North Fork Library Resources

The theme for National Library Week 2020, which began April 19, was originally “find your place at the library.” Clearly, it was chosen before anyone could imagine a global pandemic would force libraries to temporarily close.

But many are open still open online, providing virtual services and digital content to communities needing them now more than ever. eBooks, movies, music, video games, virtual story times, participatory activities, and so much more are available and all from the comfort of home.

“There are more public libraries in the U.S. than McDonald’s. We’re a safety net for many communities and individuals,” Shelter Island Public Library Director Terry Lucas said. “Public libraries are the number one point of online access for people without internet connections. We librarians are aware of how crucial a resource that is.”

She is also aware not all patrons are tech savvy.

We record all our virtual events for local access, Channel 22, so that everyone can participate,” Lucas said, adding East End library staff also meet via Zoom to share ideas regularly. Most recently, East End libraries joined together to plan, promote, and fund an April 24 live concert via Facebook with Gene Casey. “I think it’s just the first of many events we will present,” she said.

Cutchogue-New Sufolk Free Library

Virtual Zoom events are listed on the library’s website and Facebook page, including a QuailCam that’s keeping track of its egg incubator. There’s also a webinar, “What a Pittie,” about pitbulls and the discrimination they endure.

Don’t forget to click on the organization’s floating “online tutorial” button on the righthand corner of its website for links to tutorials on everything from learning to use social media to learning about financial investing. www.cutchoguelibrary.org

Floyd Memorial Library

Sign up for the monthly emailed newsletter.

For upcoming events and news, check out the library’s Facebook page, which includes an isolation checklist. www.floydmemorialibrary.org

Mattituck-Laurel Library

Visit the library’s website for online movie, music, and eBook services offered. Virtual story times are coming soon, and free master classes with authors are available via Facebook. There’s also links provided on the organization’s feed to recipes and local happenings. www.mattitucklaurellibrary.org

Quogue Library

Check out the library’s Facebook page for ongoing events, like this week’s drawing faces made easy Zoom class for teens and adults.

Also participate in creating appreciation cards for local hospital staff and volunteers. Check out the homepage for instructions on picking up supplies and card drop-offs. And don’t miss Thursday virtual story time. www.quoguelibrary.org

Riverhead Free Library

The library’s website has links to FBI press releases regarding potential scams during the pandemic. Wonderbooks and Playaway is hosting a free kids read-along event on Saturdays and Sundays at noon throughout April.

Riverhead patrons can now access Ancestry Library, Nat Geo Kids, Foundation Center, and ALLDATA databases at home. www.riverheadlibrary.org

Southold Free Library

The library announced a virtual puppet show from Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre in Sag Harbor, coming up on May 3. Follow the library on Facebook and sign up for its newsletter, which features a “Guess How Many?” contest, weekly reads from Miss Dana each Monday, Lego builds on Tuesday, and an upcoming do-it-yourself bird feeder project. www.southoldlibrary.org

Shelter Island Public Library

Library director Terry Lucas said in such difficult times the library will focus on the lighter side of things, and suggests going to its frequently-updated Facebook page. There are links to downloadable coloring pages, and to free images for Zoom backgrounds by famed animation director Hayao Miyazaki. Don’t forget to download and sign up for the library’s newsletter. www.shelterislandpubliclibrary.org

Also visit www.Lynda.com for online learning, Reference USA, Prices4Antiques, and Brainfuse, with access to live tutors in math, science, reading and writing, social studies, PSAT andSAT, ACT, and state standardized tests.

Desiree Keegan contributed reporting.

karen@karenfredericks.com