The Heart of the Three Village Community
Author Archive
Winners Announced for the 10 Year Anniversary of the Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Contest
Setauket, NY – March 7, 2024 –
It’s been a decade of delightful talent and creativity! Emma Clark Library and the family of the late Helen Stein Shack have been showcasing junior high and high school students in our Three Village community since 2015 through an annual contest. The Library has recently revealed the winners of the 10th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Contest:
First Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): Danny’s Birthday by Elizabeth Wright (9th grader at Gelinas Junior High School)
First Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): Billy the Unusual Giraffe by Julia Hou (10th grader at Ward Melville High School)
Second Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): Our Trip to Estonia by Juni Een (Homeschooled 8th grader)
Second Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): Sleepless Saturday by Claire Sloniewsky and Justine Bushman (both 11th graders at Ward Melville High School)
Each of the winning entries has their own unique artwork and storylines geared towards young children. Danny’s Birthday by Elizabeth Wright is a charming story with bright watercolor and pen drawings of a dog named Danny and all of his friends. Billy the Unusual Giraffe by Julia Hou uses a positive reframing technique, told in a simple manner for children. A giraffe discouraged by his short neck soon realizes all the things he can do with it, rather than its limitations. Our Trip to Estonia by Juni Een teaches children about another country & culture through watercolor and pen illustrations and easy text for children. A collaborative book, Sleepless Saturday by Claire Sloniewsky and Justine Bushman, has delicate drawings and tells the tale of two cats looking for the sun, which has gone missing! Will they find it?
Contest winners will be celebrated at a private awards ceremony on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Each First Prize award recipient will receive a $400 scholarship, and each Second Prize award recipient will receive a $100 scholarship. For those that are a collaborative effort, the prize money will be split between the author and the illustrator. The newly bound books – made into hardcover by the Library – will have the honor of being added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, and winners will also receive copies of their books to cherish in their own home libraries. Light refreshments will be served at the reception, generously donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop and Level Up Kitchen Library Café. Past ceremonies have had Library Board members, teachers and top school district administrators from Three Village, as well as elected officials from New York State, Suffolk County, and the Town of Brookhaven, all in attendance to honor the winners.
Emma Clark Library is thrilled to celebrate this beloved milestone for the community.
The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest called for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort of an author and an illustrator. The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one First Prize Winner and one Second Prize Winner selected from each group.
This award is given in memory of Helen Stein Shack by her family. As a teacher, Mrs. Shack was committed to the education of children, and she especially loved literature written for them. She was a frequent visitor to Emma Clark Library where, even in retirement, she kept current with the latest children’s books. The Library is grateful to the children of the late Mrs. Shack who have established a substantial endowment with the Library to cover the cost of the prizes.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online 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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Seed Library Sprouting Up at Emma Clark Library
Setauket, NY – March 6, 2024 –
Just in time for the first day of spring, a Seed Library and Seed Swap Box are blossoming at Emma Clark Library!
This new, sustainable initiative will debut on March 19 and include a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets, freely available to Emma Clark cardholders. The Seed Library will contain all organic seeds, many which are also Long Island native plants, and will be located in the Adult Department near the new café. Examples of seeds that will be available (on a first come, first served basis while supplies last) are echinacea, milkweed, sunflowers, basil, catnip, cilantro, oregano, arugula, beets, carrots, cucumbers, edamame, green beans, squash, and tomatoes. The Library asks that patrons take no more than 3 seed packets per week and sign the Seed Library Guest Book (individuals do not check out the packets like other library items), to let the library know what they have taken. Additionally, the Library will be granting community service hours to teen volunteers for helping replenish the Seed Library by sorting, packaging, and labeling seeds at designated library-sponsored programs (see emmaclark.org/programs).
Below the Seed Library, there will also be a Seed Swap Box, designed for the generous public to share seeds with the Three Village community. This section of seeds is donated by patrons (in sealed, labeled packets) and will not be inspected or catalogued by the Library. The public is invited to either share seeds or pick up seeds, or do both. There is no limit to how many seeds an individual may donate or take from the Swap Box.
Making this new collection even more environmentally-friendly is the that fact that the structure is a recycled “old-fashioned” library card catalog, effectively repurposed for the seeds. For those who don’t remember the physical card catalog from years ago, it is a specialized piece of furniture that is no longer used in the Library since the inception of the online catalog.
Spearheading this green enterprise is the Library’s Head of Teen Services, Emily Ostrander, who heard the public requests for a Seed Library and found a way to incorporate it into teen volunteering opportunities as well.
“Three Village is such an environmentally-conscious community that is full of gardening enthusiasts. I’m excited to bring this new resource to our patrons! Not to mention that we are getting teenagers involved in gardening at this transitional time in their lives when they’re looking for lifelong skills and hobbies. It may inspire our next generation of growers,” remarks Ms. Ostrander.
The Seed Library is, quite literarily, a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as there are a limited number of seeds available. The Library asks that gardeners be mindful of what they take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community. The goals of the Seed Library and Seed Swap Box are to provide seeds, build community, and support people who are new to the world of gardening, as well as those who are well-seasoned gardeners.
More information on the Seed Library and Seed Swap Box, as well as additional gardening resources, may be found at emmaclark.org/seedlibrary.
Furthermore, the Library continuously holds both in-person and online gardening classes year-round. A listing of classes may be found in the Library’s newsletter or at emmaclark.org/programs.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online 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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Seed Library
Happy Spring! The Seed Library is now fully restocked!
Tuesday, May 13, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.- Seed Library NOT outside due to rain in the forecast.
Thursday, May 15, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.- Seed Library NOT outside due to rain in the forecast.
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Our Seed Library is a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets. These packets are freely available to Emma Clark Library cardholders. The seeds are all organic; many are also Long Island native plants. The seed packets are housed in an “old-fashioned” card catalog – a specialized piece of furniture that we no longer use in the Library since we’ve moved to an online catalog, but have now effectively repurposed for the seeds. You’ll find it between the Adult Reference Desk and the Café.
Below the Seed Library, you’ll find our Seed Swap Box, designed for the public to donate and share seeds. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. These will not be inspected or cataloged by the Library.
The goals of these resources are to provide seeds, build community, and support people who are new to the world of gardening, as well as those who are well-seasoned gardeners.
How Does the Seed Library Work?
Each patron may take no more than 3 seed packets per week from the Seed Library. You do not need to check the packets out. Instead, please sign our Seed Library Guest Book, indicating which seed packets you took, as well as any comments you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Seed packets are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Some Examples of Seeds that May Be Available in the Seed Library:
- Flowers – Amaranth, Echinacea, & Sunflowers
- Herbs – Basil, Chives, & Dill
- Fruits & Vegetables – Arugula, Bok Choy, Green Beans, Okra, Spinach, & Sugar Snap Peas
Our Seed Library is a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as we have a limited number of seeds available. Please be mindful of what you take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community.
Can I Donate Seeds?
We love our generous Three Village community! If you have seeds that you would like to share with others, please place them in our Seed Swap Box, below the Seed Library. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. There is no limit to how many seeds you may donate or take from the Swap Box. What is found in the Swap Box is not cataloged or inspected by the library. Take what you would like; you may find a new favorite!
Upcoming Gardening Classes
How to Grow a Hot Pepper Garden (Online)
Monday, May 19, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Do you like spicy food or making homemade salsas and hot sauce? Grow your own hot peppers at home! From the classic jalapeño to the world’s hottest – Carolina Reaper, learn how to grow and care for hot pepper plants from seed to harvest. Taught by Joseph Lodato. Click here to register now.
The Magic of Compost (Online)
Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Compost is a residential win-win for increasing soil health and for reducing the volume of waste headed to the municipal landfill. Learn four different types of composting methods in this workshop, including outside and indoor composting, aerobic and anaerobic techniques, worm and lasagna approaches. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register now.
Local Eats: The Saucy Tomato (In-Person)
Thursday, May 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn about this delicious and versatile vegetable (or is it a fruit?)! An educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension will teach you all about the different kinds of tomatoes and their nutritional benefits. Enjoy food samples and come away with some new ideas for how to grow and cook with this kitchen staple. Click here to register now.
Whimsical Succulent Terrarium (In-Person)
Tuesday, June 10, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. OR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn how to properly grow and care for your own succulent! Participants will plant their succulent in a teacup and adorn it with mini fairy garden décor. Taught by James Snider from The Pot City. Space is limited. All supplies provided.
Click here to register for the 2:00pm class starting 5/12.
Click here to register for the 6:30pm class starting 5/12.
Shade Gardens (Online)
Thursday, June 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Does your yard get little or no sun? Hundred of plants prefer and thrive in shady conditions. Discover how you can bring four seasons of interest to your shaded garden with an array of colors, sizes, and plant textures. Attention to foliage and structural features are key. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register now.
Show us what you’ve planted in your garden, thanks to our Seed Library!
We’d love to see those colorful flowers, delicious herbs, and healthy fruits & vegetables. Post a photo and tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram @EmmaClarkLibrary. #SeedLibrary
Make sure your post is public so that we can view it!
Additional Gardening Resources
We have a robust collection of books on Gardening in our Adult, Young Adult, and Children’s Non-Fiction Collections.
You can find them under the Dewey Decimal Number 635.
We offer gardening programs periodically at the Library, both in-person, and on Zoom. Check out our latest
newsletter for program listings.
The following are some links you may find useful when planning your garden:
- Companion Planting from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
- Native Plant Finder from National Wildlife Federation
- Nature’s Pest Controls from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
- Seed Saving Guide from Seed Savers Exchange
- Starting Seeds Indoors from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
ABCMouse now free at home!
ABCmouse is the award-winning early learning resource for math, phonics, reading, and more. Designed by learning experts, your child can practice anytime, anywhere. It has interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and more for ages 2 – 6+.
With your library card, you can now access ABCmouse at home for free! Click Here, choose New York, find Emma S Clark Library in the drop down menu, and then enter your library card’s barcode and your Library PIN or password.
Once you hit submit, you should see a page with the name of your library across the top. This page also contains fields for a name and email so you can make separate ABC Mouse accounts for each child in the household. You can even log in and track your child’s progress.
Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
Library Café, Operated by Level Up Kitchen, Now Open
Setauket, NY – December 11, 2023 –
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library has unveiled its new café, the much-anticipated final phase in a construction project that was announced in 2021, which includes the café, a new outdoor terrace, and better flow for the library’s main reading room. This 2-year project is helping to make the library even more of a community center than it was before – inviting those to come and stay for a while – and meeting the different needs of the library’s various constituents.
More info & menu at emmaclark.org/cafe
The café, now open to the public, is run by Level Up Kitchen, a local business which was selected from a pool of candidates to be the food and beverage vendor, as was publicized by the Library in May of this year.
Owned and operated by Three Village native and chef Chelsea Gomez, Level Up Kitchen Library Café promises fresh coffee and healthy, handcrafted fare that meets a variety of dietary needs. The menu includes nut-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan items, avoiding cross contamination with allergens. Moreover, Ms. Gomez places importance on sustainability, working with local farms and purveyors where possible to stimulate the local economy and provide the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Ms. Gomez possesses extensive knowledge of food safety, and all of her employees are Suffolk County Department of Health-certified food managers.
In addition to the outdoor terrace which opened last summer, a new indoor seating area was added adjacent to the café. Architect John Cunniffe, a local Stony Brook resident who has experience in preserving historical accuracy, ensured that the café and seating area showed architectural sensitivity to the historic section with the same refined feel. Urban Village Contracting, Inc., a 3V-resident-owned local company executed the construction. The library was able to complete the entire construction project without having to close at all for its patrons.
A café is a very popular addition among today’s libraries. It allows for more flexibility and options for the public, both to visit the library more often, as well as to extend their stay. The library is not solely a building full of books, but where individuals or groups may leisurely enjoy the beautiful space. Those who are studying or working may now take a break for a quick snack or meal, without having to leave the library. Before or after a library program, attendees may have something to eat or drink. Those who live or work in the neighborhood may stop in to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. Friends may meet at the library for coffee or a meal and browse books together. The café simply enhances that welcoming feel and accommodates those who would like to stay longer.
This “new” Emma Clark Library is not so much a transformation, as it is a rejuvenation of the Library, staying true to its historic roots and yet accommodating its 21st century constituency. The Library Board of Trustees and Staff are thrilled to offer these improvements to the community here in Three Village.
Level Up Kitchen is owned and operated by Three Village native and chef Chelsea Gomez. Ms. Gomez graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology with a degree in Culinary Arts in 2006, and prior to founding Level Up Kitchen Ms. Gomez was Executive Chef at the much-loved Pentimento Restaurant in Stony Brook, which closed in 2021. Ms. Gomez is fully invested in the Three Village community, having grown up in Setauket, and she is currently raising her young family here.
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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The Heart of the Three Village Community
