The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Library Development and Services announces the Statewide Summer Reading Program at most Maryland public libraries. The theme this year, One World, Many Stories, focuses on the many different cultures around the world. Readers of all ages will travel the globe this summer as they explore new places through stories, crafts, music, dance, and other activities.
Again this year, the Baltimore Orioles donated 40 free tickets to participating Maryland public libraries to encourage students to read throughout the summer. The Orioles tickets are for Oriole games at Camden Yards on August 10 and 11. During a special Field Ceremony on August 11, the 2011 Summer Reading representatives from each county library will be acknowledged on the field. In addition, T. Rowe Price funded the printing of Oriole posters with the headline, Discover Your Story at your Maryland Public Library. Joining in the partnership with the libraries for the first time is the Maryland Science Center which donated a family pack of four tickets for a family from every public library in Maryland to visit the Maryland Science Center.
“This is an awesome opportunity for students to embrace reading during their summer break,” said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “I’m proud that the Department is involved with the public libraries throughout Maryland to encourage our young people to read more and maintain their reading levels over the summer.”
Participation in the program is easy. Students choose their own reading material and track their progress using reading logs available free of charge at Maryland public libraries. Last summer more than 150,000 children and teens in Maryland participated in the Summer Reading Program. The program is a collaborative project between the local public libraries and the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Library Development and Services, with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
“I am pleased that our Division has sponsored the statewide Summer Reading Program for over 10 years, providing quality reading materials and activities to the youth of Maryland,” said Irene M. Padilla, Assistant State Superintendent for Libraries.
Calvert County students may register for the Summer Reading Program at Calvert Library by visiting our website: calvert.lib.md.us
