FACT SHEET

New York City Summer Reading 2006, Books: A Treasure! at Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Library

New York City's three library systems, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Library invite children and teens to participate in the annual Summer Reading program, which encourages them to read during summer vacation. Reading starts June 8 in all New York City public libraries.

  • 206 public library locations in New York City participate in the program

  • Children and Young Adults can register online at www.summerreading.org or at their local library

  • www.summerreading.org site features suggested summer reading lists, events, games, and the opportunity for kids to write reviews of their favorite books

  • 94,917 registered participants in 2005

  • 695,865 books read in 2005 in New York City

  • Toddlers through 12th graders participate in Summer Reading

  • Magician David Blaine is the spokesperson for the New York State 2006 Summer Reading program

  • Summer Reading artwork for children was created by Brian Selznick, illustrator of award-winning books such as The Houdini Box, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (Caldecott Honor Book), Walt Whitman: Words for America (Sibert Honor Book) and The Meanest Doll in the World

  • Summer Reading artwork for Young Adults created by R. Gregory Christie, twice the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration. Books illustrated have twice been recognized on The New York Times Best Illustrated list and his illustrations frequently appear in The New Yorker magazine.

  • All activities are Free!

  • According to a 2001 Pennsylvania Library Association study, children who participate in summer reading programs benefit from the literacy-related activities offered, aiding significantly in literacy development. For more information on research regarding the benefits of reading over the summer, please visit http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm.

Planning for the 2006 New York State Summer Reading Program Books: a Treasure! is funded with Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The 2006 Summer Reading Program is presented by Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Library in partnership with The New York City Department of Education, School Library Services, Division of Teaching and Learning. The Program is sponsored by TimeWarner, The Wallace Foundation, and Scholastic, and by Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. Power 105.1 FM is the proud radio sponsor of Summer Reading 2006.

Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading Program is made possible through the generous support of the New York City Council through its Cultural After-School Adventure Fund. The Program receives additional funding from the Altman Foundation, American Express Company, Astoria Federal Savings, Con Edison, Hurford Foundation, KeySpan Foundation, The Starr Foundation, Target, and Tribune New York Foundation.

Additional sponsorship for The New York Public Library's Summer Reading Program has been provided by American Girl and The Hurford Foundation.

Queens Library's Summer Reading Program receives additional funding from Newsday, Con Edison, Astoria Federal Savings, and Target.