Matt Joyce Helps Launch 'Reading with the Rays'

At lunchtime on Wednesday, a mass of Rays fans secured seats inside the

. After talking to the children about staying in school, Joyce read two books and even sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

For some supporters, like 11-year-old Emmy Murray, “Reading with the Rays” is something to look forward to every year. Murray is a Rays fan and book enthusiast. She was recently awarded the honor of commanding the Rays to “play ball” after winning a sweepstakes held by Sweetbay Supermarket.

Murray, along with her dad, has been attending and participating in the “Reading with the Rays” event for the last few years. With the turnout on Wednesday, Murray declared the event to be "pretty awesome.”

Once Joyce entered the library, a choir of cheers was heard throughout the building. Joyce talked to the kids about his experiences as an athlete with an education and the importance of reading.

“Without reading, without my education, I probably wouldn’t be up here today,” Joyce told the children. “It opens so many doors for you.”

Mika Nelson, Manager of Main and Branches with the St. Pete Library System, said that when summertime comes, it is easy for kids to get caught up in outside activities and forget to pick up a book. It is sometimes called “the summer slide.”

Nelson said the “summer slide” is common, but that “Reading with the Rays” is designed to remind them about staying sharp for school. It challenges the children, but is mapped out as a game to keep things fun and lighthearted.

“We want to keep the reading skills up so that the kids can start right back up at the beginning of the coming school year,” Nelson said.

The children weren’t the only ones excited to catch a glimpse of Joyce. The parents were pretty enthusiastic as well.

Nancy Ranck brought her 8-year-old daughter to the kick off and said that the opportunity to see a professional ball player, up close and personal, was rare. “It’s not something other people, in different cities get to do,” said Ranck.

The “Reading with the Rays” program takes place over the entire summer. “Read Your Way to the Ballpark” game cards can be picked up at libraries throughout Pinellas County. The game cards make reading fun and challenge kids to make it to “home base” and receive a free ticket to a Rays game. Other “bases” that are reached, through reading, will be awarded with special prizes.

For more information about "Reading with the Rays," contact the St. Petersburg Main Library at 727-893-7724.