My beloved and favorite uncle passed away this week; he was 92. I have only the happiest memories of him. He was a wonderful man, full of life, love and fun. He was very proud of his service to his country during World War II, where he was a member of the Army Air Corps (which later became the Air Force). I was trying to find a way to honor his memory when I came across a children’s book, Tail-End Charlie by Nick Manning and Brita Granstrom, about an RAF airman during World War II. Although the book is told from the British point of view, I’m sure the experiences are very similar. Reading the book and looking at the photos, I was reminded of my uncle’s stories, especially the strong bonds among the crew. I just know my uncle would have loved it.












Posted by Sue Ann

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn!!

Another relaxing Summer season has passed and today we offically welcome Autumn. Mornings are beginning to get cooler, the days are getting shorter and of course another exciting school year has begun. Living in New York, we are lucky to experience the change of seasons every year. Each season brings along different and exciting things to do and experience. During the season of Fall we can see the leaves begin to change colors, you can go apple and pumpkin picking, go through fun corn mazes, and of course there's the celebration of Halloween and Thanksgiving.

As the seasons change so do the displays in our children's room. We update each display with neat and interesting books.

We look forward to seeing you this season.

by Josephine

Ahoy! sprogs o' Syosset!

Ahoy there young mateys! I am practicing for the celebration of one of the silliest holidays in observance. I speak of course about, "International Talk Like a Pirate Day", which falls on September 19th!

What? You say you have never heard of "International Talk Like a Pirate Day?"

Well sit starboard down and I will tell you t'tale which began all t' way aft in 1996!

(Translation: Well sit right down and I will tell you the tale that began in 1996.)

Two friends named John Baur and Mark Summers (Ol' Chumbucker and Cap'n Slappy, in pirate speak.) decided over a game of racquetball that it would be fun to start their own holiday in which the two friends could only speak in "pirate lingo." They chose September 19th as the date, and began to observe it as an in-joke between friends.

Then, on a whim the two decided to send a letter about their made up holiday to Dave Barry, an American humorist who wrote for the Miami Herald. Barry liked the idea so much that he promoted it and the holiday really caught on. Of course, I like to think of it as Barry's inspiration for his fantastic children's novel, "Peter and the Starcatchers", the first in a series of prequels to Peter Pan, featuring one of literature's most infamous pirates, Captain James Hook!

The book is well worth reading.


So how does one celebrate this day? Well in short it is simple. Replace some or all of your normal everyday lingo with "pirate language."

So instead of saying, "hello" to your friends on this day it would be appropriate to address them, "Ahoy mateys!"

"Check it out" would be, "Avast!"

"Yes" would become, "Aye!"


And to show your enjoyment of talking like a pirate one can simply let our a hearty, "Arrrr!"

If you would like some more help with a few every day phrases, Ol' Chumbucket and Capn' Slappy have prepared a "Pirate-to-English" translator , which can change any sentence into "Pirate Speak."

Chumbucket and the Capn' have also prepared the following website specifically designed to guide young buccaneers and their parents through the many ways they can celebrate, "International Talk Like a Pirate Day."

Until next time mateys!

-Posted By Capn' Redlocks (Miss Jessikah)

Bookmark Winners

The winners of our Make a Splash...Read Bookmark Contest have been decided!!

3 1/2 to K


Griffin





Grade 1-2

Grace




Grade 3-5

Alexa



The three winnning bookmarks will be printed and made available to our patrons (while supplies last) at the Children's Reference Desk beginning Tuesday, September 7.

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you for participating.

Posted by: Amy

Bookmark Contest Entries

Our Summer Reading Bookmark Contest was a big hit! We had 76 entries in three different age groups. Deciding upon 3 winners was very hard as everybody did such a wonderfully artistic job with their submissions.

All the entries are posted below. Take a look for yours!

Runners Up:

3 1/2 to K

Grades 1-2

Grades 3-5

Thank you all for participating!

Posted by: Amy