On the last Wednesday of each month, from 5-6pm, join us at the West Tisbury Library for “Living Love: Story & Grief Circle.” Meets May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26 & September 30. No sign up required. Free and open to the public.
Living Love draws from one of the most enduring human rituals: the talking circle. Held by Melissa Knowles and rooted in her own lived experience of loss, this monthly gathering brings people together in small groups to share how love and loss continue to shape our lives—through conversation and creative practices, including journaling and the sharing of photographs and personal items that reflect those we carry.
Together, we consider the ways our relationships continue with those who have died—including moments that may feel spiritual, intuitive, or difficult to explain. Between sessions, participants are invited to borrow cameras and join Melissa for photo walks, using photography to notice what feels meaningful and to bring these reflections back into the circle.
On Sunday, May 17, from 2:15-3:45, all are welcome to join us at the West Tisbury Library for a Death Café hosted by Heather Massey, facilitator and co-founder of Massachusetts’ first Death Café and island Death Café facilitator Joyce Maxner. This gathering will provide a comfortable atmosphere in which to share a respectful, thought-provoking, and life-affirming conversation on the topics of death, dying, and bereavement. This event is free and open to the public, and cake will be served.
The West Tisbury Library will be offering a free series of five ukulele lessons this spring with instructor Andy Herr. Classes meet Saturdays starting May 30 from 10:30-11:30am. Please bring your own ukulele if you have one. The library has three ukuleles available to be checked out. Space is limited, so pre-register by emailing [email protected]. Students are asked to commit to all five sessions. This class is recommended for teens and adults. Class dates: 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, and 6/27.
Andy Herr is a classically-trained musician dedicated to a life of musical fulfillment. His flexible, fun-loving instruction covers a variety of instruments and styles, enabling a broad range of students from young children to the elderly.
On Saturday, May 16th, from 2-4pm, the West Tisbury Library will host its seventh annual Archaeology I.D. Day. All are invited! Please bring any artifacts you may have discovered for expert identification and discussion. The archaeologists present will be happy to answer any questions about the archaeology of Martha’s Vineyard and about New England in general. There will also be informative displays to be viewed. On hand for the event will be archaeologists Duncan Caldwell and Bill Moody. This event is free and open to the public.
On Friday, May 29, at 3pm, at the West Tisbury Library, join us for an afternoon of music with Group Therapy featuring Peter Halperin, Jim Orr and Hudson Bausman. This all original show runs a wide gamut from blues-rock, to country, to jazz, and beyond! Peter will perform songs from his Bring On The Storm album and new ones he’s just recorded in Nashville soon to be released. Jim brings his own great original material. Peter plays guitar and keyboard, Jim plays bass and guitar, and they feature close vocal harmonies. They are joined by Hudson Bausman, a fabulous drummer. You may know Peter from his WMVY radio show “Woodstove Studios Presents” and he’s “happy to step outside his studio to bring this show to our beloved library!” This event is free and open to the public.
On Wednesday, May 20, from 4:30-5:30pm, at the West Tisbury Library, Martha’s Vineyard Ocean Academy will present, “The Shenandoah Model: Raising Confident, Connected Youth.” This event is free and open to the public.
How do we raise confident, capable, and connected kids? Drawing on the Shenandoah model of Positive Youth Development, this workshop shares how hands-on experiences, responsibility, and reflection help youth thrive, and how parents can bring these same principles into everyday life. For more information, please visit mvoa.org.
On Wednesday, May 27, at 5:30pm, come to the West Tisbury Library for a memoir book discussion group facilitated by Louise Ponte. If you love to read memoirs, or have never read them and are curious, please join us on the last Wednesday of every month in the library’s large conference room. It is also a great opportunity for those writing a memoir or personal essays to get talking about the craft.
On Thursday May 14th at 4pm, Laura H will be teaching beginner needle felting. Supplies will be available.
This class is for ages 12 to adult and class size is limited, please email or call to register.
Needle felting is a creative and relaxing craft where fibers, usually wool, are sculpted into beautiful designs by repeatedly poking them with a special barbed needle. The needle catches the fibers and tangles them together, causing the wool to felt and form solid shapes. This technique can be used to create anything from animals and flowers to abstract art. It’s a perfect way to unwind and make personalized, handcrafted items.
************** This event is free and open to the public For more information about this event, please email [email protected] or call 508-693-3366
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) will host public Building Project Information Sessions this spring at the West Tisbury Library: Wednesday, Apr. 29, Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 28, from 4:30-5:30pm. These sessions are open to community members, families, and stakeholders interested in learning more about the MVRHS building project and the planning process underway for a modern, safe, and functional school facility.
Representatives from MVRHS and the building project team will share the latest design updates, outline next steps, and answer questions from attendees. The goal of the session is to provide transparent, timely information and engage community members in the ongoing discussion about the future of educational facilities on the Island.
Key details about the project, including plans, timelines, and ways to stay informed, are available online at
Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about the future of MVRHS.
For more information on the project and future events, visit:
