The Book Mark Cafe was filled to overflowing, with latecomers seated on the floor of the upper book room. Daria and David Lamb had invited Locust Valley poet Carol Miller for a poetry reading and book signing. On the bill with her was Bob Harrison, of East Meadow, accomplished photographer and baseball poet.

Ms. Miller read several of her works from previous books as well as from her latest work, Lu Lu's Last Soiree. She wore shorts and an Elvis shirt with Blue Hawaii written across the top; a picture of Elvis and with his signature on the bottom.

Ms. Miller explained the raison d'etre of each poem before she recited the work. Many of her poems were inspired by people she knew, including the late Betty Schneider, (owner of The Printery in Oyster Bay where Ms. Miller learned how to set type) Amelia's Hands; Ray Johnson, leader of the New York Correspondence School of Art - My Buddha. She also dedicated a poem to Edna and Leonard DuBrul, called Angel Dog, about their dog Taffy.

She went on to read the poems in Lu Lu's Last Soiree including one called Chicken, about her Polish grandmother who used to raise chickens saying that since seeing the older woman kill the poultry, she could not wash or touch the flesh of chickens after that.

"It was the night of my life," said Carol. "It was amazing, and I sold eight books. It is just beyond words." Several people had to leave as she finished reading and to accommodate them, she went out into the store, to sign books after her reading.

Mr. Harrison read his poems and afterwards gave listeners copies of a Fan, a baseball magazine made up of poems and short stories about America's favorite sport. The game that you "play" and "go home," as George Carlin tells it. The small magazine is available for $23 a year for three issues at: Fan Magazine, 145 15 St. NE # 885, Atlanta, Ga. 30361 or telephone 404-607-9489.

Mr. Harrison's latest book of poetry is, Green Fields and White Lines. He is also a short story writer who has been published in many books and magazines. In comparing himself with Carol, who writes about people, he said he writes about "things" and does research to make the poems as accurate as possible in his baseball poems.

He recently has had a photographic exhibit at Chelsea Center in East Norwich.

The Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Rd., Locust Valley, presents lecturers from Old Westbury Gardens in a three part lecture series tracing the history and development of gardens and gardening, from the ancients through the golden age of English gardens.

Lectures will be given on Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Registration required, for this free series - call 671-1837.