Damario Jeffery, defensive back for the USC Gamecocks, graduated from Columbia High School. Jeffery signs a fan’s back at the Pigskin Poets event at the Richland County Public Library. In late July, more than 25 University of South Carolina Gamecock football players took the field at the Richland County Public Library in Columbia, SC to emphasize the importance of summer reading.

More than 400 children of all ages attended Pigskin Poets, a special Summer Reading Club Celebration now in its 13th season. The library’s auditorium was transformed into a stadium, complete with a field, banners, cheerleaders, and the team’s beloved mascot, Cocky.

Similar to the Gamecock’s popular entrance at USC’s Williams Brice Stadium, the players and Cocky rushed onto the library’s field to “2001” and the excited cheers of adoring fans. Several players read books to the crowd during the event, which also featured songs, games, and autographs.

Children welcome Terrence Campbell, guard for USC Gamecocks, to Pigskin Poets Pigskin Poets emphasizes the importance of reading by drawing on community enthusiasm and support for Gamecock athletics.

Last year, more than 30,000 children, teens, and adults participated in RCPL’s Summer Reading Clubs, and those numbers are expected to increase this year. For more information on RCPL, visit www.myRCPL.com.