Free Summer Reading Program Encouraged by Sen. Griffo to Boost Youth Literacy

As schools close their doors for summer break, State Senator Joseph A. Griffo is opening the door to a world of imagination, discovery, and learning by encouraging children in New York’s 53rd Senate District to take part in the 2025 Summer Reading Program.

The statewide initiative, free to families and open to children of all ages, aims to keep young minds active and engaged during the summer months—a time when learning can often take a backseat to other distractions. This year’s theme, “Color Our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo,” invites participants to explore a vibrant mix of stories and cultures through reading.

Sen. Griffo, a Republican and Conservative representing the Rome area, emphasized the importance of reading year-round.

“When school lets out for the summer, reading for many children often takes a backseat to other activities,” Sen. Griffo said. “However, reading is the foundation for everything we do in life, and it is important that children are encouraged to read throughout the year.”

Participants can register for the program by visiting griffo.nysenate.gov and clicking on the Summer Reading Program icon. From there, parents and guardians can submit their child’s information and the titles of books read through an easy-to-use online form. Homeschooling families are welcome to participate by listing the public school district in which they reside.

All completed entries submitted by the August 22, 2025, deadline will receive a personalized Summer Reading Certificate recognizing the child’s achievement. The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to all, regardless of age or reading level, and encourages children to explore reading for both fun and education.

The summer reading initiative is part of a larger effort across New York State to reduce the “summer slide”—a well-documented phenomenon where students can lose progress in reading and learning over the summer break. By promoting daily or weekly reading habits, the program supports not just literacy, but creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of books.

Sen. Griffo also encouraged families to take full advantage of their local libraries throughout the summer and beyond. “I encourage everyone to visit their neighborhood library whenever they get the chance,” he said. “New York’s public libraries offer a variety of valuable and important resources and services to children, families, seniors and residents of communities across the state.”

Libraries across the 53rd District and the state offer much more than books, including storytelling sessions, educational workshops, art programs, and access to digital media. They serve as community hubs for learning and connection—especially valuable during the summer months when families are looking for enriching activities close to home.

To find a local public library, families can visit the New York State Library website at https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/publibs/index.html, where resources are available for every county and district.

Sen. Griffo’s participation in the program underscores his long-standing commitment to youth development, education, and community engagement. By supporting programs that encourage literacy and imagination, he hopes to foster habits that will benefit students not just during summer vacation, but throughout their lives.

With summer already underway, now is the perfect time for children to crack open a new adventure—and with a certificate awaiting those who do, the incentive to read has never been stronger.