More Than 2.5 Million Children Participated in State Library’s 2019 Summer Reading Program

More than 2.5 million students and children statewide participated in the 2019 summer reading program, an increase of approximately 134,000 participants over last year’s program, the New York State Education Department and State Library announced today. In addition, the State Education Department announced results from its partnership with the myON by Renaissance e-book platform, which offered free access to thousands of enhanced digital books to children and their families. From May through September 2019: 118,569 books were opened/browsed, 114,128 books were read, and 1,635,585 minutes of reading were logged within the myON platform.

“The free, annual summer reading program is a tremendous educational resource for our children and their families,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “Congratulations to the 2.5 million children and teens who participated in a public library summer reading program this year. We encourage all students to continue in the joy of reading throughout the year and use all the resources and programs offered at their local library.”

“We are proud of every child’s summer reading achievement this year and thank the librarians, educators and parents across the state for encouraging their students and children to participate in the summer reading program,” said Interim State Education Commissioner Beth Berlin. “I encourage libraries to continue to partner with schools and community organizations to promote the importance of reading year-round.”

The State Library partners with 23 public library systems, 756 public libraries and 311 neighborhood branches statewide every year on the summer reading program. The free, annual program is supported by the State Library in conjunction with partners like the State Assembly and Senate, Hunger Solutions New York, the New York State Reading Association, 4-H, New York Council for the Humanities, and the New York State Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs Inc. and the School Library Systems Association of New York State. The program gives children the opportunity to access the vast resources of New York’s public libraries to support their summer reading. Participants receive reading lists and book recommendations and engage in learning activities at their local libraries. At the end of the program, participants receive formal recognition for their reading achievement. Next year’s summer reading slogan is “Imagine Your Story!”

NYSED partnered with myON by Renaissance again this year to provide thousands of enhanced digital books to children across the state. Readers logged into myON to access a digital library of more than 6,000 e-books using any web-enabled device. Readers were offered an option to download up to 20 books at a time through a free app for reading offline, as well as resources and tips for parents and educators, including on-demand videos, tip sheets, strategies and more to support meaningful family literacy experiences. Access to free digital children’s books was available for New York State students and families courtesy of myON by Renaissance from May through September 2019.

Many public libraries also offer snacks or meals to ensure children have access to healthy food year-round, including when school is not in session. In 2019, 133 public libraries were approved to serve summer meals or snacks through the Summer Food Service Program and Hunger Solutions New York. The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program that enables qualified organizations – including public libraries – to serve free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas.

For more information about the summer reading program, please visit the State Library’s website or the Summer Reading Program website.