Since 2009, the Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. To kickoff summer 2019, Bruins Prospects will be visiting the Woburn Public Library on Thursday, June 27th for an afternoon of reading and games. “We’re certainly proud of the team and their support of summer reading is just fantastic,” said Mayor Scott Galvin. “We look forward to welcoming the Bruins to the Woburn Public Library and the city.” See our event calendar at www.woburnpubliclibrary.org for details on how to register. Registration opens on Saturday, June 1st.
The June 27th event includes the players who are participating in the team’s summer prospect camp. The players will interact with children in 3 different activities: a hockey-themed story time in which players talk about playing hockey and some of their favorite books; a Bruins-themed games room; and a hockey shoot out. The afternoon finishes with children receiving the 2019 READ poster featuring Bruins defenseman Torey Krug and autographs with the prospect players. To encourage children and teens to keep reading over the summer Bruins players, including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Tuukka Rask have helped libraries develop Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins, a recommended reads list that also include librarian picks for the best hockey books. “The kids really enjoy picking up a book and seeing that it was recommended by one of the Bruins players. It inspires them to want to read it themselves,” said Dorrie Karlin, Youth Services Librarian. The booklist and more information are available on mass.gov/libraries.
Summer reading is one of the best ways to help children and teens avoid the "summer slide" and maintain 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 Woburn Public Library has an incredible summer reading program, filled with unique opportunities for children and teens to grow as readers and as people. “Planning summer programming is always an exhilarating experience. We cannot wait to show teens and children what we have in store for them this summer,” said Annie Ferrante, Teen Librarian.
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 with over 300,000 children, teens, and adults participating. The Boston Bruins have been active partners and advocates for reading and literacy since 2009 and collaborate with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System to develop reading and literacy programming.
The Statewide Summer Library Program is made possible through funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and through support from the Boston Bruins.
