Miami, Fl, June 11, 2004 – The Miami-Dade Public Library System inaugurated its 2004 Summer Reading Program on May 26, as a major reading initiative aimed at promoting literacy and children’s reading enjoyment. Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas and wife Lilliam kicked-off the program by reading to children at the Miami Lakes/Palm Springs Branch Library, once again inviting children and youngsters, ages 18 and under, from June 19 through August 7, to discover and use the many resources of their public libraries by reading during their summer vacation.

This year’s theme is Explore New Trails…Read. 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. For additional information on Summer Reading activities at the various branches and registration, please visit your nearest branch or the Library’s site, www.mdpls.org, or call (305) 375-BOOK.
Not to be Missed!

Ronald McDonald Reading with the kids at
West Dade Regional Library
9445 Coral Way, Saturday June 19, 11:00 a.m.
Free of charge - Giveaways and tons of fun!