New York Statewide Summer Reading Program 2008

Catch the Reading Bug
@ Your Library

Keep Kids Reading

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS PROMOTE LITERACY!

Public libraries across the State encourage reading through New York’s Statewide Summer Reading Program. In 2008, kids will “Catch the Reading Bug @ Your Library!” Artwork is by children’s book illustrator, Harry Bliss. The teen theme, “Metamorphosis @ Your Library” features artwork by graphic artist Jan Duursema.

Research shows that children who read during the summer perform better when school resumes in the fall. Kids are participating in summer reading fun at their local libraries in growing numbers — in 2007, 1.35 million participated, a 300% increase over the past seven years.

PUBLIC LIBRARY READING PROGRAMS ARE FUN!

The New York State Library participates in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program with 43 other member states. The theme, high-quality artwork, and fun educational activities attract kids to the summer reading program at their local library. The State Library offers the Summer Reading Program manual with creative ideas, fun projects and exciting reading lists to over 1,100 public library, branch library and reading centers in New York State.

NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS KEEP KIDS READING!

• The New York State Library makes federal LSTA grants available to library systems which help their member local libraries implement the 2008 Summer Reading Program.
• Local librarians and libraries throughout the country contribute ideas for the summer reading program, and creatively adapt the program to local needs and interests.
• Businesses, schools, and other organizations partner with local libraries to implement the program.

STATEWIDE SUMMER READING PROGRAM WEB SITES

There are several Statewide Summer Reading Program web sites for New York’s libraries, parents, educators, children and teens. Visit the New York State Library web pages for information and links to additional summer reading web sites:

www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/ and www.summerreadingnys.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Karen Balsen, Statewide Summer Reading Program Coordinator, New York State Library, Division of Library Development, 518-486-2194.

The Statewide Summer Reading Program is supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.