The Heart of the Three Village Community
Author Archive
Philip Groia Global Studies Collection
Philip Groia, who taught social studies at Paul J. Gelinas Jr. Junior High School for over 30 years and who passed away in 2014, left a substantial bequest to build a global studies collection at the library.
New items added to the Philip Groia Global Studies Collection can be found in in the Delaney Room on the first floor of the library or online here.
Read the article about Mr. Groia and the collection that appeared in The Village Times Herald (October 6, 2016)
Mr. Groia was also an authority on doo-wop music. We have his book, They All Sang on the Corner, in our collection.
Registering to Vote, Absentee Ballots, and Voting Information
Click here for information on how to Register to Vote.
Wondering how to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming election? You can download an application or use one of the other application options described here: Absentee Voting
Alternatively, those who wish to obtain a paper copy of the application for absentee ballots may pick one up at the Library’s Adult Reference Desk.
Click here for how, when, and where to vote in Suffolk County.
Click here for locations and hours available for early voting in Suffolk County.
Celebrate the “Setauket Spies” – 9/7
The 10th Annual Culper Spy Day will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. throughout Three Village – the result of a wonderful collaboration of entities who came together to create an event that highlights the amazing history behind George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
The Three Village area is full of hidden intrigue and stories of how America’s first spy ring came together secretly to provide General George Washington the information he needed to turn the tide of the American Revolution.
Build Your Own Revolutionary War Story! Start at whatever location you want and go at your own pace. All are welcome to stop by. The event is rain or shine. Specifically at the Library we’ll have:
• Display of Revolutionary War paraphernalia in the lobby. Learn about the Library’s Culper Spy Ring website (spyring.emmaclark.org).
• Information Tent adjacent to the front entrance, including library materials related to the Culper Spy Ring.
• Tunes of the Revolution live music on the lawn, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Linda Russell & Margery Cohen will present ballads, broadsides, marches, and dance tunes of the 18th Century accompanied by hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, penny whistle, and limberjack. Seating will be available.
• Children’s Games & A “Spy-Themed” Craft on the lawn, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.
• Level Up Kitchen Library Café – Take a break for lunch or a snack at this new spot, located inside Emma Clark Library. The café is open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and offers sandwiches, wraps, salad, desserts, coffee and tea (hot or iced), cold drinks and more. There’s ice cream too! Click here for more info on hours and the menu.
Culper Spy Day events are free and open to the public; no tickets required. If you’d like view a schedule of all the events in the area, click here for the Three Village Historical Society’s information page.
Consult our interactive map at spyring.emmaclark.org to visit the places where history happened, or check out our list of recommended materials and websites to discover the facts behind this important story that took place right here during the Revolutionary War.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Little Free Library Reopening in May
The Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Library, is reopening May 12, 2025!
A literary summer tradition, the Little Free Library at the beach has been going strong since its inception in 2016. This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept inspires beachgoers to read, share, and reuse and encourages lifelong reading. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to grab a book and/or donate one. The books are all donated by the public and cater to all ages. This little library is possible thanks in part to many generous booklovers (books are not curated or owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!). Library teen and tween volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked.
The structure itself was constructed by Library staff members from recycled materials, including end caps of previous library shelving units. The legs of the cabinet were made from an old library chair.
There is no need to live in Three Village to participate, as long as you are a visitor to the beach. 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.
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 150,000 registered book-sharing boxes across the United States and 120 countries worldwide. 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.
Emma Clark Library is delighted to increase access to books for all ages and promote the exchange of books within the community, enhancing a day at the beloved West Meadow Beach.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org.
Photo Caption: Little Free Library with Library Teen Volunteers
Bookmark Contest Winners!
Congratulations are in order for the winners of the 4th Annual Emma Clark Library Bookmark Contest!
Grades K – 2 category: Madison I. (2nd grade at Nassakeag Elementary)
Grades 3 & 4 category: Evelyn J. (3rd grade at Minnesauke Elementary)
Grades 5 & 6 category: Raymond L. (6th grade at Minnesauke Elementary)
The winning entries have been printed and will be distributed at the Library throughout the year.
ALL entries are on view in the Children’s Department. Stop by to see these creations made by your fellow Three Village friends!
Click here for information about the contest.
If you have any questions, please email kids@emmaclark.org or call 631.941.4080 ext. 123.
The Heart of the Three Village Community
