This Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 is the Vineyard Haven library monthly book sale. I love to keep a book or two in the back of the car, in case I forget to take one for the ferry or a doctor’s appointment. And I can pass it on to a friend when I’m done.

Walk or run this Sunday to support our Vineyard Haven library. The 5k Run/Walk goes from the library to the West Chop Lighthouse and back. There is also a free Half-Mile Fun Run for Kids (13 and under). 5k starts at 10 am; Fun Run for Kids starts at 9:45 am; registration begins at 8:30 am. Registration forms are at the library or online.

We want one nearby, but we do complain about hospitals. Ours has long corridors that seem endless. Everyone complains about hospital food, although ours seems to get more praise than not. There is one thing that is marveled at by visitors and patients alike. That is the glorious view of Vineyard Haven Harbor. As I write this, my husband is in our hospital for the second time this month, but he is happy to have his binoculars so he can thoroughly enjoy what’s going on.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) wants you to know about some free special events for you that are happening here in town. Next Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 pm, at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center, 35 Greenwood Avenue, is a session with Alicia Knight on Mindfulness, practices to improve focus and awareness, especially for parents. More at mvcommunityservices.com/events.

MVCS and Martha’s Vineyard Veterans Support Series present Money Management with Sue Katz for veterans and their families, and anyone else interested. This is a week from Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 pm at the American Legion Post on Williams Street. You must RSVP to Julie Meader at jmeader@mvcommunityservices.com.

And one more from Community Services: On Sept. 30, a week from Wednesday, expectant parents are invited for dinner and a tour of the Family Center and Swap Shop. Meet other parents of the class of ’34 for information on safe sleep, soothing, and baby blues. For more or to preregister, call 508-687-9182.

A week from Monday is the Health Fair at the Tisbury Senior Center, from 4 to 6 pm. This gives you a free health screening, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. You can ask questions of experts from Visiting Nurses, Elder Services, Hospice, Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living, and more. There will also be testing by optometrist Dr. David Finkelstein, podiatrist Dr. Michelle McCrumb, and hearing testing by Dr. Lesley Segal. Call the Senior Center for appointments at 508-696-4205.

Opening night is next Thursday at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse for “Visitors,” a new play by Barney Norris. I love the description: A family is falling apart in a farmhouse at the edge of Salisbury Plain. Stephen can’t afford to put his mother into care; Arthur can’t afford to stop working and look after his wife. Then a young stranger with blue hair moves in to care for Edie as her mind unravels. Call 508-687-2452 or email boxoffice@vineyardplayhouse.org.

Women Empowered invites you to a champagne brunch at the Harbor View Hotel a week from Sunday from 11 to 1. Their speaker is Jessica Kensky, who survived the Boston Marathon and is a double amputee. She will speak on “The Resilience of the Human Spirit.” They will also be honoring Island women: JoAnn Murphy and Betty Burton, as well as Mary Beth Grady and Allison Burger, owners of Chilmark Chocolates. Tickets are $100 at 508-696-8880.

Congratulations go out today to Jerome and Doris Clark. Happy anniversary to Louisa Gould and J.B. Lamont on Saturday.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go to Samantha Valley today. On Friday, wish the best to Hilda Illingworth. Saturday belongs to Barbara Maciel. Wish the best on Sunday to Jan Dorchester and Dan Greenbaum. Happy birthday to Trip Barnes and Ken Ward; they party on Monday. Tuesday is a very special day for Lori Dorsey.

Heard on Main Street: You really should keep your words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them.