By Kathy Mansfield 
kathy.mansfield@education.ky.gov

The Kentucky Department of Education is continuing its annual KYReads initiative, in collaboration with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA), to encourage students to participate in the state’s 2017 Summer Reading Programs. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World” and focuses on STEM activities.

Teachers and parents can help their children use the online tool Find a Book, KY to build personal reading lists for summer and then locate the selections at their school library or local public library. Find a Book, KY uses the widely-adopted Lexile® measure to match a reader with books that will provide the right level of challenge to support reading growth.

School librarians and public librarians are ready to assist children and their parents as they make summer reading selections. Students, teachers and parents also can “pledge to read” while on the Find a Book, KY website. The pledge feature is set to open May 1 and continue through Aug. 31.

Find more information about summer reading on the Kentucky Department of Education’s Summer Reading webpage. Each school’s certified librarian has additional resources to promote Summer Reading Programs. For more information about specific activities, contests and reading events for the Summer Reading Program in your county, contact your local public library or visit the KDLA Summer Reading Web page.

Contact Kathy Mansfield, library media/textbooks consultant at the Kentucky Department of Education, by email at kathy.mansfield@education.ky.gov with any questions.