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.
Celebrate the “Setauket Spies” – 9/6
The Three Village-wide Annual Culper Spy Day will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 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.
Start at the location of your choice 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, 12:00 – 2:00 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, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• The History of Emma S. Clark Memorial Library Walking Tour, 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. OR 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Explore the fascinating backstory of Suffolk County’s oldest continuously operating library and the gem of our community. You’ll learn about Emma S. Clark herself, milestones from the building’s 130-year history, as well as some interesting and amusing findings from librarian Jeff Walden. Tours start at the Information Tent outside the Library’s main entrance.
• Level Up Kitchen Library Café located inside the Library– Take a break for lunch or a snack. 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 to 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
The Little Free Library will be back open for the season on May 11, 2026!
Now in it’s 11th year, the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Library, is going strong. This “Take a Book, Leave a Book” structure, located under the pavilion at the beach and made from recycled materials, is open late Spring through September.
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!). All guests of the beach – both residents and nonresidents – are welcome to share in this give and take project and 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.
“The Little Free Library is a wonderful annual addition to West Meadow Beach and a great example of how small things can make a public space even more welcoming and fun, ” says Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. “Books and the beach are a pretty perfect pairing. Sun, salt air, and a story you did not know you needed!”
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.
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
