June 3, 2008 (Charlotte, NC) – Read all day if you want to, or at least for fifteen minutes at the fifth annual Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day presented by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) and Bobcats Sports and Entertainment (BSE). The reading event will start at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18 at the Time Warner Cable arena.

For the second consecutive year, BSE and PLCMC have teamed up to encourage the community and especially children of all ages to read for a minimum of fifteen minutes. This special day also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing one of the issues facing the youth in this community – illiteracy.

“Last year’s event was huge,” said Arden McLaughlin, Special Projects Coordinator for PLCMC. “We were able to accommodate so many more children and their families and we anticipate just as many this year.”

“Literacy and education go hand-in-hand, and they are the pillars that can help elevate this community to higher levels,” said Charlotte Bobcats president and D.E.A.R. Day reader Fred Whitfield. “D.E.A.R. Day is a great reminder of the importance of reading for children and adults alike, and recognition that with literacy comes opportunity, growth and a better life.”

The public is invited to attend this FREE event by simply signing up at the main box office lobby upon arrival at 11 a.m. Featured readers confirmed to participate include Fox TV’s Bruce Snyder and Kelli Bartik, News14’s Rob Boisvert, WBAV radio host Bea Thompson, KATT Country’s Paul Schadt and Sarah Waterrose, The Beat’s Brotha’ Fred, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Karen Bentley, Library Director Charles Brown and former NBA great Dell Curry. Complimentary books will be distributed at the conclusion of the event. Rounding out the event’s festivities will be appearances by local team mascots and entertainment from K104.7 and KISS 95.1.

For more information, contact Arden McLaughlin at (704) 416-0705, amclaughlin@plcmc.org.

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.6 million volumes and 28,000 videos, DVDs and CDs, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.

Bobcats Sports & Entertainment, through the Bobcats Youth Foundation, is committed to making a difference by engaging our organization in community relations outreach efforts that elevate, empower and enrich the lives of youth throughout the Carolinas.