NEWS RELEASE

Libraries across the Commonwealth are challenging themselves and their residents as part of the Third Annual First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge began in 2020 as an option for libraries that moved summer reading to fully remote during the pandemic and runs from July 1 to August 16.

“For the past two summers, libraries have enjoyed creating a challenge and seeing their communities reaching and exceeding it,” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “In addition to being fun, summer reading allows kids to stay sharp for the coming school year.”

Studies show that kids who read four or more books over the summer months perform better in the fall than students who read one or fewer books. Last summer, kids read a combined total of 5 million minutes during the challenge.

In total, 31 libraries from across Massachusetts signed up to participate, each picking their own unique challenge for their community to meet. Needham Free Public Library’s goal is to read 120,000 minutes, the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library is aiming for at least 25 participants signed up, and the Leominster Public Library has a goal of 10,000 books read. Libraries who reach their goals are entered into a drawing for signed Bruins gear. Contact your local library to find out if they are participating.

Bruins mascot Blades will be visiting libraries participating in the Summer Challenge for a special story time with First Lady Lauren Baker.

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 the Mass. Library System, has allowed libraries to receive summer reading materials at no cost. Some participating libraries are using Beanstack, which is made available through a grant from the MBLC, to track their summer progress.