Safe viewing: Beginning on Saturday, March 23, while supplies last, we will distribute
approved “eclipse glasses” and safe viewing information. Each patron may pick up two
glasses. Remember that ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, are NOT safe for looking
at the Sun.

Just in time for the holidays…

In December 2022, everyone made a beeline to our festive holiday collection. This year, here at the Branch Library, we have amassed 50 holiday books and DVDs for adults and children even though we didn’t get the fancy decorations out. 

Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs
Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini
Collector by Daniel Silva
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown
None of this is True by Lisa Jewell
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
1 st Ladies by Marie Benedict
Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

We are also trying a few books by new authors, so please let us know what you think of
them. We work hard to build a library collection that best suits the entertainment and
educational interests of our patrons. We welcome your suggestions.

Let’s Give Back!

We’ve all seen the “Strong Libraries, Strong Communities” sign in front of the library for a few years now. On Saturday, October 21, we are joining over 280 libraries around the state to “walk the walk.”

The Great Give Back is a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, in conjunction with the Nassau Library System. The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.

Please plan to join us from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 to make a simple craft for a “give back” endeavor. We are working with community leaders to determine a low-key activity by our patrons that will have the most impact. Stay tuned for details coming soon about this service-oriented activity.

Branch library is Open for “Fall” Fun!
The Belden Noble “branch library” is open for business! We resumed regular hours on Wednesday, October 4, and we’re ready to welcome the entire family. Thanks to the generosity of the Essex Community Church and many volunteers, we are able to create a welcoming space for everyone. All services, including inter-library loan, are (pretty much) up and running. We have lugged over a great collection of books, DVDs, and audiobooks for kids and adults. We even have one Internet access computer. Come check them out!

Please note: If you tried and failed to borrow from another library during our hiatus and were told that you have fines, please let Julie know. The library police will not track you down. We are in the process of clearing fines on the accounts of our most regular patrons, but will miss some along the way.

Dear Patrons,
Unfortunately our beautiful library was damaged extensively in the recent storm and will be closed until further notice. The library board was meeting upstairs when the tree fell and, though shaken, no one was hurt.
We are thankful to Ken Hughes and Brad French who were on site within minutes and organized a plan.
At this time, we have no idea how much damage there is to the structure or to materials inside, and obviously we will be closed until further notice.
Thank you to all our loyal patrons. We hope to be serving you again soon.

From March 1 to March 17, the Library Leprechaun will make a flying visit. He will have a new hiding spot each day. A picture of his hiding spot will be posted on our Instagram page daily.

Come to the library beginning Wednesday, January 25th and take a look at the books we’ve wrapped. Each book has a few hints about its ‘personality’ and hopefully you will find one you like and you will enjoy your ‘date’.
When your date is over, return the book review slip to be entered into our drawing on February 18th for a box of chocolates. We have ‘playdate’ books for kids too!

On Wednesday, January 25, we’re celebrate Library Shelfie Day. This is a day for book lovers to share their favorite books and library shelves with the world in a fun way. After all, the world belongs to those who read! Readers of all ages are encouraged to take a selfie with their most beloved library shelf showcasing the books that stand out for them. Book stores, libraries, schools, and individuals from all over the world celebrate the day by sharing their favorite books or shelves on social media. Make your shelf (and your hair!) as pretty as can be, snap a shelfie, and share it with all who wish to see it. We suggest these three easy steps: Visit a library (preferably BNML!) and explore the stacks, or get reacquainted with your library at home. Find a shelf with some great reads and take a shelfie. Just stack up some books and snap away! Share your shelfie with other book lovers using the hashtag #libraryshelfie. You’ll be part of a community of book lovers – plus you can see what everyone else is reading!

On Wednesday, January 25, we’re celebrate Library Shelfie Day. This is a day for book lovers to share their favorite books and library shelves with the world in a fun way. After all, the world belongs to those who read! Readers of all ages are encouraged to take a selfie with their most beloved library shelf showcasing the books that stand out for them. Book stores, libraries, schools, and individuals from all over the world celebrate the day by sharing their favorite books or shelves on social media. Make your shelf (and your hair!) as pretty as can be, snap a shelfie, and share it with all who wish to see it. We suggest these three easy steps: Visit a library (preferably BNML!) and explore the stacks, or get reacquainted with your library at home. Find a shelf with some great reads and take a shelfie. Just stack up some books and snap away! Share your shelfie with other book lovers using the hashtag #libraryshelfie. You’ll be part of a community of book lovers – plus you can see what everyone else is reading!

Hey! Remember those long winter Saturday afternoons when there was nothing to do but play board games with the neighbor kids? Get back into that competitive spirit at our Bored Game” afternoons. We’re refereeing games for all ages here at the library on each remaining Saturday in January and February from 12:00 to 4:00. And yes, all games have instruction sheets: no making up the rules as you go along!