JUNE 11, 2020—New York City’s three library systems will continue their annual Summer Reading program online this year with the generous support of the New York Life Foundation. The program encourages children and teens to read as many books as possible, participate in activities, and earn prizes.
Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, and The New York Public Library (which covers the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island) will host virtual events ranging from meet-the-author workshops for teens and older children to story times for toddlers and performances for the whole family.
In addition to programs and the circulation of e-books, the library will distribute activity kits and physical books in high needs neighborhoods to ensure all children can participate in learning, regardless of their ability to access the internet. It is estimated that summer breaks cause the average student to lose up to two months of instruction per year, with students from low-income families disproportionately affected.
This is the second summer the New York Life Foundation has enhanced summer reading programs at New York City’s three library systems. Starting last year, they provided a $1 million grant to support citywide summer reading and other youth educational programs in 2019 and 2020.
“At a time when everything seems uncertain, the New York City Public Libraries Summer Reading program will provide thousands of children with free books and an escape through the works of mythical creatures and new adventures as well as learning opportunities that underserved communities need over the summer given the recent challenges of remote learning,” said New York Life Foundation President, Heather Nesle. “Much of the achievement gap experienced over the summer can be attributed to unequal learning opportunities, which is why the Foundation supports out-of-school time programs and invests in the New York City Public Libraries vital resources.”
This year’s summer reading theme is Imagine Your Story, celebrating fairy tales, fantasy and mythology. The Libraries will provide reading lists for all ages along with activities to work on at home.
“For the kids and families of New York City, this summer is going to look quite different than any other in recent memory,” said New York Public Library President, Anthony W. Marx. “It is arguably more important than ever for the City's libraries to support these families and offer programming, book recommendations, and more to keep kids engaged and learning outside the classroom (or home school). We are so grateful to New York Life Foundation for its generous support of the program, which will combat summer slide and give families something to enjoy in a difficult moment.”
“Queens Public Library is more determined this summer than ever to provide children and teens with opportunities to engage in reading and advance their learning gains, especially given the challenges of remote learning these past few months,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO, Dennis M. Walcott. “The program will be different this summer, but our commitment to cultivating the joy of reading and discovery remains strong. We are grateful for New York Life Foundation’s support of these important efforts.”
“Books have always had the power to transport us back in time and propel us forward to new and interesting places,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO, Linda E. Johnson. “As we stay close to home this summer, Brooklyn Public Library presents book lists, reading challenges and virtual programs for nearly every day of the summer. We are grateful to New York Life Foundation for generously supporting the program and look forward to joining people all across Brooklyn for one of summer’s great pleasures: curling up with a good book.”
About the New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided over $340 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative. To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.