Bruins Deliver ‘Reading Rinks’ to Massachusetts Public Libraries

The Bruins are in the offseason, but that doesn’t mean they’re not hard at work.

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Bruins launched their second annual "When You Read You Score" reading program, an effort to improve children’s literacy in Massachusetts. The program encourages reading throughout the summer, which studies have shown help students retain information from the previous academic year and sharpens skills for the upcoming school year.

Six different public libraries will be visited by Blades, the Bruins’ mascot, and the Ice Girls, who will deliver Reading Rinks. Each Reading Rink is comprised of a Bruins rug, Bruins-themed hockey furniture, bookcases made from hockey sticks and a kid-sized Bruins rocking chair. The Reading Rink area aims to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere in which families can read together.

The Newbury Town Library received its Reading Rink during the Bruins development camp, and Bruins prospects helped read to children, plant flowers and guided kids through a hockey obstacle course. The Plainville, Woburn and South Hadley Public Libraries will all receive Reading Rinks of their own this month.

The MBLC estimates that 90,000 children across Massachusetts will participate in the program. In the offseason, that’s a great turnout.