Studies have shown that summer reading helps students perform better in school the following year. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge themes are science-related: “Fizz, Boom, Read!” for young readers and “Spark a Reaction” for tweens. It’s hard to believe another school year is winding down. While summer is the time for playing outside and having fun with friends, it’s also a great time for our kids to keep reading and building on the academic progress they made during the school year. That’s why I’m hosting a “Summer Reading Challenge,” which encourages kids to keep learning during the summer and explore all of the resources their local libraries have to offer. To participate in the program, students must read at least 40 days during July and August for at least 15 minutes a day. Calendars will be provided in the classroom before the end of the school year and will also be available at your local library. To participate, have your child mark the calendar for each day he or she has read. After 40 days have been marked, each student will have earned a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. To receive the certificate, send the marked calendar and attached form to my office at 7293 Buckley Road, Suite 201, N. Syracuse, NY 13212. I’ll present each student with a reading certificate by mail or in their classroom in the fall. The following local libraries will be participating in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge:

• Fayetteville Free Library
  300 Orchard St.
  Mon- Thurs: 9AM-9PM, Fri: 10AM- 5PM, Sat: 10AM-5PM, Sun: 1PM-5PM
  637-6374
• Liverpool Public Library
  310 Tulip St.
  Mon - Thurs: 9AM-9 PM, Fri: 9AM- 6PM, Sat: 10AM-5PM, Sun: 12AM-5PM
  457-0310
• Manlius Library
  1 Arkie Albanese Ave.
  Mon- Thurs: 10AM- 9PM, Fri-Sat: 10Am- 5PM, Sun: 1PM-5PM
  682-6400
• Minoa Library
  242 N. Main St.
  Mon-Thurs: 10PM-8PM Fri: 10PM-5PM Sat: 10AM-3PM, Sun: Closed
  656-7401
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at Brewerton
  5437 Library St.
  Mon - Thurs: 9:30AM-PM, Fri: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sat: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sun: Closed
  676-7484
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero
  8686 Knowledge Lane
  Mon - Thurs: 9:30AM-8 PM, Fri: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sat: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sun: Closed
  699-2534
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse
  100 Trolley Barn Lane
  Mon - Thurs: 9:30AM-8 PM, Fri: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sat: 9:30AM - 5PM, Sun: 12pm-5pm
  458-6184
• Tully Free Library
  12 State St.
  Mon: 10AM-8PM, Tues: 10AM-6PM, Wed: 10AM-8PM, Thurs: 10AM-6PM, Fri: 10AM-6PM, Sat: 10AM-2PM, Sun: Closed
  696-8606