CHECK IT OUT:Don’t forget to put books in your beach bag

Did you see the librarians from Library A Go-Go last week at Corona del Mar State Beach?

Dressed in matching T-shirts emblazoned with “Library A Go-Go,” these sun-loving library enthusiasts distributed free, newly released children’s and adult paperbacks, lip balm, beach balls and sunscreen to lucky beach-goers.

Library A Go-Go librarians may pop up anywhere in the city of Newport Beach to encourage you to read and use your library.

Be on the look-out. But don’t delay your beach reading.

Here are some great, newly released beach reads to go with gently lapping waves and cool summer breezes.

“The Maytrees: A Novel” by Annie Dillard: American essayist and novelist Dillard presents the story of a family set in Provincetown, Mass., and Maine that describes changes in love and the beauty of a compassionate heart.

Originally serialized in Harper’s magazine, this is a calming summer read, using the images of sky and sea to reflect the ebb and flow of natural life.

“Hooked: A Thriller About Love and Other Addictions” by Matt Richtel: First-time author Richtel offers a fast-paced thriller set in San Francisco. Our hero, Nat Idle, barely escapes death by explosion in a café after receiving a note from his girlfriend Annie … who died four years earlier.

Explore the Silicon Valley computer industry, venture capitalists and intrigue in this new book.

“Peony in Love” by Lisa See: Lisa See follows up the bestselling “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” with another tale set in China during the 17th-century Ming Dynasty. This is a magical tale detailing the life of a young woman who becomes besotted with love and opera in this coming-of-age story.

“Stalin’s Ghost: An Arkady Renko Novel” by Martin Cruz Smith: Senior Investigator Arkady Renko is back following so-called “Stalin” sightings and aging Russians longing for the good-ole-days of Dictator Joseph. Cruz’s typically well-researched and thoroughly realistic narrative provides an excellent look at modern-day Russia and the political minefield that exists in Moscow.

“Los Angeles Noir” edited by Denise Hamilton: Who better to edit a noir edition of short mystery stories but the Eve Diamond detective series creator, a reveler in mysterious L.A.?

Enjoy a wealth of writing styles and devious plots featuring lurking villains, not-so-distressed damsels and wise-cracking gumshoes all inducing chaos under the gently swaying palms.

This is perfect for readers who like pinpointing their imaginative surroundings in a bit of reality.

“Volk’s Game: A Novel” by Brent Ghelfi: This is the debut of thriller writer Ghelfi who builds his story using a supposed “lost” Da Vinci painting as foil. Russian double-agent Volk is hired to steal precious works, but all is not as it seems.

St. Petersburg and Moscow provide the locations for pivotal scenes revolving around the art world in the new Russian Federation.

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CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at

www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.