Both the OU men’s and women’s basketball teams have partnered with the Auburn Hills Public Library for a new program, the Grizz Reading Club, that kicked off last week.

Initiated by Kate Boylan, coordinator of athletic promotions at OU, the program is geared toward encouraging students from first grade through eighth grade to read.

The club kicked off last Wednesday at the Auburn Hills Public Library. More than half of the estimated 70 guests were children eager to sign up for the program.

As a motivation to read, the OU Athletic Department has promised to give students two free tickets to the O’Rena for select basketball games this season upon completion of four novels of choice.

One can join the program by visiting the youth desk at the Auburn Hills Public Library and asking for the Grizz Club bookmark.  Students must be in the first through eighth grade, and the club is open to all schools.

Each participant receives a Grizz Club bookmark that will be used to keep track of the four books.

The books are referred to as a free throw for the first, a jump shot for the second, a layup for completing three and a slam dunk for the final book.

Once the students have completed a bookmark with the list of their four novels, the bookmark needs to be turned in to the Auburn Hills Public Library.

Upon verification of completion, the student’s bookmark will be sent to the OU Athletic Department, who will send the tickets and any other information to the recipients.

Students can complete the program as many as eight times during the season.

Other prizes to acknowledge accomplishment include a Golden Grizzlies autographed poster, a voucher for a free hot dog and beverage at a game as well as the official Golden Grizzlies T-shirt.

All Grizz Reading Club participants will also be recognized on the arena video board at half time during select games as well as a special ceremony from center court and a fan tunnel experience too.

All children participating will also have the chance to be entered in the grand prize drawing. The winner will receive a guest appearance at the student’s school, by an OU basketball team member.  Winners will be announced on Feb. 17.

The Grizz Reading Club will run through the month of February and Boylan hopes it will be a program that OU and the AHPL can continue in the future.

“This has really turned into a great partnership with the Auburn Hills Public Library,” Boylan said. “OU Athletics looks forward to a great year of continued work together for the youth of the community.”

For more information, please contact the Auburn Hills Public Library.