The Rossville Public Library is launching its summer reading program next weekend with some very special guests.
On June 2, players from the University of Georgia football team will crash the kickoff event to show local elementary and middle school students just how fun reading can be.
During their visit, the athletes will split up and read some of their favorite books to the children, then provide an assist as the kids put their own reading skills to the test. The event will include plenty of time for the children to ask the athletes questions, and will wrap up with an opportunity to get a picture taken with the Bulldogs.
The kickoff event is sponsored by the Ridgeland Athletic Youth Academy, a new athletic club based in Flintstone that engages young athletes in service projects.
"This is such an opportunity to get your kids excited about reading knowing that people they watch on TV, that they might have a poster of also enjoy [reading]," said Rebecca Fordney, service director for the athletic club.
The experience will also give the children a chance to see older student-athletes being active in the community, and hopefully inspire them to adopt a similar mindset of service, she added.
Fordney hopes the event will ultimately attract more locals to sign up for the library's summer reading program, which rewards kids, teens and adults with prizes for reading a predetermined number of books or hours over the course of seven weeks.
Guests will be able to register for the reading program during the festivities or just pick up an informational packet if they'd like to learn more.
The free event will be held in the library from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.