ALBANY, NY – Assemblyman Nader J. Sayegh (D-Yonkers) wants students to have fun reading and to keep learning this summer at their public library. The New York State Assembly is partnering with the New York State Library and the 1,100 libraries and neighborhood branches to get more kids reading this summer. Children can have a summer of reading fun by participating in the Assembly’s 2019 Summer Reading Program and the State Library’s 2019 Summer Reading at New York Libraries.

More than 2.4 million children and teens statewide participated in last year’s summer reading program. Participants receive reading lists and engage in fun and educational activities at their local libraries. At the end of the program, participants receive formal recognition for their reading achievement.

“The summer reading program is an important project that gives children the opportunity to experience everything our libraries have to offer," said Assemblyman Sean Ryan, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology. "Our public libraries provide invaluable resources and programing that will allow students to develop a love of reading and keep their educational progress on track. This program has a proven track record of success, and I encourage every student to take part this summer."

“Public libraries are cornerstones of communities – families rely on libraries to provide free educational resources and programs for their children, especially during the summer when school is out of session,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “More than 2.4 million students participated in the program last year and we hope to grow that number this summer by encouraging parents, caregivers and teachers to bring their children and students to the library and participate in a free summer reading program.”

“It’s so important for children to continue learning during the summer and our summer reading program helps them stay engaged and prevent the summer slide,” said State Education Commissioner Mary Ellen Elia. “Whether it’s print books, e-books or audio books, there’s something for everyone to read and enjoy at their local library. I encourage children and families to visit their local library and sign up for a summertime of free reading, learning and fun.”

Evidence shows that children who stop reading over the summer break often fall behind when they return to school in September. Assemblyman Sayegh urges youngsters and parents to take advantage of the summer reading programs at their local public library. With resources and tools made available by the New York State Library, local public libraries bring exciting summer reading programs and activities to their communities. Children who participate benefit from the support, structure, and educational incentives that public library summer reading programs provide. Assemblyman Sayegh hopes that all children will be reading for fun during the summer of 2019.

Contact your local public library to register and participate in the many fun and educational activities available this summer as part of Summer Reading at New York Libraries. To find your local library, visit http://www.summerreadingnys.org. Watch for materials about the 2019 Assembly Summer Reading Program in schools and public libraries. Any child can participate in both programs and use the resources, programs, and books provided by the public library.

Children, teens, parents, and caregivers can log on to http://www.summerreadingnys.org for Summer Reading at New York Libraries activities, games, links, information, and ideas to keep children learning and reading all summer. To access free digital books this summer through the end of September by going to http://www.summerreadingnys.org/parents/myon-for-families/ for login information and helpful resources. For an overview of Summer Reading at New York Libraries and additional information for educators, parents, and caregivers go to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer.