Oak Bluffs
Massachusetts
Oak Bluffs Public Library
The roots of the Oak Bluffs Public Library trace back to the 1880s, when a small but enthusiastic group of (then Cottage City) residents formed the Rural Improvement Association.
Among the group's many improvement goals was to "quicken the social and intellectual life of the people." By 1883 this had led to the recognition of the need for a town library. Lillie Chapman was put in charge and a call for book donations went out. Books accumulated and the collection grew quickly in the Chapman home on Lake Avenue.
Within a year, it was clear that the library needed a home of its own, and it moved to a room upstairs in the Arcade Building on Circuit Avenue. The collection steadily increased, as did the responsibility of running the library. In 1905 the association offered the library as a gift to the town, which they voted to accept at the 1906 Town Meeting.
Subsequently, the library moved once again, this time to the Eldredge Building, which now houses the restaurant Balance. During the 1930s the library purchased and moved to the two-story building at the corner of Circuit and Pennacook Avenues.
The first floor had formerly housed William McNeil's grocery store, and the second floor at one time had been used by a local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Eventually, this building also proved too small and an addition was built by the Oak Bluffs Highway Department and dedicated in 1990.
With help from a state grant, construction of a brand new library began in spring 2004, and opened in October 2005. For the first time in its history, The Oak Bluffs Public Library operates in a building that was created specifically as a library.
Recent News
Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - January 2024
January Updates HAPPY NEW YEAR! We’ll be sending out two newsletters this January. Keep an eye on your inbox for even more information about our end-of-month programs, including a very special staff announcement! SAVE THE DATE! Putts &…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - December 2023
December Updates The library will be closed on Tuesday, December 26th. Happy Holidays! LIVE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE! Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” - Adapted by Doris Baizley Saturday, December 9th - 7:00pm Sunday, December…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - November 2023
November Updates Please be advised that the library will be closed on the following dates due to Federal holidays: Saturday, November 11th Thursday, November 23rd Friday, November 24th We Are Hiring! New Position: Adult Program…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - October 2023
Hello, October! October Programs Click To See Our Full Program Calendar Art Exhibit: Bernica Williams Daily, During Open Hours Enchanted Harmony Art Reception: Tues, 10/17 4:30-5:45 "If you would be a witch, honor the Earth, honor life. Love.…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - September 2023
Learn more about Maritime Month September Programs Click To See Our Full Program Calendar September Artist in the Oak Bluffs Library Meeting Room Ksenia Meleshko Reception: SAT, Sept. 16th 2:00-3:30 The Silenced Voice of Vincent Van…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - August 2023
Hello, August! Learn more about Sankofa Summer reading isn’t just for littles Join in our adult summer reading program for July - August and get delicious rewards for kicking back and enjoying the summer with a good book! Learn more…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - July 2023
SAVE THE DATE: Sankofa Festival AUGUST 3 - 5, 2023 Save the dates for our annual Sankofa Festival: an annual celebration of African American literature and culture. Learn more about Sankofa Summer reading isn’t just for littles Join…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - May 2023
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…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - April 2023
APRIL NEWSLETTER Putts & Pints: Mini Golf at the Library! Our March mini golf fundraiser was one big par-tee! On Friday, March 24th we welcomed over 150 people into the library for a mini golf bonanza! Friends came together and played a…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - March 2023
Special Announcement! Putts & Pints: Mini Golf at the Library Fundraiser! Friday, March 24th 4:00 - 5:30 Free Teen's Only Mini Golf! Friday, March 24th 6:00-9:00 Saturday, March 25th 10:00-12:00 Free Family Mini-Golf Our wildly popular…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library February Newsletter
Special Announcement! Putts & Pints: Mini Golf at the Library Fundraiser! Friday, March 24th 6:00-9:00 Our wildly popular after-hours 21+ mini-golf event returns! Come to our annual Library Mini Golf fundraiser, and play 18 holes throughout…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Happenings Newsletter
CONTACTLESS PICKUP STILL AVAILABLE The Oak Bluffs Library continues to provide contactless pickup. Request materials by emailing [email protected], calling 508-693-9433, or logging in to your CLAMS account. Please visit the library website…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - December 2022
See all events on our Library Calendar here! New Programs EVENT DETAILS All events in-person unless otherwise noted. New Programs! Winter Crafts Join us for some DIY winter crafting fun! These adult crafting sessions are open to all skill…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Newsletter - November 2022
In the Library Gallery - November 2022 Michael Rising Sun Sellitti Photographer and Native of the Wampanoag Tribe https://www.msellittiphotography.com/ Artist Reception: Saturday November 12th 12:00 - 1:30 I have always drawn joy and…
Read More »September is Maritime Month at the Oak Bluffs Public Library
September is Maritime Month at the Oak Bluffs Public Library! Find out more at https://oakbluffslibrary.org/events/maritime-month/ In the Library Gallery - September 2022 Jane Resnick Painter | Realism and Abstract Expressionist …
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Happenings - August 2022
James W. Jennings, 41, is a renaissance man most know by “Coach”. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, James teaches at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School and works at School of the Future in NYC. James is an educator, a…
Read More »Hot New Hours At Oak Bluffs Library This July
In the Library Gallery - July 2022 Destiny Arianna Visual Artist www.destinyariannastudio.com Beauty in Remembrance is a weaving of works that are reminiscent of the beauty that lies within the act of carrying memories and one's legacy with…
Read More »Oak Bluffs Public Library Happenings - May 2022
We're planning for the future! Help us plan for post-pandemic library services to the Town of Oak Bluffs by taking a moment to give us some important information about you and your family's needs. Thanks for helping make your library as great as…
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