The Emma S Clark Library, situated in Setauket, New York, is a public library that has been serving the local community since 1891. With a rich history spanning over 130 years, the library has evolved to meet the changing needs of its patrons, offering a wide range of services, programs, and resources. The library's mission is to provide access to information, promote literacy, and foster a love of learning among people of all ages.
History and Development
The Emma S Clark Library was founded in 1891 by Emma S. Clark, a local resident who donated $10,000 to establish a library in Setauket. The library’s first home was a small room in the Setauket School, and it quickly gained popularity among the local community. Over the years, the library has undergone several transformations, including a major expansion in 1964 and a renovation in 2004. Today, the library occupies a modern, 30,000-square-foot building that features a variety of spaces for reading, research, and community activities.
Collection and Resources
The Emma S Clark Library boasts a diverse collection of over 200,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library’s collection is constantly updated to reflect the changing interests and needs of its patrons, with a strong focus on fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. In addition to its physical collection, the library also provides access to a range of digital resources, including e-books, streaming services, and online databases.
| Collection Category | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 150,000 |
| Audiobooks | 10,000 |
| E-books | 20,000 |
| Magazines and Newspapers | 500 |
| DVDs and CDs | 5,000 |
Programs and Services
The Emma S Clark Library offers a wide range of programs and services for people of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. The library’s programs include author talks, book clubs, children’s storytime, and educational workshops, as well as services such as research assistance, technology support, and interlibrary loan. The library also partners with local organizations to provide access to additional resources and services, such as job training, health and wellness programs, and community events.
Children’s Services
The Emma S Clark Library has a strong commitment to supporting children’s literacy and education, with a range of programs and services designed specifically for young people. The library’s children’s collection features a wide range of books, audiobooks, and other materials, as well as a variety of programs and activities, including storytime, craft sessions, and book clubs. The library also offers resources and support for parents and caregivers, including parenting workshops and access to educational databases.
- Children's storytime: weekly sessions for children aged 0-5
- Book clubs: monthly sessions for children aged 6-12
- Craft sessions: weekly sessions for children aged 6-12
- Parenting workshops: quarterly sessions for parents and caregivers
Technology and Innovation
The Emma S Clark Library is committed to providing access to technology and innovation, with a range of resources and services designed to support digital literacy and online learning. The library’s technology resources include public computers, laptops, and tablets, as well as access to Wi-Fi and printing services. The library also offers a range of digital resources, including e-books, streaming services, and online databases, as well as training and support for patrons who want to learn new skills or improve their digital literacy.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Emma S Clark Library is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 9:00pm, Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
How can I get a library card?
+To get a library card, you can visit the Emma S Clark Library in person and provide proof of residency and identification. You can also apply for a library card online and pick it up at the library.
What types of programs and services does the library offer?
+The Emma S Clark Library offers a wide range of programs and services, including author talks, book clubs, children’s storytime, and educational workshops, as well as services such as research assistance, technology support, and interlibrary loan.
