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Please note that the library doors are locked, public computers shut down and study rooms close 15 minutes prior to closing.
Mon., Tues., Wed. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Holiday Closings
Sunday, September 5
Monday, September 6
Thursday, November 11
Wednesday, November 24
(Special Hours) 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, November 25

Program
Registration Policy
Preference is given to residents of the Merrick Union Free School District. Non-residents may register two weeks after the start of registration for Merrick residents if space allows. All programs are in the Multipurpose Room, unless otherwise indicated. Tickets, fees and any other conditions are noted in the individual program descriptions. No phone registration, no refunds and no waiting lists.

Musical Sundays at the Library

All programs begin at 2 pm. Tickets available at the Circulation desk. 2 tickets per Merrick resident. Non-residents may pick up tickets 2 weeks after resident’s date.

Laura Hull: Marquee
Melodies - The Music of the Movies • September 19 Jazz vocalist Laura Hull presents a retrospective of rarely heard music by the great masters of American songwriting, many of whom originally wrote for the stage before composing for the soundtracks of Hollywood’s Silver Screen. Tickets available August 23.

Arnie Gruber
Great American Songbook • October 10 Arnie Gruber turns heads, conjures nostalgia and impresses audiences with his smooth singing style and jazzy piano arrangements. This performance will include music from Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow and similar artists and songwriters. Tickets available September 19.

Vlada Yaneva & Matthew Harrison
Masterworks Conversations • November 14
This is an innovative project devoted to creating a stronger link between the audience and classical music through open conversation. These very talented performers will not only perform, but share details of the composers’ lives, aspects of their creative process, and answer any questions you may have. Join us for what is sure to be a unique experience. Tickets available October 10.

Monthly Art Shows
September - Barbara Lewin
October - Town of Hempstead EASEL (Experienced Art Students Enrichment League)
*Reception-Sunday, October 3 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
November - Galina Lampert
*Reception-Sunday, November 7 from 1-3 p.m.
*All receptions are hosted by the artist.

New Online Resources from NOVEL
NOVEL - the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library – provides many free online databases to New York State’s public libraries. They have recently added a number of new collections of diverse magazines and journals. Collections included are Fine Arts and Music, Gardening and Landscape and Horticulture, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, and Home Improvement, as well as many others. From the library’s homepage go to Research, then Magazines and then Gale databases and scroll down to find a list of all these new additions.

How Long Islanders Can Beat the High Cost of College
Monday, September 13 @ 7 p.m.
Find out how to get your share of billions of dollars in grants and loans that are available. In this single session, you will find out which program you might qualify for, how much you could receive, and how to get started! Participants will be shown step-by-step strategies for filling out the FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid), and much more. This is an excellent time for parents of seniors as well as juniors to start planning. Join Barry Fox College Financial Aid Consultant for a very informative evening. No registration necessary.

Current Events and Observations
Tuesdays, September 14, October 19 & November 16 @ 2 p.m.
Howard J. Shurdut, Harvard graduate and world traveler will be on hand to discuss today’s currents events. He will offer his opinion and insights for audience debate. Please join us for this very informative presentation and discussion. No registration necessary.

Miles of Smiles: The Story of Roxey, the Long Island Railroad Dog
Wednesday, September 15 @ 7 p.m.
The Historical Society of the Merricks and the Merrick Library present an evening with the author Heather Hill Worthington. Share in her journey which began while researching the book in Merrick. No registration necessary.

Defensive Driving
Monday, September 20 & 27, 7 - 10 p.m.
There is a $38.00 fee for this program-please make checks payable to Defensive Driving Programs Inc. Checks only. Registration began August 23 at the Reference Desk.

We Care Blankets
Wednesday, September 22
& November 3 @ 7 p.m.
We need caring people to join us for an evening of wrapping, knitting or crocheting blankets to donate to a child undergoing chemotherapy. Or just come to help wrap and find out more about this worthy organization. This is a non-profit organization that provides homemade blankets to hospitals such as Sloan Kettering, Winthrop, Schneider Children’s Hospital and others in New York and New Jersey. All are welcome.

Senator Fuschillo Mammogram Van
Thursday, September 16 from 8 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
The senator will host the Nassau Health Care Corporations’ Mammogram Van in the parking lot on Narwood Ave. across from the Library. Call Senator Fuschillo’s office to make an appointment at 516-882-0630.

Post Your Pictures Online
Tuesday, September 28 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Share your pictures online with your family and friends! In this hands-on class, learn how to copy a photo from your digital camera to your computer, edit the photo using an image editing program, post it on an online picture site such as Flickr or Shutterfly, and send invitations to view your pics. This class is for intermediate computer users. Registration begins August 31.
October
Russian Program
Monday, October 4 and November 15 @ 7 p.m.
Enjoy a cozy evening in the company of Russian American families who live in Merrick. For the children we will have a story time and read books in the Russian language. For more information please contact librarian, Larissa Simonovski @ 377-6112 x.116.

Senior Housing Options: Living Independently
Tuesday, October 5 @ 2 p.m.
Long Island Senior Education Council will be here to inform us of senior housing options,
how to stay in your home independently and resources and services available in our area. Please sign up at the Reference Desk beginning September 7.

Fall Bus Trip: Lower East Side Tenement Museum and Walking Tour of the Area
Wednesday, October 6 The bus leaves promptly at 8:30 a.m., we will begin with a walking tour of the Lower East Side with cultural historian, Joyce Gold. Lunch is on your own and then off to the Tenement Museum. There is plenty of walking, please wear comfortable shoes. The fee for this trip is $47.00-checks only, payable to Merrick Library. Please check the Reference Desk for availability.

The Healing Power of Meditation
Wednesday, October 6 @ 7 p.m.
Join Dr. Matthew Raider a clinical physician and coordinating director of the Geriatric Teaching Program in Family Medicine at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut. He will
discuss the latest research and present convincing evidence of the beneficial psycho-physical changes that occur as we meditate. He will teach a simple, effective technique that can be used daily to promote health, relaxation and inner growth. No registration necessary.

Computer Kindergarten for Grownups
Thursday, October 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
This is a slow-paced, user friendly class for first-time computer users. Using Windows computers, this unique class covers the basics in a way that even the most inexperienced user will understand. Registration begins September 2. There is a $5.00 fee for this class. Cash only.

Uncover Your Roots – A Genealogy Program
Thursday, October 14 @ 7 p.m.
Haven’t you always wanted to trace your roots? Librarians Ellen Fannon and Kristine Dugan will show you how to trace your ancestors using the online resource HeritageQuest, as well as some other Internet sites that are free of charge. Register at the Reference Desk beginning September 14.

Computer First Grade for Grownups
Thursday, October 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
In this class you will learn how to work with text including inputting, inserting, moving and erasing. Learn basic word processing skills and understand files and commands. Registration begins September 2. There is a $5.00 fee for this class. Cash only.

November
All About Email
Thursday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Learn how to create an e-mail address using some of the more popular e-mail providers. In this hands-on lecture and demo class you will learn how to send, receive, forward and reply to e-mail. Must have computer knowledge. Registration begins October 7.

AARP Driver Safety Programs
Monday, November 8 from 9:30-5:30 p.m.
$12.00 for AARP members –YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD-$14.00 for non-members. Please have an undated check made payable to AARP Driver Safety Program. One check per participant. Registration begins August 24.

Arctic Circle & Western Norway
Tuesday, November 9 @ 2 p.m.
Come along and travel with us to the West Coast of Norway. Discover the country’s beauty and pristine wilderness. Norway has long dark winters and summers filled with continuous light. It also has majestic fjords, arctic Lapp people, trolls, a history of Vikings and 3 important cultural icons: Edvard Grieg, Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch. Cross the Arctic Circle to the North Cape and learn about the various port cities along the way. No registration necessary. There is a $5.00 fee for this class. Cash only.

Introduction to Crochet
Monday, November 22 & 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
All you need is a crochet hook and some yarn, and you are on your way to the interesting, creative and fun world of crochet. If you have admired beautiful afghans, garments and accessories and wished you could create them yourself, this class is for you!!! You will learn all the basic stitches and techniques which are building blocks of decorative crochet patterns and motifs. There is no pre-requisite for this class except a desire to learn. There is a $5.00 fee for this course. Cash only. Registration begins October 18.

St. Francis Hospital’s
Community Outreach Van
Tuesday, November 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Francis Hospital’s new, state-of-the-art Community Outreach Van will be at the Library to provide free health screenings for individuals above the age of eighteen. The screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure testing and a simple blood test for cholesterol and diabetes screening. The nurses will also provide appropriate patient education and referral information, as needed. No appointment necessary. First come first served.

Monthly Book Discussions

Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Copies available at the Circulation Desk.
September 22
"The Help"
by Kathryn Stockett
Stereotypes seem almost inevitable when someone tries to portray the relationships that existed 50 years ago between black people and white people in the South. Set in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962, The Help is told through three voices: Aibileen, an older black woman who has been taking care of white families since she was 13; Minny, a younger black woman who finds it difficult to curb her sharp tongue around her white employers; and Skeeter, a privileged white girl fresh out of college, who wants more from life than marriage to the first presentable young man her mother can produce.

October 20
"A Reliable Wife"
By Robert Goolrick
Rural Wisconsin, 1909. In the bitter cold, Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper advertisement for "a reliable wife." But when Catherine Land steps off the train from Chicago, she's not the "simple, honest woman" that Ralph is expecting.

November 17
"Home to Holly Springs"
By Jan Karon
Far from Mitford and his beloved wife Cynthia, Father Tim enters unfamiliar emotional territory in the town of his birth. When he receives a letter postmarked Holly Springs, Miss., that contains a cryptic two-word message written in old-fashioned hand, Father Tim decides to answer its call and return to his birthplace for the first time in 38 years.

Managing Your Library Account

From the online catalog, you can view your account to see what items you have checked out on your library card, and renew and reserve materials. Did you also know that you can see a history of the books you’ve read, the movies you’ve seen and the CDs you’ve checked out? Simply click on “My Reading History” and then “opt in” and your history will be available from that time on.

 

Another new and helpful feature is the “Freeze” button. If you won’t be around Merrick to pick up a reserved item (maybe you’re lucky enough to be going on vacation!), click the freeze box, hit “update list” and answer yes. When you get back, unclick the box, update and say “yes” again and you will be back in the queue for whatever item you’ve been waiting for.

Mystery Lover’s Book Club

Wednesday’s at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Copies available at the Circulation Desk.

September 1
“Field of Darkness”
by Cornelia Read
It is 1988 in upstate New York and Madeline Dare, fledgling reporter, finds evidence that links her cousin to a 19-year old murder. When she investigates, in an attempt to clear him, she finds herself enmeshed in a web of secrets and lies. The New York Times called this debut novel “Spellbinding”.

October 13
“The Girl Who Played With Fire”
by Steig larsson
The second book in Stieg Larsson’s hugely popular trilogy, this focuses more closely on Lisbeth Salander than did The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Lisbeth is “one of the most compelling characters to strut the crime- fiction stage in years” (Booklist). Join us to
“compare and contrast” in this follow-up to our discussion of The Girl With the
Dragon Tattoo”.

November 10
“Glass Houses”
by Jane Haddam
In this, the 21st Gregor Demarkian mystery, the detective is hired to help prove the
innocence of a confessed serial killer. Booklist notes that, even after all these years, this series retains its freshness.

More than just books for kids!
STORYTIMES
Registration for our Toddler, 3-year-old, 4-year-old,
kindergarten and Wednesday Wonders programs will take place Wednesday, September 15 beginning at 9:30am and continue until classes begin. All classes will begin the week of October 4th. Check with the Children’s Room for more details.

PLAYHOORAY
Thursday, September 16, 5 to 5:30 p.m. babies age 3-17 months can sing, rhyme and laugh with Molly Moppet Mouse. Toddlers age 18-48 months will have fun singing, rhyming and marching at 5:45pm. Registration begins September 7. The October PlayHooray is scheduled for Friday, October 15 at 10:00am for babies and 10:45 for toddlers; registration begins October 5.

AUTUMN TREES
On September 28 @ 4 p.m.,
celebrate the season of autumn with a painting workshop that does not use brushes! Children in grades 2-6 can register beginning September 16 for this fun class where brushes are replaced with combs, feathers, sticks and other items, to create an original masterpiece.

TOTS NIGHT OUT
Monday, October 25 at 7 p.m. for families with children age 18 months-5 years (not yet in kindergarten). All will enjoy one hour of activities, music and a craft. Registration begins October 15. The November Tots Night is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23 at 7:00pm; registration begins November 12.

SPIDERWEB CHOCOLATE PIZZA - TWO SESSIONS! Thursday, October 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. for children in grades K-2; 5:30-6:30pm for grades 3-6. On a plateful of milk chocolate, decorate a “pizza” with colorful candies and top it off with a spider web of white chocolate. A chocolate “meatball” marshmallow pop is included! Register beginning October 12.

CERAMICS
Saturday, November 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for children in grades K-2; 11:45-12:45 p.m. for grades 3-6. Each child will paint a ceramic piece relating to Thanksgiving. Registration begins October 26. All materials will
be supplied.

LEGOS CLUB
Children in grades 2-6 can come to a once-a-month Sunday meeting of LEGO enthusiasts and build away! Lego pieces will be provided. Have fun using your
imagination creating with Legos. Sessions will take place October 17, November 14 and December 19 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Space is limited; registration begins October 6.

MAKE A SPLASH READ!
Close to 400 children joined our summer reading program this year! Prizes awarded included blow-up beach balls, stuffed raccoons, mesh backpacks, paint sheets, flip flop key chains, and many others. Congratulations to all who participated.

Check the Children’s newsletter due out in September
and our website, www.merricklibrary.org for more activities and information.
R.E.A.D.
READING EDUCATION
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Read to our special guest, a trained Reading Assistance dog. Children in grades 2-4 are invited to sign-up for a 20 minute session of reading books to Skipper. While Skipper gets to hear favorite stories, the children are actually improving their communication and reading skills. Skipper is specially trained by an R.E.A.D. member and handler. sessions will be held on Saturdays, October 9, November 13, December 11, and January 8. Appointments begin at 11 a.m. Come to the Children’s Room beginning September 21 to set up your preferred day and time.

Merrick Library Director Ellen Firer and Assistant Library Director Maureen Garvey join Eagle Scout Nick Genchi behind the bench Nick donated and installed at the Library Wing. As part of his Eagle Scout project Nick also did a beautiful job of landscaping in front of the Wing. Thank you, Nick!

FREE Friday
Fall Films
Showings at 2 p.m.
September 24, October 15
November 19
All films to be announced in order to bring you the most recent releases. Light refreshments will be served.

Get fit @ the library
Helene Just leads the following classes. Each session runs for 6 weeks. Please make checks only payable to the Merrick Library for $20.00.

No Impact Exercise • Mondays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Session: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18 & 25;
Registration began August 16
Session:November 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6 & 13;
Registration begins October 11

Tai Chi is a set of movements developed thousands of years ago in China. Modern Americans have learned that Tai Chi is an excellent exercise to help improve balance, stamina, coordination and well being. The movements may be performed standing or seated.

Tai Chi-Yang Style for Beginners • Wednesdays - 11:00 - 11:45 p.m.
Session: September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13 & 20; Registration began August 18
Session: November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8 & 15; Registration begins October 6

Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation • Thursdays - 11:15-12:00 p.m.
Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation is specially adapted for those that have arthritis, for seniors or anyone who wants to begin practicing Tai Chi. Session: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14 & 21; Registration began August 19 Session: November 4, 18, December 2, 9, 16 & 23; Registration begins October 7

YOGA: Jeanne McElwain, Registered Yoga Teacher continues her very popular classes. All sessions are 8 weeks long, they are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. The cost for each session is $30.00. Checks only-payable to The Merrick Library.

Intermediate Yoga • Tuesdays - 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Session: September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26 & November 2; Registration began August 17. Session: November 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 & January 4; Registration begins October 12.

All Levels Yoga • Wednesdays - 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Session: September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 & November 3; Registration began August 18
Session: November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & January 5; Registration begins October 13

Beginners Yoga • Thursdays - 5:30-6:45 p.m.
September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 & November 4; Registration began August 19 December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, January 6, 13 & 20; Registration begins November 4

All Levels Yoga • Saturdays - 9:30-10:45 a.m.
September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6 & 13; Registration began August 28
November 27, December 11, 18, January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5; Registration begins October 23

The Friends of the Merrick Library’s annual membership drive is now on! Membership is only $10! For more information, call Joan Sculli at 223-0980, or pick up a
membership application at the circulation desk.

Join the Friends-you’ll be glad you did!

Friends book sale at the Library Wing, 2369 Merrick Ave. Every Wednesday, 1:30-5; first Wednesday of the month, 1:30-8. Monthly meetings: Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library.

Friends Blog: http://merricklibraryfriends.blogspot.com/

 

TEENS TAKEOVER

Creative Writing Workshop with Jen Calonita
Thursdays, September 30, October 28 and November 18
@ 4 to 5 p.m. Fee $3.
Jen Calonita, author of the series “Secrets of My Hollywood Life”, is back to conduct her popular teen workshop. Bring your journal and Jen will provide you with professional feedback and information on how to become a writer. Registration begins on September 2. Non residents sign up starts on September 16.

SAT Preparation Workshop
Saturdays, September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
@ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $80 per student/checks only This course will focus mostly on the structure of the test and the strategies and methods needed to succeed on the test. Students must purchase the Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition (ISBN-10: 0874478529) for the course. The course will cover all three subjects on the SAT - Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. Please make checks payable to Merrick Library. No refunds. Registration for Merrick library patrons begins on August 28. Non residents may sign up for the program on September 11.

College Application Essay
Wednesday, September 29, 6:30 to 8:30p.m. Fee $3
Though many students are taught how to write an essay through high school, their writing skills often need more polishing and fundamental reinforcement. Professor of English at Hofstra University, Peter O’ Neill, will help college-bound students hone better composition skills so they can create a distinctive and memorable personal statement for their college application. Professor O’Neill will provide participants of this workshop with brief feedback on their essay via e-mail. Registration begins on September 1. Non residents sign up starts on September 15.

Yoga classes for Teens
Tuesdays, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 and 23,
3:45-5:00p.m. 6 sessions/$10 Improve your posture and reduce stress with yoga instructor Maria Yakkey. Please bring your yoga mat to the class. Registration begins on September 21.

Little Coffee Shop of Horrors: Merrick
Library Wing.
Wednesday, October 27, 4:30p.m. Fee: $3
Visit our Little Coffee Shop of Horrors and decorate a deliciously spooky dessert, create terrifying jewelry and participate in other “scary” activities. There will be ghostly snacks and prizes. This program is sponsored by Merrick and North Bellmore Libraries and is open for all in grades 6-12. Registration begins on October 1.

Thanksgiving Cooking Class with chef Robert Kass
Wednesday, November 10 @ 6:30 p.m. Fee $3 Roll up your sleeves, make a pie from scratch and bake it at home. You’ll receive many thanks for this delicious treat from everyone in your family. Registration starts on October 6.

Scrap Booking for Busy Teens
Thursday, November 18 @ 6:30 p.m. Fee $3
Learn tips and tricks on how to create a wonderful album. You’ll receive a scrapbook album and necessary materials to start your project. Just bring your pictures and your imagination. Registration begins on October 21.

TAG (Teen Advisory Group)
We are looking for enthusiastic and creative TAG members. Want better teen programs and events at the library? Want to have a say in how things are run? THEN JOIN TAG! YOU WILL ALSO GET FREE FOOD AND COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDIT! If you would like to participate in TAG meetings, contact Larissa Simonovski at 377-6112 ext.116.
TAG Meetings: Thursdays, September 23,
October 21, November TBA @ 4:15 p.m.

Beach Bag Book Club
Friday, October 29 @ 7:00-9:30 p.m.
The Beach Bag Book Club takes over fall with this Halloween treat! Join us at the NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY to meet author Gitty Daneshvari and talk about her book "School of Fear." We'll be doing this after dark, after hours. Bring your flashlight! More details to come. Registration begins on October 1.