Author Archive

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating America’s semiquincentennial throughout the year with programs and displays for all ages!

From Sea to Shining Sea: Community Art Exhibition (All Ages)

All ages are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by contributing to our Library’s collaborative art display. Each participant will create an American landscape scene on a 10×10” canvas. In June, we’ll hang all the canvases together to reveal a beautiful patchwork display in our Library Café Gallery! Here’s how to join the fun:

1. Beginning on March 16, pick up your canvas at the Library. All ages can participate! Kids pickups will take place at the Children’s Desk. Adults and Teens & Tweens pickups will take place at the Lower Level Service Desk. Please note: Registration is required for pickup. Registration will be broken down by age group: Kids, Teens & Tweens, and Adults. Register online, in person, or by phone: 

Adults, click here to register now.

Teens/Tweens (Grades 6 – 12), click here to register now.

Kids, click here to register now.

2. Create your landscape at home using your favorite medium: markers, crayons, paints, pastels, mixed media, or whatever sparks your creativity! Inspired by our beautiful nation, your scene will represent an American landscape, whether the far-away beaches of Hawaii or the towering skyline of the Big Apple!

3. Return your completed canvas any time on or before May 1. Drop-offs will be accepted at any Library service desk. If you’d like to pick up your canvas after the exhibit, please be sure to write your first and last name legibly on the back.

4. Visit the Library this summer to view this collaborative project on display near the Adult Reference Desk and the Library Café. The From Sea to Shining Sea Community Art Exhibition will stay on the walls throughout the summer!

Please note: Not for Community Service Credit

PRIDE! Our Story
The History of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America
on display at Emma Clark Library from April 1 – 28

This traveling exhibit, on loan from the Huntington Public Library, honors the fearless pioneers, iconic moments, and everyday heroes who have defined more than a century of struggle and triumph.

Created by Huntington resident John N. Daniello, a graphic designer and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, the exhibit aims to educate, inspire, and preserve these vital stories for future generations.

The American Experience: American Artists Through Our History (In-Person; Adults)

Thursday, April 16, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. 
As we are celebrating 250 years of our nation, let us look at some of the artwork that has expressed the patchwork of voices, ideas, culture, history, and perspectives. Through the eyes of American artists, we’ll explore the American experience – social, intellectual, & cultural – with artist and professor Chris Vivas. Open to all adults. Click here to register now.

FDR’s Four Freedoms (Online; Adults)

Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
On January 6, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt shared with the country his vision for a world founded on “four essential freedoms” – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II, which brought about the new world order based on FDR’s Four Freedoms. This session explores the vision Roosevelt held for all the world. Led by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Note: Rescheduled from October & February due to government shutdown. Open to all adults. Click here to register starting 4/14.

Becoming the United States: Colonial America to Reconstruction
A Long Island Resources Council Traveling Exhibition
on display at Emma Clark Library from May 26 – June 24

This exhibit was created by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History using items from their collection. It explores individuals, groups, and documents that have contributed to the history of the United States.

Theodore Roosevelt on Film: The First Presidential Movie Star (In-Person; Adults)

Wednesday, June 3, 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. 
The 26th President of the United States – Oyster Bay’s own Theodore Roosevelt – wowed early movie-goers with his energetic on-screen persona. The magnetic Mr. Roosevelt could have easily signed a movie contract. While Roosevelt was in office, nearly two hundred short films of Roosevelt or Roosevelt imitators were made, but only a fraction survive. Film historian Glenn Andreiev will share these rare film clips. Click here to register starting 5/12.

Unsung Heroes: LGBTQ Activists & Advocates (In-Person; Adults, Teens & Tweens)

Thursday, June 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
Take pride in American history and discover LGBTQ activists and advocates who stood up to prejudice and ignorance. Celebrate the pioneers of the LGBTQ rights movement by learning about Barbara Gittings, Dr. John Fryer and more! Taught by Howard Rosenberg. Open to all Adults, Teens, and Tweens. Click here to register starting 5/12.

Miles Davis at 100: A Birthday Celebration with Wayne Tucker (In-Person; Adults)

Sunday, June 14, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. 
American jazz legend Miles Davis would have turned 100 on May 26th. Join us to celebrate his life and legacy with Grammy-nominated trumpet player and vocalist Wayne Tucker and his band. From the Bebop era of the late 40s to his funk hit “We Want Miles”, we are going to celebrate Miles in a way you have not yet heard! Click here to register starting 5/12.

Juneteenth: A History (In-Person; Adults, Teens & Tweens)

Monday, June 15, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
Let’s delve into the history and celebration of Juneteenth with Professor Andrew “Sekou” Jackson, Executive Director Emeritus of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. Open to all. Click here to register starting 5/12.

Cooking with Chef Rob: Apple Pie (In-Person; Adults)

Tuesday, June 16, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. OR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Chef Rob will guide you step-by-step as you prepare an All-American Crustless Apple Crumb Pie to take home and bake! He will also prepare Roasted Shrimp that you can sample while making your pie. Food samples and recipes will be provided. Please note: You must bring three large, crisp apples, two medium bowls, one 7-inch pan for baking, and a small cutting board.
Click here to register for the 3:00 p.m. program starting 5/12.
Click here to register for the 6:30 p.m. program starting 5/12.

Savvy Sightseer’s Destination Travelogue: Go West! National Parks & Canyons (In-Person; Adults)

Monday, June 29, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 
Join “Savvy Sightseer” Jeanne Schnupp as she presents a photographic tour of the dramatic and jaw-dropping vistas of Arizona, Utah and the Navajo Nation. She’ll share photos and stories of the majestic Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park. Click here to register starting 5/12.

Check back here as more programs get added throughout the year!

Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org