7:24 p.m.: A dozen readers gathered at a long table in the Red Bank Public Library‘s Eisner Room for a discussion of Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” a novel about childhood poverty set in the early 1900s.

When a question arose of whether stereotypes were present in the story, there was a consensus that the librarian character was unlikable. Librarian Patrice Baldino, who led the discussion, chimed in, laughing: “Yeah, the librarian. What was her problem?”

Readin’ on the River book club discussions are held the third Wednesday of every month. July’s book  is “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. (Photo by Stacie Fanelli. Click to enlarge)

Today, redbankgreen engages in a bit of Sol Searching as we chase the sun across the Green on the longest – thanks to the Summer Solstice – and, by coincidence, so-far-hottest day of the year. Please check in regularly to see where we’ve been. Suggestions? Send ’em here, please.