They’re cashing in so that you can check out!
Libraries across the five boroughs will split a $1 million grant from the New York Life Foundation, the 2019 citywide sponsor for the summer reading program.
The grant from this do-good group will support the Brooklyn Public Library’s free programs that encourage kids to read even in the summer months, when school is not in regular session.
“We look forward to seeing libraries across the borough crowded with students of all ages this summer and are so grateful for the support of the New York Life Foundation as we help children across New York discover the joy of reading,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson.
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s summer reading program also comes from The National Grid Foundation, as well as Con Edison, Macy’s, the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets, according to a local library representative.
“Brooklyn Public Library’s annual summer reading program aims to prevent ‘summer slide’ by encouraging young readers to visit the library and continue reading while school is out of session,” said Fritzi Bodenheimer, press officer for Brooklyn Public Library. “It is estimated that summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction per year.”
Kids and teens who complete the summer reading challenge will receive two tickets to an event at Barclays Center and be entered into a drawing to win an Apple iPad. Last summer, 152,000 children and families signed up for BPL’s reading program and more than 250,000 people attended the summer reading programs.
The theme for this year’s summer reading program is, “A Universe of Stories,” and the educational programs will coincide with the theme of space exploration, Bodenheimer said. All ages are welcome to attend the launch of this summer adventure in reading on June 1.
“The library is grateful for the grant and major support provided by the New York Life Foundation,” Bodenheimer said. “We are especially excited for the launch weekend, where every one of our 59 branches will have music, story time, scavenger hunts and more!”
