South Country Library
Weekly Round-Up
April 25, 2020
Building community by sharing the wonders of learning, creating and connecting with one another.
 
Hello South Country Community, and Ramadan mubarak to those observing. Also, welcome to the several new people who've recently signed up for our emails!
 
If you are new, here's what you can expect -- every Saturday afternoon, you'll get an email just like this. After this intro, we start with items we want you to see first -- usually services and programs that the library is providing. Then we get into Staying Stable -- a section dedicated to resources for the well-being of you and your loved ones. The last main section is Leisure & Learning -- this is where you can find entertainment and educational goodies. You can usually find gems from our Children's Librarians down there!
 
And now, waaay at the bottom, there are links to the previous issues of this newsletter -- because we always have so much info to share, much of it only goes out once or twice. Check the previous issues to see what you might've missed!
 
You can also follow us on Facebook and keep track of updates on our website's Coronavirus page.
 
Oh jeez, it's almost May! Well, we hope the rest of April provides you with moments of comfort, and we'll talk to you next week.
 
-- South Country Library
 




Wi-Fi in our Parking Lot!
 
The library is pleased to announce that we have expanded our WiFi access throughout the library parking lot. If you or someone you know is in need of internet access, come by anytime.
There is no password, just connect to our network and agree to the wireless policy. We expect all users (whether by car, bike or on foot) to follow social distancing protocols at all times or we will be unable to continue the service. If you experience any difficulties, please contact us via email, chat, or phone.  
 
 
Savvy Sightseer's Virtual Vacation
Each week for the next three weeks, treat yourself to a 30-minute virtual vacation to a different European destination.
 
Week 2: Northern Italy
We’ll start in Milan, the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region; then journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Next we’ll check out the Northern Lakes and cap our tour in the Cinque Terre – dubbed the Italian Riviera. Register to view the tour anytime before Friday May 1.
 
 
 
 
Adult Book-Pack Giveaway
 
An addendum from last week -- The Suffolk County Library System is now offering book giveaways in packs of 2 adult books, that can be delivered to your home via USPS. This is to allow for more patrons to receive books. Click here for details.
 
 
Digital Books & Virtual Bagels
 
Our first virtual "Books and Bagels" book discussion will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 AM. This is a great way to enjoy some time together while staying home (bring your own coffee and pastry)! We can all read the same book using Hoopla's Book Club Hub.
 
Check out our first book: The Mountains Sing, a novel by Nguyen Phan Que Mai. This book is sure to generate some great discussion and we hope you can join us.
 
To register, email jsalvatore@sctylib.org
with the subject “Books and Bagels”. The link to join the meeting will be provided the day before to those who have registered.
 
 

You can download the ebook and/or audio for a loan period of 21 days from Hoopla.
 
Get Hoopla from the Apple App Store
 
Get Hoopla from the GooglePlay Store
YA Virtual Book Discussion
Friday, May 15, 2020
 
Join Ms. Kathleen from the YA Department as we virtually discuss Feed by M.T. Anderson. Young Adults can register here.
The book is available for download on Hoopla with your library card.
 
 
Tune in to Storytime from your South Country Children's Librarians! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:00 PM, we'll be premiering new storytimes on our Facebook page.
 

This Monday: Zoo Stories!

 
The building is still closed, but our librarians are here for you.
 
Give us a call at the library phone number -- 631-286-0818 -- and you will be forwarded to a member of our staff ready to assist you.
 
Call us Monday - Friday, 10AM - 6PM 
and Saturday, 10AM - 5PM.
 
During other hours, or if the phone line is in use, you will be asked to leave a voicemail -- we'll get back to you.
 
If you prefer, you can still chat with us on our website. Click the chat symbol in the lower-right corner. The chat-line is staffed the same hours as the phone above.
 
 
 

 
STAYING STABLE
 
Get COVID-19 updates at SuffolkCountyNY.gov or by texting COVIDSUFFOLK to 67283.
~~~
COVID-19 Testing: If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you can take NY State's screening assessment here and call NY State's Coronavirus Hotline for testing locations and other information: 1-888-364-3065
~~~
Stony Brook University Hospital is looking for people who have recovered from Coronavirus to donate plasma (like a blood donation). If you or someone you know has recovered from Coronavirus and would be wiling to donate, please click here.
 
Coping with Life’s Challenges
this Thursday, April 30, 12:00-1:30 PM
 
Join us virtually for this timely program about coping with life's challenges from the Executive Director of the Crisis Response Center, Meryl Cassidy. You will learn skills and strategies for coping with the inevitable challenges of life in a healthy way, and will also learn how to help someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Click here to register — you will receive a link to join the program 24 hours before it begins.
 

 
COVID-19 Financial Toolkit
 
NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office has created a resource guide for residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses. It includes health updates, information on unemployment, sick leave, guidance on protecting your personal finances, avoiding scams, and more.
 
 
All people in New York State are now required to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as public transportation. Click here for instructions from the CDC for making your own sew and no-sew masks.
 

 
Grocery & Meal Delivery for Seniors

Town of Brookhaven's Meals on Wheels program is being used to bring groceries and meals to seniors. Call Councilman Loguercio's office at 631-451-6968 for assistance.
~~~
Local Restaurants & Markets
 
Cirillo's Market (631-286-2772) is providing curbside pickup only for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and people who are immunocompromised.
  • Local Restaurants doing take-out & delivery
  • Local Markets with senior hours
  • The Bellport Restaurant, Fri-Mon menu
  • Deer Run Farms produce pickup
 
Evictions & Mortgage Issues

Until at least June 20th, there is a moratorium on the eviction of residential and commercial renters, per an executive order signed by Governor Cuomo. If you or someone you know is being evicted illegally, call 311 to report it.
 
If you believe your mortgage company isn’t abiding by relief guidelines, you can take the Mortgage Relief Survey on the Suffolk County website here. [ En español aquí ]
 
 
Continuing Library Support Groups
 
 
 
 
 
Relax & Connect
Mondays,
April 13 - May 18
10:00 AM
 
Click here access links from your computer or phone.
 
 
SMART Recovery Group
Wednesdays, April 22 - May 27
7:00 PM
 
An anonymous support group for addiction and addictive behavior recovery. Meetings teach SMART Recovery® for self-directed change, using scientifically-based tools and skills.
 
Anyone age 18+ with any type of addiction is welcome. Click here for access links from your computer or phone.
 
 
 
Support for Caregivers
 
The Parker Jewish Institute holds phone support groups for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s/dementia.
 
Group tele-meeting times are...
Weekdays at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM.
Saturdays at 9:30 AM.
 
Call 917-962-0650 during any of those times, and enter code 713896.
~~~
Willing Hearts Helpful Hands holds virtual programs for the elderly, those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and their caregivers.  Click here to view the schedule for Monday April 20 to Sunday May 3.
 
Programs are at 10 AM and 3 PM each day, and include gentle exercises, memory cafés, & webinars for caregivers. Advanced registration is required.
 
For Parents & Educators

An Overview of the Special Education Process
May 20
 
Positive Behavior Supports
June 10
 
Both programs are free and from 6:30-8:30 PM
 
 


 
Limiting screen-time is more challenging than ever, so don’t feel guilty about turning to screens more than you used to. If you want some guidance, this article from the New York Times recommends strategies that might work for your family.
 
 
24-hour Crisis Hotlines
 
Response Crisis Center
631-751-7500
 
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Admin (SAMHSA) Hotline
1-800-662-4357
 
Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (LICADD) Hotline
631-979-1700
 
NYS Mental Health Support Line
1-844-863-9314
or Text 741741
 
National Alliance on Mental Illness
 
 
 
 
NY Connects
1-800-341-9871
 
Long Island Against Domestic Violence
631-666-8833
 
Veterans' Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255
or Text 838255
 
Veteran Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274
 
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Line
1-800-272-3400
Also offers daily support calls -- to register, call 516-586-1507
 
...and dial 311 to connect with Suffolk County departments and agencies to aid you with any non-emergency issue.
 
 
 
 

 
LEISURE & LEARNING
 
South Country Library Online Resources:
[ Kids ]     [ Adults ]
 
South Country Library Virtual Programs:
[ Kids ]     [ Teens ]
 
Get a temporary library card here:
[ English ]     [ español ]
 
 
Quarantunes: Local Music
 
The New Students, a band from the Bellport/Brookhaven area, are offering daily Quarantunes for your enjoyment!

Check out their Facebook page for daily postings, or view them on YouTube. Learn more at the LI Advance article here.
 
 
 
Trivia Fun for All
 
Congratulations to Brenda Rivera who won our Marvel trivia last week!
This week's theme is all things video games, so hit the button and try to get the highest score! Open from now until Tuesday, April 28 at 9:00 PM.
 
 
Pirate Treasure Hunt
 
Here's another fun activity for kids from Miss Carrie! Parents can make a treasure hunt with common household supplies. Click here to view.
 

 
Origami Dog
 
Follow along with Michael from the Children's Department as he demonstrates how to make a super-simple origami dog! All you need is a square piece of paper. Click here to watch.
 
If you have LEGOs at home...
 
Here's a building challenge from Children's Librarian Jen! Watch this video of one of the LEGO builds she has at her house and find out the challenge. You can send a photo of your project to childrens@sctylib.org
 
 

 
Check our this list of books that show young characters feeling loved and valued, getting through difficulties with the aid of friends and family, and showing resilience. Many of these titles are available for free download with your library card on Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla.


 
PBS Kids - The Gruffalo

It’s “Mondays with Michelle Obama,” part of the PBS KIDS Read-Along series! The first book is The Gruffalo. Michelle will be back this Monday at noon, too!
For more PBS Kids on YouTube, click here.
 
 
Erik's Reptile Edventures has daily wildlife webinars! Tune in at 3:30 PM daily for amphibian appearances and fun facts.
 

The Islamic month of Ramadan is a solemn holiday of fasting, charity & prayer, culminating in the joyous feasting of Eid al-Fitr. The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard is one of our favorite picks in the Children's department.
 
Read it for free with your library card on Hoopla.
 
 
The Young Adult Department's Escape the Library program continues! This week: use your detective skills to solve a cold case file.

Register here, and then check out all the other Virtual Programs in the YA Department, including ways to earn community service hours.
 
 
Looking for another good read? Here are some new book recommendations from one of our librarians that you can find on the free library apps Libby or Hoopla.
 
Get Libby:  [ from Apple (for iPhone/iPad) ]   
[ from GooglePlay (for Android Phone/Tablet) ]
 
Get Hoopla:  [ from Apple (for iPhone/iPad) ]   
[ from GooglePlay (Android Phone/Tablet) ]
 
~~~
for more book recommendations...
 
We have some great tools available for you to browse books from home and find the next one for your To-Be-Read list! Check out Novelist or BookBrowse to find read-alikes, book reviews, series lists, recommendations, online interactive book discussions, and more.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Round-Up Archives. Formatted by date, followed by highlights, and then links in English and Spanish.
 
March 21 - Utilities, daycare, our Facebook book club, library Concerts, storytimes, and many of our online apps & services.
[ English ]  [ español ]
 
March 28 - Spring reading challenge, Census, ongoing food assistance, scam info, daycare, K-12 at home, PBS videos, storytimes, Ancestry, and The Great Courses.
[ English ]  [ español ]
 
April 4 - Creativebug, cards for Mather Hospital, Unemployment Insurance & Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Suffolk Business Recovery Unit, parenting help, defensive driving online courses, storytimes, The Gateway, osprey cams.
[ English ]  [ español ]
 
April 11 - Resume assistance, Sunshine Letter for kids, donating to LI Community Hospital, assistance from Island Harvest and United Way, health insurance, mental health, parenting help, support for veterans, audiobook storytimes, K-12 marine life education from Cornell, virtual Easter egg hunt.
[ English ]  [ español ]
 
April 18 - Seed library, Relax & Connect, SMART recovery, rumor-control, job & career counseling, assistance for immigrants & refugees, South Country oral histories, activities from Children's Dept.
[ English ]  [ español ]
 
 
 
 
 
 
South Country Library
22 Station Road
Bellport, NY 11713
(631) 286-0818
sctylib.org
 
 
Library Hours
[closed until further notice]
Mon-Fri: 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sun (Sept-June):
Noon - 4:00 pm