Summer is a great time for outdoor activities, traveling and hanging with friends. Many of us also have fond memories of hours spent relaxing with a good book. Studies show that reading during summer helps students stay engaged and improves their reading skills.

To encourage kids to read over the summer months, the New York State Assembly sponsors a Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is, “On your mark, get set… READ!” The program, in partnership with New York State libraries, encourages children to build on progress made through the school year and rewards them with an Excellence in Reading certificate for their hard work and dedication. All local schools have been provided with materials for students to participate in the challenge.

To earn the certificate, children complete a minimum of 15 minutes a day of reading for at least 40 days through the months of July and August. Children can keep track on a calendar and can read alone or with a partner. Both traditional books and e-books count, and you can visit your local library for an array of choices. Your child is sure to find something of interest. After completing their 40 days of reading, submit the calendar to me by August 31 and I’ll send your child a certificate. You can mail calendars to me at: 7293 Buckley Road, Suite 201, N. Syracuse, NY 13212.Many of our local libraries will be holding Summer Reading Challenge kick-off events with fun activities for kids. The participating libraries are:

• Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., 637-6374
• Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., 457-0310
• Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., 682-6400
• Minoa Library, 242 N. Main St., 656-7401
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., 676-7484
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, 699-2032
• Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, 458-6184
• ully Free Library, 12 State St., 696-8606

Contact your local library for a schedule of summer reading activities. If you are unable to get a form through your school, we can send you one. For more information about the Assembly’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.summerreadingnys.org.

As always, I am here to you help you in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me at 315-452-1115 or via email at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.