FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,  Monday, June 25, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Jonathan Burman or Tom Dunn at (518) 474-1201

Internet:  http://www.nysed.gov

Board of Regents Urges Families To Enroll Their Children

In New York’s Free Summer Reading Program

              The State Board of Regents is encouraging all children to participate in the free New York State Summer Reading Program, “Get a Clue @Your Library.”

              More than 1.2 million children participated in last year’s Summer Reading Program through 1,000 local public libraries, up from 1 million participants in 2006. The new goal is to reach 1.5 million children by 2010.

              “Reading during the summer is important for everyone, and especially for children from low-income families,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said. “It helps children keep and even improve the reading skills they’ve developed during the school year. And some studies show that children who don’t read during the summer lose skills by fall. Summer reading can help close the achievement gap.”

“We are all working hard to raise the achievement levels of New York’s students, and libraries are an important part of this strategy.  Children who keep reading through the summer don’t suffer learning losses that can compound over the years and leave them behind in school.” Acting State Education Commissioner Kathy Ahearn said. “I urge all families to help enroll their children in this summer’s free reading program at all of the State’s public libraries.”

            Studies show that children can and do improve their reading ability during the school year.  Children who don’t read over the summer lose literacy skills while children who read during the summer actually improve their reading ability.  This is particularly true of youngsters in high need communities where books and other literacy materials are less available.  Summer learning losses accumulate over several years and are an important contributor to the achievement gap.

          The Summer Reading Program encourages reading and does not require a certain number of books or specific titles.  With so many choices, how does a child know where to start?  Local librarians are ready to help. Library staff will guide children to books that are in tune with their tastes and interests. Research shows that when children select their own reading material they spend more time reading and this improves their reading ability.

            This summer’s program is tied in with the new Nancy Drew movie.  Warner Brothers Entertainment, Inc. is promoting summer reading fun at the public library and their new movie "Nancy Drew-Get A Clue" together.

            Fliers encouraging parents to partner with their children and urging them to sign up for “Get a Clue @Your Library” are available in nine languages on the New York State Library web site.  Go to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov  and click on “Statewide Summer Reading.”

            Planning for the 2007 Summer Reading Program was made possible with federal Library Services and Technology Act funds awarded to the New York State Library by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.      

         One of the nation’s leading research libraries, the New York State Library has served New Yorkers, state government and researchers from throughout the United States for more than 180 years.  It is the largest state library in the nation and the only state library to qualify for membership in the Association of Research Libraries.  The New York State Library is a program of the State Education Department.

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