Photos from the 2006 Prudential Foundation Summer Reading Challenge Kick-off Celebration
June 27, 2006

The kick-off celebration for the 2006 Prudential Foundation Summer Reading Challenge took place on June 27, 2006.

René O. Deida, Program Officer for the Prudential Foundation, presented the Summer Reading grant award to Michele Cappetta, Youth Services Coordinator for The Newark Public Library.

Entertainment for the event was provided by Beth & Scott and Friends, who performed "Just Wild About Books."

Adding to the excitement were Corky, the mascot for the library, along with Ruppert, the mascot for the Newark Bears, and Sly, the mascot for the New Jersey Nets.

René O. Deida of The Prudential Foundation, with Michele Cappetta (Youth Services Coordinator), Paula Baratta (Eastern Region Branch Supervisor), and Deloris Moses (Western Region Branch Supervisor)
 

Young readers participate in the show with Beth & Scott and Friends.

The audience fills Centennial Hall to watch the festivities.

Young readers help entertain the crowd.	Audience members enjoy the performances.
Eastern Region Branch Supervisor Paula Baratta reads a story to Corky, Sly, and Ruppert.	Corky enters Centennial Hall to greet the kids.
Ruppert, the mascot for the Newark Bears, gives a high five as he enters Centennial Hall.	Sly, the New Jersey Nets' mascot, dances his way into Centennial Hall.

Photo credits: The Newark Public Library