Bruins Players Kick Off Summer Reading in Waltham
July 17, 2018
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On June 27, 2018 prospective Boston Bruins players kicked off the statewide summer library program at Waltham Public Library. Players Philip Beaulieu, Jack Becker, Mitchell Fossier, Daniel Vladar, Kyle Keyser, Lucas Ekestahl-Jonsson, Jakub Lauko, and Curtis Hall joined children and teens from Waltham and participated in summer activities with them throughout the afternoon.
“The goal is to keep kids reading over the summer” said MBLC director James Lonergan. “Getting to meet the players and seeing them read gets the kids excited to read themselves, and leaves them with a great library experience.”
The Boston Bruins have been teaming up with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System since 2009 for the annual Summer Library Program. Since then, there have been over 2 million participants in the program statewide.
The kick-off event has been a Massachusetts tradition since 2009. The prospective players are participating in the team’s summer development camp. The players interact with 75 children in three different activities: a hockey-themed story time in which players talk about playing hockey and some of their favorite books; a hockey shootout with the players; and Bruins game day and craft activities. The afternoon finished with children receiving the 2018 READ poster featuring Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and having pictures and autographs with the prospect players.
Previous kick-off events include libraries in Needham, Wakefield, Methuen, and Chelmsford; and players who have participated include current Bruins forward Jake Debrusk, Bruins forward Noel Acciari, Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, and Bruins and 2018 Olympic Team USA player Ryan Donato.
In addition to the kick-off, 12 libraries across the Commonwealth will receive special visits by Bruins mascot Blades. More information about these visits can be found here.
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.