Bruins Prizes for Summer 2020
May 20, 2020
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us
Summer Library Programs play a significant role in keeping kids and teens connected to educational resources over the summer. Research shows that reading just four books over the summer helps kids avoid summer learning loss. To encourage kids and teens to keep reading during the summer months, the Boston Bruins, in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, have awarded special summer reading prizes.
Prizes include game experiences including riding the Zamboni, high-fiving the players as they take the ice, and getting to sit on the Bruins bench during pregame warm-ups. Team-signed Bruins jerseys and Bruins pucks signed by Bruins forward Charlie Coyle were also awarded. "It's a great incentive for kids to keep reading," said one librarian.
The prizes were awarded to the following libraries:
Grand Prize Winners
Zamboni game experience: Montague Public Library
High Five game experience: Blanding Free Public Library, Rehoboth
Bench Assistant game experience: Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, Webster
Team-Signed Bruins Jersey
Beverly Farms Library
Fitchburg Public Library
Franklin Public Library
Granville Public Library
Huntington Public Library
Mattapoisett Free Public Library
Norton Public Library
Palmer Public Library
West Falmouth Public Library
Charlie Coyle Signed Bruins Puck
Ayer Library
Brookline Public Library
Colrain, Griswold Memorial Library
Halifax, Holmes Public Library
Hopedale, Bancroft Memorial Library
Medfield Memorial Public Library
Newton Free Library
Northborough Free Library
Northampton, Forbes Library
Swampscott Public Library
Taunton Public Library
Westborough Public Library
Westfield Athenaeum
Westmister, Forbush Memorial Library
Winchester Public Library
The team has also collaborated with Lauren Baker and the MBLC to create a special reading challenge for 2020. The First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Reading Challenge provides an opportunity for libraries that have had to cancel summer plans to be a part of statewide initiative. The library community sets a goal and once it’s reached they are entered into a drawing to win even more Bruins prizes to be awarded late in the summer.
Over four million children teens and adults have participated in summer reading since 2009. The Bruins' financial support of the statewide summer reading program, along with federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding from the MBLC and MLS, has allowed libraries to receive summer reading materials at no cost.
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.