Category: News Items

Navy Seal Museum Added to Library’s Museum Pass Collection

Setauket, NY – January 15, 2025 –

Emma Clark has recently added The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum to the Library’s widely used Museum Pass Collection.

This interactive museum, located in West Sayville, is dedicated to the commemoration and storytelling of the U.S. Navy SEAL community and includes a movie theater and SEAL simulation ride.  Three Village residents may borrow a pass for free admission for 2 adults and 4 children (under 18 years old). To reserve a pass, Library cardholders may visit emmaclark.org/museum-passes. This pass is “Print & Go”, which means patrons may print it from any computer (there is no need to pick up a physical pass from the library).

The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum complements the nearby Long Island Maritime Museum, which is also located in West Sayville and a part of Emma Clark’s Museum Pass Collection.

In 2024, there were 2,615 free museum visits for Three Village residents, thanks to Emma Clark Library’s Museum Pass collection. The program features close to 40 museums, gardens, historic sites, family-friendly attractions, and cultural institutions on Long Island and in New York City.

Those who borrow passes through Emma Clark’s Museum Pass program are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with the hashtag #EmmaTakesMePlaces. Emma Clark Library may be found on Facebook @emmaclarklibrary and Instagram @emmaclarklibrary.

The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum tells the story, sacrifices, and legacies of the Special Operators of Naval Special Warfare Command from the frogman and Underwater Demolition teams of WWII and Korea to the birth of the SEALs in Vietnam, the War on Terror, Operation Redwings, and an exhibition hall dedicated solely to the SEAL Training program. There are seven exhibition halls including a movie theater and a SEAL simulation ride to give the public a glimpse into the stories and lives of these very special men and heroes.

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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Community Volunteer Fair Back at Emma Clark Library

Setauket, NY – September 5, 2024 –

For those looking to serve and better the community, consider stopping by Emma Clark Library’s Community Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, September 25 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome to explore opportunities by meeting and speaking with representatives from local organizations seeking volunteers. In addition to becoming involved and being an engaged citizen, volunteering is a great way to get acquainted with your neighbors and make new friends.  Volunteer work can enhance a resume or college application as well.

Registration is not necessary to attend the Volunteer Fair, and all are welcome (both teens and adults, as well as Three Village residents and non-residents). The Library is hosting over a dozen organizations at the event, and below is list of those scheduled to be in attendance (as of September 3):

• American Red Cross
• Avalon Nature Preserve
• Bethel Hobbs Community Farm
• Emma Clark Library’s Teen Department
• Guide Dog Foundation
• Last Chance Animal Rescue
• Open Door Exchange
• Parker Jewish Institute – Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program
• Sisters of St. Joseph
• Sweetbriar Nature Center
• Theatre Three
• Three Village Historical Society
• Three Village Lending Aids Society
• Ward Melville Heritage Organization

Furthermore, there will be a table with materials from organizations who were unable to attend the fair but are also looking for volunteers. Anyone with questions about this program is encouraged to email askus@emmaclark.org or call 631.941.4080.

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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10 Year Milestone for Picture Book Contest at Emma Clark Library

Setauket, NY – April 9, 2024 –

2014 – 2024: This year marks a decade of celebrating the creative writing and artistic talent from junior high and high school students of the Three Village community.

Emma Clark Library is overjoyed to reach this significant milestone. Those in grades 7 – 12, who reside in the Three Village Central School District, created an original picture book for children, in hopes of winning a substantial monetary prize and recognition. Their hard work paid off. Library board members & staff, the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, representatives from the Three Village Central School District, and guests all gathered on Monday, April 8 to honor the winners of the 10^th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award:

First Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): Danny’s Birthday authored and illustrated by Elizabeth Wright (9^th grader at Gelinas Junior High School)

First Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): Billy the Unusual Giraffe authored and illustrated by Julia Hou (10^th grader at Ward Melville High School)

Second Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): Our Trip to Estonia authored and illustrated by Juni Een (Homeschooled 8^th grader)

Second Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): Sleepless Saturday authored by Claire Sloniewsky and illustrated by Justine Bushman (both 11^th graders at Ward Melville High School)

Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented the winners’ books – bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection – along with $400 checks to first prize winners Elizabeth Wright (9^th grader at Gelinas Junior High School) and Julia Hou (10^th grader at Ward Melville High School) and $100 checks for second prize winners Juni Een (Homeschooled 8^th grader) and Claire Sloniewsky and Justine Bushman (both 11^th graders at Ward Melville High School and prize is split for the collaboration). Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and a staff member from Assemblyman Ed Flood’s office were in attendance, and they presented certificates to the winners. The winners also received certificates from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.

Mr. Gutmann remarked that he thought the illustrations were particularly impressive this year.  One of Ms. Stein Shack’s daughters, Karen Shack Reid, reflected on the past ten years and recalled many of the wonderful winning entries throughout the decade. She also emphasized that it’s not just about the creativity, but also about the confidence that this contest builds and how important that confidence was to her mother.

Library Board President Christopher Fletcher and Treasurer David Douglas were there to congratulate the winners.  President of the Three Village Central School District Board of Education Susan Megroz Rosenzweig, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Ward Melville High School Assistant Principal Stacey Zeidman, Three Village Art Department Chairperson Jennifer Trettner, Gelinas Junior High English Department Chairperson Joanna Cadolino, and the Ward Melville High School Librarian April Hatcher were all in attendance.

Guests enjoyed sweets by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business that has been donating desserts to the ceremony for the past ten years

Eleven years ago, the children of the late Mrs. Shack approached the Library with the idea of establishing an endowment as a tribute to their mother, a teacher and lover of libraries, especially Emma Clark Library. After meeting with staff and discussing possibilities, the idea for this cherished contest was born. Their gift covers the cost of the awards and passes along Ms. Shack’s joy of reading and lifelong learning to future generations.

The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest calls 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 between 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.

In speaking to the family of the late Ms. Stein Shack, Councilmember Kornreich remarked, “I just want to thank you for this beautiful living gift that you’ve created for this community in honor of your mother. It really is such a beautiful opportunity for these kids to develop and shine and for us all to share. Thank you very, very much for the palpable love that you brought to this endeavor.”

“Here’s to the next ten years,” proclaimed Ms. Shack Reid.

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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