Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library kicked off its 2018 Summer Reading program Saturday, hosting over 75 musical performances and activities throughout the weekend and encouraging students to visit neighborhood libraries over the summer.
"We are delighted to kick off another season of Summer Reading,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “What better way to spend the long summer days than with a good book?”
It is estimated that summer breaks cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction per year, with students from low-income families disproportionately affected.
The kickoff provided Brooklyn families an opportunity to sign up for BPL’s Summer Reading program and get started on activities and challenges where music and literacy overlap. Children of all ages can enter a drawing for a grand prize: a set of books specially curated for 13 lucky winners. Eligible activities include posting a book review, checking out a library book or attending one of approximately 13,000 library programs offered over the summer.
The Library is also hosting a baseball book review contest for ages 6-18; the winners will represent BPL at the Summer Reading Yankee game on August 16.
Children and families will be able to track their summer reading using Beanstack, an online mobile-first program which encourages and tracks reading. Writing a review qualifies kids to enter a random drawing for a pair of Bluetooth headphones (or a set of picture books for young children).
Last year, the Summer Reading program provided 142,000 participants with book lists, literacy-building activities, engaging games and competitive reading challenges. Over 232,000 people attended Summer Reading programs in 2017.
Support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2018 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation, Con Edison, and Williams Energy. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Summer Reading 2018.
“Reading is the foundation for learning and academic success,” said National Grid Foundation Board Member Reverend Gary V. Simpson. “We are delighted to support Brooklyn Public Library’s 2018 Summer Reading program.”
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2018 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation. The program is supported by Con Edison, Macy’s and Williams.
To sign up and learn more about summer reading, visit: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/summer-reading.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.