The Heart of the Three Village Community
Author Archive
Programs in Celebration of a Classic
We’re having a swinging good time this summer celebrating the centennial of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby:
Classics in Our Historic Library
Monday, August 4, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Looking to revisit the great works of literature? Are old books your cup of tea? Join us for an intimate book discussion in the historic 1892 section of the Library. Librarian Emma Yohannan will facilitate a discussion of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Read your own copy of the book or ask a librarian to assist you in borrowing a copy ahead of the program. Space is limited. Click here to register starting 7/14.
Gatsby at 100
Thursday, August 14, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
First published on April 10, 1925, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald encapsulated an image of the North Shore of Long Island that has been extremely enduring. This lecture will explore the history of the book’s creation and reception, as well as both the mythology and the reality of the area that it depicted. Presented by Joshua Ruff in conjunction with the ongoing Long Island Museum exhibition, Gatsby at 100 (July 24–October 19, 2025). Ruff serves as the Co-Executive Director, Collections & Programming, at the Long Island Museum. Click here to register starting 7/14.
Questions on these programs? Email askus@emmaclark.org
And we have a program for Teens & Tweens…
Gatsby at 100 Museum Tour and Book Discussion: Self-Made Boys (A Great Gatsby Remix)
Thursday, July 31, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at The Long Island Museum, Stony Brook
For those going into Grades 6 – 12 in the fall
Join us, Old Sport, at the Long Island Museum for a tour of their Gatsby at 100 exhibit and book discussion of Self-Made Boys (A Great Gatsby Remix) by Anna-Marie McLemore, one of the latest releases in the Remixed Classics series.
Our museum guide will interweave aspects of Self-Made Boys with the history of Long Island’s Gold Coast and Fitzgerald’s writing circle, providing a deeper understanding of the lives of 1920s young folks from marginalized backgrounds, as well as those who were figureheads of the era. Librarian Emily Ostrander will lead the book discussion directly following the tour. Snacks will be provided. Click here to register starting 6/17.
About the book: In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds expertly reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens. In Self-Made Boys, the Gatsby tale is retold: Nicolás Caraveo, a 17-year-old Mexican American trans boy, arrives in Long Island’s West Egg, and meets up with his cousin Daisy, whom he is shocked to discover has remade herself into Daisy Fay, a passing white woman, to escape the racism of wealthy society. When Nick meets the infamous Jay Gatsby, his new-money next-door neighbor with a serious crush on Daisy, they realize they have far more in common than expected. Jay envelops Nick in his diverse, heavily LGBTQ+ community, showing Nick the ways that people in 1920s New York found their truest selves. But when drama arises, will Nick and Jay get a happy ending, or follow the path The Great Gatsby’s notorious finale set before them? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
About the exhibit: In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940), his wife Zelda (1900–1948), and their infant daughter Scottie (1921–1986), moved into a Mediterranean-style house at 6 Gateway Drive in Great Neck. Fitzgerald immersed himself in the local community and created an indelible island of imagination, something that resembled but also caricatured what the North Shore of Long Island actually was in the 1920s. On April 10, 1925, The Great Gatsby was published by Charles Scribner’s Sons. The novel received mixed reviews and was not an immediate commercial success. However, it has since taken on a much larger significance in literary and popular culture, achieving a place in the canon of great American novels. This exhibition will focus on the history of the book’s creation and reception, as well as both the mythology and the reality of the area that it depicted. Objects will include items from private and public collections related to the book and to the Fitzgeralds’ lives, period clothing from the LIM’s collection, Jazz Age artwork, and well-developed vignettes.
Parents are welcome to stick around for the tour, or explore the museum on their own, with free entry provided by the Long Island Museum!
Questions about this program? Email teens@emmaclark.org
Click here for more information on the Gatsby at 100 exhibit at The Long Island Museum.
Please note, if you are visiting the museum any other time, we offer free passes. Click here for more information on our Museum Pass Collection.
Join us on the Library Lawn!
Whether you’re looking for an energetic Friday night concert or a relaxing, morning mindfulness program, our beautiful front lawn is the place to be…
Concert on the Library Lawn – Easy Street
Friday, August 1 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Local band Easy Street will play an eclectic mix of popular, dance, R&B, rock & country music from the 60s to today that all ages are sure to enjoy.
This concert is open to the public, and there is no registration. Bring a blanket, chair, or even a picnic. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be cancelled. Call the library for updates at 631.941.4080.
Music and Mindfulness on the Library Lawn
Tuesday, August 12 OR Saturday, August 16, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Breathe and find balance as we practice mindfulness through music together. Taught by Adam King from Reprise Music. Wear comfortable clothes. In the event of rain, this program will be held indoors.
Click here to register for the Tuesday class starting 7/14.
Click here to register for the Saturday class starting 7/14.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
10 Years of Books at the Beach, Thanks to Emma Clark Library
Setauket, NY – May 12, 2025 –
2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of the seasonal Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Library. This “Take a Book, Leave a Book” structure, located under the pavilion at the beach and made from recycled materials, is now open for the late spring and summer, through the first week of autumn.
As before, there’s no need for a library card; visitors are invited to take any books that interest them. These books are donated for the sole purpose of the Little Free Library (books are not owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!). There is no need to live in Three Village to share in this give and take project; all guests of the beach are welcome to donate and/or take books.
The Library would like to thank the Town of Brookhaven and Nicole Pocciare, Environmental Educator, for their constant support and consent to host the Little Free Library at the beach. Additionally, the Library appreciates the teen and tween volunteers who “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich attended the installation and remarked, “Today, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Little Free Library installation at West Meadow Beach. This special milestone is a reminder of how small acts—like sharing a book—can make a lasting impact. As someone who strongly believes in the power of reading and lifelong learning, it’s wonderful to see this beloved resource continue to serve our community.”
Since 2016, Emma Clark has been enhancing a day at the beach with this delightful exchange of books. The Library is grateful for the amazing community partners and the ability to share, read, and reuse books and encourage a love of reading out into the community.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and on the web at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.
“The Heart of the Three Village Community”
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Temporary Closing FAQS – May 2025
Q1: Why did the Library close on May 1?
A: The Library closed due to an emergency HVAC inspection and maintenance following staff reports of a musty odor. Testing confirmed the presence of Cladosporium mold in a contained area, prompting immediate remediation attention.
Q2: What is Cladosporium? Is it dangerous?
A: Cladosporium is a common household mold, which can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory irritation in some individuals. The Library is taking proactive steps to ensure remediation for everyone’s safety.
Q3: What steps are being taken to remediate the issue?
A: The Library is aggressively addressing the condition by removing mold, replacing affected ductwork and HVAC components, and conducting professional air quality testing.
Q4: When will the Library reopen?
A: The Library’s building is now partially reopen (Adult section and Lower Level).
While work continues in the Main Lobby and Children’s Library, those two areas will remain closed to the public and will reopen at a later date.
Visitors will now enter the library through a short-term, temporary entrance via the outdoor terrace. Further updates will be posted on the Library’s website and social media channels.
The Library has several different HVAC systems, each of which serves different areas of the Library. The mold problem is contained only to areas served by one of the large rooftop units – those areas include the Lobby and the Children’s area, which is why those two sections remain closed to the public.
As of now, the timeline for full opening looks like this:
Remediation will continue in the affected areas the week of May 19. After that, the areas will be re-tested, and subsequent to favorable results, construction & follow up HVAC work will begin the following week (week after Memorial Day–NOTE: the Library is closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day). We are hoping the affected areas can reopen sometime in the first week of June or soon thereafter.
Q5: Are late fees being charged during the closure?
A: No. Items such as the Library of Things or physical Museum Passes will not accrue any fines during the closure. Most standard Library materials (such as books) do not accrue late fees.
Q6: What happens to my item holds?
A: All holds will be automatically extended for one full week from the date the Library reopens.
Q7: Can I still attend Library programs and classes?
A: Online zoom classes, and some outdoor and offsite programming will continue as scheduled. Please check the website for updates on individual programs. There will be no on site programs or classes until the library reopens.
Q8: What if I need help with eBooks or digital services?
A: Library staff are available to assist you in accessing online resources. Please call us at 631.941.4080 x. 127 or email askus@emmaclark.org for assistance.
Q9: Is the mold affecting Library materials like books or DVDs?
A: The area is being treated thoroughly, and any impacted materials will be handled appropriately.
Q10: Can I return books or items while the library is closed?
A: Yes. The book drop is available and deemed safe for use. Please refrain from returning physical items that do not fit in the book drop, such as Library of Things items.
Q11: How will I know when the Library reopens?
A: Reopening updates will be posted on the Library’s website and social media channels.
Q12: Why is the closure necessary if the mold is contained?
A: The Library is acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of patrons and staff. Complete remediation and clear air quality tests will be required before a reopening will be permitted.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding; we will advise as to a reopening date when it is determined.
– The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library Board of Trustees
Partial Reopening
May 19: The Library’s building is now partially reopen (Adult section and Lower Level).
While work continues in the Main Lobby and Children’s Library, those two areas will remain closed to the public and will reopen at a later date.
Visitors will now enter the library through a short-term, temporary entrance via the outdoor terrace.
The Circulation Department – where you may pick up your holds; check out books, Library of Things, and other items; purchase Discount Tickets; etc. – will be temporarily moved to the historic section of the Library (Periodicals Room). All of these services, along with Adult and Teen/Tween programming, will resume as normal. While the Children’s Library remains closed, please check for updates on Children’s programming.
The Library has several different HVAC systems, each of which serves different areas of the Library. The mold problem is contained only to areas served by one of the large rooftop units – those areas include the Lobby and the Children’s area, which is why those two sections remain closed to the public.
As of now, the timeline for full opening looks like this:
Remediation will continue in the affected areas the week of May 19. After that, the areas will be re-tested, and subsequent to favorable results, construction & follow up HVAC work will begin the following week (week after Memorial Day–NOTE: the Library is closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day). We are hoping the affected areas can reopen sometime in the first week of June or soon thereafter.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
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As you may know, the Library effected a closing on May 1 for emergency HVAC inspection/maintenance after a musty odor was reported by staff. Library personnel acted swiftly in conducting testing which revealed the presence of a common household mold (Cladosporium) in a contained area of the Library. We are now aggressively remediating the condition and replacing ductwork and HVAC components as necessary.
Please check back at this site for updates.
Please note:
- Online zoom classes will resume as scheduled.
- Although most Library items (such as books) do not accrue late fees, if you possess items that are due (Library of Things, physical Museum Passes), those will not accrue any fines.
- All holds will be extended one full week from the reopening date.
- If you need assistance with our online services, please call us at 631-941-4080 x. 127 or email askus@emmaclark.org
The Heart of the Three Village Community
