NEWS RELEASE

Libraries across the Commonwealth are challenging themselves and their residents as part of the First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Summer Reading Challenge which is currently underway. Since summer reading is different this year and occurring mostly online, libraries are tracking their goal throughout July remotely and will be entered to win Bruins prizes once they reach it.

“We are so excited that First Lady Lauren Baker and the Boston Bruins are working with us to help challenge Massachusetts libraries” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “This is a great way for libraries to keep residents engaged this summer.”

In total, 66 libraries from across Massachusetts signed up to participate, each picking their own unique challenge for their community. Bridgewater Public Library’s goal is to get 325 people registered for summer reading, while Blackstone Public Library wants to read 300 books total. Other challenges include minutes read, hours read, and consecutive days of reading. Goals will be tracked from July 1 to August 14. Participating libraries are listed here.

Once the goal is met by the library, they are entered into a drawing for Bruins prizes which feature in-game experiences including riding a Zamboni, high fiving the players, and sitting on the bench during pregame, as well as signed memorabilia including jerseys and pucks. Other Bruins prizes were drawn for all libraries participating in summer reading. The in-game prizes will be redeemed when public health conditions allow.

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 IMLS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding from the MBLC and MLS, has allowed libraries to receive summer reading materials at no cost. Some participating libraries are using Beanstack to track their summer progress. Beanstack was made available to libraries through a grant from the MBLC.