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The New York State Library, partnering with 1,100 main public libraries and neighborhood branches statewide, announced the launch of "Summer Reading at New York Libraries," the 2016 New York State summer reading program. The free, annual program gives children the opportunity to access the vast resources of New York’s public libraries to support their summer reading.

Last year, nearly two million children and teens statewide participated in the summer reading program. Participants receive reading lists and engage in educational activities at their local libraries. At the end of the program, participants receive formal recognition for their reading achievement.

“Studies show that children’s literacy skills are strengthened when they read during the summer,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “It’s important that students don’t lose the learning gains they made during the school year due to the ‘summer slide’. Our summer reading program puts books in children’s hands and is offered free of charge at hundreds of libraries throughout the state. I encourage all students to participate in a free summer reading program in their community and discover the joys of reading.”

"The Board of Regents and I encourage students across New York to participate in summer reading programs at their local public libraries,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The Summer Reading at New York Libraries program, supported by the State Library in conjunction with our partners in the State Assembly and Senate, is an excellent resource for students. Summer reading programs put books in the hands of thousands of children and helps students build reading skills, prevent summer learning loss, and prepare for a successful school year.”

“As a former teacher, I know how important it is to encourage students to continue reading during the summer months,” said Senator Carl L. Marcellino, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. “The Summer Reading Program gives children a chance to learn, explore and discover new things in a good book.�� I hope students and parents take advantage of this great program and all the tremendous opportunities available at our public libraries.”

“The annual summer reading program is a great resource for both our parents and students,” said Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee.�� “I would encourage them to take advantage of this great program by visiting many of the participating local libraries around the state.”

“The State Library’s summer reading program is a wonderful initiative that benefits children throughout the state,” said Senator Hugh T. Farley, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries. ��“The program connects families with their local libraries and helps excite and challenge children. ��By encouraging kids to read, this program can help instill a love of reading while also enabling students to improve their reading skills over the summer.”

“Summertime is a good time to improve our physical and mental fitness,” said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Educational Technology. “With school out, reading and learning shouldn’t stop. The summer reading program is fun and is great exercise for the mind.”

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