A powerpoint presented at the Massachusetts Library System annual meeting on November 4, 2013. This program discusses the Skate & Read program created by Jay Atkinson and supported by the Nevins Memorial Library, the Methuen Recreation Department, the Methuen Public Schools, and the Methuen Fun Hockey League.

1. Skate & Read: Helping to create
well-read student athletes
A partnership between the Nevins Memorial
Library, Methuen Fun Hockey League, the Methuen
Recreation Department, the Methuen Public
Schools, and local author and coach, Jay Atkinson

2. Program Basics
• Methuen Fun Hockey League playing ice and
floor hockey
• Book list with three different age levels
• Read three books and get a prize!
• Encourages healthful living and exercise
• Reading as an integral part of
health, athletics, and academics

3. The library’s role
• Creating list with Jay and Ann
Piccolomini, Title I Supervisor Methuen Public
Schools
• Hold and circulate books
• Host events
• Promotion
• Community outreach – Tenney Play & Read
2013 and Skate & Read prize party

4. Library events
• Kickoff party
• Pizza party
Coach Jay and some Skate & Read players
Children’s Librarian Amy helps a child pick out a book

5. Statistics
• Skate & Read 2013: 39
kids in the program, ages 3
1/2 to 14, read a total of
107 age-appropriate books
over the course of our
eight-week season
• Lawrence Floor Hockey
League 2013: 1-8 read a
total of 162 age-appropriate
books in just four weeks
Checking out books at the
Tenney for Play & Read

6. At the rink . . .

7. At the library . . .
Display of “Red Level” or 13 and up books
in YA section
Cake from Cynthia Lord’s author visit
in March of 2013; Rules is on the Skate
& Read booklist

8. Future and current sessions
• Tenney Grammar School Play & Read Floor
Hockey session 2013
– 5th grade students at one middle school (class total
around 100; 35 students allowed in program)
– Middle section or “yellow level” list
• Lawrence Floor Hockey 2013
• Skate & Read 2014

9. Summer Reading Boston Bruins Rookie Day Visit

10. Expansion and Contact
• A model for communities
• Easy to replicate for low cost
• Great way to build partnerships with sports
leagues
• To learn about creating a Skate & Read or Play
& Read event in your community, please
contact Anna Tschetter or Jay Atkinson