By Lookout Staff

June 20, 2019 -- The Santa Monica Public Library will once again give a twist to the term "beach reads" when it sets up Southern California's only pop-up beachside library next week.

The first of three installments will take place Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy.

In addition to the perfect summer read, visitors to the "sun-kissed" library can enjoy family-friendly, beach themed activities," library officials said.

SMPL at the Beach (Courtesy Santa Monica Public Library)

They include Seaside Story Time, nautical crafts, ukulele lessons, Brazilian dancing, and hands-on, interactive environmental education from the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

Next Friday's pop-up library features Drag Queen Story Time with Miss Barbie Q.

“Let the beach be your living room where you can enjoy a book or a story while sinking your toes in the sand,” said Library Director Patty Wong.

“SMPL at the Beach has something for everyone -- books for all ages, fun activities, special programs and giveaways. Bring your smiles and enjoy a carefree day of reading near the ocean.”

Librarians will sign out books from a curated collection of beach reads (no library card required), give personalized reading recommendations and demonstrate "cutting edge library apps, eBooks and streaming media," library officials said.

"Folks looking to relax can beat the heat and kick back with a book in the shade of our Surfside Reading Lounge or enjoy beach games like bocce and bean bag toss," officials said.

Each pop-up will also feature a limited-edition SMPL at the Beach giveaway.

The following pop-up library goes up Saturday, July 13 at Dorothy Green Park (where Ocean Park Boulevard ends) and features Brazilian Dance lessons with Slleyk da Bahia.

The final installment is Friday, August 16 at the Annenberg Community Beach House, featuring Ukulele lessons with Heidi Swedberg.

Temporary seaside libraries have been popping up up on beaches across the world, including Bulgaria, Israel, Australia and Spain.

The trend started in France 15 years ago as part of an effort to disseminate books across the country during summer months at mini-libraries.

SMPL at the Beach is brought to you by Community & Cultural Services and the Santa Monica Public Library, with funding from Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library.

For more information about this free public program, visit smpl.org/beach or call the Reference Services Department at (310) 434-2608.