Cocky's Reading Express marches on

Cocky’s Reading Express™ participated in Read-In 2008, Thursday, April 10, in Columbia. The Gamecock mascot, five students, and one staff volunteered at the annual event.

Sponsored by the S.C. Association of School Librarians and the State Library, Read-In is designed to celebrate the importance of reading and libraries. This year’s theme was “Kids Who Read Succeed.”

Organizers estimate 1200 South Carolina K-12 students participated in the activities, which kicked off with a parade down Senate Street from the State Library. A school roll call was conducted by Daniel Seamans of ABC WOLO-TV. At the State House grounds, Carolina's magician, John Tudor, entertained the students. Readers then found shady spots on the State House grounds to share their favorites books.

Ellen Shuler, executive director of the S.C. Center for Children's Books & Literacy, was one of the USC volunteers with Cocky's Reading Express.

"The SC Center for Children's Books and Literacy and Cocky's Reading Express™ are proud to help with this event every year. We all realize that all kids who read succeed," Shuler said.

Cocky's Reading Express™ is a collaboration of the University of South Carolina Student Government and the University's School of Library and Information Science. USC students travel the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina. The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children understand the importance of life-long reading.