Summer in New Hampshire has been a hot one so far, but young readers will be able to keep cool and have fun with Boston Bruins mascot Blades at several public libraries as part of the annual summer reading program.

This year’s national summer reading program theme, “Libraries Rock!” invites readers of all ages to explore music, musicians and geology along with the wide range of topics and services offered by New Hampshire public libraries.

Keeping reading skills sharp during the summer is a key to success when school starts up again, and self-directed reading can help young readers stay engaged. As part of their “When You Read, You Score!” program, the Bruins have developed a list of their favorite books for readers of all ages and interests, including “The Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson and “Holes” by Louis Sachar.

Children registered for the summer reading program at the New Hampshire public libraries Blades will visit will have the opportunity to participate in hockey-related crafts, play Bruins trivia games and have their picture taken with Blades.

Bruins visits to New Hampshire public libraries in 2018 are:
–       Hill Library (Strafford), July 19, noon-1 p.m.
–       Ingalls Memorial Library (Rindge), July 23, noon-1 p.m.
–       Abbie Greenleaf Library (Franconia), July 31, 1-2 p.m.
–       Newbury Public Library, Aug. 2, 1-2 p.m.
–       Colby Memorial Library (Danville), Aug. 9, noon-1 p.m.

For more information about local visits, contact the public library directly.

“When You Read, You Score” is presented by Velcro; “Libraries Rock!” is facilitated locally by the Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire and nationally by the Collaborative Summer Library Program.

The New Hampshire State Library promotes excellence in libraries and library services to all New Hampshire residents, by assisting libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system; by meeting the informational needs of New Hampshire’s state, county and municipal governments and its libraries; and by serving as a resource for New Hampshire. For more information, visit nh.gov/nhsl.