Assemblymember Wallace Launches Summer Reading Challenge to Keep Youth Engaged Over Break
Regular reading among children is especially vital in summer 2021, after students fell months behind due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she is sponsoring the New York State Assembly’s 2021 Summer Reading Challenge. Children and youth who demonstrate that they read for 15 minutes for 40 or more days during the months of July and August will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic has caused students to fall months behind on their academic progress, frequent summer reading is more important than ever for youth,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “Regular reading at an early age can expand vocabulary, improve brain connectivity, and encourage one to become a lifelong learner. I encourage all youth to make an extra effort to pick up some good books and immerse themselves this summer, and I ask parents to encourage consistent summer reading.”
Young people or adults who are especially avid readers can also participate in the Lancaster Public Library’s 200th Anniversary Reading Log Challenge. Participants should pick up a reading log from the library at 5466 Broadway and return it once they have read 20 books; each returned log enters one for a chance to win a Kindle reading tablet.