Senator O'Mara sponsoring online summer reading program

New York State Senator Tom O’Mara reminds area students and their families that he’s sponsoring an online summer reading program that the Senate will be promoting throughout the summer of 2014 in partnership with the New York State Library and public libraries across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide.

"I’m glad to have this opportunity to join with so many local public libraries and other groups and organizations seeking to encourage summer reading,” said Senator O’Mara. “The Senate’s online summer reading program offers a convenient opportunity for students and their parents to enjoy the benefits and the rewards of summer reading together.  Our region is incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding network of public libraries providing access to books and other reading activities, materials and opportunities.”

To participate in the Senate’s online program, students and parents can visit www.nyread.com.  Among other features, the site includes a recording journal, opportunities to share books with other family members and friends, and a series of popular summer reading lists.  At the end of the program, participants will receive formal recognition from Senator O’Mara for their reading achievement.

Numerous studies have shown that children who engage in summer reading make greater academic gains than children who do not.  

According to New York State Library officials, last year’s "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" program featured the participation of 1.76 million young people statewide.  

More information on the “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” program can be found on www.summerreadingnys.org.

Additional information on the importance of summer reading can be found at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm.

Find more information online from the Southern Tier Library System, and the Finger Lakes Library System, including the Tompkins County Public Library.