More Summer Reading Challenges!

Atlanta sports teams are big supporters of reading, literacy, and the Georgia Public Library Service!  This summer the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks are offering up reading challenges to kids of all ages to get the chance to win free tickets to see a game. Read on to learn more about the "Home Run Readers" challenge and the "Check it out Reading Challenge." And don't forget, the Summer Reading Program at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System kicks off June 1!

Home Run Readers: This summer, the Atlanta Braves are again partnering with Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) for the 2014 Atlanta Braves Summer Reading Program, "Home Run Readers,"presented by SUBWAY.The popular educational outreach program encourages students to build a love for reading, as well as advance their reading skills during the summer months.

Home Run Readers rewards students in grades K-12 throughout the state of Georgia with a free Braves ticket and a free SUBWAY "Fresh Fit For Kids Meal" for reading books and completing an online activity. Discounted tickets for accompanying family members and friends will be available for each game for as low as $12 each.

All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is serving as the Braves’ ambassador for the program's second year. Program-related events are planned at libraries and at Turner Field throughout the summer.

Reward tickets can be redeemed up to one week in advance for any of the five following games:

• Tuesday, June 3, versus the Seattle Mariners; • Tuesday, July 22, versus the Miami Marlins; • Sunday, Aug. 17, versus the Oakland Athletics; • Tuesday, Sept. 2, versus the Philadelphia Phillies; and • Tuesday, Sept. 23, versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.

We are so excited to continue this partnership between the Braves and Georgia’s public libraries," said Julie Walker, Georgia's deputy state librarian. Reading incentives such as this are a great way to help young people develop a love for reading while providing fun for the entire family. Home Run Readers and its related events will be excellent examples of our three organizations' joint commitment to communities across the state.

Home Run Readers is open to all Georgia students in grades K-12. The sign-up period runs through Aug. 24. Program rules, a list of suggested titles, registration information and redemption forms are available online at www.braves.com/reading.

For more information, please contact:

David Baker

Director, Communications & Strategic Partnerships Georgia Public Library Service

1800 Century Place, Suite 150

Atlanta, GA 30345

404.235.7131 phone

404.235.7201 fax         dbaker@georgialibraries.org

Check it out Reading Challenge: Hoops will lead to whoops this summer at Georgia’s public libraries, as the Atlanta Hawks and GPLS celebrate summer reading with the 10th annual Check-It-Out Reading Challenge (CIORC). The longest continually running program of its type, the CIORC encourages young readers to earn basketball-related rewards through reading. Designed to enhance this year’s national Fizz, Boom, Read! summer reading program, the Hawks’ 2014 CIORC will welcome young readers entering classes from pre-K to grade 12 for the 2014-15 school year.

Hawks mascot Harry will make personal appearances at libraries in Metro Atlanta to promote the program, and souvenir bookmarks promoting CIORC are now available at participating library branches across the state. Registration is now underway and will be conducted online through August 30.

Any child enrolled in grades pre-K through 12 in the state of Georgia may participate by having a parent or guardian log on to www.checkitoutreading.com, either on a home computer or a public-access computer at the library. Parents and guardians may register each child in their household for the program. As many as six participating children may attend a Hawks game together when accompanied by at least one adult who has purchased a ticket.

Check-It-Out Reading and the Atlanta Hawks are proud to announce our 10th edition of this program and to encourage students to continue reading throughout the summer months in preparation for the upcoming school year, said Eric Platte, senior manager of the Atlanta Hawks. As an avid reader myself, I'm proud of the success of this program and of watching our students flourish.

As part of their decade-long partnership with GPLS, the Hawks will sponsor a number of “Georgia Public Libraries Nights” during the 2014-15 regular season, with discounted admission for employees of the state’s public libraries and their friends and families. 

It's great to have this support for summer reading from our partners, especially in times of economic challenge, said Elaine Black, director of Youth Services for GPLS. From the beginning of our relationship — which has introduced many new families to summer reading — public libraries have benefited greatly from our connection to the Hawks.

Sports serve to inspire us in many different ways, said State Librarian Dr. Lamar Veatch, and we’re proud that Georgia’s public libraries are working together with organizations like the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Braves to motivate young readers to continue their education and have fun reading during the summer months.

For additional information on CIORC and other Hawks- and National Basketball Association-sponsored educational programs, visit www.hawks.com.