Read Your Way to Fenway summer essay contest begins at Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library’s annual Read Your Way to Fenway summer essay contest begins today for young people in Boston ages 5 through 17. Readers may download an application via www.bpl.org/summer or pick up an application at any Boston Public Library location. Children and teens are encouraged to read a minimum of three books and write an essay about their favorite for the chance to watch the Red Sox play at Fenway Park on Sunday, August 28.

“Summer is a key time for our young people to pursue their reading interests - to stimulate imagination and creativity, to work on hitting grade-level reading standards, or just for fun,” said David Leonard, Interim President of the Boston Public Library. “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their support - Read Your Way to Fenway is a key program among our summer learning offerings, and combines themes of reading and sports in a uniquely Boston way.”

“The essay contest is a prime opportunity for youth to be active readers and writers this summer and to experience the fun of America’s favorite pastime in historic Fenway Park,” said Farouqua Abuzeit, Boston Public Library’s Youth Services Manager.

Completed applications and essays are due to a Boston Public Library location on Monday, August 1. Winners receive three tickets to the Red Sox game on Sunday, August 28, versus the Kansas City Royals, three vouchers for food at Fenway Park, and one t-shirt, hat, and backpack. Each winner must be accompanied to the game by one parent or guardian.

Read Your Way to Fenway is sponsored by John Hancock, The Red Sox Foundation, and The Boston Public Library Foundation.

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 
Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The Boston Public Library Foundation is a fundraising arm of the BPL, with a mission to raise private funds for library programs and special projects.  Working closely with the leadership team of the Library, as well as the Board of Trustees, the Foundation has made over 15 grants to the BPL in Fiscal Year 2016, ranging in size from $10,000 to $175,000, to support programs such as the Lowell Lecture Series, Concerts in the Courtyard, Read Your Way to Fenway, Community Learning Center programs, and the upcoming “Celebrating Shakespeare” initiative, among others.