New York Statewide Summer Reading Program 2009

Be Creative @ Your Library

Keep Kids Reading

Summer Reading Programs are Fun and Promote Literacy!

Public libraries across the State encourage reading through the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program. In 2009, kids can Be Creative @ Your Library! Artwork is by children's book illustrator David Catrow. The teen theme, Express Yourself @ Your Library, features artwork by illustrator Brad Sneed.

Children and families visit public libraries to choose what they want to read as part of a summertime mix of activities. Research shows that children who read during the summer perform better when school resumes in the fall. Kids participate in summer reading fun at their local libraries, and the numbers are growing — in 2008, a record 1.5 million participated.

The New York State Library participates in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program with 46 other member states. The theme, high-quality artwork, and educational activities attract kids to the summer reading program at their local library. The State Library provides the Summer Reading Program manual with creative ideas, projects and reading lists to over 1,100 public libraries, branch libraries and reading centers in New York State.

National, State and Local Partnerships Keep Kids Reading!

• In partnership with "Explore NY 400" (Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration), public libraries are also adding New York State history-related activities to summer reading programs.
• The New York State Library made federal LSTA mini-grants available to public library systems to help local libraries implement the 2009 Summer Reading Program. [See a list of 2008 federal LSTA grants.]
• Librarians and libraries throughout the country contribute ideas for the summer reading program and creatively adapt the program to local needs and interests.

Statewide Summer Reading Program Web Sites

The official New York Statewide Summer Reading Program web site (opens in a new window) includes activities, links and information for children, teens, families, caregivers, librarians and educators.

This State Library web page includes information and research for librarians and educators.

For More Information

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

This document also available in .PDF

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.

The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.