INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Indiana's state schools superintendent is urging parents to read with their children over the summer.

Superintendent Glenda Ritz calls reading one of the most important thing parents can do with their children during summer vacation. She says public libraries and reading partners all over Indiana are ready with activities and access to books for young children and teenagers.

Ritz says the Education Department will offer free statewide access to online books through www.hoosierfamilyofreaders.com . The Hoosier Family of Readers website page tells families how they can gain access to a collection of more than 4,500 books through Sept. 1.

Ritz says children can continue to grow as readers during vacation and avoid the “summer slide” that can occur while school is out.