Senator Alesi Support Student Literacy and Learning WITH Summer Reading Program

ALBANY, NY – Senator Alesi wants students to have fun reading and keep learning this summer with the 2009 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program, “Be Creative @ Your Library.”

Citing evidence which shows that children who stop reading over the summer break often fall behind when they return to school in September, Senator Alesi is urging youngsters and parents to take advantage of the children’s reading program at their local public library. With resources and tools made available by the New York State Library, local public libraries bring the Statewide Summer Reading Program to their communities. Children who participate benefit from the support, structure, and educational incentives that public library summer reading programs provide. Last year, over 1.5 million youngsters took part in the Statewide Summer Reading Program. Senator Alesi hopes that even more children will be reading for fun during the summer of 2009.

New York State History is featured in Statewide Summer Reading Program
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the voyages of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, as well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s invention of the steam ship. Senator Alesi is urging youngsters and families to participate in the 2009 Statewide Summer Reading Program to explore New York’s rich history through suggested reading lists and special library events.

Contact your local public library to register and participate in the fun and educational activities available this summer.

Children, teens, parents, and caregivers can log on to http://www.summerreadingnys.org for activities, games, links, information, and ideas to keep children reading all summer. For an overview of the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program and additional information for educators, parents, and caregivers, go to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer.

The 2009 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is made possible with Library Services and Technology Act funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The New York State Library is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.