Boston Bruins Extend Summer Library Partnership to New Hampshire
April 08, 2016
Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Boston Bruins are extending their summer reading partnership north to New Hampshire for summer 2016, sharing resources and materials with the New Hampshire State Library.
"Through our partnership with Massachusetts libraries, we recognize how important it is for kids and teens to keep reading during the summer months," said Bruins Director of Community Relations Kerry Collins. The Bruins partnership with the MBLC and the Massachusetts Library System began in 2009. Since then over 1.7 million children, teens and adults have participated in summer library programming.
"We're pleased to be able to work with the New Hampshire State Library to offer some of the same resources that have benefited libraries in Massachusetts," Ms. Collins added.
Among the resources the New Hampshire State Library will receive are Bruins "READ" posters and "Outstanding Reader" certificates. To celebrate the 2016 Summer Library Program theme of wellness, fitness, and sports, the posters and certificates will feature Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara. Bruins players including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Tuukka Rask have also helped libraries develop Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins, a recommended reads list that includes librarian picks for the best hockey books as well.
The MBLC works with the Bruins to develop the posters, certificates, the recommended read list, activity sheets, and crafts. "One of the best things libraries do is share resources," MBLC Director Dianne Carty said. "We're pleased to have the opportunity to share and exchange ideas with New Hampshire. Their participation will only strengthen what has already been an amazing partnership with the Bruins, who demonstrate year after year that they are invested in promoting literacy."
Children and teens in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire will also have the opportunity to win special Bruins prizes including Bruins pucks and jerseys signed by Chara, as well as at-game experiences like riding the Zamboni, high-fiving the players as they take the ice, and sitting on the Bruins bench during pre-game warmups.
Massachusetts has offered statewide an online summer reading program, ReadsinMa.org, 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.