Smithtown Library
If you are looking for a place to visit and learn more about Smithtown, NY, you should definitely check out the Smithtown Library. The library is not only a source of books and information, but also a hub of community activities and events. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Smithtown Library, from its history and culture significance, to its relationship with education and points of interest. I will also share some interesting facts and advice for visitors. Let ‘s get started!
History
The Smithtown Library was founded in 1912 by a group of civic-minded residents who wanted to provide a public library service to the town. The library was initially housed in a rented room on Main Street, with a collection of about 1,000 books. In 1915, the library moved to a larger building on the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue, which was donated by the Smith family, the founders of the town. The library remained there until 1967, when it moved to its current location on North Country Road.
The library has grown significantly over the years, both in size and scope. It now has four branches: the main branch in Smithtown, and the Commack, Kings Park, and Nesconset branches. The library has over 300,000 items in its collection, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, e-books, and more. The library also offers a variety of services and programs for all ages and interests, such as computer classes, storytimes, book clubs, art exhibits, concerts, lectures, workshops, and more.
Relation with Culture
The Smithtown Library is not only a place to read and borrow books, but also a place to celebrate and preserve the culture and heritage of Smithtown. The library has a special collection of local history and genealogy materials, which document the history of the town and its people. The library also hosts regular events that showcase the local culture and arts, such as poetry readings, film screenings, musical performances, and more.
The library is also a place where people can connect and interact with each other. The library fosters a sense of community and belonging among its patrons, who come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The library provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. The library is a place where people can share their ideas, opinions, experiences, and passions with each other.
Relations with Education
The Smithtown Library is not only a place to learn and discover new things, but also a place to support and enhance education in the town. The library works closely with the local schools and colleges to provide resources and services that complement their curricula and goals. The library offers homework help, tutoring, test preparation, college planning, career guidance, and more for students of all levels. The library also collaborates with teachers and educators to provide classroom visits, field trips, outreach programs, and more.
The library is also a place where people can pursue their lifelong learning and personal growth. The library offers a wide range of educational opportunities for adults and seniors, such as language classes, literacy classes, GED classes, citizenship classes, and more.
The library also provides access to online learning platforms, such as Lynda.com, Universal Class, and Learning Express Library, which offer courses on various topics and skills. The library is a place where people can achieve their educational and professional aspirations.
Points of Interest
The Smithtown Library is not only a place to find information and knowledge, but also a place to explore and enjoy. The library has many features and attractions that make it a unique and fun place to visit. Some of them are:
The Children's Room
A colorful and cozy space for children to read, play, and learn. The Children’s Room has a large collection of books, toys, games, puzzles, and more. It also has a puppet theater, a Lego wall, a train table, and a fish tank. The Children’s Room hosts many programs and events for children and families, such as crafts, science experiments, magic shows, and more.
The Teen Space
A cool and comfortable space for teens to hang out, study, and socialize. The Teen Space has a collection of books, magazines, graphic novels, manga, and more. It also has computers, video games, board games, and more. The Teen Space hosts many programs and events for teens such as trivia nights, escape rooms, anime clubs and more
The Local History Room
A rich and fascinating space for history buffs and genealogists to research and explore, The Local History Room has a collection of books,newspapers, maps, photographs, yearbooks, and more. It also has microfilm readers, scanners, and databases. The Local History Room hosts many programs and events for history lovers, such as lectures, tours, exhibits, more.
The Art Gallery
A beautiful and inspiring space for art lovers and artists to admire and create. The Art Gallery displays the works of local artists, both professional and amateur, in various media and styles. The Art Gallery also hosts workshops and classes for aspiring artists such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and more.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Smithtown Library that you may not know:
- The library has a mascot named Dewey the Dragon, who is named after the Dewey Decimal System, the classification system used by most libraries. Dewey the Dragon loves to read and learn new things, and he often visits the library to join the programs and events. You can also find Dewey the Dragon on the library's website, social media, and newsletters.
- The library has a book bike, which is a bicycle with a trailer that carries books and other library materials. The book bike visits various locations in the town, such as parks, schools, festivals, and more. The book bike allows people to borrow books, sign up for library cards, learn about library services, and more.
- The library has a seed library, which is a collection of seeds that people can borrow and plant in their gardens. The seed library offers a variety of seeds, such as vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more. The seed library also provides information and resources on gardening, such as books, magazines, websites, and more.
- The library has a telescope, which is a device that allows people to observe the stars and planets in the night sky. The telescope is available for checkout by library card holders who are 18 years or older. The telescope comes with a manual, a star chart, and a guidebook. The telescope also has a solar filter, which allows people to view the sun safely.
Advice for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Smithtown Library, here are some tips and advice to make your visit enjoyable and productive:
When is it open?
The library is open seven days a week, from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm on Monday to Thursday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday. The library may have different hours on holidays and special occasions. You can check the library’s website or call the library for the latest information.
What to wear?
The library is a casual and relaxed place, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, you should also be respectful and considerate of other patrons and staff. You should avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, offensive, or inappropriate. You should also wear shoes at all times.
Is it family-friendly?
The library is a family-friendly place that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. The library has many resources and programs for children and families, such as books, toys, games, crafts, storytimes, and more. The library also has family restrooms and changing stations for your convenience
When is it best to visit?
The library is a popular place that attracts many visitors throughout the day. However, some times may be busier or quieter than others. Generally speaking, the library tends to be busier in the afternoon and evening hours, especially on weekdays when school is in session. The library tends to be quieter in the morning hours, especially on weekends when school is not in session. You can choose the time that suits your preference and needs.
Driving travel through Smithtown, NY-Meeting the town from Blydenburgh County Park to Coco Bistro
Blydenburgh County Park
Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
- Head southwest toward H. Lee Dennison Bldg Dr (Restricted usage road) for 1 sec (30 ft)
- Follow NY-347 E, Hauppauge Rd and NY-25A E/N Country Rd to Gate Rd in Head of the Harbor for 15 min (6.9 mi)
a. Turn left onto NY-347/NY-454 E and continue for 0.6 mi
b. Keep left to continue on NY-347 E, follow signs for Port Jefferson (Pass by Carvel on the right) for 0.8 mi
c. Slight right toward Hauppauge Rd for 115 ft
d. Continue straight for 210 ft
e. Turn left onto Hauppauge Rd and continue for 2.0 mi
f. Continue onto NY-25A E/N Country Rd for 3.4 mi
- Take Bacon Rd to Harbor Rd for 3 min (1.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
a. Continue straight onto Hitherbrook Rd for 0.3 mi
b. Slight right onto Bacon Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
c. Turn right onto Harbor Rd (Destination will be on the left) for 0.3 mi
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd, St James, NY 11780
- Head south on Harbor Rd toward Brackenwoods Path for 57 sec (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Bacon Rd and continue for 2 min (0.6 mi)
- Follow NY-25A W/N Country Rd and Edgewood Ave to NY-25 W in Smithtown for 12 min (5.5 mi)
a. Slight left onto Hitherbrook Rd and continue for 0.3 mi
b. Merge onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
c. Turn right onto NY-25A W/N Country Rd and continue for 1.8 mi
d. Turn right onto Edgewood Ave and continue for 2.2 mi
e. Turn right onto NY-25 W/NY-25A W/W Main St and continue for 0.4 mi
f. Keep left to continue on NY-25 W (Destination will be on the right) for 0.9 mi
Caleb Smith State Park
581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
- Head southwest on NY-25 W/W Jericho Turnpike (Pass by Jiffy Lube on the left in 2.8 mi) for 3.0 mi
- Turn right onto Indian Head Rd (Destination will be on the right) for 0.2 mi
The Smithtown Library - Commack Building
3 Indian Head Rd, Commack, NY 11725
- Head north on Indian Head Rd toward Cowie Rd for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Somerset Dr and continue for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Wenmore Rd and continue for 361 ft
- Turn right onto Kings Park Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
- Turn left onto Jericho Turnpike and continue for 1.1 mi
- Turn right (Destination will be on the right) for 161 ft
Coco Bistro
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Every Saturday + Sunday
10am to 3pm
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PRIVATE EVENTS
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PRIX FIXE MENU
Tuesday through Friday
5pm to 10pm
At Coco Bistro, we believe that every meal should be a memorable experience. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our enticing Weekday Prix Fixe Menu, specially crafted to delight your taste buds without breaking the bank. $36 pp
