Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) invites kids in his Hudson Valley district to participate in the State Assembly’s Summer Reading Challenge, hosted in partnership with New York State Libraries.

This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story,” highlighting dinosaurs, paleontology and archaeology, while also encouraging kids to learn about their own community and uncover history themselves. Children who complete the challenge can receive an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate.

“Reading is the foundation of learning and understanding ideas, so it’s essential for children to keep developing this skill even when they aren’t in school,” Jacobson said. “A good book can be so much fun that a young reader doesn’t realize they’re actually strengthening their vocabulary and reading comprehension.”

To complete the Summer Reading Challenge, children read for at least 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August. Children can read by themselves or with a partner, marking off days they read on the Challenge calendar (available to print here New York State Assembly’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!). After completing 40 days or more, children or their adults can submit the completed calendar to Assemblymember Jacobson’s office to receive their certificate in the mail.

“I want this challenge to introduce children to the wonders hidden in their local libraries,” Jacobson said. “Hopefully they’ll end the summer with a lifelong love of reading.”

To find a local library, visit nysl.nysed.gov/find-your-public-library.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, contact Assemblymember Jacobson’s office at 845-562-0888.