San Diego Public Library Flush with Reading Prizes — No Readers?

On June 15, the San Diego Public Library launched its annual Summer Reading Program, aimed at kids under the age of 18. As a deal sweetener, the library is offering free Padres tickets to children and parents upon enrolling in the program.

But there’s a problem: too many free baseball tickets, too few readers. On the afternoon of Thursday, June 28, Ocean Beach branch library had dozens of tickets to give away to an upcoming series with the Cincinnati Reds, July 5–8. Some phone calls to other local branches confirmed that tickets were available at other locations.

Once enrolled, children or their parents are expected to visit the library’s reading program website and log their books read or hours spent reading. Upon reaching ten hours or ten books, participants can claim prizes such as zoo and museum passes or free restaurant meals.