First Lady Katie O'Malley to Read to Children at Enoch Pratt Library

Celebrates summer reading program

 

BALTIMORE, MD (July 25, 2009) –First Lady Katie O’Malley today read to children at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore City to celebrate the 2009 Summer Reading Program.  The Summer Reading Program, sponsored by Maryland Public Libraries and the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Library Services, encourages kids of all ages to continue reading throughout the summer months. 

“I am honored to be here today and am honored to join Enoch Pratt Library, public libraries across the state and the Maryland State Department of Education, in their efforts to encourage children to read throughout the summer,” said First Lady Katie O’Malley. “We encourage our children to choose a life of learning by reading as often as possible. Children’s literacy is vital for lifelong achievement and I encourage our children to read and learn not just during the summer, but all year long.”

“Maryland’s public libraries are a wonderful place for children to spend time this summer,” said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “Each time a child opens a book, he or she is opening the door to an exciting new world.  Before they know, they are learning something valuable as well.”

To participate students choose their own reading material such as books, magazines, or graphic novels and track their progress using the reading logs provided through the program. Last summer more than 150,000 children and teens in Maryland participated in the Summer Reading Club. The program is a cooperative project between the local public libraries, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Division of Library Development and Services, with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Maryland Public Libraries has sponsored a summer reading program for the past 10 years. 

Participants also receive tickets to see the Baltimore Orioles, who in partnership with the Program, are donating a limited number of free tickets to each Maryland public library to serve as an added incentive for participants. This is the second year that the Orioles have supported the Summer Reading Club, but the first year that the opening celebration will be held at Camden Yards. In addition to special seating for a limited number of library customers, the scoreboard will display public service announcements for the 2009 Summer Reading Club. County libraries use the Oriole tickets as incentives for the summer reading program.

An exciting partnership for the 2009 Summer Reading Club includes the Baltimore Orioles, who are donating a limited number of free tickets to each Maryland public library to serve as an added incentive for participants. This is the second year that the Orioles have supported the Summer Reading Club, but the first year that the opening celebration will be held at Camden Yards. In addition to special seating for a limited number of library customers, the scoreboard will display public service announcements for the 2009 Summer Reading Club. County libraries use the Oriole tickets as incentives for the summer reading program.

Students may register for the 2009 Summer Reading Club at any Maryland Public Library. For more information visit the Maryland State Department of Education’s website at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/library/public_libraries

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