NEWS RELEASE

Boston Bruins and Summer Library Fun

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 09, 2015
Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us

The Boston Bruins have teamed up with the libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer.

"We're certainly proud of the team and their support of summer reading has really made a difference," said Dianne Carty, director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).

Over 1.4 million children, teens, and adults have participated in summer reading since the Bruins began partnering with the MBLC and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) in 2009.

To jumpstart summer fun at the library, the Boston Bruins will hold a Summer Reading Kickoff at Chelmsford Public Library. During the summer break, Boston Bruins mascot Blades will be making special visits to libraries in Yarmouth, Shirley, Agawam, Lee, Great Barrington, and Duxbury.

To encourage children and teens to keep reading over the summer, Bruins players - including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Tuukka Rask - have helped libraries develop Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins, a recommended reads list that also includes librarian picks for the best hockey books. The booklist is available on libraries.state.ma.us or at many local libraries.

Summer reading is one of the best ways to help children and teens avoid the "summer slide" and maintain skills they've learned over the academic year. It also helps them grow the skills required for their next year in school. To sign up for summer reading, go to READSinMA.org, or just stop by your library.

Massachusetts has offered statewide online summer reading programs since 2007. Participants register, write book reviews, set goals, and track their progress online. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to offer such a program. On average, 350 libraries offer statewide summer reading each year with over 300,000 children, teens, and adults participating. The Boston Bruins have been active partners and advocates for reading and literacy since 2009 and collaborate with the MBLC and the MLS to develop reading and literacy programming.

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.