Bakery That Hires Disabled Adults Teams Up With Library In Hamptons To Launch New Cafe

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — It's a marriage made in baked goods-and-books heaven: South Fork Bakery— a not-for-profit organization in Sag Harbor that provides meaningful, paid employment to disabled adults — is partnering with the Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton to present the new Bookmark Café.

The café is a first-ever addition to the library and is part of a recently completed $2.2 million renovation.

The Bookmark Café will feature South Fork Bakery’s signature products, along with a variety of
savory and sweet snacks, locally roasted hot and iced craft coffee from Hampton Coffee and
assorted cold beverages, bakery representatives said. The café will be staffed by participants from South Fork Bakery’s Launch job skills program.

Library Director Liz Burns and the Board of Trustees expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

"It’s a win-win for both organizations," said Burns. "We’re thrilled to have South Fork Bakery
on board, and we know our community will love the warm, welcoming atmosphere they bring to
the space."

Bridget Fleming, former Suffolk County legislator and new executive director of South Fork Bakery, reflected: "South Fork Bakery is grateful for the opportunity to expand our Launch Program to the Bookmark Café. This partnership will provide hands-on training and employment for our team members, helping them work with job coaches to move toward increased independence and integration."

She added: "The café will be a welcoming space where visitors can enjoy delicious coffee and baked goods in an environment of inclusion, dignity, and meaningful work, all within the beautiful Rogers Memorial Library. We thank the Library, the Library Foundation, and the Hampton Coffee team for making this possible."

"We are so proud to be making a difference in our community," said Jason Belkin, co-owner of
Hampton Coffee Company. "It was an honor for us for the Library and SFB to choose our coffee
for their cafe and support our local business."

The café seats 15 guests indoors and 12 outdoors, on a plant-dotted patio.

The concept is not a new one: Initially proposed almost 10 years ago, the dream was delayed by COVID-19 and broader economic challenges, those involved said. Funding for the café’s construction was provided by the Rogers Memorial Library Foundation.

"It’s been a long time in the planning, but it was well worth the wait," said Burns. "We hope the
community enjoys the Bookmark Café for many years to come."

Hours of operation are as follows: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rogers Memorial Library is located at 91 Coopers Farm Road in Southampton.