NEWS RELEASE

Since the summer of 2009, the Boston Bruins have been partnering with Massachusetts libraries to present “When You Read, You Score!” The summer reading program encourages children and teens to read over the summer months so they may avoid the "summer slide" and maintain skills they've learned over the academic year.

"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 2 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 Needham Public Library. Throughout June, July, and August, Boston Bruins mascot Blades will be making special story time visits to libraries in Acushnet, Belchertown, Blackstone, Brockton, Longemeadow, Marlborough, North Adams, North Andover, Norwood, and Worcester.

Summer reading is one of the best ways to help children and teens maintain the 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. The MBLC is encouraging children, teens and adults to read four books through their #WhatsYourFour? campaign. To find and sign up for a summer reading program in your town and to learn more about the #WhatsYourFour? campaign, go to READSinMA.org, or visit your local library.

In addition to visits, the Bruins have also helped create a READ poster featuring forward Brad Marchand. Bruins players, including Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask, and Zdeno Chara 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.

The Summer Reading Program is made free to all public libraries and residents in the Commonwealth thanks to support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Boston Bruins.