MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM AND THE MIAMI DOLPHINS FOUNDATION INVITE YOUTH TO GET “WILD ABOUT READING” THIS SUMMER
MIAMI – The Miami-Dade Public Library System and the Miami Dolphins Foundation will kickoff the 2008 Summer Reading Program, Wild About Reading, with a free celebration at the Miami Lakes Branch Library on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 3 p.m. The event features the magic of Japanese artist and storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto and an appearance by Miami Dolphins cheerleaders and alumni. The Miami Dolphins and its Foundation are sponsors of the Library’s Summer Reading Program, providing tickets to home games, time with players and alumni, and other incentives to help generate interest in reading among kids.
The annual Summer Reading Program, which runs through August 2, is designed to make reading activities exciting and appealing to youth ages 18 and under, and to encourage them to read throughout the summer. Several research studies have shown that students who read during the summer do better academically the following school year. Children and teens are encouraged to register at their local branch where they can pick up a reading list; learn about the many special programs and resources available, and enter to win weekly prize drawings. At the end of the summer a grand prize drawing will be held for prizes including i-Pods, Nintendo DS Lites, laptop computers, VIP visit to Miami Dolphins training camp, Dolphins memorabilia and much more. The library will also host a special celebration to recognize the top readers in the program.
Patrons can learn more about the program by visiting www.mdpls.org or by calling (305) 375-BOOK (2665).
The Summer Reading Program is partially funded through the generous support of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, with media support by Univision 23 and Community Newspapers. Additional support is provided by Bird Bowl Bowling Center, Books & Books, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, Fritz’s Skate Shop, Jungle Island, Jungle Queen Riverboat, Laser Quest, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami-Dade Transit, Miami Metrozoo, Miami Seaquarium, Scoot & Skate, Shake a Leg Sailing, The Miami Dolphins, the Miami Science Museum, the PlayGround Theatre, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org
Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org
