NEWS RELEASE

Since 2009, the Boston Bruins have been teaming up with Massachusetts libraries for summer library events through the program "When you read, you score!" This year, the Bruins will visit 10 libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to read 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 1.7 million children, teens, and adults have participated in summer reading since the Bruins began partnering with the MBLC and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS).

To jumpstart summer fun at the library, the Boston Bruins will hold a Summer Reading Kickoff at the Lucius Beebe Library in Wakefield. Throughout July and August, Boston Bruins mascot Blades will be making special story time visits to libraries in Amesbury, Sunderland, Hanson, Truro, Bolton, Malden, Orange, South Hadley, and Needham.

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. Studies have shown that children who read just four books over the summer fare better in the fall on reading comprehension tests than their peers who read one or no books. To find and sign up for a summer reading program in your town, go to READSinMA.org, or visit your local library.

In addition to visits, the Bruins have also helped create a READ poster featuring captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara. Bruins players, including Patrice Bergeron 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 complete booklist is available here.

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.