These programs still have spots available!
A Mariner’s Life: Colonial life in Maritime America
At the Moriches Branch on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
What was life like on an 18th-century sailing vessel? How did pirates, privateers and seamen stay alive during epidemics, sea battles, and storms? What did they eat, and how was food prepared on a rolling ship? Sailors scrubbed the deck, but did they scrub themselves? In the dark, pitch-black area below-quarters, how could anyone see? Come learn about ingenious lighting devices and pirates’ eye patches, while sampling some hard tack and “pocket soup.” Cultural historian Diane Schwindt presents.
Mystery of Sea Pottery
At the Moriches Branch on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Tumbled by the Sea will help us identify the ceramic shards that wash up on our shores. Did you know that every piece of sea pottery on the beach has a mystery to be solved? Discover how to identify and date ceramic patterns using only small beach-found fragments. (Is it possible to find anything dating from the American Revolution?) Learn how to decipher clues to determine the origin of sea pottery, and hear the surprising history behind beautiful shards found by the staff of Tumbled By The Sea!
Bonus: Each attendee gets to “scoop” a goody bag of pottery and sea glass from Tumbled’s treasures!
Learn to Play Chess
At the Moriches Branch on Saturdays, January 17, 24, 31, and February 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Chess instructor Jim Myer for a four-week series to learn all about chess. Participants will explore the history and changes of the game, how to use and study the tactics to improve their game, as well as learn and apply notation to analyze their games and the games of other players, including Bobby Fischer. Finally, participants will use what they have learned to play their best game.
Eating Healthy on a Budget
At the Main Library on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Learn practical strategies for buying and preparing nutritious meals while saving money, especially during economic challenges