In a new collaboration with the Suffolk County Radio Club—Long Island’s oldest—the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library will offer residents of all ages the chance to explore the world of ham radio through hands-on programs, educational resources, and volunteer-led activities.
“We are excited to provide our patrons with access to ham radio resources and experiences,” said Library Director Lonna Castro. “This partnership opens the door for people to explore science, technology, and communication in a hands-on and meaningful way.”
The Radio Club, first established in 1947, generously donated several books on ham radio operation and technology to the library’s collection as part of the partnership. Each book features a special bookplate recognizing the club’s contribution and listing their website for those interested in learning more. The books are now available for checkout and can be requested through interlibrary loan across Suffolk County.
Using radio frequencies, Ham radio allows people to talk to each other across long distances. Beyond being a fun and engaging hobby, it fosters technical skills, promotes public service, and plays an important role in emergency preparedness. Users collect call cards mailed from radio contacts all over the world as their signals bounce off the Earth’s ionosphere, allowing them to travel thousands of miles—even around the globe if conditions are right.
“Ham” started as a derogatory term used by telegraph operators to describe radio users, who they saw as unskilled or interfering. It was short for “ham-fisted,” meaning clumsy. Amateur radio operators embraced the term over time, turning it from an insult into a badge of pride. By the 1920s and 1930s, ham became the common term for the hobby and its participants. Radio got the last laugh as it replaced the telegraph as a more effective way to communicate.
Joe Maiorana, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees, praised the collaboration, noting, “The Suffolk County Radio Club has been a wonderful community partner. Their generosity and expertise are helping us create new opportunities for learning and connection, which is at the heart of our library’s mission.”
Its involvement goes beyond resource donations. Members have offered a series of engaging programs at the library, including a demonstration during the 2024 solar eclipse and a summer camp experience featuring multiple ham radio sessions. They also volunteer to provide radio communication coverage for the library’s annual 5K for Literacy race each September, enhancing the safety and coordination of this popular event.
“Our club is passionate about sharing the knowledge and tradition of ham radio with the next generation,” said Ed Wilson, Vice President of the Radio Club. “Partnering with the library allows us to reach more people and show how amateur radio can build skills, friendships, and community resilience.”
For more information about Suffolk Radio, visit www.suffolkcountyradioclub.org.
Pictured, from left: Library Trustees Joseph Furnari and Joseph Maiorana; Nicole Adams, Radio Club Secretary; Vice President Ed Wilson; Catherine Gorden, Librarian; and Lonna Castro, Library Director.