Miami, Fl, May 17, 2004 – The Miami-Dade Public Library System will be inaugurating on May 26 its 2004 Summer Reading Program, a reading initiative aimed at promoting literacy and children’s reading enjoyment from June 19 through August 7. With this year’s theme, Explore New Trails…Read, the Library is once again inviting children and youngsters, ages 18 and under, to discover and use the many resources of their public libraries by reading during their summer vacation.

As per the official rules, reading logs may be picked up at all library branches beginning Saturday, June 19. Participants who complete the four-hour minimum reading requirement can fill out the Reading Log and return it to their library to enter the weekly Saturday prize drawing. The program is designed so that all levels of readers can participate. Parents or legal guardians may submit a Reading Log on behalf of children who cannot read, attesting that their child has been read to for the minimum four-hour requirement.

In addition to being eligible to win free passes to South Florida attractions, there will be three Grand Prizes: a birthday bowling party bash for 10 at Cloverleaf Bowling Lanes, a Miami Seaquarium “Swim with the Dolphins” gift certificate, and a McDonald’s party for 10 with Ronald McDonald. As part of the winning strategy to attract children to the Library, Ronald McDonald will appear in reading events at participating libraries. Kids will also be able to obtain McDonald’s ice cream cone coupons when completing their reading assignments.

The program will be officially inaugurated by Miami-Dade County’s Mayor Alex Penelas on Wednesday, May 26, at the Miami Lakes/Palm Springs North Branch Library, 6699 Windmill Gate Road. “ As an annual program, the Library’s Summer Reading Program lends significant support to parents, it’s fun for children, and provides long-term improvement in their reading skills,” says Library Director Raymond Santiago.

For additional information, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org.

WHO: Mayor Alex Penelas

WHAT: Summer Reading Program kick-off

WHEN: May 26, 2004 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Miami Lakes/Palm Springs North Branch, 6699 Windmill Gate Rd.