July 16, 2008

Several members of the South Carolina Gamecock football team are teaming up with the Richland County Public Library again this year to emphasize the importance of reading at the annual Pigskin Poets program, set for 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18 in the Bostick Auditorium of the Main Library, 1431 Assembly St. in Columbia.

Children of all ages are encouraged to attend this free program, a celebration of the library's Summer Reading Club program. The program, now in its eleventh season, helps establish reading as a fun summer activity, encouraging children to explore the variety of books, programs and nonprint materials available at the library.

"This unique partnership with USC allows one-on-one interaction with college athletes for many fans who would not have that opportunity otherwise," said Padgett Lewis, RCPL's public relations manager. "The players help us reiterate that reading is not only important, but cool also."

For more information on children's programs at the library, call 803-929-3434.