7 Fun Ways To Get Reading On Long Island
Escape to another world, be creeped out by a mystery, learn ways to improve your daily routine... these are all amazing reasons to pick up a book and start reading. Sometimes it's hard to make the time but we have 7 fun ways to get into the habit of reading.
Plus scroll down for some pretty cool ways to celebrate and encourage literacy year round.
LI Literary History
- Walt Whitman - was born in South Huntington - considered one of America's top poets - you can visit his Birthplace - Famous for Leaves of Grass
- Jack Kerouac - lived in Northport and lived there for 6 years and during that time published 7 books. Famous for On The Road
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery- escaped German occupied France in 1940 and lived in Northport on Bevin Road. This is where he began to think of the Little Prince. Famous for The Little Prince
- Mario Puzo - inspired by his Bay Shore neigborhood, Puzo lived in Bay Shore until his death in 1999. Famous for The Godfather
- Nelson DeMille - loves to live in Garden City in the Tudor Revival Mansion he designed for himself and his family Famous for The Gold Coast
- Truman Capote - built a custom home in Sagaponack where characters from his novels were devised. It's said that he wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Fire Island Carrington Estate. Famous for Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood
- Thomas Harris - spends most of his time in Florida but summers in Sag Harbor. Famous for Silence of the Lambs
- John Steinbeck - while he is best known for his time in California, where there is a museum in his honor, Steinbeck finished out his life in New York. He split his time between Manhattan and Sag Harbor. Famous for Of Mice And Men and Grapes of Wrath
7 Fun Ways To Get Reading
1. Visit an Independent Bookstore - check out what these stores have to offer including book signings, poetry reading, book clubs and more.
2. Heckscher Museum- Heckscher Museum hosts book groups with books focused on art & artists both fiction and non-fiction.
3. Local Library- Check your local library for great book clubs and discussions. Huntington Library hosts monthly book groups including the 'Mystery Book Discussion Group.' Check the library newsletters & websites for details. The clubs are open to all. Your local library also hosts summer programs for children and adults to fuel those literacy skills during the sultry season of the year.
4. Read a book about LI - we have a list of fiction & non-fiction books which have LI as the setting.
5. Walt Whitman Birthplace - Walt Whitman made Long Island home. His home is a landmark in South Huntington and encourages and hosts events surrounding poetry and stories. Join in Walt Whitman's tradition and check out some of their great events including 'Walt Whitman International Festival' & 'Walking With Whitman'.
6. Poets in Port at Caffe Portofino - each month a featured poet joins the group and there is an open reading. Audience is encouraged to bring their poems and participate.
7. Visit Sag Harbor - famous for its writers who have and currently live there. Take inspiration from the setting that many writers have.
Celebrate reading throughout the year on Long Island!
- Read Across America day is celebrated each year on March 2nd which is also Dr. Seuss' birthday.
- Long Island Reads Month is April. Check your local library for events.
- East Hampton Authors Night- Authors Night is a lavish fundraiser to benefit the East Hampton Library. Meet your favorite authors, buy their books and have them inscribed. The most recent titles for each author will be available for purchase at the event.
- Smith Point Bridge 5k Run for Literacy is held yearly in the fall. Proceeds help support the Community Library’s Family Literacy Project, the William Floyd High School Scholarship Fund, and the Reach Out and Read program at the HRHCare Marilyn Shellabarger Health Center.
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