Local Beach Bag Book Club Begins

The program, which has been in existence for three years, started up for the summer in the Merrick Library on Tuesday evening. Author Jennifer Smith discussed her book, "This Is What Happy Looks Like" and more than 20 teens attended the event.

"It is very difficult to get kids to come to the library," YA Librarian Larissa Simonovski said. "This is more like a celebration."

The program includes monthly meetings hosted by Jen Calonita, a Merrick resident and author of "Belles and Secrets of my Hollywood Life."

"Tonight was amazing," she said. "We love that with all there is to do in the summer, they came out to pick up a good book." 

During each meeting, kids will have an opportunity to meet authors and discuss their books with them. The meetings will include raffles, a book sale and book signings.

Simonovski said that the program will be beneficial to teens.

"Kids get to meet the authors and it is great for teens that want to write," she said. "Mostly it encourages them to read."

The next book meetings that will take place at the Merrick Public Library are:

July 24: Kieran Scott Presents "Shadow Lands"

Aug. 14: Tiffany Schmidt Presents "Send Me a Sign"