Libraries

Your local Libraries

The public libraries in the Five Towns – Hewlett-Woodmere and Peninsula Public Library – have continued to offer as many services as possible from being open to cardholders as much as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic virtual and in-person events mixed with hybrid events. PPL held its summer reading program that attracted 140 readers aged 4 to 13. The program was centered on the theme “Tails and Trails,” which is a play on the word tails for fairy tales, folk tales, tall tales and animal tails. Each year, the Nassau Library System creates a different summer reading theme. The participating libraries in the county craft graphics and handouts related to the theme. In august, there was an end of program that celebrated the readers with certificates and prizes. HWPL offered a gamut of children and adult programming. “The lectures have been popular; story time has been popular but there have been difficulties with keeping kids in front of a computer screen,” library Director William Ferro told the Herald previously. “We are holding story time in-person and in our courtyard and continue to use social distancing.” PPL held all its programs on Zoom throughout the pandemic, which has its cons and pros, library Director Carolynn Matulewicz said previously. “You cannot make the connection from Zoom; people connect with each other at the library, and on Zoom it is not always interactive,” she said. “The positive side is we cannot have 150 people at the library, but we can have them on a Zoom program.”

The Levi Yitzchak Library Center, in Cedarhurst, has a Covid policy in place that includes being open for returning and borrowing books only. Masks are required and there are social distancing guidelines. The play area is not open for children or adults and at this time the library space cannot be used for reading or studying.

Peninsula Public Library

280 Central Ave., Lawrence 11559 239-3262 Director: Carolynn Matulewicz

Current Hours:

Monday 9 a.m. -9 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday Closed Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Noon-5 p.m.

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library

1125 Broadway, Hewlett 11557 374-1967 Director: William Ferro

Current Hours:

Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m.-5p.m.

The Linda Pinsky Memorial Library

859 Peninsula Blvd., Woodmere Membership is free. Open Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The Levi Yitzchak Family Center and Library

564 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Current Hours: Sunday Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday Noon-5 p.m. Thursday Noon-6 p.m.

Photos Herald file photo Top Photo: Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library continued to offer programs and services to cardholders through the pandemic using Zoom and an occasional inperson movie.

Bottom Photo: McKenzie Preziosa, right, had her mother Amber Qassiu, center, register her for the Peninsula Public Library summer reading program. At left is brother Jackson Preziosa.

2021 - 2022 Living In The Five Towns 13 • Over 3000 families served • Over 10,000 individuals directly impacted by the Gural JCC • Over 1,000 families relied on The S.H.O.P. (Sustenance Hope

Opportunities Place) monthly for food, clothing and social work support • 600,000 lbs. (300 tons) of food distributed this year • Over $150k in cash assistance distributed to people in crisis • 370 Jewish Single Parent families served

The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry

located at The S.H.O.P. (Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place) has seen a 40% increase of • 100 Russian speaking seniors resumed in person adult new families who are suddenly facing hardships. • day care programs Over 500 seniors were including 150 vaccines assisted provided in getting the at our pop up COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine site, 60 of these vaccines given to frail Holocaust survivors • 350 frail elderly received weekly caring support • Over 1200 hours of virtual programming, counseling and case management provided • Over 750 volunteers donated over 10,000 hours serving our community this year

Our Older Adult Our Volunteer Department Department

is in touch with seniors has mobilized an army and Holocaust survivors of volunteers to deliver to check in and perform food, run errands and wellness checks. Activities shop for groceries to are being shared so that those who can’t get they can stay healthy out especially seniors and engaged. living alone.

The JCC Social Work Team

is conducting remote counseling sessions with vulnerable and isolated community members who are anxious and need support at this time.

Our Special Needs Department

has been running virtual support groups for adults support our life sustaining work this year alone with disabilities and parents of children with special needs to connect, share resources and support each other.

We need your help now!

The Gural JCC remains steadfast in our commitment to serving the needs of the Greater Five Towns.

For 40 years The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC has been serving the greater Five Towns with a wide assortment of programs for all ages and abilities. Your support is needed now more than ever to help us meet the growing demand from community members for services.

Ways to Give:

Please make your tax deductable contribution today! • Online: guraljcc.org/donate Rooted in the Community for Over 40 Years • Mail checks to: The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, 207 Grove Ave., Main Office Cedarhurst, NY 11516, Attn: Development Department207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst • By Phone: 516-569-6733, ext. 201 516-569-6733 Harrison-Kerr Family Campus 140 Central Avenue, Lawrence

serving our community

Donate online toDay! www.guraljcc.org/ The S.H.O.P. Donate 1141854 591 Malvin Mall, Cedarhurst

516-234-6020

guraljcc.org info@guraljcc.org