Sarasota County is stepping up to the plate
once again with the Big League Reader
Program to encourage youth readership, the
county has announced.
The program, which is in its fourth consecu-
tive year, is a collaborative effort between the
county's public libraries and the Baltimore
Orioles.
Children who sign up at a county library and
then read three or more books during this
month will earn a free reserved grandstand
ticket to a Baltimore Orioles Spring Training
game, a county news release points out.
During the month of February, children ages
6 and older may go to any Sarasota County
Library and pick up a Big League Reader
scorecard to participate.
After finishing three books, a youngster must
return to the library to get his or her score-
card stamped and signed by a library staff
member. The scorecard will entitle the child
to a free ticket to the Orioles' game against
the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, March 9, at
1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith in Sarasota, the release
continues.
All books must be read and scorecards
stamped by Friday, Feb. 28, the release
stresses. "Companion tickets will be available
at a reduced rate," it adds. "Seating is limited."
Big League Readers will also have the oppor-
tunity to enter their names into a drawing for
the chance to throw out the first pitch of the
game, the release notes.
"It's a great program that kids love," said
Sarabeth Kalajian, director of Sarasota County
Libraries, in the release. "Most start out with
the intention of reading the books so they can
get a ticket to the game, and in the end, they
win not only a great day at the ballpark but
also a lifetime of discovery through reading."
Last season, nearly 100 Sarasota-area chil-
dren completed the program and were eligible
to receive a free ticket to an Orioles Spring
Training game. March 9 is also Kids Run the
Bases Day, the release says. Following the
game, all youngsters 14 and younger will be
invited onto the field to take their turn run-
ning the bases.
"The Baltimore Orioles are proud to team
with Sarasota County's libraries to encour-
age youngsters to read," said David Rovine,
vice president of the Orioles-Sarasota, in the
release. "Youth literacy is a key community
initiative supported by the Orioles, and we
are excited to reward Big League Readers
with a day at Ed Smith Stadium."
For more information, visit scgov.net or
contact the Sarasota County Call Center at
861-5000.
ORIOLES PARTNER AGAIN WITH SARASOTA COUNTY ON READING PROGRAM
Sarasota News Leader February 7, 2014 Page 82
