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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: October 12, 2012

CONTACT: Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us

Dream Big! Summer Success

by Massachusetts Library System Youth Services Advisors Sarah Sogigian and Susan Babb

Massachusetts Libraries continued their busy streak during the summer months.Over 93,000 children, teens and adults registered to participate in Summer 2012 at Massachusetts Libraries. More than 330,000 people attended 11,240 programs held in the 6-8 week span of summer in 280 libraries across the Commonwealth.

Summer 2012 was Massachusetts’ second year as a member of the Collaborative Library Summer Program (CSLP), a national grassroots consortium of states working together to provide summer reading programming materials. The artwork for this summer’s theme, Dream Big-Read!, was created by Massachusetts author and illustrator Brian Lies.

Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) coordinated special library visits with Mr. Lies who read from his new book More and conducted interactive sessions designed to inspire the creative process. Mr. Lies’ dedication to literacy and promotion of the importance of libraries was an integral part of every visit. Libraries in the following communities were selected for visits based on their participation in ReadsinMA.org, the online summer reading component: Townsend, Acton, Merrimac, Saugus, Greenfield, Great Barrington, Auburn, Walpole, Yarmouth, and Somerset.

The partnership with the Boston Bruins is now in its fourth year and to celebrate the Bruins made visits and donated Reading Rinks to libraries in Amherst, Bellingham, Ipswich, Leominster, Southbridge and Stoughton. Boston Mayor Tom Menino joined the Bruins for a special visit to the Codman Square Branch of the Boston Public Library. Tewksbury Public Library hosted a fun-filled activity day with up-and-coming Bruins rookie players and at Ashland Public Library young readers made dream-catchers with Bruins mascot Blades.

Libraries across the Commonwealth participate in the statewide summer program at no cost. MLS provides membership to the CSLP for the libraries and provides program essentials, including a manual, posters, bookmarks, and reading logs. The MBLC provides funding to support ReadsinMA.org, the online summer reading component. Funding from the Boston Bruins also supports the program.

Click here for photos of the Brian Lies visit to Walpole Public Library

Click here for photos of the Bruins visit to Bellingham Public Library

Click here for photos of Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Blades at the Codman Square Branch of Boston Public Library

About MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

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