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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2002
PR-158-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND NEW YORK METS KICK-OFF
2002 PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Aquatic Summer Theme -- Splish Splash Read!


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York Mets today announced the beginning of the eighth annual Summer Reading Program conducted by the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library. This summer's aquatic themed Splish Splash Read! program encourages participants from kindergarten through high school to read a collection of books, including Baby Beluga, Froggy Learns to Swim, Oceans, and Jump Ship to Freedom. The Bronx Zoo and the Mets sponsored today's announcement in the South Bronx at the recently renovated Mott Haven Branch, where 125 students from P.S. 49 joined Mayor Bloomberg.

"Programs such as this enable our children to continue learning outside the classroom, allow them to develop the knowledge obtained during the school year, and prepare them to learn more next fall," Mayor Bloomberg said. "I would like to thank the New York Mets for their contributions to this very valuable program and strongly encourage our City's kids to sign up this summer and to read throughout the year."

"Public libraries are all about reading and learning," said Dr. Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library. "Mayor Bloomberg has made education his top priority and we are so pleased that he has taken this opportunity to recognize the valuable role public libraries play in every neighborhood throughout New York City."

"Just as libraries serve a vital role during the school year as true partners in the education of our children, we're more than just a safe and cool haven in the summer," said Siobhan A. Reardon, Acting Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library. "Children need libraries in summer to be successful in schools in the fall."

"Children who continue to read over the summer school vacation retain more of the last year's learning than children who don't," said Gary E. Strong, Director of the Queens Borough Public Library. "The Summer Reading Clubs, held in every Queens Library, are the perfect way to keep kids reading through the summer because they're fun. We'll even make special arrangements, even if it means corresponding by mail or e-mail from Grandma's."

Children and teens may sign up for the program at their local branch libraries, where they will each receive a reading log to keep track of the books they read. The Mets are donating over 4,000 tickets to the City's libraries for an August game at Shea Stadium that participants may win at drawings held within the branches, and printing posters and bookmarks to support the libraries' efforts throughout the summer. In addition, participants will receive incentives, including tiny inflatable beach balls, fish-shaped memo pads, magnetic bookmarks, pencils, and stickers as they read the books. At the end of the summer, the libraries will hold ceremonies where participants will receive certificates of achievement.

Young readers may continue participating in the program even when they cannot go to their branches by visiting a dedicated website at www.nyclibraries.org. The site features suggested summer reading lists, a docket of events for children and teenagers, and book and library related e-cards that they can send to friends and family. The site includes material for people of all ages, games geared toward academic areas such as geography, history, and literature, and links to On-Lion for Kids or Teen Link, the library system websites for children, teens, and their parents.

In July and August, participants may join live online chats with some of their favorite writers including as Sharon G. Flake, Chris Chrutcher, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Sharon Creech. Other activities include storytelling in Central Park at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in July on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., as well as puppet shows, poetry, mime, and bubble art throughout the New York City's 208 public library branches. For a complete listing of summer programs for children and teens, please see the events calendar available free in every branch library or visit the Library's website at www.nypl.org.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958