B the Reader an Appetizing New Reading Incentive at Muhlenberg Community Library

Reading skills are essential. According to the Pennsylvania Library Association, basic literacy is a focus for PA libraries because “thirteen percent of Pennsylvanians lack basic literacy skills such as the ability to read a newspaper or brochure. This percentage of Pennsylvanians who struggle with basic literacy remains unchanged from 1992.” Furthermore, half of the unemployed in the nation aged 16-21 are “functional illiterates with virtually no prospects of obtaining good jobs.” Muhlenberg Community Library and Boscov’s understand how important it is to encourage practice in the next generation of readers and are seeking to make a difference locally.

Boscov’s has teamed up with the Muhlenberg Community Library to offer a reading incentive program called B the Reader. Children in Kindergarten through 12^th grade are encouraged to participate on a monthly basis. B the Reader Rewards Log Sheets will be available at Muhlenberg Community Library on June 1^st and at the start of every month thereafter. Children complete the log by reading 20 books. Completed log sheets can be turned in at the library to receive a Reading Award Certificate which can then be redeemed for a free breakfast at the Restaurant at Boscov’s North, up to a $4.99 value. Breakfast hours are available Monday- Saturday 8AM-11AM and all day Sunday, 8AM-2PM, at the Restaurant at Boscov’s, 2910 North 5th Street Highway in Reading.

In addition to earning a free breakfast, all children who redeem their Reading Award Certificate at the restaurant will also be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 Boscov’s gift card! B the Reader is a year-round program that will be available January-December. Starting this June, visit Muhlenberg Community Library at 3612 Kutztown Road in Laureldale to pick up a B the Reader Rewards Log Sheet and some books that will start your children on a tasty reading adventure.

###

About MCL–The mission of the Muhlenberg Community Library is to promote lifelong learning opportunities by offering free library services to all who seek to change, improve, enrich and enjoy their lives.

Boscov’s with 47 stores in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware ,Ohio and Connecticut, has been providing customers with wide selections of merchandise, competitive prices and superior service for over 100 years. The company is committed to the communities it serves and has a long and distinguished history of civic and charitable activities. Boscov’s serves consumers across the country with a strong online shopping capability at www.boscovs.com., reinforcing Boscov’s position as the largest family owned independent department store chain in the nation.