A Community Commitment to Literacy

A NexGen Multi-Generational Literacy Conversation & Book Drive

Hosted by NexGen – Melville Chamber of Commerce | In collaboration with The Book Fairies

📍 Location: Book Fairies - 220 Miller Place, Hicksville, NY 11801

🗓 Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

⏰ Time: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM

🎯 Format: Interactive Experience • Networking

Event Overview

This NexGen-hosted community literacy experience, in collaboration with The Book Fairies, is designed to support children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults by increasing access to books and encouraging a lifelong culture of reading.

The event brings together educators, authors, literacy advocates, volunteers, and community leaders for a meaningful panel discussion paired with a community book drive serving underserved and underfunded communities across Long Island. The conversation will explore literacy access across life stages, the importance of home libraries, and the role community partnerships play in placing books directly into the hands of those who need them most.

What to Expect

• A moderated panel discussion featuring authors, volunteers, and a literacy nonprofit leader

• A community book drive supporting multi-generational literacy initiatives ● Open dialogue around literacy access, equity, and community-driven solutions

• Connection with NexGen members, Book Fairies volunteers, and community partners

Book Drive Details

As part of the experience, registrants are encouraged to bring a book to donate in support of community literacy efforts. Preferred Donations Include:

• Children’s books

• Adolescent and young adult titles

• Spanish-language books

• New or gently used books

Books collected will support:

• Underserved and underfunded communities on Long Island

• Ongoing monthly free community book fairs facilitated by The Book Fairies

Featured Panelists

• Eileen Minogue - Executive Director, Book Fairies

• JoEllen McCarthy - Author, Literacy Advocate, and Educational Consultant

• Linda Sotomayor - Core Volunteer and Literacy Advocate, Book Fairies

• Eli Johnson - Founder & Exec. Director of The Too Alive Tour

Moderator Courtney Collins: Associate Executive Director, Book Fairies

Why Attend

• Support literacy access across generations

• Learn how community partnerships expand access to books

• Engage in a meaningful, education-focused conversation

• Contribute directly to a local literacy effort

Space Is Limited

All Are Welcome

Book donations are encouraged

Free to Attend