With help from Battle Jacks, Willard Library hits a home run with summer reading program

Once school is out and summer starts, getting kids excited about reading can be a challenge.

But throw in some baseball, candy and Cracker Jacks, then you just might get their attention.

Willard Library kicked off its Summer Reading Program at the Helen Warner Branch on Tuesday by inviting local students and their families to meet some Battle Creek Battle Jacks players and enjoy some carnival games, along with some snacks.

“We are so excited to celebrate summer reading with an in-person party and to collaborate with the Battle Jacks,” said Tynisha Dungey, director of youth services and community engagement.

The "Catch A Wave Reading Kickoff" featured photo opportunities with Battle Jacks players as the team celebrates its inaugural season after a rebranding and changing its name from the Battle Creek Bombers, a Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball team which had been in town the previous 15 years.

"With the new team, we really want to be part of the community, so partnering with people like Willard Library, it is really important for us to have people see us outside the baseball stadium," Battle Jacks General Manager Tyler Shore said. "These guys are baseball players, but also members of this community while they are here. You are going to see them at the library, volunteering at different things, and we just hope this helps our fans get to know our players a little bit better.

"When they are at the ballpark, the white lines separate them from the players, but out here, at events like this, the kids can get up close and personal."

At the event, attendees were able to pick up summer reading logs, set up for all ages.

For young readers, the program began Tuesday with all logs being turned in Aug. 12 to receive prizes and to be entered into drawings for $100 VISA gift cards.

“Summer reading is critical for young people to maintain their reading skills,” Dungey said. “Willard’s Summer Reading Program helps prevent summer slide and supports the growth children have made in reading during the school year."

There is also an adult reading program, set up through an app called ReadSquared, that includes games and challenges to play between reads as well as the opportunity to create to-read lists and the ability to connect with other Willard Library readers. More information for all programs are available at willardlibrary.org

 Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Willard Library, Battle Jacks team up to start summer reading program