71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751

T: 631-581-5933

F: 631.277.8429

71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751
T: 631-581-5933
F: 631-581-8429

71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751
T: 631-581-5933 

F: 631-581-8429

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Project Toy

Project Toy Family Service League

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee

The Islip Public Library is collecting toys and other items for children and teenagers again this holiday season for the Family Service League’s PROJECT TOY program. You can help to make a family’s holiday brighter by donating new and un(gift)wrapped toys, books, clothing, etc… for a child or teenager. The collection box is located at the Adult Reference Desk. Donated items need to be received in the Library by Thursday, December 13 please. The items will be made available to families in need by The Family Service League at their annual December event.

Check out The Family Service League website at www.fsl-li.org to learn more about all the programs and services that this not-for-profit human services agency provides to families on Long Island.

Also, look for other giving opportunities at the Library later this winter. We’ll be collecting winter coats as well as mittens, hats, and scarves for those in need. See our January-February newsletter for details.

Sometimes it can feel like a cold and difficult world out there, let’s stick together! Thank you in advance for your generosity!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to in America as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

Learn More

Throughout October there is an exhibit in the Islip Public Library’s display cases presented by the Islip Breast Cancer Coalition. Take a look at the photos and learn more by stopping by to see the exhibit and pick up a brochure.

The Mission of this Organization is:

“To provide direct services and support to breast cancer patients, as well as patients with other women’s cancers, to present educational programs and outreach within the community, and to encourage scientific and environmental research.”

The Islip Breast Cancer Coalition was founded in 1996 by a group of women committed to helping people in our community diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2015, the group expanded to include all women’s cancers. IBCC is an independent, grassroots, not-for-profit organization serving the residents of the Township of Islip including areas of Bay Shore, Bayport, Bohemia, Brentwood, Brightwaters, Central Islip, East Islip, Fire Island, Great River, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Islip, Islip Terrace, Islandia, Oakdale, Ronkonkoma, Sayville, and West Sayville.

The Coalition has created a Garden of Hope next to Islip Town Hall. Please consider a donation by ordering a Garden Butterfly to be displayed in the Garden in October by calling 631-968-7424.  The butterflies may be placed in honor or in memory of someone you know who has been affected by breast or ovarian cancer.  The cost to place a butterfly is a $10.00 donation to this not-for-profit organization.

For more information about services, or about making a donation, and/or volunteering to help, please visit the website: ​IslipBreastCancer.com  
You can also email the group at: info@islipbreastcancer.com

Voter Registration Day

September 25 is National Voter Registration Day!

Demonstrate your love of democracy – VOTE!

The midterm elections are coming in November and every voice needs to be heard. Whatever you believe, whoever you support, it is your right and responsibility as a citizen to vote! The Library has Voter Registration Forms available at the Adult Reference Desk. Stop in and pick up yours if you are not yet registered.

Click on the link below for detailed information about voting in New York State.

More Information

A. Time to celebrate our democratic heritage.

​National Voter Registration Day has volunteers out en masse with voter registration activities at school, in the workplace, and in your neighborhoods. For one whole day, volunteers and various organizations collaborate by setting up registration tables, knocking on doors or producing social and mass media awareness campaigns over the importance of registering to vote. National Voter Registration Day makes an all-out effort to register the tens of thousands of Americans who can make a difference at the ballot box.

B. Don't hate—celebrate

National Voter Registration Day discourages political voter rage in favor of voter celebration. Imagine over 10,000 volunteers working together one full day to educate Americans on one of our most precious rights — the right to vote. In 2016, 750,000 voters registered on National Voter Registration Day. With so many world citizens denied this basic right, promoting our core democratic values, voting, should give all Americans something to cheer about on National Voter Registration Day.

C. It educates Americans on voting rights

National Voter Registration Day reminds and educates American on the voter requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a current resident of your state. When you see a National Voter Registration Day table or volunteer, you can do more than just register. You can confirm your polling place, and update your registration information.

Information above taken from:

National Today


To learn more, visit the website https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/
Or the NYS Board of elections website cited above.

September Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month!

It’s #LibraryCardSignUp Month! Celebrate by visiting the Islip Public Library this September to get a library card. Already have an Islip Library card? Here is just a sample of all the “incredible” services offered at the Islip Public Library!

  • We have a wide variety of programs for all ages: infants, toddlers, children, tweens, teens, adults, and seniors! Our programs also take us “on the road” including storytimes (during the summer) at the Islip town beach, bus trips, and discount Long Island Railroad trips too!  Take a look at our program calendar or newsletter for a complete listing of our September/October programs.
  • In addition to thousands of printed books, did you know that we offer free access to thousands of eBooks and Audiobooks available through our Live-brary Free Downloads service. Do you have a smartphone or tablet? Download an app called Libby or Overdrive to get started. Our eBooks work on Kindles too!
    Need additional assistance getting your device set up? Make an appointment with one of our librarians through our book-a-librarian service: https://goo.gl/s6Rfrw
  • The library subscribes to a wide variety of print magazines that can be checked out with your library card as well as digital magazines available through Flipster. Flipster works on browsers as well as mobile devices with the Flipster app (available on iTunes or Google Play).
  • Need help with Homework? No problem! Our Brainfuse HelpNow resource connects you with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests. Brainfuse HelpNow also features an Adult Learning Center: access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more! It also includes a Foreign Language Lab as well as Spanish Speaking Support.
  • Need a scholarly journal for a research paper or information from a peer reviewed source? Try our Live-brary research databases for access to thousands of full-text articles.
  • Learn a new language! Our free database, Pronunciator is a fun and free way to learn any of 80 languages with self-directed lessons, live teachers, movies, music, and more. Download the Pronunciator app on iTunes or Google Play. We also have an English-Spanish Conversation Group as well as various other programs in English and Spanish.
  • Visit a museum! The Islip Public Library offers free museum passes and discount tickets for local and New York City area museums to Islip Library cardholders. We currently have passes available to the following Long Island museums: Fire Island Lighthouse; Long Island Children’s Museum; Old Bethpage Village Restoration; Sagtikos Manor (only open through September); Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. We also have passes to the following New York City museums:  Frick Collection & Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum as well as the Empire parking pass.  We have discount tickets available to: Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead ($18); Long Island Game Farm ($14: expire October 2018); Museum of Natural History ($10).

We hope you will take advantage of all the services the Islip Public Library has to offer!

Jump into Summer With These Upcoming Events & Activities in June!

Farmers’ Market

A farmers’ market offers so much more than fresh fruits and vegetables! There are delicious delicacies, crafty merchandise, and fun knowledgeable vendors. You can purchase artisan cheeses, homemade pastas, cold-brewed coffee, infused oils, unusual chocolates, craft beer, and much more. The market is an enjoyable place to walk around and explore the latest food trends.  We are lucky enough to have two wonderful farmers’ markets, each with unique vendors, within minutes of us.

  • The Islip Farmers’ Market, located in the Islip Town Hall parking lot, runs every Saturday from June 2nd to November 17th from 7:00am until noon. Find a list of vendors at the Islip Farmers Market here
  • The Bay Shore Farmers’ Market, Bounty by the Bay, is held under the Bay Shore Community Band Shell, located on Main Street in Bay Shore. This market runs every Friday from June 1st to August 31st from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Find more information on their Facebook page.

Islip Public Library: Outdoor Terrace

Check out some books at the Islip Public Library and enjoy them on our beautiful outdoor terrace. Nothing beats reading a book while outside in the warm sunshine with the smells and sounds of summer. Our terrace is a perfect place to unwind and disconnect from your busy schedule.  So, please, come in and relax on one of our rocking chairs with a fantastic book. To take your relaxation to a new level, sign-up the library's Music and Meditation on the Terrace on June 19 at 7:00pm – registration is open and it’s free!  Sign-up for the program here.

Explore a Museum for Free

There are many amazing museums to explore and the summer provides the perfect weather to do it. Many libraries now offer free museum passes, which allow you and guests in for free. Some of the passes even provide discounts at the souvenir shop and more. So, whether you want to explore the galaxy at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport or take a trip to Manhattan to see the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, your local library should be your first call. The Islip Public Library currently offers museum passes for: The Fire Island Lighthouse, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Long Island Children’s Museum, the Long Island Maritime Museum in Sayville, Old Bethpage Village and Restoration, Sagtikos Manor, The South Fork Natural History Museum, the Frick Collection, and the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. Find out more information and reserve your passes here.

Keep Islip Clean

Do you want to help Keep Islip Clean and volunteer some of your time? Keep Islip Clean is always looking for volunteers to help beautify the town we live in. You can help as an individual or you can enlist a group of friends to join you. Keep Islip Clean also maintains the community organic vegetable garden and greenhouse at Brookwood Hall. Community members can still join the waitlist to have their own plot at the Organic Vegetable Garden but in the meantime you can help maintain the area surrounding the garden and more. To learn more, visit http://www.keepislipclean.org or attend their next meeting on June 21st at 7:00 pm at Brookwood Hall. 

Local Fairs/ Festivals

The summer is a great time to attend a fair. Enjoy some live entertainment, delicious treats, and some fun vendors. Here are two local fairs coming up this June:

  • The Annual Summer Main Street Festival in Islip: June 3rd from 11:00am to 6:00pm. To learn more, visit islipchamberofcommerce.org
  • The Arts Festival by the Bay in Bay Shore (Main St. and the Band Shell): June 10 from 11am to 6pm. To learn more, visit bayshorecommerce.org

Stay tuned for my upcoming article, Great Summer Fun in July & August, just click the link below to follow my blog.

Winter Activities To Enjoy This Holiday Season With Your Family

Although the Holiday season is well underway, there are more fun things to do this winter:

Magic of Lights - Jones Beach State Park: November 17 - December 31
 Pile your family into the car and drive through this eye-catching, enthralling, 2 1/2-mile-long light show that returns to Jones Beach. There’s an "Enchanting Tunnel of Lights," animated figures, and holiday characters. New this year is a holiday festival village, where families can walk around and enjoy cocoa, s’mores, holiday music and movies, a hay maze, and pictures with the big guy himself, Santa.

14th Annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show Smith Point Beach: December 1 - December 30
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and County Executive Steve Bellone have joined together to present the Girl Scouts' beloved light show for the fourteenth holiday season. This year, the show will include more lights and displays than ever before, with proceeds supporting girls' programs. For more information call 631-543-6622 ($20 per car).

Frosty - John W. Engeman Theater, Northport November 18 - December 31
(sensory-sensitive performance on December 28)
Frosty and friend Jenny are united again in their adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville. Kids in the audience help the duo in their quest to stop evil Ethel Pierpot from melting all the snow. Take a stroll along Northport’s picturesque Main Street after the show.
For further information, call (631)261-2900 or see engemantheater.com.

Polar Express Trolley Ride - Riverhead and Southampton November 24 - December 23
Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning book The Polar Express, families take an interactive trolley ride while listening to actor Liam Neeson’s reading of the book and interacting with a character from the story. A visit from Santa and his elves along with hot cocoa and cookies await passengers as they disembark at the “North Pole.” For full effect, families are encouraged to wear their pajamas (Children must be 2 and older.)
For further information and pricing, see northforktrolley.com

Barnaby Saves Christmas - Theatre Three, Port Jefferson: November 24 - December 30
(sensory-sensitive performance November 26)
An hour-long musical is just long enough for the littlest theatergoers. Celebrating its 14th season, Barnaby Saves Christmas follows the journey of the little elf and his reindeer as they set off to save Christmas, ultimately learning the true meaning of the holiday season. After the show, enjoy the many restaurants and shops that line the streets of nautical Port Jefferson. For further information, call (631) 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular - Holtsville: December 3 - December 17
For three weekends in December, visitors can enjoy this indoor, walk-through holiday light show at the Holtsville Ecology Site. There are raffles, and children can have their picture taken with Santa. All proceeds help to take care of the more than 100 animals that live at the site. Call (631) 758-9664 for further information.

Bayville Winter Wonderland - Bayville November 24-January 1
Captain Bay's Yo-Ho Holiday Light Show tells the story of a pirate's first Christmas. Santa's Toy Factory Fun House boasts bright flourescent-colored walls that can be seen in 3-D with glasses. Wander through a tricky hall of mirrors and then to Santa's workshop as you listen to sounds from the North Pole. Other attractions include Blizzard Bay's Arctic Skating Adventure, the Holiday Express train ride, and a magical meeting with Santa. To purchase tickets, visit www.bayvillewinterwonderland.com

'Tis The Season at Long Island Maritime Museum Sat. December 9, 4 PM - 7 PM
West Sayville's Dutch heritage and holiday traditions will be celebrated with a holiday lantern tour, ornament crafts, face painting, live entertainment, and tasty refreshments at the Long Island Maritime Museum. Reservations required. Call 631-HISTORY. ($5 per person).

5th Annual Long Beach Electric Light Parade at West Beech Street Sat. Dec 9, 6:30 PM
Free. Come down and check out the antique cars, fire trucks, floats and bicycles wrapped in Christmas lights for this festive holiday parade. Floats line up at the Sands parking lot at 5pm and step off at 6:30pm. There will be parking available at the Long Beach Catholic School lot, with shuttle buses to the West End. For further information, call (516)432-6000.

Holiday Festival at Coe Hall Sat. December 9; Sun. December 10 11 AM - 4 PM
Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum will be decorated for the holidays and will have live entertainment perfect for both the young and young at heart. Call 516-922-8678 for more info.

The Chocolate Expo: Holiday Edition at Cradle of Aviation Museum: Sun. December 10, 10 AM - 7 PM
Dozens of vendor booths will be packed into the Cradle of Aviation for a full day of chocolates, specialty treats, and live demos by celebrity chefs. ($10 per person).

Santa Brunch at Long Island Aquarium Sun. December 10, 10 AM - 2 PM
$22.95 - $49.95 per person. Families will be able to enjoy a Santa brunch at the Long Island Aquarium on December 10th. The brunch also includes admission to the aquarium. Call (631)-208-9200 for more info.

Light The Night Sun. December 10, 5 PM
This event, coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce, is intended to bring the community together for one night to show unity and support for a worthy cause. This year’s proceeds will go to the Jeannette Feminella Scholarship fund, in honor of Commack Road Elementary’s beloved principal who passed away this year. Please purchase your luminary kit ($10) at Nook and Cranny,469 Main Street, Islip or Mojo Printing, 169 Islip Avenue, Islip.

Trollstice Express: A Celebration of Light and Spirit - Port Washington: Sat. December 16
$35.00 per person.Trolls guide youngsters on a magical nighttime journey that departs from the town dock on Lower Main Street. The trip climaxes at the Long Island Science Museum in Manhasset with a campfire, cocoa, and music. Reservations and payment are required in advance. Go to www.eventbrite.com.

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show - Old Bethpage December 26 - December 30
Experience how the holidays were celebrated on Long Island in the 19th century. Walk among the historic houses, barns, and buildings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Enjoy traditional music, performances, storytelling, a vintage model train show, and a roaring bonfire. For more information on this and other events there, see www.obvrnassau.com.

End-of-Year Beach Hike - Jones Beach December 30
Grab your coat, and maybe your boots, and take the whole family to the Jones Beach Nature Center for an end-of-year beach hike. It’s a great way to work off some of those holiday calories, get some fresh air and exercise, and say goodbye to 2017. Phone (516) 780-3295 to register (required).

Library Resources Can Help Find the Right Job For You

Are you employed but looking, underemployed or unemployed? Be sure to stop by the library on Friday, October 13 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm for our 10th annual job fair presented by the Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center.

Do you know how to apply for jobs online? Sign up here for a workshop on Wednesday, October 4th at 7 pm.

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen potential job candidates, and many résumés never make it through these systems. This workshop, led by career counselor Karen McKenna, will provide specific strategies job seekers can use to strengthen their résumés and make use of networking connections to get that interview.

Take a look below at these job related websites. These websites are great if you are looking for a job, and for writing or revising your resume and cover letter.

The Islip Library also has an online database called “Career Cruising” as well as books, ebooks and audiobooks on job and career information.

Career Info. Websites

Resume/Cover Letter Websites

Library Services

Try Career Cruising for exploring careers.Career Cruising is an interactive career guidance and pathways planning tool designed for people of all ages. The tool can help students to explore different career options, manage course selections online--and plan various pathways to meet the requirements for their desired career path.

Celebrate Older Americans Month with Islip Public Library!

“May is a month of fresh beginnings. Perennials bloom once again, blazing a trail of bright color. May is also when we celebrate Older American’s Month, acknowledging the perennial contributions of older adults to our nation.”

(Source)

Proclaimed as a national observance by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the month of May provides us an opportunity to honor older Americans and acknowledge their contributions.

Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.

Seniors - Join us at the Islip Public Library throughout the month of May for some special programs just for you!

Senior Fitness Classes​

Senior Fitness classes are held on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 am. Have fun and get fit while learning basic weight training and body-toning with Ellyn Seltzer.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION »

​Scrabble!

Join three-time National Scrabble Champion, Joe Edley, author of Everything Scrabble on Monday, May 8 at 11 am. He will teach you several techniques to enhance your word game skills. Please bring your Scrabble set along. Light refreshments will be provided.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION »

Concert: Better Late Than Never Jug Band

Concert: Better Late Than Never Jug Band on Sunday May 21 at 2:00 pm. This band includes six members: “Big Mike” Meyer plays guitar, sings, and plays kazoo; Rob “The Blue Streak” Bellassai plays harmonica, jug and a bunch of other things that make noise; Angela Giannotti plays wash board and sings; Rich Fuller plays mandolin and sings; Carl Batchelder plays upright bass; Rich Giannotti plays guitar and sings.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION »

Guest Speaker Vincent DeSantis: Long Term Care Options

Vincent DeSantis, a Long Term Care Professional will be at the library on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 pm to discuss various long term care options.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION »

Living Healthy Series for Older Adults

Living Healthy Series for Older Adults on Fridays from 10:00 am - 12 noon, May 26 - June 30. Put life back in your life during this six-week workshop series that empowers older adults to take charge of chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, obesity and anxiety.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION »

FREE Health Screenings

The St. Francis Hospital Mobile Bus, staffed by medical professionals, will be in the Islip Library parking lot on Wednesday, June 28 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm for free health screenings. No registration required.

Spring Flowers

Bienvenida Primavera: Te Estábamos Esperando

Despedimos el invierno, mientras le abrimos los brazos a la primavera. Aquí tienes cinco ideas para disfrutar las dos temporadas…

Islip Library’s Second Annual Volunteer Fair

Islip Library’s Second Annual Volunteer Fair
Monday, March 27, 2017 from 4 pm – 7 pm

On Monday, March 27, 2017 from 4 pm – 7 pm the Islip Public Library will host a second Volunteer Fair in the Library’s community room. Many local volunteer organizations will be in attendance - please join us! No registration is required. Last year over 100 patrons attended and 17 organizations participated.

If you are an organization and would like a table at our volunteer fair, you must complete an application. Please come into the Library and ask at the Adult Reference Desk, contact us by mail with information about your organization, or complete the application online now.

Social, Health, and Career Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts:
One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Volunteering increases your social and relationship skills:
While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering increases self-confidence:
Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose:
Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and purpose in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering combats depression:
A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy:
The physical activity involved in certain forms of volunteering—such as environmental projects in parks, nature reserves, or beaches—can be good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial for older adults. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

Volunteering can provide career experience:
Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of benefit in your career.

Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills:
Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteer opportunities provide extensive training. Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community.

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