ROCHESTER — He’s more closely associated with winter and ice but Blades the Bruins mascot dropped the puck on summer Friday, June 24 at Plumb Memorial Library. 

Blades and fellow guest Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy entertained children at the library’s kickoff to its summer reading program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path,’’ which runs through Aug. 6.

While Blades posed for photos and gave out free reading-related material to children, Mr. Vinny used a special machine to create bubbles of various sizes that the youngsters excitedly attempted to catch. 

The afternoon’s activities also served as a celebration of the end of the school year and the start of a more relaxing time, said Kami Medeiros who attended with her son, five-year-old Wyatt Smith. “I think it’s awesome,’’ she said. “This is a nice break. They work hard in the school year and now they’re having a break.’’

Lilly Spofford, 6, was a fan of Blades. “I like him,’’ she said. “He looks cool.’’

Since the summer of 2009, the Boston Bruins have been partnering with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) to present When You Read, You Score! This summer reading program encourages children and teens to read over the summer months so they can avoid the "summer slide" and maintain skills they've learned over the previous academic year. 

The free program consists of children's programs for ages 3-12 and options for teens and adults. 

Registered participants are encouraged to read, attend special events, and complete activities at home or at the library.  Participants who track and share their progress can earn prizes and will help build a StickTogether mosaic. 

Register on the Plumb Library's website at www.plumblibrary.com.