Bruins All-Star David Pastrnak is 2024 Summer Library Player
March 15, 2024
June Thammasnong
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
june.thammasnong@mass.gov
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Boston Bruins right-winger David Pastrnak is the featured player for the 2024 Statewide Summer Library Program, “When You Read, You Score!” This summer Pastrnak will be featured on the annual READ poster available at public libraries across the Commonwealth. One of the team’s most popular players, Pastrnak is currently in his 10th season with the Bruins.
“The Boston Bruins help get kids excited about reading and libraries,” said MBLC Chair Commissioner Debby Conrad. “Summer reading is a great way for kids and teens to avoid the summer slide and maintain academic skills. But at libraries, summer programs are about much more than reading. Everyone can explore new interests, try new skills, and meet new people.”
The MBLC and the Boston Bruins have teamed up to encourage children and teens to read and visit libraries during the summer months since 2009. Bruins players help create the Bruins Favorite Reads book list with some of their favorite books including Captain Brad Marchand’s choice Green Eggs and Ham, and Charlie McAvoy’s recommendation of The Hunger Games Trilogy. Boston Bruins mascot Blades will make special visits to libraries across the Commonwealth to support literacy and have fun. Participants in the summer library program will also be eligible for prizes that include Pastrnak signed photos, hockey pucks and jerseys, as well as grand prize tickets to Bruins games and high five experiences at TD Garden.
This is a special year for the Boston Bruins as they celebrate their centennial season. The Boston Bruins were the first American team established by the National Hockey League, and the team played its first game in December of 1924.
On average, 350 public libraries offer a summer reading program each year with more than 320,000 children, teens, and adults participating. The Statewide Summer Reading Program is free to all public libraries and residents in the Commonwealth with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Boston Bruins.
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.