Bobcats Sports & Entertainment (BSE) and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) will present the fifth annual D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Day beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at Time Warner Cable Arena.

For the second consecutive year, BSE and PLCMC have teamed up to encourage children of all ages to read for a minimum of fifteen minutes each day, and underscore a critical issue facing this community - illiteracy.

“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 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 encouraged to participate in this free event by simply signing up at Time Warner Cable Arena’s main box office lobby upon arrival. Featured readers 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, and special appearances by local team mascots and on-air personalities from K104.7FM and Kiss 95.1FM will round out the day’s festivities.

“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.”

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.

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.