Read a book to a child this summer. That was the message Governor Jon S. Corzine sought to stress earlier this week when he joined U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at the Fanwood library to launch President Obama’s Summer of Service initiative in New Jersey.

The program, United We Serve, is a nationwide service program designed to encourage citizens to participate in the nation’s recovery and renewal by volunteering. From June 22 to September 11, Americans are asked to get involved by volunteering to address community needs in education, health, energy and the environment.

Monday's event focused on the importance of libraries and keeping students engaged academically over the summer. Governor Corzine urged volunteers to go to their local library where they can make a big difference by helping children with their reading skills.

"Individuals who volunteer to read to students over the summer can help to moderate reading loss, which occurs when students are not in school during June, July and August," said Governor Corzine. "This is the best ground work we can lay to strengthen literacy and help close the achievement gap for young students."

Governor Corzine has been a tireless supporter of education. During his nearly four years in office, he has increased funding for education by over $1.8 billion, pushed to make high school graduation standards more rigorous and fought for a new school funding formula that is fairer to all students.

Image: Governor Corzine and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan read to children at  the Fanwood Memorial Library