February 1 - May 31, 2007

151 Laurel Avenue Northport, NY 11768

(631) 261-6930

185 Larkfield RoadEast Northport, NY 11731

(631) 261-2313

The Museum Cove of the Youth Services Department is an area located in the children’s program room at the Northport Library. The

Museum Cove was created to introduce children to a museum experience featuring a variety of subjects. Each exhibit is supported by displays, books, multi-media components and hands-on interactive items and activities. Special programs are also presented to coordinate with each exhibit.

Compiled byElizabeth Englert and Susan Holden

Museum Cove Coordinators

Doris Gebel, Head of Youth Services

Enjoy an amusement park experience in the Museum Cove of the Northport Public Library

Brochure designed byKatie Heaviside - Community Services Librarian - 2/07

Coney Island Playground of the World

Welcome to the wonderful world of Coney Island in the Museum Cove of the Northport Public Library. Coney Island was more that just an amusement park. It was a fantasy world where thousands of people escaped for fun and adventure. We are very pleased to be partnering with Paul Brigandi, an ardent Coney Island fan, who has an extensive and fascinating collection of Coney Island memorabilia in his home. Mr. Brigandi grew up in Brooklyn and started visiting Coney Island when he was seven months old. As he grew, so did his passion for Coney Island and anything that he could acquire from the different parks. Coney Island was actually composed of three different parks. In 1895, George Tilyou opened Steeplechase Park and showcased a large ferris wheel as well as the famous steeplechase horse ride. There were also numerous other rides and attractions. Steeplechase Park burned in 1907, but Tilyou rebuilt it, and it operated until 1964. In 1901, Tilyou enticed Frederic Thompson and Elmer Dundy to bring their Trip to the Moon ride to Steeplechase Park. After breaking away from Tilyou, they opened Luna Park in 1903. Built like a modern fairyland, the park had over 1,300,000 electric lights, a fantastical architecture of spires and minarets besides numerous rides. The last of the parks, Dreamland, was opened in 1904 by Senator William Reynolds. It was famous for its 375 foot Dreamland Tower that was illuminated by 10,000 lights and could be seen for miles. The Museum Cove at the Northport Library is delighted to present New York’s very special amusement park – Coney Island.

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Books I read

http://history.amusement-parks.com This comprehensive and colorful amusement park site has information not only on Coney Island but the history of many other amusement parks, numerous photos and miscellanea as well as links to other sites.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/coney This official PBS site is based on their wonderful Coney Island documentary and includes its history, a timeline, photos and biographies of important people connected to the park.

http://www.nca-usa.org Enjoy riding on a carousel? Find out where all the currently running carousels are located along with maps and pictures.

http://www.coastergallery.com This amazing guide to roller coasters in the United States and other countries has over 2,000 roller coaster pictures and descriptions from 92 amusement parks. After looking at them, you’ll want to start visiting every one.

http://members.aol.com/parklinks/links.htm The definitive amusement park/entertainment site that has over 1600 links to amusement parks, water parks, carnivals, rides, haunted houses and anything to do with having fun.

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/main.php No list would be complete without a Disney link. Everything from photos of the different attractions, upcoming events, shows and parades, and where to stay is included here.

Amuse yourself At These Sites

PlacEs to visitAdventureland Amusement Park

Farmingdale, NY • 631-694-6868www.adventureland.us

Central Park Carousel New York, NY • 212-879-0244

www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark/southend/carousel

Greenport Antique CarouselGreenport, NY • 631-477-2200

www.greenportvillage.com/attractions.html

HersheyparkHershey, PA • 800-HERSHEY

www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/index.asp

Playland ParkRye, NY • 914-813-7000

www.ryeplayland.org

Prospect Park CarouselBrooklyn, NY • 718-965-8999

www.prospectpark.org/dest/main.cfm?target=caro

Sesame PlaceLanghorne, PA • 215-752-7070

www.sesameplace.com

Six Flags Great AdventureJackson, NJ • 732-928-1821

www.sixflags.com/parks/greatadventure/index.aspParental supervision is advised when children visit the Internet.

Book Discussion

(N) Monday, March 12th at 4:00 pm

Children in grades 4-6

Join a Children's Librarian fo

r a discussion of

Corner of the Universe by

Ann M. Martin. In

Corner of the Universe by

Ann M. Martin. In

Corner of the Universe

this novel a carniva

l comes to Hattie's town

and her life is chan

ged in unpredictabl

e ways.

Registration begins F

ebruary 16.

get in Line for these ProgramsFamily Carnival Night(N) Friday, April 13th at 7:00 pm Children in grades K-5 with familiesJoin Jester Jim for a night of fun. Adults

and children will be captivated by his many skills: beat-boxing, magic, balancing, and

juggling just to name a few. Registration begins March 30.

Science in Motion(N) Tuesday, March 20th at 4:00 pm Children in grades 4-6Have fun with motion when you join an instructor from Long Island Science Cen-

ter for hands-on experiments, amusement park physics, and a project to take home. Registration begins March 6.

Carnival Magic(N) Thursday, May 10th at 4:00 pm Children in grades 3 & 4Join Children's Librarian and Magician, Mr. Plath, for some carnival style magic and learn a

trick or two. Registration begins April 26.

Museum Cove for Preschoolers

(N) Saturday, April 28th at 10:00 am

Children ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)

Preschoolers will visit the Museum Cove for an

exciting ride filled with stories, songs, and a craft.

Registration begins April 13.