Basketball Stars read to Children at NPL

On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, former NBA superstar John Starks and WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon participated in the Eight Annual Knicks "Read to Achieve Summer Reading Program at the Newark Public Library.

Mayor Baraka, Mr. Starks, and Ms. Weatherspoon read aloud to local children from the popular children's book, Allie's Basketball Dream, by Barbara E. Barber. Mayor Baraka also urged the children to continue to read throughout the summer so that they are better prepared for the coming school year.

Targeted to children ages 6-12, the Knicks Summer Reading initiative consists of a series of reading events at libraries, camps and community centers throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area. The program encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free t-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and elected officials at select locations.