This summer, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a document that heralded our country’s journey toward becoming an independent nation. Events to mark the occasion are scheduled across the country, and libraries in the region are ensuring that their events are accessible to all.
Here’s how local libraries are ensuring America’s 250th reaches all audiences:
Hewlett-Woodmere Library. Photo credit: Christine Connallon/Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library (Nassau County)
“We are fully ADA-compliant,” explained Laurie Adler, Outreach Librarian. “Our entire facility is wheelchair accessible across all presentation spaces,” added Marie Drucker, Adult Programmer and Librarian. “The library also maintains an active inventory of assistive hearing devices that patrons can request and utilize during our indoor audio-visual and lecture programs.”
Darren Paltrowitz, Public Relations Librarian, noted, “If a patron requests an ASL interpreter or live CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning for a specific event with sufficient notice, our administration will do its best to coordinate with specialized local agencies (often facilitated through the Nassau Library System) to secure those specific services for the patron.”
July events include:
- The Immigrant Experience on Film: July 1 at 7:00 pm. A multimedia lecture with filmmaker Greg Blank. (Gold Hall)
- Musical Performance: Sheri Miller – 250 Years of Freedom: July 9 at 7:00 pm. (Outdoor Courtyard)
- Musical Performance: The Paul Effman Band – Honoring the Signing: July 16 at 7:00 pm (Gold Hall)
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, East Setauket (Suffolk County)
Lisa DeVerna, the Marketing Communications Manager, provided information about accessibility at this library. “The library is wheelchair accessible (ramp, elevator, automatic doors, and wide aisles), and we have a limited number of handicapped parking spaces. ASL interpreters are available upon request. Service animals are welcome. For movies, subtitles are available upon request. For anyone who needs assistance at programs, they are welcome to have an aide or caretaker with them. Through Suffolk County, we have a number of books in Braille.”
She shared information about the events planned at the library to celebrate the 250th anniversary. “This summer, we have a community art exhibit titled Sea to Shining Sea, a collaborative art display celebrating our country with American landscape paintings from our patrons of all ages. Anyone is welcome to come view this exhibit from now through the end of August.”
Additional events include:
- Star-Spangled Celebration: For families with children ages 3-11. Visitors can create accessories to top off their red, white, and blue attire for the 4th of July. July 1, 10:30 am to noon.
- What Entertained the Founding Fathers: An opportunity to learn about the dances, songs, plays, and concerts enjoyed by the founding fathers and mothers: Long-time Playbill managing editor Robert Viagas will help to humanize the giants who created the United States 250 years ago. This event is only for adults and Suffolk County residents. Registration required: July 1, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
- Patriotic Pirates: Uncover the stories of real-life pirates who helped win America’s freedom: Handle pirate treasures from the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum’s collection and make your own pirate treasure chest to take home. For children in grades 1 – 5: July 2, 2:00 to 2:45 pm.
Northport-East Northport Public Library (Suffolk County)
“As far as accessibility, both library buildings are equipped with ramps and elevators and are accessible for participants using walkers, wheelchairs, et cetera,” explained Assistant Library Director Andrew Salomon. “Subtitles are turned on for all feature-length films. Assistive listening devices are available in our Community Rooms. Hand-held and lapel microphones are available for lecturers. Large print copies of the library newsletter are available upon request. Finally, a statement is included in every newsletter encouraging patrons to notify us prior to a program if any additional accommodations can be provided.”
July events include:
- The film Hamilton will be shown to an adult-only audience on July 3 at 2:00 pm in the Northport Building and July 10 at 2:00 pm in the East Northport building.
- Washington Crossing the Delaware: The Story Behind the Painting: Elizabeth Kahn Kaplan relates the truth about that fateful night and the following day in 1776, when General George Washington and his rag-tag army defeated the Hessians in a surprise attack. She will explore the celebrated artwork for its accuracy and poetic license. Available via Zoom: July 6 at 7:00 pm. Register here.
- Yankee Doodle Dandy: Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a screening of the patriotic musical: Yankee Doodle Dandy. Starring James Cagney as George M. Cohan, the film is filled with toe-tapping songs, funny jokes, and a sterling cast. Lecturer Larry Wolff will discuss the production as well as offer a display of books, autographs, and memorabilia. This event will take place in the Northport Building: July 7 at 2:00 pm.
- Long Island and the American Revolution: For an adult audience only. Historian and American Revolutionary War enthusiast Bruce Adams will present topics of the American Revolution including causes, events in Massachusetts, the Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn), Huntington’s British Forts, the Battle of Fort Slongo, and Nathan Hale’s story. Held July13 at 2:00 pm in the Northport building.
More information can be found at these websites:
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library: https://hwpl.org/
Northport-East Northport Public Library: https://www.nenpl.org/
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library: https://www.emmaclark.org/
In addition, the New York Public Library has scheduled events for the 250th throughout New York City. See here for more.