O’Mara sponsoring online Summer Reading Program ~ Senate teams up with NYS Library and local public libraries on summer long effort to encourage young readers

Elmira, N.Y., June 27—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I--Big Flats) today announced that he’s sponsoring an online summer reading program that the New York State Senate will be promoting throughout the summer of 2016 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 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 O’Mara’s Senate website, www.omara.nysenate.gov, and click on the “Summer Reading Program” logo near the top of the home page.  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 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 program featured the participation nearly 2 million young people statewide.  Program coordinators at the New York State Library, Senate and Assembly hope that increased attention on the benefits of summer reading will result in expanded participation this year.

More information on the “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” program, as well as on the overall importance of summer reading, can be found on http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/.

Visit the website of the Southern Tier Library System, www.stls.org, for links to member libraries in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates.  The members of the Finger Lakes Library System, including Tompkins County, can be found online at www.flls.org.  .