The Shelter Island Public Library Society's mission is to provide state-of-the art resources and services to meet the current and evolving needs of the community. It is the town's primary year-round information and cultural resource for both residents and visitors. The library's staff and board of trustees work to ensure a focus on materials, services, programs, events, and activities that promote education, information, entertainment, and the arts for the benefit of all segments of the community. Key audiences include adults, children of all ages, students, and seniors, as well as patrons with special needs, including the visually impaired, the physically handicapped, and those for whom English is a second language.
The library has been providing its community with a space to gather, read and find books since 1885. There's a book sale every Saturday during the summer, and the library also hosts events like movie nights, chess tournaments, knitting clubs and poetry readings throughout the year.