Beginning September 1st, there’s one word we start hearing on repeat: pumpkin.  Pumpkin this and pumpkin that, pumpkin flavored or pumpkin scented.  I don’t remember pumpkin being a trend when I was a kid; they were just those orange things we drove out east to pick and later carve or paint.  But pumpkin is most definitely a trend today.  Whether the pumpkin itself is re-purposed as household decor or its essence is distilled into candles, lotions, or lattes, pumpkin has become a staple of our fall season.   If you too are pumpkin obsessed, here’s a little list of pumpkin-inspired recipes and projects to keep you in the fall spirit:     Recipes (Savory): Rachael Ray’s Pasta with Pumpkin & Sausage Pumpkin Chili Vegan Pumpkin Garlic Knots Pumpkin and Sweet Onion Quesadilla     Recipes (Sweet): Pumpkin Cheesecake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins     Decor: Cinnamon Pumpkin Candles Floral Centerpiece     Crafts: Pumpkin Bird Feeder Autumn Lantern Pumpkin Party Cooler   Wishing you all a happy pumpkin season!     Jess

Even the most casual of stargazers are excited for the upcoming astronomical event taking place on August 21st: for the first time in 38 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible in North America. The total eclipse can be seen along a band that stretches from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.  This means Long Islanders will “only” be able to see a partial solar eclipse, meaning a portion of the sun, rather than the whole sun, will be obscured by the moon.  Still an amazing sight!  Check out this interactive map to see how those in other states will be able to view the eclipse.   NASA has created a website dedicated to the upcoming eclipse, complete with a countdown clock, safety information, and eclipse-related events . Right here at the LPL, local teens can make their own eclipse viewer .  Weather permitting, the teens will even be able to go outside and use their new creations to view the eclipse.  Registration for this fun program begins on Monday, August 7th through our Young Adult Department.   Before you bring out your telescopes and plan your eclipse parties, you might be interested in learning more about how this phenomenon works and brushing up on your general knowledge of space.  The LPL has some stellar books on the topic, as well as current and back issues of Astronomy magazine….Read More »