The New York State Education Department and New York State Library are again partnering with 1,100 public libraries and neighborhood branches statewide to launch the 2022 Summer Reading at New York Libraries program, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. This year’s slogan, “Oceans of Possibilities,” is meant to connect students of all ages to the theme of oceanography and water resources. New York’s public libraries will host exciting activities, events, and fun and enriching programs like reading challenges throughout the summer.
Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Improving access to reading and exposure to educational opportunities in the summer is vital to keeping students engaged in learning and helps them develop reading proficiency. These safe, creative, and stimulating summer programs can open the door for families to discover how much local libraries have to offer.”
Commissioner Rosa said, “Our libraries offer free, fun, and enriching reading programs to ensure that the joy of learning does not end with the school year. Children who participate can enhance their reading skills, prevent summer learning loss, and go back to school better prepared for a successful year. I encourage all families to check out what their local libraries are doing this summer and dive into summer reading.”
Research shows summer reading habits can combat summer learning loss and provide a foundation for academic success. Studies found that, on average, students lose two months of grade-level mathematical computation skills over the summer, and low-income students can lose up to two months of reading achievement.
This year, the Summer Reading program received $150,000 in funding from the current state budget from the Love Your Library Special Revenue Fund. The money will be allocated by formula to New York State’s 23 public library systems to strengthen and support Summer Reading activities. The Love Your Library program webpage has information about a license plate and tax check-off.
In addition to partnering with local libraries and the State’s 23 public library systems to offer Summer Reading at New York Libraries, the State Education Department and the State Library partner with the School Library Systems Association of New York State, New York State Senate, and Assembly, Hunger Solutions New York, the New York State Reading Association, the New York Library Association, 4-H, the New York State Museum, and New York Council for the Humanities to bring summer reading to communities throughout the state. Students who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical, or reading disability obtain summer reading material through the New York State Talking Book & Braille Library or the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library.
To join Hauppauge Public Library’s Summer Reading program and view the schedule of classes and events, visit the library’s website.