Do You Think You Know the Port Jefferson Free Library?

      Join us as we do an in depth tour of the rooms of the Port Jefferson Free Library.

For those who have never visited the Library, it is located in Downtown Port Jefferson just off East Main Street on Thompson Street. For detailed directions try Mapquest or give the Library a call at 473-0022.

When you enter the Library you face the computer room (the room with the glassed walls). For the purposes of this article we will be focusing on the Front Reading Room. It is accessed by turning right (just go right and keep walking past the computer room). The front room is actually the original Library. Yes, the entire library fit into that single room when it was built in 1925.

The room is still in use today and holds many items from the collection.

When entering the Reading Room visitors will see the beginning of the periodical collection (magazines). The magazines are in alphabetical order by title and the A’s begin on the right, and then continue to the left and around the left front corner of the room. The most current issue of each can be found on the outside shelf of the shelf. Simply lift the shelf to find back issues. While the newest issue can only be read in the Library, all others can be checked out.

Once you have walked past the start of the magazines on your right you will see the rack holding the daily newspapers. Sit and read the New York Times, Newsday, The Wall Street Journal and more!

To the right of the newspaper stand is our New Book Section. The fiction titles are organized alphabetically by author and represent  some of the newest works in the library. At times popular titles may already be checked out. If you can cannot find what you are looking for stop by the Reference Desk and the librarian will be happy to put the requested item on hold for you. After the new fiction the newest non fiction titles and biographies can be found. From business strategy to cookbooks, to art and entertainment, the newest non fiction works can be checked out and enjoyed! On the shelving to the right of the fireplace the newest large print fiction titles can be found. The titles represent the newest works from a wide variety of genres and authors.

For those who enter the room and turn left, they will find the rest of the magazine collection. In front of the magazines racks the lower lying book case holds the week’s back issues of the various newspapers.

Starting on the book case below the windows on the left the library’s  paperback collection can be found. Paperbacks are great for reading on the go as they are small and lightweight. Check one out today! For those looking to read some classics check out our classic paperback collection which is on the shelving to the right of the window.

Our large print fiction collection can be found in the Reading Room as well. It begins on the free standing bookshelves just to the left of the computer desk. The collection travels around the other side of the room. The collection contains a mix of genres and anyone is sure to find a great read!

Don’t forget to check the table that has the card catalog computer. There is alway a new weekly display and this year the Library is focusing on art and music. A new musician/group, artist, or artistic movement will be featured every week. Check back weekly to see who is being each week.

There is plenty to keep you reading in the aptly named Reading Room. Check out works from the newest of the new, catch up with some classics, take an easily portable paperback with you. For those who cannot read regular print books you can still enjoy reading with our large print collection. Feel free to take a seat in our comfortable chairs and read a newspaper, magazine, or just browse through your selection. Make the Reading Room a stop every time you come into the Library!

If you need help locating any items please stop by the Reference Desk and we will be glad to assist you! Happy New Reading!