“Extra! Extra! Read Your Way to the Ballpark,” the free summer reading program co-sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks and The Arizona Republic, gets under way Tuesday, May 27 at library systems throughout Maricopa County.

The program, which runs through July 26, features a reading game, prizes and special events, including appearances by Diamondbacks’ organist Bobby Freeman and team mascot “D. Baxter.”

Eleven library systems are participating in the program: Phoenix, Apache Junction, Avondale, Chandler, Desert Foothills, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tolleson and Wickenburg.

By reading or listening to a book for 50 pages or 20 minutes, participants advance on the game board and earn prizes. Readers who reach the finish line also earn a bonus prize - a ticket to a Diamondbacks game. Game boards are available at participating libraries or online at summerreading.azcentral.com.

Last year, more than 90,000 youngsters signed up for the award-winning reading program, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. Studies have shown that children who read during the summer are more likely to retain their reading skills.

Phoenix Public Library is a system of 14 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.