ALBANY — State Assemblyman Billy Jones is inviting North Country children to participate in his third Summer Reading Challenge, which kicks off in July.

The event, held in partnership with New York state libraries and local schools, encourages children to use their summer leisure time to build upon and strengthen the reading skills they’ve learned throughout the school year.

Jones, a Democrat from Chateaugay, represents an Assembly district that includes Franklin and Clinton counties and part of eastern St. Lawrence County.

“As a dad, I love to see my daughter enjoying a good book, and I want other kids across the North Country to know the joys of reading as well,” Jones said. “When we pick up a book, we’re doing so much more than just reading words on a page — we’re exploring new worlds and expanding our minds. Learning reaches far beyond the classroom, and summer is the perfect time for kids to discover new authors and genres that pique their interests.”

This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories” and encourages young readers to explore tales of science and space, as well as learn about the world around them with activities related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Kids who complete the challenge will be awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate in recognition of their efforts.

Children are asked to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August. They can read on their own or with a partner or caregiver, and mark days off on a calendar provided by Jones’ office. Once they’ve completed 40 days or more, they can submit the calendar to Jones’s office and receive their certificate in the mail.

Jones will distribute materials to schools so more young readers can participate. He also encouraged kids to explore the books available at North Country libraries.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge or where to access the materials, contact Jones’s office at 518-562-1986 or JonesB@nyassembly.gov.