Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) is encouraging Buffalo children to participate in the Assembly’s Summer Reading Challenge, held in partnership with New York State libraries and local schools. The event starts in July and invites young readers to continue reading throughout their summer vacation and explore all the adventures books can offer.

“Delving into a book can introduce us to inspiring characters and extraordinary worlds that we can only discover on the page,” said Burke. “As a father and children’s author, I know firsthand how important reading can be to a young mind. Learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends, and summer is the perfect time for kids to dig into the stories that engage and excite them.”

This year’s theme, “A Universe of Stories,” encourages young readers to broaden their horizons with adventures in science, space and other STEM-related activities. Kids who complete the challenge will be not only be awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate, but will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an age-appropriate prize provided by Assemblyman Burke.

Children are asked 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, and mark days off on a calendar provided by Burke’s office. Once they’ve completed 40 days or more, they can submit the calendar to his office and receive a certificate in the mail. Burke will be distributing materials to local libraries. This challenge is the perfect opportunity for young readers to explore the resources and books Buffalo libraries have to offer, noted Burke.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge or where to access the materials, contact Assemblyman Burke’s office at 716-608-6099 or BurkeP@nyassembly.gov.