The current Edgartown Library building was last expanded in 1975, when our population numbered about 1,500 people. Today our year-round population is a bit more than 4,000, straining the quality of library services for all its users — most of all, the children for whom a good public library can open whole worlds of new opportunities. In January, Edgartown submitted a grant application to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for a new, 15,585-square-foot library that would replace the old Union School next to our new elementary school.

The following reader comments were posted to the story about the death of Michael Ovios, a former longtime teacher in the Tisbury School.

My condolences to your family. I was honored to have Mr. Ovios as a teacher starting in 1975. I can honestly say he started me on my joy of building and being crafty. The school will truly be at a loss of a great mentor and craftsman.

Dana Gallop

West Tisbury

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TOWN MEETING TIME

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I am of the firm belief that by virtue of the fact that you know about the existence of a situation you become responsible for its continuation.

Letter from the Publisher

One should not take the helm of a 165-year-old institution without a sense of history and humility, and so I arrived this week to take up my new post as publisher of the Vineyard Gazette with a healthy dose of both.

Applications are now being accepted for one of International Rotary’s oldest programs, the ambassadorial scholarship awards, designed to further international understanding and foster friendly relations among people of different languages and different cultures. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homeland to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

It’s easy to feel helpless in the wake of disaster but, as the six girls of Edgartown Brownie Troop 80290 learned, equally easy to take action. For the past few weeks, Brownies Ellie Dolby, Kamari Edgar-Harris, Kylie Estrella, Kya Malone, Madison Palmer and Avery Simmons have been hard at work raising money to donate to survivors of the earthquakes in Japan.

Food for Fines

Food for library fines amnesty week is April 10 through 16 at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

Anyone with an account full of overdue books and movies can return them free of charge by bringing a nonperishable food donation for the Island Food Pantry,

For details, call 508-696-4211.

On Wednesday, April 13, libraries on Martha’s Vineyard will join libraries across the commonwealth and the nation to provide a “snapshot” of what happens in a day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? During Snapshot Day, libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.

Scouts Honor

Kevin Oliver of Oak Bluffs was among those who received an award for service at the Boy Scouts of America’s Cape Cod & Islands Council tribute to volunteer leaders last month at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School.

Mr. Oliver was given a council “Oscar,” a local award for service to the unit and council.

International man of tartan, Philip D. Smith, Jr., PhD., has recently designed a tartan design for Martha’s Vineyard.

The tartan was to be introduced by Dr. Smith at the National Tartan Day Conference held on Tartan Day, April 6.

Dr. Smith’s expertise in the oeuvre of plaid lies in both talking the talk and walking the walk. He has designed over 120 tartans and authored over 60 books on the subject.