Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced the 2015 Assembly Summer Reading Challenge and encouraged students in his district to participate. The program, in cooperation with Summer Reading at New York Libraries, starts at the beginning of July and requires students to read at least 15 minutes for at least 40 days during the months of July and August in order to complete the challenge. Students are provided with a pamphlet of suggested books, and those who complete the challenge will be honored by Hawley with a certificate. This year’s theme is “Every hero has a story.”

“I am excited to announce this year’s Assembly Summer Reading Challenge in elementary and middle school,” Hawley said. “The importance of reading cannot be overstated, and studies show that summer reading allows children to return to school more prepared in the fall and increases their potential for success the following year. There is often a pejorative stigma associated with summertime reading, when, in fact, books can enhance our imagination, creativity and ability to process information. I am encouraging all students in my district to find their favorite outdoor spot this summer and relax with a good book because the possibilities are endless!”