Islip libraries changing with patrons' changing tastes

It's no secret that a library card can give patrons access to free books, but these days it can also grant them a chance to take Korean folk art classes, join a club dedicated to K-pop fans and take courses that teach how to take to the sky. 

Some Suffolk public libraries have transformed from bibliophile havens to what directors say are similar to community centers — still serving as bastions of knowledge, but also offering opportunities that patrons might not otherwise easily access. Islip Town’s 10 libraries still provide towers of books, but with a modern flair. Cooking and baking classes, pop culture talks, book clubs and board game events are among the treasure trove of offerings. 

Tara Kohles, the director of the Central Islip Public Library, said the transition to nonbook offerings for Long Island libraries was sparked by the addition of children’s story times. Then, libraries hosted experts on topics such as children’s nutrition and literacy. She’s seen continued programming expansion during her 18-year career; this isn’t a trend — it’s here to stay, Kohles said. 

“As years have gone on, we’re just developing from a library center to a community center,” she said.

The Central Islip library serves lunch to those in need, offers cultural events and museum passes, hosts ESL classes and has a social worker who helps patrons navigate citizenship, housing and other challenges. All of these things are aligned with the mission of libraries, Kohles said — and they’re free. 

“Our role is just providing access to these things. … giving a taste to people, an experience that they couldn’t normally have without leaving Central Islip,” she said. 

Tim Spindler, the executive director of the Long Island Library Resources Council, a Bellport nonprofit that helps enhance libraries, said libraries are encouraged to expand their offerings. The organization hosts speakers from libraries across the country in an effort to spark ideas for ones on Long Island. 

The goal is to show patrons the sky is the limit, Kohles said — literally. The library offers an aviation program, which allows 10 teenagers to attend a 10-week course. It culminates with the teens taking to the skies with flying lessons at Republic Airport in Farmingdale.

The program was organized by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, a service organization based in Westbury. Chapter president Donald Daal, an NYPD detective, said the Central Islip program is an extension of Aviation 4 Us, a Brooklyn nonprofit founded by NYPD Insp. Winston Faison, who teaches the courses. The program was free and funded by Xpotential, the nonprofit arm of the fraternity. They plan to hold another course in early 2023, Daal said. 

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter called the town’s libraries “incredible.” 

“Libraries are really community centers, providing opportunities for residents and community groups to meet, as well as offering a wide array of programs and services,” she said.

Diversifying services and offerings has been 20 years in the making at the Brentwood Public Library, director Tom Tarantowicz said. 

Since joining the library, he said there’s been constant discussion of how to better meet the needs of patrons. The conscious effort has led the library to offer space for senior tax services, hold a food pantry that feeds hundreds of people monthly and host lawyers for free legal help, Tarantowicz said. 

“We have a very diverse community with different needs,” he said. “You have to be very diverse in your offerings, diverse in your age offerings, diverse in your community offerings.” 

By Brinley Hineman

brinley.hineman@newsday.com

Brinley Hineman covers the Town of Hempstead and the City of Long Beach for Newsday. She previously was a reporter in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a West Virginia native.