There’s nothing quite like diving into a good book. Earlier this summer, I invited local kids to participate the New York State Assembly’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, held in partnership with New York State Libraries, and I am pleased to announce this year’s challenge was a great success. We did our best to ensure this year’s Summer Reading Challenge was fun for our school children and I would like to congratulate all the kids who completed the challenge.

This past year has been tough for everyone, especially our school children and this summer provides a perfect opportunity for these kids to sit down with a good book. Further, encouraging children to read can go a long way toward preparing them for the next school year. Whether it’s introducing them to inspiring characters and exciting worlds or helping them discover a new passion, reading during the summer months helps keep our kids engaged, curious and eager to learn.

This year’s “Tails and Tales” challenge asked the children to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August either on their own or with a partner or caregiver. The children then marked off days on the calendar available from my office. After they completed 40 days or more, they submitted the calendar to my office and were awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate to recognize their commitment to reading over summer break.

I want to congratulate all the avid young readers for their hard work and encourage them to keep it up! For more information regarding the Summer Reading Challenge, please contact my office at 518-382-2941 or visit www.nyassembly.gov/Santabarbara.