New chapter at the tiny Baiting Hollow Free Library

The library began in 1903 when the women of Baiting Hollow Congregational Church formed a group and began giving public lectures on various topics to paying audiences, Ms. Stanza explained. They saved their money and used it to start the library, which has been in numerous locations over the past 111 years, one of which is now the Calverton post office.

The library’s past isn’t the only local history stored inside these walls, most of which can be found in books kept on one small shelf to the right of the front door.

“The greatest is the Long Island collection. These are old and unique books, so they’re usually reference books. Some of them we are the only people to have,” she said.

Although her favorite section of the library is the Long Island section, Ms. Stanza enjoys reading cookbooks “that also tell a story and give background” during her free time. In addition, she enjoys novels and mysteries by Agatha Christie, tastes confirmed by a low chuckle from her husband.

She also loves local authors and encourages them to stop by the library to share their stories.

Ms. Stanza hopes to increase the visibility of the library, which typically welcomes four to six patrons on its open days, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library issues no cards, instead requiring borrowers to sign an index card that Ms. Stanza then files in a tiny file box.

The Baiting Hollow facility belongs to the Suffolk County Library Association membership and is therefore part of its Live-brary program, through which customers can use electronic devices to rent e-books for up to two weeks, which vastly expands the tiny library’s offerings.

“I want people to know that we can offer whatever a larger library can offer,” she said. “A few patrons come in and use the computer because they don’t have one at home. I want to be able to help people in the community by having the computer.”

She feels being a part of the community is an important aspect of the job and is looking forward to getting to know the library regulars on a more personal level, which includes knowing what they like to read so she can order books they will enjoy.

“Invite people, if they are out, to stop in and say hi,” Ron Stanza finally piped up. “One-room schoolhouses may be gone, but the one-room library is still here.”