What’s ahead at Bellmore-Merrick’s libraries

The libraries of Bellmore and Merrick are offering a slew of exciting events throughout the month of August.

Half Step, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will be performing as a part of the North Bellmore Public Library’s Outdoor Summer Concert series on Aug. 8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event will take place on the library’s lawn. Attendees are asked to bring their own blanket or chair. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the American Legion, whose donations go to veterans, military personnel, and their families. This event is open to all. No registration is required. The North Bellmore Public Library is located at 1551 Newbridge Rd, North Bellmore. For further information, contact Josh Firer at jfirer@nortbellmorelibrary.org or visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.

Senator Steve Rhoads will hold his mobile office hours in person at the Bellmore Memorial Library on Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an opportunity to get to know your local senator, while discussing local and state issues one-on-one. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call Rhoads’ District Office at (516) 882-0630. Walk-ins are welcome if time permits. The Bellmore Memorial Library is located at 2288 Bedford Ave, Bellmore. For more information, visit BellmoreLibrary.org.

Authors Jamie Brenner and Brenda Janowitz are coming to the Merrick Library to discuss their works for the library’s End of Summer Reading Event on Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event is in partnership with the North Merrick and Bellmore Public Libraries. Brenner is a bestelling author of eight novels and often uses her time at the beach over the summer as inspiration for her stories. Janowitz is an author of eight novels, including “The Grace Kelly Dress,” which has been optioned for film by Hallmark, and “The Audrey Hepburn Estate,” which was chosen as the Reader’s Choice by the CBS New York Book Club with Mary Calvi. Registration is required. The Merrick Library is located at 2279 Merrick Ave, Merrick. For more information, visit MerrickLibrary.org.

The North Merrick Library is hosting a Swiftie Night for fans of Taylor Swift on Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. All families with children up to grade 6 are welcome. At this event, attendees are invited to sing and dance to Taylor Swift’s greatest hits, participate in various Swiftie-related activities, and take pictures at a themed photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in a Taylor Swift-inspired outfit. Registration is required. The North Merrick Library is located at 1691 Meadowbrook Rd, North Merrick. For more information, visit NMerrickLibrary.org.

Chef Brian Collins will be presenting an outdoor cooking demonstration with a focus on Southern American BBQ in the North Bellmore Public Library parking lot on Aug. 26, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Collins will show attendees how they can produce similar results using their own backyard grill. The event will also feature a smoker on a trailer for an authentic BBQ experience. Registration is required.. For further information, contact Josh Firer at jfirer@nortbellmorelibrary.org or visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.

All adults will have the opportunity to compete in a Wheel of Fortune-style game show at the Bellmore Memorial Library on Aug. 29, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. In this game, participants will spin a wheel and solve hidden phrases. The winner will receive a gift card. Registration is required. For more information, visit BellmoreLibrary.org.

Throughout the month of August, the Merrick Library, North Merrick Library, Bellmore Memorial Library, and North Bellmore Public Library will be hosting various events, including interactive activities for adults and children, informative classes and workshops, club meetings, movie screenings, and more. To see all upcoming events, visit MerrickLibrary.org, NMerrickLibrary.org, BellmoreLibrary.org, or NorthBellmoreLibrary.org, respectively.