfacing, and your sewing machine or sign-up to use a library machine.

For more information contact Anna Marie at: [email protected].

Tech Support: One-on-One

Saturdays 10:00-12:00

Book a free, personalized technology session with us today! Our knowledgeable staff are here to help you get the most out of your library experience. We offer computer and personal electronic device assistance in the form of one-on-one help sessions, tailored to your specific needs.

If this time doesn’t work for you, please feel free to schedule a meeting with the contact below!

Contact Junior 508-693-9433 ext. 406

or email [email protected]

AACDP: 20 Years In Zambia

Saturday, May 6th 2:00

Learn about the African Artists Community Development Project

Marsha Winsryg, Director of the AACDP, speaks on 20 years in Zambia, working with a community of families who have children with disabilities in Livingstone. The latest project is a communal farm that will provide food and income for now in the future.

No Mow May Talk

Tuesday, May 9th 5:30

Did you ever consider doing less yard work to help the environment? Our yards act as extensions of our local ecosystems. The Oak Bluffs Library is happy to host Samantha Look, Director of Advocacy and Education for the Vineyard Conservation Society, for a discussion on how home gardens and lawn choices impact the protection of our biodiversity. Join to learn more about the Vineyard Conservation Society's "Vineyard Lawns" initiative, and how you can apply the Vineyard Lawn approach to your own backyard!

No pre-registration is required.

For more information email [email protected]

or call 508-693-9433

Climate Change Discussion:

Understanding the Climate Action Plan

Wednesday, May 10th 5:30

What is the Climate Action Plan, and how is Oak Bluffs involved? Join us for a discussion with Liz Durkee, of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, for a closer look at our Climate Action Plan and what measures we can take.

Rewilding Your Lawn

Saturday, May 13th 1:00
The classic American lawn is an ecological desert and demands endless labor, water, and chemical inputs to maintain its unnatural green. More and more Vineyarders are opting for a yard that is easier to maintain and offers resources for wildlife. Join MVAL Director Matt Pelikan for a presentation on the methods and merits of converting your lawn into habitat. Optional site visits to follow the presentation at the library.

For more information email [email protected]

or call 508-693-9433

Weather Spotter Training

Tuesday, May 16th 5:00

Are you interested in the weather and severe storms? Learn the basics of thunderstorm development and structure, how to identify potential severe weather features, basic severe weather safety, and be able to ask a meteorologist any questions you may have.

You can also learn about the The SKYWARN Weather Spotter program which teaches you how to  report on hazardous weather and help meteorologists make life-saving warning decisions.

Register by Clicking Here

Clothing Swap

Thursday, May 18th 6:00

Join us for our first ever Oak Bluffs Library Clothing Swap. Bring clean clothes to the library to swap with others! Clothes can be new to gently-used and in all sizes, from newborn - adult. We'll help organize all of the belongings, and you are free to go through and take any pieces home with you!

You do not have to bring clothes to participate.

No pre-registration required. Email [email protected] for more information.

Coffee Talk: Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention

Saturday, May 20th 10:15

Join us for coffee and tea while we hear Robin Putnam present on identity theft and fraud prevention. The presentation will include information about how to be safe online. It will also cover how to spot and avoid scams, recent scams that her office has learned about, how to prevent identity theft and steps to take if you have fallen victim.

Robin works for the Events & Outreach Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation of the Commonwealth.

Registration is required. Please call 508-693-9433 or email [email protected]

Historic Cemetery Walking Tour with Tom Dresser

Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00

2023 Dates:

May 13th
June 24th
July 1st

August 19th

September 9th

Join local historian Tom Dresser for a fun, informative & not-at-all-scary cemetery tour.

We will meet outside at Pacific Avenue entrance (cemetery-facing side) of the Oak Bluffs library. Tour takes about an hour and is about a mile in distance. Weather dependent.

No registration is necessary.

J1 Student Orientation & Social Security Applications

May 24th, June 7th, June 15th, and June 21st 10:30-2:30

Social Security Administration representatives will be on island to accept applications for Social Security numbers for seasonal international workers. The workers will need to bring their original foreign passport and DS-2019 (J1 form) so that the representatives can verify their visa status with immigration. Although the demand is mostly for first time SSNs with the seasonal workers, SSA is also available to help island residents get replacement SSN cards and also take any proofs needed for a pending retirement or disability application.

For more information contact [email protected]

Women’s Work Discussion Panel: Tradeswomen

Thursday, May 25th 5:30-7:00

Join us for a panel highlighting the experiences of tradeswomen from across the island in a facilitated conversation. Snacks and refreshments will be provided!

Check back soon for our official announcement of panelists and moderator.

Tom Dresser Book Talk:

Martha’s Vineyard in the 1920’s: Radicals and Rascals

Friday, May 26th 4:00

The Roaring Twenties unfolded in unexpected ways, with airplanes landing in Oak Bluffs Harbor. Young women, known as Flappers, expressed their independence from the Victorian era. Fishermen were lured into ferrying bootleg booze to Vineyard shores. To learn more about this exciting era from a century ago come to Thomas Dresser's book talk, Martha’s Vineyard in the Roaring Twenties, Radicals and Rascals, where he tells the story. And the story sounds remarkably similar to many situations we’re facing today.

Pre-registration is not required. Email [email protected] for more information.

Recurring Programs

Open ASL Practice Group

Tuesdays 1:00

Want to learn ASL? Come drop in on a conversational practice group. No experience necessary, but please check out the linked videos as a precursor to joining the practice group.

Ten Things To Know ASL

How To Sign The Alphabet ASL

Game Night at the Barn

Wednesdays 7:30

Come join us at the Barn Bowl & Bistro for a variety of board games and socializing. We meet weekly at 7:30pm, and newcomers are always welcome.

MAGIC: The Gathering

1st and 3rd Fridays 6:00

Come play Magic: the Gathering at the Oak Bluffs Public Library! Players of all skill levels are welcome. On the first and third Fridays of the month. Food and drink will not be provided, but feel free to bring your own as long as you clean up after yourself. Children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. For more information, please contact Marco Daniels at [email protected]

All Ages Chess

Saturdays 2:00-3:30

Come join Chess Club at the Oak Bluffs Library! Chess is more popular now than ever. Are you looking for a partner, a challenge, a new move? Come and play at the library with a dedicated group of chess lovers in this fun and welcoming environment.

Tap Class

Saturdays 10:30 (NO CLASS 5/6)

Join Hannah on Saturday mornings to discover your inner tap dancer! Class will include a warm-up, instruction to basic tap steps and vocabulary. We will end each class with some fun, light choreography that will keep you tapping until the next class.

No experience is necessary, and a limited number of tap shoes will be provided (size dependent). Although this class is geared towards adults, tap is fun for all ages, and a great way to get in touch with rhythm and musicality.

Email [email protected]

or call 508-693-9433 for more information.

All Programs Free and Open To The Public

Have a Program Idea? Contact our Program Coordinator, Hannah Burbidge
Email: [email protected]

Illuminate Your Life at the Oak Bluffs Public Library

Our library programs are generously funded by the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs. Founded in 1988, the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs (LFOB) is an all-volunteer organization of Martha’s Vineyard residents dedicated to helping the Oak Bluffs Public Library remain a vital public resource for residents and visitors. If you are able, please consider a tax-deductible donation to this wonderful resource!

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