Comedians Bring Laughter to East Meadow Library

There's usually not too much to laugh about at the library. 

provides more than books.  They are, in fact, providing laughs.  This was the case at Laugh Relief last Sunday, an annual event featuring a line-up of local comedians doing what they do best, making people laugh.

The event is put on by the Friends of EMPL, the library's advocacy group which raises awareness and funds for the library.  Nothing too complicated about this event: it's all about having a good time.

"It's a very difficult time,particularly right now," EMPL director of public relations and programming Jude Schanzer said.  "Can't watch the news, you get depressed...people need to laugh, laughing is good for your health, good for your state of mind."

East Meadow resident Mark Brier helped spearhead the event.  A semi-retired accountant, Brier has been doing comedy for over 30 years.  He runs a monthly comedy show, Laughs at the Library, at EMPL and at libraries across the region.  He says believe it or not, libraries are popular destinations for comedians looking to try out new material, and for folks simply looking for a chuckle.

"The library is not just a place to take out books, it's like a community-type thing, it's a great place to get together for free to come see a show," Brier said.

Brier recruits comedians from the local clubs, and Laugh Relief features an array of talent from different backgrounds.  There's Rich Walker, voted best comedian on Long Island by the L.I. Press.  There's also comedians with an assortment of day jobs.  Eddie Faicco is a custodian at   Monica Taller works for the County Department of Museum Services.  Harry Friedman is a doctor.

They all provided PG-style humor to the packed house at the library, talking about their jobs, their kids, current events, performing a song or doing an impression - anything for a laugh.

"Laughter is the best medicine," Brier said.  "What can you do [about today's problems], but you can come out and laugh, it's the greatest thing, it's a lot easier to laugh than to cry."