On Friday, February 26th, we lost a cherished member of our library family. Beloved Library Trustee Herbert L. Foster passed away peacefully, with his family by his side.
Herb exemplified the spirit of giving back to community through the many island organizations he belonged to, including his role as an elected member of the Board of Library Trustees, a role he held since 2006. Herb's dedication and support as a library trustee were boundless.
Last November, I had the distinct honor of being able to brag about Herb at a virtual Veteran's Day Shabbat service held at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center. I recounted that until we had to close our doors last March, Herb stopped by the library almost every afternoon and sat in one of the soft blue chairs near the front door with the newspaper. I knew that the main reason he sat there was not for comfort - it was mainly so he could watch the elementary school kids rush in our doors after school, a sight that delighted him. It was also so that he could keep his ears alerted to the conversations happening at the circulation desk. He frequently introduced himself as a library trustee to our patrons, and would ask about their experience at the library. And Herb being Herb, he would then ask who they were, where they were from, and what they did, and the conversation would inevitably flow from there. These conversations would frequently end with either an exchange of business cards - or a Woof Ticket.
One of Herb’s many special gifts was his ability to talk to people. Herb knew that conversation was the way to open doors and break down cultural barriers. This was a theme that distinctly carried through his many decades spent as both an author and educator.
We all loved Herb because he was curious, inclusive, young at heart, a champion of education, and was always up for an adventure. He was an optimist with a natural curiosity about life and about people, and he always wanted to do things that made the world a better place. As a library staff, we couldn't have asked for a better guy to have in our corner. He will be deeply missed.
The light he brought to all whose lives he touched will never dim. May his memory be a blessing.
~ Lisa Sherman, Library Director
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EXPANDED HOURS:
Curbside Pickup &
Children's Room Pickup Window Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10AM - 4:30PM
To learn how contactless pickup works, click here.
To learn more about all of our digital offerings, click here.
If you need to schedule a pickup time outside of our regular schedule, please contact us. We are happy to make special arrangements.
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Magic the Gathering Game Night
Fridays in March
(no program on 3/19)
7pm
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Join us Friday evenings on the library's Magic the Gathering Discord server. Meet new and old friends alike on the battlefield as we play all manner of formats and competitive levels. Players of all ages are welcome to join.
Friday March 5, 12, & 26
Note: no program on March 19
Follow this link to join the server and start having fun.
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Calling all adult gamers! Starting Tuesdays in April, jump into adventure with the library's new adult Dungeons & Dragons program. Explore mysterious parts of the Island and protect yourself from the dangers that await using your considerable skills, magic, and weaponry. To sign up for this April program, email clook@clamsnet.org. You must have an active Discord account and be age 21 or older to participate.
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Restorative Yoga
Sundays in March
(no program on 3/21)
9am
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Certified yoga instructor Jelisa Difo leads a weekly online class in Restorative Yoga, a practice that allows you to slow down, restore, and relax your body through passive stretching. During the long holds of restful poses, your muscles are allowed to release tension and welcome deep relaxation into the body and mind. No experience or flexibility required, however you will need the following props:
- 1 bolster/firm pillow: To make a bolster, stuff a pillowcase with towels, blankets, or clothing until it is firm and packed tightly. Or use a large, firm pillow.
- 2 blocks: To make a block, stack hardcover books to a height of about 6-8 inches.
Sunday March 7, 14, & 28
Note: no program on March 21.
This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
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Music in the Evening:
Celtic Duo Stanley & Grimm
Friday, March 12
7pm
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Get your Irish on! The dynamic Celtic duo Stanley & Grimm (fiddler Nikki Engstrom and singer-guitarist Sean Brennen) will Zoom with us for an hour of live music. They'll play reels, jigs, tunes of lost love, songs of the old country, and more, depending on where the green muse takes them.
This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
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Chef Look Cooks
Thursday, March 18
5pm
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Our monthly cooking series continues with chef Christopher Look creating delicious dishes live from his own kitchen. A professional chef for almost twenty years, Chris is one of the most imaginative cooks we know, and his affable personality makes him a natural teacher. Get a preview of Chris’s style on his library food blog Trash Panda.
Chris will put his unique stamp on that very traditional American St. Patrick’s Day dish, corned beef. Are you wondering what to do with that brisket you bought on sale once the holiday is over? With his easy method and special mixture of ingredients, Chris will cook up the ultimate comfort food: delectable corned beef meatballs and braised cabbage.
This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
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Music Herstory
Pianist Carole Enger
Saturday, March 20
7pm
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Ms. Enger's concert performance Music Herstory highlights the voices of female composers spanning hundreds of years of classical music, from Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn to today’s fresh voices like Caroline Shaw and Missy Mazzoli. Encompassing a wide range of musical and national styles, Music Herstory is part of a vital conversation focusing on the importance of diverse voices in classical music programming. The artist will take questions after the film.
This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
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Design a Sunny Perennial Border
with Jana Milbocker
Tuesday, March 23
7pm
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Spring is on the way, and expert gardener and garden designer Jana Milbocker of Enchanted Gardens will teach you how to create a sunny perennial garden with colorful blooms in spring, summer, and fall. In her lushly illustrated presentation, you will learn about plant layering, new and reliable perennials, companion plants, and design techniques. Ms. Milbocker will take questions after her talk.
This program has been generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.
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Library Book Group
Thursday, March 25
4pm
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Join local author Jean Stone and library director Lisa Sherman for a virtual discussion of Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro.
From the acclaimed, best-selling memoirist, novelist, and host of the hit podcast Family Secrets, comes a memoir about the staggering family secret uncovered by a genealogy test: an exploration of the urgent ethical questions surrounding fertility treatments and DNA testing, and a profound inquiry of paternity, identity, and love.
Digital copies are available on OverDrive, or contact us to put your physical copy on hold.
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Remembrance: Pianist Adele Dreyer
Sunday, March 28
6pm
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As our country reaches another grim statistic in the year of Covid-19, we remember that every number is a human life lost. With this in mind, our resident pianist, Adele Dreyer, performs an hour of music both meditative and poignant; a musical statement of remembrance, healing, and hope. Join us for this very special program.
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Movie in Focus: Film Discussion Group
A Royal Affair (Denmark, 2011)
Monday, March 29
11am
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Until the day comes when we can enjoy films together again on the library’s big screen, we’re hosting a monthly virtual film group. View our movie of the month (free on Kanopy or Hoopla) and we’ll meet to discuss it via Zoom. Bring your impressions and opinions. Virginia Munro will choose the films and facilitate the group.
From director Nikolaj Arcel comes a compelling historic drama with sex, power, and politics at its center. A Royal Affair (Denmark, 2011) defies the conventions of a steamy bodice-ripper with its cast of fine actors, well-crafted screenplay, and absorbing true story. Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard. This film is available on Hoopla and Kanopy.
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Trash Panda's Quarantine Food Blog
Get meal ideas using existing ingredients
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Feast your eyes on Library Assistant Chris Look's many meal creations on his food blog. Follow his alter ego Trash Panda as he spruces up leftovers, digs all the way to the back of his fridge and cabinets, and talks at length about how much he loves eating. Explore techniques for using what you have on hand to create tasty and fulfilling dishes at home.
Feeling overwhelmed and don't know what to cook with what you've got? Send Trash Panda a list of ingredients or a picture of your fridge or cupboards, and get personalized advice on creating something delicious. Email him at trashpandaepl@gmail.com with all of your food questions.
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Have Library Card, Will Travel
Travel blog
with Kerith
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Join Library Assistant Kerith as she revisits her adventures around the world and dreams about the places she hopes to visit. She'll be listing books, movies, music, and other resources that draw upon memories of these special places. All materials highlighted are available with your CLAMS card!
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Wondrous Women Wednesdays
Wednesdays
10am - 4:30pm
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Celebrate Women’s History Month by picking up a Wondrous Women Craft Bag from the Children's Room pickup window! Every Wednesday in March, craft bags will feature a different influential woman and information about her impact on history. Each bag will contain educational materials, book suggestions, and a craft.
Masks are required when visiting the pickup window.
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Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Craft
Tuesday, March 2
10am - 4:30pm
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Dr. Seuss's Birthday is March 2nd! Celebrate the zany genius of this beloved author by checking out a Dr. Seuss book and picking up a Seuss Celebration craft bag at the Children’s Room pickup window!
Masks are required when visiting the pickup window.
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Pick up a new March art bag with a fresh set of coloring pages designed by Island artist Tara Reynolds at the Children’s Room pickup window. Complete your masterpiece at home, and bring it to the library to have it displayed in the front windows of the Children's Room.
Every masterpiece entered will win a prize, and children of all ages are welcome to participate. March is the last month of the art show, so pick up your kit soon!
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Children's Room
Pickup Window
Monday - Saturday
10am - 4:30pm
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The Children’s Room pickup window is open to browse materials through the windows, or place requests with the library staff.
Masks are required, as well as your library card.
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Craft Pickup Bags
Monday - Saturday
10am - 4:30pm
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Come to the Children’s Room pickup window to grab an activity bag to do at home. Crafts will change weekly, and kits are appropriate for children of all ages.
Masks are required when visiting the pick-up window.
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Kids Winter Reading Challenge
Monday - Saturday
10am - 4:30pm
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Pick up your reading log from the Children’s Room pickup window. Keep track of the books you read (or have read to you) and bring your log back to the window to receive a stamp. Collect stamps to earn prizes!
Masks are required when visiting the pickup window.
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Book Besties
Let us find the perfect books for your child
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Too busy to make requests and browse online? Let us do the choosing for you! Just fill out this form with some details about your child's reading preferences, and our talented library staff will place some items on the hold shelf for you to pick up.
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Children's Librarian
On the Go
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Do you have a home daycare or homeschool pod in Edgartown? Reach out to Elyce to sign up for this service. Hand-selected materials and craft bags will be delivered to your door on Wednesdays up to 4 times per month. Email ebonnell@clamsnet.org for more info.
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Minecraft Meetup: NEW Events
Tuesdays in March
6pm - 8pm
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Sign onto this virtual program, play with your friends, and make new ones in the Edgartown Library's Minecraft Realm.
Starting this month, new weekly special events will highlight everything Minecraft has to offer.
March 2: Monthly Speed Run to the Dragon
March 9: International Space Station Tour
March 16: Spleef Tournament
March 23: No program
March 30: Terra Swoop Force Races
Meetups are every Tuesday from 6pm-8pm for group activities and discussion, but the Realm is open any time of day so participants can jump on and make something happen together.
This program is for players ages 10-16.
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NEW: Dolly Parton's
Imagination Library
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The Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library are so proud partner with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to mail a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to registered Edgartown children from birth until age five, no matter their family's income.
It's easy to register your child! Click on the button below to sign up online, or download the form and return it to the library by mail or in person.
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Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has mailed well over 100 million free books in Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.4 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. |
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CLAMS and Library Services |
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Get the CLAMS
Library App
Take a tour of the CLAMS Library Network app with Chris by clicking on the video.
The CLAMS app lets you browse collections, view upcoming programs, manage your account, and more. It also includes special features, like integrated NYT bestseller lists and Coming Soon titles.
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To add your digital library card to your phone using the CLAMS app, just follow these instructions: |
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Download the CLAMS Library Network app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Select My Account, Manage Accounts, then Add Account/Add Library Card.
- Enter your library card number and Password/PIN and select Validate.
- If you'd like to add more than one card to the app, just repeat this process.
- You can now use your Digital Library Card to check out items at the library.
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Library Card Signup
The Edgartown Library issues library cards free of charge to all Massachusetts residents and property owners. Applicants visiting the island may apply for an out-of-state card, which has a one-time $10 fee, and may check out up to ten (10) items. To apply for a library card, fill out a Library Card Application and either email it to us at info@edgartownlibrary.org or drop it off during curbside pickup hours.
Stop by the library anytime during curbside pickup hours and present your photo ID in order to pick up your library card. If you need any assistance, please email us at info@edgartownlibrary.org.
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Browse New Library Materials
Click on the lists below to find our newest and most popular titles. Please contact us if you need assistance putting items on hold - we are always happy to help.
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Check out our
Browsing Windows!
The library's window displays are always stocked with our newest titles. You can stop by and browse all our new books and DVD displays anytime during our curbside pickup hours.
And the best part? All items on display are available for immediate checkout.
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Home Delivery Service
Home delivery is available for free on Thursdays for any library patron living in Edgartown who is unable to visit the library.
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Chromebooks Available for Checkout
Chromebooks run the Chrome operating system and use Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Each Chromebook comes in a laptop bag with a mouse and a power cable.
Chromebooks can be checked out for 2 weeks. To place a hold, either visit the online catalog or contact us at 508-627-4221 or email info@edgartownlibrary.org, and we'll be happy to place the hold for you.
To check out a Chromebook, patrons must be 18 years or older and have a library account in good standing.
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WiFi Hotspots Available for Checkout
Need internet access? Check out a mobile WiFi hotspot from the Edgartown Library. WiFi hotspots are wallet-sized devices that broadcast wireless internet in a 30-foot radius and can connect up to 10 devices. They work anywhere with Verizon coverage, so you can take it on the go. For full details on checking out a WiFi hotspot, click here, or call the library for more details at 508-627-4221.
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Free Extended WiFi
Get connected with free outdoor WiFi from the Edgartown Library. Bring your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to enjoy free internet access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can enjoy the library's WiFi from both of our parking lots from the warmth of your vehicle.
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Remote Tech Time
Sign up for a one-on-one session with our tech-savvy library staff and upgrade your tech literacy. You can learn how to access e-books, audiobooks, language learning software, and streaming movies, all with the power of your library card, all for free. Sessions are available every Tuesday-Saturday afternoon.
Call or email the library to sign up, or click here to make an appointment.
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Did you know OverDrive and Libby give you access to more than just ebooks and audiobooks? You can also browse popular magazines in full color on your computer or mobile device anytime, and there's no waitlist!
Plus, magazines don't count towards your checkout limit, so you can read as many as you want. The magazine collection currently includes access to over 3,000 popular titles, including:
Cooking: Saveur, Simple, and Delicious
Lifestyle: Elle Decor, Esquire
Business: Forbes, Kiplinger’s, and Inc.
Health: Yoga Journal, Men’s Health
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The Edgartown Library is pleased to provide free access to The Wall Street Journal online. Access includes articles, exclusive podcasts, and the online "print" version of the newspaper.
Simply click here and create an account. Your access is available for 3 days. After 3 days, simply come back and click the link again and log in as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created.
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Access the New York Times online for free with your Edgartown Public Library card. Simply click here and enter the code c59d2806040934a2, then create a username and password.
Use that information to "Log In" upon every future visit to www.nytimes.com
or when using the app.
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Missing your daily dose of the crossword puzzle? Please visit us during curbside pickup hours - puzzles are available in our contactless pickup area in the rear parking lot entrance. |
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Kanopy showcases more than
30,000 titles, including award-winning documentaries, acclaimed films, independent and foreign cinema, rare and hard-to-find titles, and
classic films.
Download Kanopy from the app store, or visit
To see a short video tutorial on how to use Kanopy on your computer, click here.
To see a short video tutorial on how to use the Kanopy app, click here.
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Hoopla is a digital media service that allows you to enjoy movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows on your computer, tablet or phone, and even on your TV. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.
and click "Sign Up."
To see a short video tutorial on how to use Hoopla on your computer, click here.
To see a short video tutorial on how to use the Hoopla app, click here.
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The Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library is a volunteer organization that supports much of the rich programming the library offers.
Their next regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Mar. 4 at 9:00am, and all are welcome to attend. Send an email to director@edgartownlibrary.org for a link to the meeting.
To donate to The Herb and Anita Foster Staff Education Fund, which will support professional development for Edgartown Library staff members who wish to pursue educational endeavors that support and enhance their role at the library, send a check to the Friends of the Edgartown Public Library, 26 West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, MA 02539, or click on this link and select The Herb and Anita Foster Staff Education Fund from the drop-down menu.
To learn how to sign your child up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a new partnership with the Friends that provides free books to children from birth through age five, click here.
The Friends are delighted to have nearly met their annual fundraising goal of $15,000, which goes toward supporting library programming and special events. To find out more about the Friends or to make a contribution, click here and select Annual Fund Drive in the drop-down menu.
To read the Friends latest Annual Fund Drive letter, click here.
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email: info@edgartownlibrary.org
website: edgartownlibrary.org
phone: 508.627.4221
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