Catching The Reading Bug

Thomas W. Galante, executive director of the Queens Borough Public Library (far left), joins Mets players Brian Schneider and Carlos Muniz and local kids at the Long Island City Library to support the Library's Summer Reading Program. On Friday, July 25, New York Mets Catcher Brian Schneider and Relief Pitcher Carlos Muniz read to more than 100 youngsters from the Long Island City YMCA day camp, the Variety Boys and Girls Club and kids from the neighborhood who participate in the Summer Library Reading Program at the Long Island City branch of the Queens Library. Schneider and Muniz took turns reading books and speaking to the children about the importance of reading. One child said, "I don't have a question but I want to say that I love the Mets" during a question-and-answer period that followed in the second floor program room at the library, 37-44 21st St. in Long Island City. Schneider and Munoz also signed autographs and posed for photos.

This is the Mets' 14th year of supporting the Library Summer Reading Program and the first year of collaboration with Citi. The team has produced a public service announcement and bookmarks, and Citi has donated 5,000 tickets for Summer Reading Night at Shea on August 20 for distribution by the libraries to club members throughout the summer.

Joining the Mets players to support the summer reading program and the importance of reading were Mr. Met, the Mets' mascot, Thomas W. Galante, director of the Queens Borough Public Library, and Andrew Mellow, director of the New York Public Libraries. Library officials noted the variety of activities children might expect at their public libraries. "This coming week—just at this library in Long Island City—the schedule includes picture book time, drawing lessons, gaming for teens and 'tweens, drum beats, cyber camp, science club, board games, publication club, bug search adventure and more. And there is just as much excitement in every library, all over the five boroughs. You might even meet your favorite sports stars, like we're doing today," they said.

The 2008 Summer Reading Program is sponsored citywide by The New York Mets, Scholastic, Target and The Wallace Foundation. The Queens Library's Summer Reading Program is partially funded by Astoria Federal Savings and Star Bright Books. This program is supported in part by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Children and teens who read during the summer retain more learning and do better when school starts in the fall. Summer Reading 2008 furthers children's education in addition to being fun, free and located in nearly every neighborhood. There are hundreds of summer reading programs for adults as well. Join a free summer reading program at any library location or at www.summerreading.org.