The 76ers Read To Achieve program, presented by Pepsi, consists of a variety of events including player appearances, school visits, book drives, and the establishment of reading corners and learning centers. Throughout the season Hip-Hop and front office staff visit schools and libraries reaching out to more than 15,000 kids and donating over 5,000 books.

The NBA’s Read to Achieve program encourages young people to develop a life-long love for reading and reaches 50 million children a year. The program includes the annual donation of more than 250,000 books through a variety of reading events and book fairs. Through the Read to Achieve program, the league has created more than 100 Reading and Learning Centers worldwide in an effort to provide access to reading materials and technology to young people everywhere.

The NBA Read To Achieve program promotes the value of reading, online literacy, and also encourages families and adults to read regularly with young people.

The Philadelphia 76ers tipped-off Reading Month today as they visited Cheltenham High School. During March the Sixers will celebrate Reading Month by promoting education and reading at Philadelphia schools, libraries, YMCA’s and hospitals. During these visits 76ers players will read stories to children and do an assortment of activities to encourage reading.

On March 25, Jason Smith, Rodney Carney, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph and Louis Amundson will be honorary hosts at 76ers Books and Basketball Bonanza at the West Branch YMCA. The Book Drive will be held on Friday the 28th when the Sixers take on the Phoenix Suns at the Wachovia Center. All fans are encouraged to bring new children’s books to the game, those books will be donated to Philadelphia Reads.

In addition to the Book Drive, the Sixers will hold book swaps during each of their homes games where they will donate books to a select group of children. 76ers mascot Hip-Hop will make multiple appearances at local Philadelphia schools to do his share for Reading Month as well.

Hip-Hop follows along with the Read to Achieve pledge. (Sixers Photos)

Read To Achieve Pledge Reading is fun And books are cool too I will read a book daily To learn something new I will learn different words And I will listen in school When teachers read stories And share reading rules I will practice my skills in every way Reading is something I will do every day Reading offers great adventures to me Reading will help me be the best I can be READ TO ACHIEVE!

In addition to the Book Drive, the Sixers will hold book swaps during each of their homes games where they will donate books to a select group of children. 76ers mascot Hip-Hop will make multiple appearances at local Philadelphia schools to do his share for Reading Month as well.