Posts Tagged ‘west meadow beach’
Emma Clark’s Little Free Library at the Beach Open Early
Setauket, NY – May 9, 2024 –
Due to popular demand, the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach hosted by Emma Clark Library was installed before the usual time so that beachgoers may enjoy books even longer. Its official opening was Thursday, May 9!
A literary summer tradition, the Little Free Library at the beach has been going strong since its inception in 2016. After close to ten years, the structure itself had taken quite a beating; therefore, Library employees have built a replacement cabinet, once again constructed from recycled materials. You might recognize the sides of the structure, which were assembled from end caps of previous library shelving units. The legs of the cabinet were made from an old library chair.
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 volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked.
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.
“I was happy to take part in the installation of the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach again this year,” remarked Councilman Jonathan Kornreich. “The dedication of Emma Clark Library to providing access to books and knowledge for the community, especially younger readers, is truly commendable. I see the positive impact this resource has on the residents of our town. Thank you to all involved for continuing this project for nine consecutive years.”
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.
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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Learn from Local Experts

Learn from local Three Village experts!
Caroline Episcopal Church and the Setauket/Brookhaven Community (In-Person)
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
Beverly Tyler, local historian and editor of Caroline Episcopal Church Congregation 300th Anniversary 1723 – 2023, will present a program on the history of Setauket’s Caroline Episcopal Church and the church’s role in the community, from the 18th century to the present. Click here to register starting Feb. 21.
West Meadow Beach Nature Walk (In-Person at the beach)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 (10:00 – 11:30 a.m.) Click here to register starting Feb. 21.
OR
12noon – 1:30 p.m. Click here to register starting Feb. 21.
Please join us and Town of Brookhaven Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare as we explore the unique ecology of the beach & salt marsh. We will meet at the pavilion. Please wear close-toe comfortable shoes.
Spring Gardening with the Three Village Garden Club (In-Person)
Thursday, April 13, 2023 (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
Celebrate the beauty and bounty of the clubs’ gardens. They will share their passion and expertise for enjoying a home garden, no matter the size. Click here to register starting Feb. 21.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
Emma Clark’s “Little Free Library” is Back at West Meadow Beach
Setauket, NY – June 22, 2021 –
At the beach and forgot your book? No problem. Emma Clark Library is thrilled to announce that the Little Free Library is back at West Meadow Beach for all to enjoy this summer.
The Little Free Library was made from recycled materials in 2016 and is installed at the beach every summer. The library has now returned and will once again be maintained by different Library teen volunteers each week. The teens also earn community service credit from Emma Clark for their commitment.
The Town of Brookhaven and Nicole Pocchiare, Environmental Educator, have once again graciously given their consent to host the Little Free Library at the beach. Council member Jonathan Kornreich was at this year’s installation of the structure.
“Literacy is the cornerstone of any developed society and making books available to people throughout the community helps expand opportunity to engage in learning,” remarked Councilman Kornreich. “Thank you to the library’s teen volunteers for maintaining this curated collection of books for the enjoyment of all.” Councilmember Kornreich went on to say, “As residents enjoy some summer fun at West Meadow Beach, I hope they will stop by the Little Free Library and pick up a book, courtesy of our friends at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library.”
There’s no need for a library card or to return a book – this is a “take a book, leave a book” concept presented by Emma Clark. Library staff and the public contributed books for the sole purpose of the Little Free Library (books are not owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!). The Little Free Library is kept well stocked with a variety of books for beachgoers, young and old alike. There is no need to live in Three Village to share in this give and take project, as long as you are a visitor at West Meadow Beach.
The Little Free Library is located under the pavilion at the beach. It is also 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 worldwide.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online at emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.
“The Heart of the Three Village Community”
“Little Free Library” – A Summer Tradition at West Meadow Beach
Setauket, NY – July 1, 2019 –
Once again this summer, The Little Free Library is at West Meadow Beach for all beachgoers, young and old alike, to enjoy books and a relaxing day outdoors. Emma Clark Library created the structure, made from recycled materials, and it will be maintained each week by different Library teen volunteers.
There’s no need for a library card or to return a book – this is a “take a book, leave a book” concept hosted by Emma Clark. Library staff and the public contributed books for the sole purpose of the Little Free Library (books are not owned by Emma Clark – don’t return your library books here!). The Little Free Library 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 at West Meadow Beach.
The Town of Brookhaven and Nicole Pocchiare, Environmental Educator, have once again graciously given their consent to host the Little Free Library at the beach.
“Thank you, Emma Clark Library, for continuing your commitment to provide a Little Free Library to the beachgoers in our community,” said Councilwoman Valerie Cartright. “This Little Free Library has become an expected and appreciated summer tradition at West Meadow Beach that I look forward to continuing in years to come.”
The 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 worldwide.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online at emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.
“The Heart of the Three Village Community”
10 Years of the Little Free Library

2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of the seasonal Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach, hosted by Emma Clark Library. This “Take a Book, Leave a Book” structure, located under the pavilion at the beach and made from recycled materials, is now open for the late spring and summer, through the first week of autumn.
As before, 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!). There is no need to live in Three Village to share in this give and take project; all guests of the beach are welcome 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.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich attended the installation and remarked, “Today, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Little Free Library installation at West Meadow Beach. This special milestone is a reminder of how small acts—like sharing a book—can make a lasting impact. As someone who strongly believes in the power of reading and lifelong learning, it’s wonderful to see this beloved resource continue to serve our community.”
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