Brooklyn Public Library Encourage Students to Read A Universe of Stories: Summer Reading Challenge Blasts Off With Over 60 Borough Wide Events

Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) kicked off its 2019 Summer Reading program Saturday, hosting over 60 events including music, story time, space-themed activities and scavenger hunts all designed to encourage children to read.

“We are delighted to kick off another season of summer reading and welcome children and their families to the Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “There is perhaps no greater joy than a good book on a long summer afternoon.”

It is estimated that summer breaks cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction per year.

The kickoff provided Brooklyn families an opportunity to sign up for BPL’s Summer Reading program and get started on activities and challenges. This year’s theme is A Universe of Stories and special programs and activities will focus on the intersection of literacy and science, and more specifically space travel.

Children of all ages who complete a series of challenges will be rewarded with two tickets to Barclay’s Center, generously donated by BSE Global, the company which operates Barclays Center and other venues and sports franchises, including the Brooklyn Nets.

In addition, children who complete the challenge will be entered in a grand prize drawing to win an iPad. Eligible activities include designing a space vehicle, checking out a library book or attending one of approximately 15,000 library programs offered over the summer. Over 250,000 people attended Summer Reading programs in 2018.

Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2019 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading Program.

“Libraries provide important free summer reading and educational programs to thousands of children who otherwise would not have access to them.” said, Marlyn Torres, senior program officer for the New York Life Foundation. “Studies have shown that much of the achievement gap can be attributed to unequal summer learning opportunities, which is why the Foundation supports out-of-school time programs.”

Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2019 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation.

“National Grid Foundation is a long-time supporter of Brooklyn Public Library and its successful Summer Reading Program,” said Ed White, Executive Director, National Grid Foundation. “This program ensures that summer break is not a vacation from learning and reading. Brooklyn Public Library always creates such a fun and inventive program that encourages children to want to read. They love the program and we couldn’t ask for more.”

The program is supported by Con Edison, Macy’s, Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Summer Reading 2019.

To sign up and learn more about summer reading, click here.

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About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the sixth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org