The New York Mets Kick Off "2001, A Reading Odyssey" at The New York Public Library

Mets Todd Zeile, Robin Ventura, and Turk Wendell Challenge New York City Kids to Read This Summer

New York, June 20, 2001 -- Today, the New York Mets joined New York's three Library systems and the Board of Education in challenging school children to participate in "2001, A Reading Odyssey" by signing up for a summer reading club at their local New York City branch library. Mets players Todd Zeile, Robin Ventura, and Turk Wendell, along with the ever-popular Mr. Met, read to 300 children from PS 38, PS 197, PS 201, The Computer School, and PS 8 in the Celeste Bartos Forum at The New York Public Library, 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue to make sure that reading is an important part of their summer vacation. Last year over 60,000 children read an astonishing 179,741 books at The New York Public Library over the summer! This represents a 46% increase in books read over the 1999 Summer Reading Program. The New York Public Library's "2001, A Reading Odyssey" Summer Reading Program hopes to increase those numbers once again this summer.

Children and teens in grades K through 8 are encouraged to sign up at their local branch, pick up a free booklist, and learn about the many special programs, discussion groups, and workshops available. At end of the summer, each library hosts a party to recognize those who have participated in the program. Tests have long shown that children who read over the summer break hold on to skills learned in the previous year, and are far better prepared to learn than their non-reading classmates when school starts up in the fall.

In addition to the activities planned for this summer's program, a total of 3,000 New York Mets tickets will be given away to to NYPL reading club members, for a Summer Reading Night at Shea Stadium on August 28.

Kids can also access the Library's homepage for information about the summer reading program. "On-Lion" for Kids (www.nypl.org/branch/kids/onlion.html) provides a link to the Summer Reading program as well as answers to questions about history, holidays, people and places, plus booklists for children of all ages. Free Internet access is available at any of New York Public Library’s 85 Branches.

The New York City Summer Reading Program This is the eighth year that these institutions -- the Board of Education, the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library -- have joined forces to encourage kids to read over the summer. The alliance makes it easier for children to stay on top of their reading skills during the summer months by making one citywide booklist and making copies available at schools as well as libraries throughout the five boroughs.