52 kids representing Summer Reading Club members at RI public libraries trotted onto the field Monday, August 14, and one lucky boy will fly to Florida thanks to the Pawtucket Red Sox, Citizens Bank and Coca-Cola.

Children all over the state have been busy reading and participating in related activities as part of the Summer Reading Program “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales.” 2006 is the first year Rhode Island has participated in the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a collaborative of over 30 states with a common theme. Being in the collaborative brings cost savings and added

elements to the program.

Some traditions continue, however, and one is a finale evening at a PawSox game thanks to the Pawtucket Red Sox, Citizens Bank and Coca-Cola. 55 children who have been active readers this summer were chosen to represent their local library. Each received 4 tickets to the game, had his or her picture taken with the team’s mascot Paws, and enjoyed the thrill of walking onto the field in front of a crowd of over 8,000 in attendance for the game.

An eager group of librarians munched on hot dogs and sipped pink lemonade in the BBQ tent waiting for the big moment when Deb Gormley from Citizens Bank reached into Paws’ upturned hat and chose a card with the name of one lucky reader. Samuel Corrente from the Rumford Branch Library in East Providence was stunned to hear his name called by PawSox President Mike Tamburro. But when asked if he knew where he was going, he answered readily, “Disney World.” Mom joined him on the field to celebrate his winning the trip for four, which had Dad and his brother cheering in the stands.

All participants in the Summer Reading Program are winners as they enjoy reading for pleasure while maintaining their skills over the summer vacation.

Disney trip winner Samuel Corrente with Office of Library and Information Services staff member Melody Allen, Paws, Mike Tamburro (PawSox), Mrs. Corrente (Samuel's mother), Deb Gormley (Citizens Bank), and Lynn Ambrose (Coca-Cola). Click on the picture to view a larger image.

All-Star Readers represented 52 libraries from across the state:

Center: Congressman Patrick Kennedy stops to pose with Reader Luke Therieau from Woonsocket.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Rhode Island McDonald's Restaurants, and your local library.