Author Archive

Outdoor Terrace Adds More Public Space to Emma Clark

Setauket, NY – August 17, 2022 –

Librarygoers have long adored Emma Clark Library’s picturesque historic building, and now visitors may enjoy it while seated outdoors on its newly constructed terrace.

Patrons will be able to bring books, magazines, and newspapers outside onto the terrace for their plein air reading pleasure. Conveniently, the terrace includes built-in power outlets to allow for laptop usage or mobile device charging, along with connectivity to the Library’s WiFi network. It is full accessible for all – ADA compliant and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. This new, outdoor area adds approximately 800 square feet to the building, all for public use.

The only entrance/exit to the terrace is through the Library; therefore, it is a safe, enclosed space, ensuring that individuals do not leave with items before they are checked out. The terrace will also close 15 minutes before the Library closing each night. This allows ample time for patrons to borrow items through the Circulation Desk and for staff to clean up at the end of the day.

The terrace structure takes advantage of the existing retaining wall (the area was formerly the main entrance to the Library prior to 2000), and careful budgeting has allowed for the $293,000 construction costs without asking the public taxpayer for additional funding. The costs will be paid from the Library’s Capital Fund, along with money from New York State Aid for Library Construction (no additional tax levy).

“The new patio is a great repurposing of the former front entrance to the library providing a beautiful open space for all patrons,” said Library Board President Christopher Fletcher. “Special thanks to our Director, Ted Gutmann and board member Orlando Maione for their dedication in seeing this project to its completion.”

Construction of the terrace began earlier this year through Urban Village Contracting, Inc. This company was the low-bid contractor and 3V-resident-owned local company with over 30 years of experience. The architect on the project is John Cunniffe, a local Stony Brook resident who has experience in preserving historical accuracy. He has done numerous projects for Three Village organizations, such as the Three Village Historical Society, the Setauket Neighborhood House, Frank Melville Memorial Park, The Long Island Museum, and the Three Village Community Trust.

Visitors may view the facade of this historic building and the Setauket green, enjoy a book and some fresh air, or meet with friends. The outdoor terrace opens up Three Village’s library space in a new and energizing way.

The Library’s construction project, which was announced in November of 2021, will update the building space to maximize flow and usage for the public. For more information, along with architectural renderings, visit reimagine.emmaclark.org.

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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Food Drive at Emma Clark Library for the Month of July

Setauket, NY – June 25, 2022 –

Throughout July, Emma Clark Library will be collecting nonperishable food items to be donated to local food pantries and nonprofit organizations. Food pantries often see bare shelves during the summer and need help with restocking items for those who are food insecure. Library teen volunteers will be collecting contributions that the public donates to the Library and delivering the food to various food pantries throughout the community.

Donation boxes will be located in the Library lobby to the left of the Circulation Desk, and all are welcome to donate during Library hours. Some suggestions for food items include cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, tuna fish, juice, gum, snacks (pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, cookies), pasta, and pasta sauce.

If you have any questions about the food drive or would like to become a teen volunteer, you may contact teens@emmaclark.org.

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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Little Free Library To Be Enjoyed by Beachgoers Again This Summer

Setauket, NY – June 24, 2022 –

You can’t say “summer” at a library and not immediately think of the word “reading.” But what if you’re at the beach and you forgot your book?

Emma Clark Library has hosted a Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach in July and August since 2016, to inspire beachgoers to read, share, and reuse. This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept is one that embodies recycling and community. The structure was made from reclaimed materials and is maintained by Library teen volunteers. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. There is no need to live in Three Village to share in this give and take project, as long as you are a visitor of the beach. These books are donated by the public (books are not owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!).

The Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare have once again graciously given their consent for Emma Clark to host the Little Free Library at the beach. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich attended the installation to show his support of this outreach service to the community.

“The Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach is just a great opportunity to put books into peoples’ hands. I love the community spirit embodied in those little structures and knowing that favorite books can be shared among neighbors in this way,” said Councilmember Kornreich. “By the way, when you’re there check out the bottom of the little library case — it was constructed from an old wooden library chair.”

Little Free Libraries have become an international phenomenon since their inception in 2010, and Little Free Library was established as a nonprofit organization in 2012 in Wisconsin. According to the official Little Free Library website, there are over 100,000 registered book-sharing boxes world-wide. Emma Clark’s Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach is registered on www.littlefreelibrary.org and can be found on the site’s official map of all Little Free Libraries across the United States and over 100 countries worldwide.

Emma Clark Library is happy to promote literacy outside the walls of the building and help our neighbors discover new books. Whether it be a hot summer day or a beautiful, breezy sunset, the Little Free Library simply enhances the already beloved West Meadow Beach here in Three Village.

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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