Congratulations to our community’s new citizens! Twenty-one members of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library’s citizenship preparation class became new citizens this year. Since starting our citizenship preparation program in 2009, we have helped 251 community members obtain citizenship; that is an exciting number to celebrate during the 250th birthday of our nation!
On June 13, 2026, the MMSCL Literacy Department hosted their 15th annual Celebration of Literacy, hosted in the new Main Library building. This year, our new citizens represent 7 countries around the world. This year, our Literacy patrons represent 38 countries and speak 13 different languages!
Joining us to present Certificates of Achievement and share kind words of welcome and encouragement to our new citizens were:
- Representative for NY Governor Kathy Hochul, Rosa Montalvo Pacheco
- NYS Senator Dean Murray
- NYS Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano
- Suffolk Country Legislator Jim Mazzarella
- Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico
- Brookhaven Town Councilmember Karen Dunne-Kesnig
A special thanks to many people for their help in preparing for this special day- William Floyd High School NJROTC Color Guard for presenting the flags and Mr. Christopher Miranda for singing the National Anthem. Thank you to MMSCL administration and staff, Literacy Department staff, instructors, enrichment aides, Reading Buddies, and everyone who helped make this year’s program a success!
Congratulations to our 2026 citizenship scholarship award winners! Through the generosity of our community, this is the thirteenth year we presented Citizenship scholarship awards. This year’s three scholarship winners are from Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Pakistan. They will soon apply for their United States Citizenship.
The 2026 Citizenship Ceremony is available to watch through this link on our YouTube channel.
Consider giving the gift of U.S. Citizenship:
Community Family Literacy Project, Inc. (CFLP), a 501c3 organization, awards scholarships to adult library patrons who are studying to pass the United States Naturalization exam. We were fortunate to award three scholarships this year and are seeking donations for next year! An application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services cost $710. Your tax-deductible contribution, in any amount, as an individual or group, publicly or anonymously, is a meaningful gift.
Contact Lindsay Davis to learn how you can sponsor a scholarship, via phone (631) 399-1511 ext. 1007, email Ldavis@communitylibrary.org, or visit our website with the QR code to pay online.
