Five Things You Need to Know Today: July 17

1. There are with Nora today at the Oak Bluffs Library for Ages 4 to 6 yrs. with parent or guardian. Sign-up is required, limit of 12 children each week. 10 am.

2. This afternoon at the , there is a featuring the Spindrift Marionettes who will perform "The Magic Teakettle" a Japanese folktale about a tenuki, a creature who can magically transform into anything. Suitable for children 3 to 10. 20 minutes. $5. 3 pm.

3. Tonight at , there is a , Cape Cod and Islands Chapter. A portion of food sales both from dine-in and to go will be donated to The Red Cross. Meet local Red Cross volunteers from Martha's Vineyard who respond to Island emergencies and learn about volunteer opportunities and upcoming classes offered by the American Red Cross. The night will include a silent auction and raffle prizes. 5 pm – 10 pm. For more information, to make a donation for the auction or to purchase raffle tickets, please email Robert.Porter@redcross.org.

4. Photographer Alison Shaw will celebrate her new book with a book launch at thethis evening. Learn how this combination art book and practical guide come together. Free. Books available for purchase and signing. 5:30 pm.

5. and kick of this evening under the Featherstone Summer Tent. The event will feature Poets Laureate: Dan Waters, Fan Ogilvie, Justen Ahren and Steve Ewing. $20. Tickets go on sale on the day of the event at 6 pm. Poets begin readings at 7 pm. For more information, call 508-693-1850.