Thursday, October 1, 2026
Owning a library card provides much more clout than simply checking out a book for three weeks at a time — and the North Bellmore Public Library is encouraging residents to take another look at what it can offer as part of September’ s National Library Card Sign-up Month.
While borrowing books always will remain central to the library, the building, at 1551 Newbridge Road, has evolved into a community hub offering educational programs, technology, cultural experiences and resources designed to meet a variety of needs, according to the library’s director, Jessica Tymecki.
“As the needs of our community have evolved, the library has continued to adapt and innovate to meet them,” Tymecki said.
“A library card is much more than a means to borrow books — it’s a gateway to free resources, programs, technology, creative spaces, educational opportunities, and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our community,” she added.
Among the resources available to cardholders are e-books, concerts, bus trips, cooking and craft programs, and the library’s growing Library of Things — a collection that includes folding tables and chairs, lawn games, an outdoor movie projector and screen, a sewing machine and a drill.
“A library card unlocks these opportunities and so much more,” Tymecki said.
Tymecki said the library also offers several lesser-known services, including genealogy sessions for residents interested in researching their family history and home delivery of library materials for residents whose medical or physical needs prevent them from visiting the library.
Scouts can receive Merit Badge Counseling in reading, journalism and genealogy, while the library’s museum pass program provides free admission to attractions, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Old Westbury Gardens.
The library also offers discounts to attractions such as Splish Splash and the Bronx Zoo through its corporate partnership program.
For puzzle enthusiasts, the library recently introduced its Puzzle Connection Corner, where patrons can work on puzzles without having to check them out.
The North Bellmore library is also celebrating the third year of its partnership with local businesses, offering special discounts to cardholders throughout September. The initiative began in 2024 to encourage residents to get library cards while strengthening connections between the library and local businesses.
Library staff went door to door that year to introduce businesses to the program. The Original Salpino Italian Food Market in North Bellmore was among the first businesses to participate, and owner Sal Gambino said the store’s close proximity to the library made the partnership a natural fit.
“The library’s right across the street. I thought it was a good thing to do,” Gambino said. “Give back a little bit, help out the community.”
Gambino said customers have responded positively to the promotion and have asked whether Salpino would continue participating.
“I told them when I spoke to the library, I told them just to keep putting us on,” he said. “They didn’t even have to ask us. Just keep doing it year after year. Everyone loves it.”
Tymecki said the program has earned rave reviews, while participating businesses have benefited from increased visibility and foot traffic.
“We have received positive feedback from our cardholders and even our staff,” Tymecki said. “They appreciate the incentives and are encouraged to visit and support these local businesses ...”
For Gambino, supporting the library is about more than attracting customers. He said libraries remain important despite the abundance of information available online.
“The library is vital, and I think it’s very important to help them as much as you can,” he said.
The library also has adapted to changing community needs, and Tymecki said demand for quiet workspaces has increased as hybrid and remote work have become more common.
Environmental sustainability also has become a focus, with North Bellmore becoming Nassau County’s first Certified Sustainable Library, adopting practices aimed at making its operations more environmentally friendly.
One example is the library’s annual Halloween Costume Shop, scheduled to reopen Oct. 2 and 3, when residents can browse gently used costumes free of charge.
In addition, the library has expanded services for children with special educational needs. Through a community revitalization project grant supported by Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, North Bellmore became the first public library in the state to offer a Sensory Nook, a calming space designed to provide children with a respite while supporting their learning and well-being.
Tymecki said the goal of National Library Card Sign-up Month is ultimately to encourage residents who live or work in North Bellmore to visit the library and discover its resources.
“Most importantly, I want residents to know that the North Bellmore Public Library is here for everyone, at every stage of life,” she said.
