The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives are encouraging students to participate in the state’s 2017 summer reading programs. This year’s theme is, “Build a Better World,” and it focuses on STEM activities.

Teachers and parents are encouraged to help children use Find a Book, Kentucky to build personal reading lists for summer reading and then locate the selections at their school library or local public library. Find a Book, Kentucky uses the widely-adopted Lexile measure to match readers with books that will provide the right level of challenge to support reading growth. School librarians and public librarians stand ready to assist children and their parents as they make summer reading selections.

Students, teachers and parents can pledge to read while on the Find a Book, Kentucky website. The pledge feature will be available through Aug. 31. Kentucky was No. 1 nationally in summer reading pledges for 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Visit KDE’s summer reading webpage or email Kathy Mansfield for more information. 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 webpage.