Summer Reading Event Held at NY Public Library's High Bridge Branch in the Bronx

Approximately 65 children had the opportunity to participate in the 9th annual Read to Achieve summer reading program at NY Public Library’s High Bridge Branch in the Bronx. Optimum Community partnered with MSG and the NY Knicks to promote reading and literacy by bringing the event to the library with NY Knicks Alumni John Starks and John Wallace. NYC Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson also participated in the event, and spoke to the students about the importance of reading during summer break. After participating in a read aloud of the book “Salt in His Shoes” by Deloris Jordan, the children took part in an interactive quiz about the book and raffle winners were chosen for NY Liberty tickets.

“Summer reading holds so many benefits for children,” said Councilwoman Vanessa L. Gibson (D-16th District, Bronx). “For starters, it helps foster a love for literature, preserves knowledge gained from the previous school year, helps to develop young people’s ability to comprehend new information, and assists in strengthening their retentive memory. Through innovative and engaging programs like Optimum Community’s Knicks Read to Achieve, young children look forward to reading and have the opportunity to meet a superstar. I thank Optimum Community, John Starks, the Knicks and Madison Square Garden for bringing this program to children in our area.”