A young fan, Jacob Peterson–Griffin, patiently awaits his autograph from a USC Gamecock. Spurrier’s Gamecocks are taking the field at the Richland County Public Library for Pigskin Poets, an annual program that emphasizes the importance of summer reading, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16 in the Bostick Auditorium of the Main Library, 1431 Assembly St.

Children of all ages are encouraged to attend this free program, one of many Summer Reading Club celebrations at RCPL. Stories, games, and autographs are in the lineup for the Gamecocks, who will kick off the 2010 season to an expected capacity crowd of adoring fans. The program, now in its 13th season, helps establish reading as a fun summer activity, encouraging children to explore the variety of books and nonprint materials available at the library.

Join RCPL’s Summer Reading Clubs and get rewarded for reading. Children, teens, and adults can register at any RCPL location through August 12.

For more information on children’s programs, call 929-3434 or www.myRCPL.com.