Laughter filled the Oceanside Library well past closing time on Jan. 24, as the Friends of the Oceanside Library hosted “Oceanside Library After Dark,” a sold-out, adults-only comedy night that raised funds for a new children’s literacy initiative.
The fundraiser, held in the library’s theater, featured a lineup of six comedians — Carla Oakerson, Rob O’Toole, Dan LaRocco, Mike Keegan, Richie Byrne and Tony Iovino — and was hosted by LaRocco, a longtime stand-up comedian and producer. The event sold more than 150 tickets, making it effectively a sellout.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Friends, a nonprofit organization that supports library programming and community initiatives.
“This was really about bringing people together for something fun while supporting a worthwhile cause,” Iovino said. “People laughed, everybody seemed to have a really good time, and the Friends raised some meaningful funds.”
Iovino said the funds raised will support a new Story Walk installation at Oceanside Park, purchased by the Friends and donated to the Town of Hempstead. The library will rotate children’s books along the walking path, combining literacy with outdoor recreation.
“What they raised that night essentially paid for the Story Walk,” Iovino said. “It’s a dollar-for-dollar community investment.”
Comedy nights at the library have become increasingly popular in recent years. While the library has hosted adult comedy shows before, this marked the second fundraiser of its kind organized by the Friends, following a successful, sold-out event last year.
LaRocco, who hosted and helped produce the show, said combining comedy with a community-centered mission creates a unique and rewarding atmosphere.
“Supporting the Friends means supporting the Oceanside Library, which plays such a pivotal role in the community,” LaRocco said. “There’s real bonding that happens when people are all laughing together, especially when they’re also working toward a shared goal.”
LaRocco, who has performed and hosted shows across Long Island and New York City for the past five years, said organizing a fundraiser requires careful planning. He works closely with organizers months in advance to curate a lineup that complements both the venue and the audience.
“I don’t just book anybody,” LaRocco explained. “I make a real effort to put together a diverse group of strong comedians who work well together and fit the space.”
Throughout the night, LaRocco kept the show running smoothly, introducing performers, managing timing, coordinating raffles and closing out the event. Attendees also participated in a 50/50 raffle, and the Friends’ members received discounted admission.
“The show went really well,” Iovino said. “It was a great crowd, and people genuinely enjoyed themselves.”
Kathy Schirrmacher, president of the Friends, credited the event’s success to the library’s ability to connect with community interests.
“The Oceanside Library works hard to tailor its programs to what the community wants,” Schirrmacher said. “When an event sells out or has a waiting list, we know we’re doing something right.”
Schirrmacher added that hosting unconventional programs after hours might attract new visitors who may not otherwise step inside the library.
“I’m always surprised by how many people tell me they’ve never been to the library,” she said. “By offering something that’s not your typical library program, especially after closing time, we hope to draw in curious newcomers and turn them into long-time supporters.”
For Iovino, who has been performing stand-up comedy in recent years after taking classes at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown, the event also highlighted the importance of live performances in an increasingly screen-focused world.
“Anytime we do live performances it gives people a chance to unplug and engage with something different,” Iovino expressed. “There’s something deeply human about sitting in a room, laughing together. I’m glad the library is using its theater to make that happen.”
With all three adult comedy shows hosted at the library selling out, organizers said future events are likely.
“Live comedy is thriving in places people might not expect,” LaRocco said, “libraries, coffee shops, breweries — it’s everywhere. And it’s always better experienced in person.”
As the final punch lines landed and raffle tickets were drawn, one thing was clear: “Oceanside Library After Dark” delivered more than laughs — it strengthened community connections while supporting a project designed to inspire readers of all ages.
