The Village of Bayville has its own library, a matter of pride for the community, and a great convenience for its residents. Yet how many residents are aware of the small, but very active, organization called Friends of the Bayville Free Library?

The official purpose of this organization is two-fold: 1. to stimulate interest in and encourage the use of the library by the presentation of programs and distribution of publicity and information, and 2. to raise funds for the library to supplement the budget.

At present Friends of the Bayville Library is kept alive by the hard work and dedication of two Bayville residents, Joan Golder and Cindy Sterling. Joan is a retired teacher with much practical experience in organizing book shows and sales, and Cindy is a woman of wide-ranging interests with a large circle of friends who can offer professional experience in a wide variety of fields. Thanks to the efforts of these two women, Friends of the Bayville Free Library has been able to present fascinating multi-media presentations and lectures by prominent authors and naturalists. The fees for such presentations are raised by membership fees (a modest amount) and the annual book sale organized by Joan Golder.

It is common knowledge that the prophet is never appreciated on his own turf. In other words, people would travel distances to hear fascinating and informative programs as are being offered right here in our backyard. But since it is so close to home, can it be any good?

Following are topics of past presentations which were attended by a small number of enthusiastic and appreciative members and residents:

1. Legends of Long Island lighthouses (Harlan Hamilton, author of Lights and Legends).

2. Wild Foods and Herbs of Long Island (Steve Brill, herbalist, radio and TV personality and author).

3. Long Island shipwrecks (a presentation by Eco-Photo Explorers).

4. The Phantoms of the Hudson Valley (Monica Randall, author of The Mansions of the Long Island Gold Coast.)

5. Mansions and Gardens of the Gold Coast (Orin Finkle, photo-journalist).

6. Bayville: Then and Now (Gladys Mack, village historian and co-director of the Bayville Museum).

7. The Secret Places of Alaska (Harriet Lewis, photographer and world traveler).

8. Down the Amazon (Elizabeth Roosevelt).

9. Spring garden tips (Kim Asmaki, director of continuing education, Bronx Botanical Gardens).

10. Long blooming perennials (Nancy Worme, overseer of perennials at Planting Fields Arboretum).

11. Principles of sound gardening in the Oyster Bay coastal area (Robert Kent, program coordinator of Sea Grant).

12. Rose gardens (Ella Minet, supervisor of rose gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum.

13. The Ageless Spirit: Exploring Your Creativity and Turning Dreams Into Reality (Jerry McKee, Gestalt therapist).

With funds provided by the Friends, the library has been able to refurbish and update the Children's Room with new puzzles, games, computer programs and other equipment. In addition, the library has been able to purchase the following items: a state-of-the-art projector, a portable screen, three portable tables, three steno chairs, an IBM Lex Mart electric typewriter, a lectern, a computer to be used by library patrons, also bookmarks and stationery items.

As anyone can see, much has been achieved by a small number of people. Imagine how much could be achieved by a greater number of members! The outstanding quality of the monthly lectures and presentations should attract a wider audience. Those who attend are invariably enthusiastic and return again and again. No fee is being charged, however, visitors are encouraged to become members of Friends of the Bayville Free Library. The annual dues are minimal: $10 for individuals, $15 for families, $25 for donors, $50 for patrons, $100 for benefactors. A monthly bulletin, sent to every household in Bayville by the library, will list the activities of the "Friends."

Meetings will take place on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. in the back room of the library. The topic for October will be "Long Island, Birthplace of American Whaling" with Samuel Scott, curator of the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. For November a psychic called Daniel will perform spot readings of audience members, an astonishing feat. Let's take advantage of these opportunities, and at the same time support our local library. For further information call the library at 628-2765, or Cindy Sterling at 628-9351.

Bayville's Primary School was visited by a creature from outer space, or so it seemed. "Cycler" Danny, although constructed entirely from recyclable materials, was able to talk, sing, and dance.

Waste Management of Long Island, the company which processes all of Bayville's recycling materials, sent an emissary, Susan Clark, to accompany Robot Danny on his tour to teach young children about the value of recycling. Mayor Siegel, in her introductory remarks, told the children how our wasteful society has to reverse the trend of producing more and more garbage. Bayville tries to be in the forefront of new recycling developments and will add such items as cereal boxes, telephone books, cardboard, and plastic items marked No. 4 to the existing list of recycling materials. Susan Clark introduced Danny to the children and allowed him to take over the show.

Danny quizzed the children, taught them how to help their parents select the proper items for recycling, he sang songs, he danced and whirled around, he handed out pencils made from recycled blue jeans, and bookmarks from recycled paper. The blue jean pencils were a great hit. Imagine, blue jeans turning into sleek, blue-colored lead pencils.

It's a sound idea to instruct the youngest and let them pass on their newly acquired knowledge to parents and siblings. Habits formed during the early years tend to stay through life. Bayville residents will receive detailed instructions about the extended recycling program in the Bayville Record regularly issued from Village Hall. It is important that homeowners take the time to read the Bayville Record whenever it appears. It always contains valuable information concerning all residents, it is brief and to the point, and is a good source of reference when questions about village laws come up.

Michele Borg of Bayville, a graduate student majoring in nutrition science in the College for Human Development at Syracuse University, was recently inducted into the University's chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society.

Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship and high professional standards among students of family and consumer sciences. To qualify for election, undergraduate students must major in family and consumer sciences or one of the specializations, complete at least three full semesters of academic work, achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), and rank in the top 25 percent of their class. Graduate students must complete 12 semester hours of graduate work and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.