Joining with first and second graders from Brookside School in Ossining, County Executive George Latimer announced the “Westchester Loves to Read” initiative.

Watch the announcement.

In an effort to promote reading at a young age, the “Westchester Loves to Read” initiative is open to students County-wide in grades Pre-K through 5. This reading initiative asks students to log their reading time beginning on Oct. 1, 2018 and ending on May 5, 2019.

Students who read 4,000 minutes during that time, or roughly 15-20 minutes a day, will receive a free pass to Playland Park’s Opening Day.

It’s as simple as that. Read. Log. Win.

County Executive Latimer said: “Books have had a profound influence on my life. I grew up as a working class kid, so did we not have the opportunity to travel much in those years – but when I went to the public library I had a chance, because of reading, to go anywhere in the world. Reading is essential and for kids this age it’s important to establish both the skills to read and the desire to read. If we as the County can help do that, through this program, than we all benefit.”

Ossining Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez said: "This is an exciting opportunity for our children.  This initiative supports our goal of ensuring that all our children find joy in reading."