It’s been less than a year, but Orlando Magic’s Glen “Big Baby” Davis has wasted no time immersing himself in his new hometown, both on and off the court.  A mere week after arriving in Central Florida, Glen reached out to the Orange County Library System inquiring about ways to promote early childhood reading and literacy, a cause that’s near and dear to his heart. Library Director and CEO, Mary Anne Hodel, was delighted to take his call. “Usually, it’s the reverse,” she says.  “We contact local celebrities and invite them to partner with us, so when Glen called and asked for a meeting, it was a refreshing change.”

It wasn’t long before the six-foot nine-inch Orlando Magic player was at the Orlando Public Library to help unveil the new KidsConnect website. Davis has been involved with many charities in Florida, Louisiana, and Boston, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, UNICEF’s Haiti Relief efforts, and the Baton Rouge Public Library. He recently joined forces with Orlando Magic Director of Player Development, Adonal Foyle, to host free Athletics & Academics Camps (A&A Camps) for approximately 100 at-risk youth, ages 11-16, from the Parramore neighborhood.

At the end of last year, Davis established the Glen “Big Baby” Davis 501 (c) 3 Foundation to provide programs aimed at encouraging youth to stay in school and out of trouble.  His foundation focuses on literacy, athletics, and healthy recreational activities.

“Partnering with the library was a no-brainer,” comments Davis. “In terms of motivating forces, nothing jumpstarts a child’s chances of success like reading.”

Davis made a second appearance at the library during the NBA All-Star weekend to do a reading, sign autographs, and kick off the Magic of Reading promotion.  As part of this promotion, Davis donated 150 Magic tickets to the Orange County Library System. Kids who checked out 11 items (Davis’ jersey number) were entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming Orlando Magic game.  When all was said and done, 75 area youngsters were treated to tickets to an Orlando Magic home game at the new Amway Arena.

Lucas Boyce is an executive with the Orlando Magic and also serves on the Library’s Board of Trustees.  “We have a core belief at the Orlando Magic that, when it comes to the community, every day is game day,” he says.  “And Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis embodies that motto.”

Eric Hedrick of the Glen “Big Baby” Davis Foundation says that Glen genuinely wants the best for kids.  “He’s got a soft spot for children and is all about building bright tomorrows for today’s youth.”  Hedrick notes that Glen is always looking for ways to engage in the community and is currently exploring additional partnerships to benefit children with the Mayor’s Office, Public Television, and Jet Blue.

While school may be winding down, Davis encourages kids to keep up their reading activities.  One of the best ways to do this is to participate in the annual Summer Reading Program offered at all Orange County Library System locations.  The library will be hosting free, fun, and educational events to support reading throughout the summer.  At the same time, there will be  contests and other incentives for kids to read, learn, and win great prizes.

“Kids can easily regress if they lay off the books over the summer,” says Hodel.  “Our goal is to provide entertaining ways to weave reading into the summer so that students return to school at or above the reading level they were at when school concluded.”

A proud daddy himself, Glen understands that parents must play a major role in fostering early reading. “One of the best things that Moms and Dads can do is read to their children. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s quality time,” he says. “You’re making memories and providing rich opportunities for your kids to learn.”

With Father’s Day on tap this month, Glen will celebrate with his twenty-one month old daughter, Amari.  Spending time reading some of his daughter’s favorite books is a highly anticipated part of the day’s festivities for Big Baby.

Glen Davis and Amari recommend:

Summer Reading @ the Library
June 9 – August 4, 2012
Kick Off the Summer!
Join us for the Dream Big Summer Kickoff at the Orlando Public Library on Saturday, June 9 at 3 p.m., and then join us for great programs all summer long at all library locations.
Keep a Reading & Activity Calendar and Get A Goody Bag!
Bring your reading and activity calendar to any Orange County Library System location by August 3, 2012 to receive a goody bag while supplies last.

Grand Prizes & End of Summer Celebration!
To be entered to win one of our grand prizes, bring your pass to the:
Read for the Stars End of Summer Celebration
Orlando Public Library
Saturday, August 4 at 3 p.m.