Bruins' Mascot Blades to Visit Norton Public Library

To encourage participation in summer reading programs, the Boston Bruins (mascot Blades and other VIPs) are making special library visits to five libraries – and the Norton Public Library won a visit!

Wednesday, July 31st, Blades, the Boston Bruins mascot, will be a special guest for a Lunch Bunch at noon. We will hear a story about how Blades became a mascot, do bear and hockey crafts, and have photos taken with Blades. We will have give-aways such as Bruins posters, and raffles as well. (If you like, bring a peanut-free bagged lunch.)

Summer reading participants are also eligible to win Bruins prizes including team-signed jerseys and the chance to win one of three grand prize Bruins game experiences such as riding the Zamboni at one of the team’s home games.

The Boston Bruins began partnering with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System in 2009.  Together the organizations support the Commonwealth’s participation in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program so that local libraries are able to offer the program free to participants. Brad Marchand, Dennis Seidenberg, Tyler Seguin and other players helped libraries develop “Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins,” a recommended reads list, to encourage children and teens to read a variety of books over the summer.

Massachusetts has offered statewide online summer reading programs since 2007. Participants register, write book reviews, set goals, and track their progress online. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to offer such a program. On average, 350 libraries offer statewide summer reading each year with over 300,000 children, teens, adults participating.

The Boston Bruins have once again teamed up with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and local libraries to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. This year, libraries across the Commonwealth are offering programs that inspire all ages to discover the world through reading: Dig Into Reading for kids; Beneath the Surface for teens, and Groundbreaking Reads for adults.  

Summer reading is one of the best ways to help children and teens maintain skills they’ve learned over the academic year and grow towards the skills required for the next school year. Numerous studies show that summer learning opportunities improve academic outcomes for youth. Early and sustained summer learning opportunities lead to higher graduation rates and better preparation for college. Summer programs have also been shown to positively affect children’s self-esteem, confidence and motivation.