The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library collaborated with the Long Island Rail Road to place a mini-library in the waiting room at the Hewlett station. With an array of paperback and hardcover books, commuters are invited to “Grab a Read for the Ride” for free. Once the reader is done, the book may be kept or returned back to the cart. People are also invited to leave their own books to pass on to others.
“Practically everyone is reading something on the train, whether it’s a newspaper book or mobile device,” said Assistant Director Tracey Simon. “The book cart allows the library to have a presence outside the building and to reach people who may not normally visit.” Simon also added that library brochures are also available.
Branch line manager Alicia Melo-Diaz said she is enthusiastic about the mini-library. “Working with the community is a pleasure for us, and so is providing access to books for our customers’ reading enjoyment, whatever their destination may be,” Melo-Diaz. Station agent Craig Burchianti believes that the mini-library “makes a homey environment for commuters.”
