Poetry Reading

Two poetry teachers from the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing are sharing their work tonight, July 19, at the West Tisbury Public Library.

Leah Nielsen’s first book, No Magic, was published by Word Press in 2005. She is currently at work on a manuscript that explores the medical and emotional complexities faced by chronic pain patients.

Harry Potter Party

For those who haven’t been able to score a ticket to the latest Harry Potter movie, or who have seen the movie eight times already over the weekend and are driving your family nuts and need now to immerse yourself in the arena of fellow fanatics, the Edgartown Library has just the ticket.

A Harry Potter party is being held Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event is for children of all ages and will include snacks, wand making and games. Costume dress is also encouraged.

Scores of Island families face a future without money for vital early childhood education for their children, and help with leaky roofs and inadequate heating and sanitation, all because of a clerical error which resulted in the Island missing out on $2 million in state grants.

Meals in the Meadow

The Farm Institute, known for providing kids and adults with an on-the-field education in farming, is holding the popular annual fundraiser, Meals in the Meadow, on Saturday, July 16 from 5 to 10 p.m.

There will be silent and live auctions, cocktails, catered buffet by Buckley’s, dancing with Johnny Hoy laying down the groove, and interactive farm-o-ramas.

Tickets are $225. For more details, call 508-27-7007 or visit farminstitute.org.

Improv by Kids for Kids

Tired of having your kids entertained by adults trying to act like kids — animated movies, anyone? There is another way.

By kids, for kids is the IMP way. IMP is the longstanding Island improv troupe that has been entertaining children, not to mention adults, for years now. Each summer IMP holds theatre and improv classes and the result of this creative approach to summer camp is put on stage for everyone to enjoy.

Talk to Animals

Ever spoken with a snake, swapped tales of life in the slow lane with a turtle or beefed with a frog about the lack of variety in a fly-heavy diet? You haven’t? Well, now is the time to start.