NEWS RELEASE

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is teaming up with the Boston Bruins for the annual “When You Read, You Score!” summer library program. This summer marks the tenth anniversary of the partnership that encourages children and teens to read over the summer months in order to retain and improve academic progress and avoid the "summer slide".

“We are excited to celebrate ten years of partnering with the Boston Bruins for the statewide summer library program” said MBLC director James Lonergan. “It is especially exciting with the Bruins competing for the Stanley Cup this year. We hope the success the Bruins had on the ice this year translates to our summer library program.”

Since 2009, over 3 million children, teens, and adults have participated in summer reading as part of the “When You Read, You Score!” program. The collaboration has grown to include New Hampshire and Rhode Island where it has been equally successful.

To jumpstart summer fun at the library, the Boston Bruins will hold a Summer Reading Kickoff at the Woburn Public Library. Throughout June, July, and August, Boston Bruins mascot Blades will be making special story time visits to libraries in Andover, Bourne, Braintree, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Lawrence, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Melrose, Millbury, Pittsfield, Princeton, and Sheffield.

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 libraries.state.ma.us, or visit your local library.

In addition to visits, the Bruins have also helped create a READ poster featuring defenseman Torey Krug. 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.

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, and in 2018, a new record of 492,424 children, teens, and adults participated.

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.