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Gov. Christine Gregoire, schools superintendent and state librarian launch summer reading partnership

For Immediate Release: May 26, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire, schools superintendent and state librarian launch summer reading partnership

OLYMPIA � May 26, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson and State Librarian Jan Walsh today announced their summer reading partnership. The project encourages Washington children to read during summer months and add to the reading gains students made during the school year.

�Reading is the window to learning,� Gov. Gregoire said. �It allows you to explore every part of this fascinating world without leaving your chair. I want each and every child to succeed in school and in life, and being a good reader is the foundation of that success.�

The governor praised the partnership between the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Library. �The summer reading project is an unprecedented partnership aimed at encouraging young people to develop good summer reading habits,� she said. �Unfortunately, far too few of our young people make a regular practice of reading during the summer. Working together, I know we can reverse this trend.�

Washington youth who participate in a school or library summer reading program will receive a certificate of recognition signed by the governor, superintendent and state librarian and presented to them by a participating teacher or librarian.

Walsh commented, �As your State Librarian, I encourage children and families to join the 2005 summer reading program at your local public library. Summer library programs are open to all young people, preschool age through young adult with programs, drawings, story times and other fun activities.

�I want to encourage all students to make reading a regular part of their summer vacation,� added Bergeson. �It's a great time for kids to explore the vast world that books have to offer as well as keep their reading skills sharp.�

Gregoire, Bergeson and Walsh advocate that children read at least 20 minutes each day. Individual library and school summer reading programs will determine their particular summer reading goal.

The certificate of recognition is available online for teachers and librarians to download and present to youth participating in a library or school summer reading program. The certificate template and other materials are available on the Governor�s Summer Reading Web site at www.governor.wa.gov/summerreading.

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