Bruins Mascot Blades Celebrates Summer Reading at New Bedford Free Public Library

New Bedford, Massachusetts– On Wednesday, August 18th at 11am, the New Bedford Free Public Library’s main branch at 613 Pleasant Street will host Boston Bruins mascot Blades and Massachusetts First Lady Lauren Baker for a celebration of summer reading.

The Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. “We’re proud of the team, and their support of summer reading has really made a difference,” said Olivia Melo, Library Director. “And we’re happy to welcome Bruins’ mascot Blades to the New Bedford Free Public Library.”

Blades will be joining readers for a story, some game day fun, and a craft. Participants will team up for a “snowball relay,” design and make their own fan button, take pictures in a hockey photo booth, and more.

Summer reading is one of the best ways to help children and teens avoid the “summer slide” and maintain skills they’ve learned over the academic year. It also helps them grow the skills required for their next year in school. Studies have shown that children who read just four books over the summer fare better in the fall on reading comprehension tests than their peers who read one or no books. To find and sign up for a summer reading program in your town, go to mass.gov/libraries, or visit your local library.

On average, 350 libraries offer statewide summer reading each year with over 450,000 children, teens, and adults participating. The Boston Bruins have been active partners and advocates for reading and literacy since 2009 and collaborate with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System to develop reading and literacy programming.

The Statewide Summer Library Program is sponsored by the New Bedford Free Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services with support from the National Women’s Hockey League team Boston Pride.