In celebration of WNBA Cares Week, the entire Sacramento Monarchs team visited students at the Sacramento Public Library Franklin Branch to host a Monarchs Reading Rally and help tip-off the Sacramento Public Library's Summer Reading Program.

While promoting the importance of education and literacy, Monarchs players had a special time interacting with students through answering questions, signing autographs and partaking in an exciting hula hoop contest. Monty, the lovable Monarchs mascot, and the Sacramento Breakers were on hand to join in the fun, as students were also delighted to receive new books and Monarchs gifts.

"I'm a big believer in reading, as I love to read and write," said Monarchs center Courtney Paris. "For me, this hits home big because I majored in journalism and my goal after basketball is to become a writer. It's important for kids to know that although we're playing basketball and having fun you still need to have priorities to get to that point."

The Monarchs are also providing an incentive to all students who complete the Sacramento Public Library's Summer Reading Program – all students who complete the program will receive a complimentary ticket to the Monarchs vs. Los Angeles Sparks game on August 1.

"I feel like giving back to the community is one of the greatest things professional athletes can do," said Monarchs guard Morgan Warburton. "It's good for kids to see that you have to take the steps to get where you want to go, and reading is one of them."

The Monarchs support the Read to Achieve initiative, a year-round, league-wide initiative supported by NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League teams that promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. The program includes thousands of reading timeouts, the donation of books and literacy materials and the creation of Reading and Learning Centers and Reading Corners throughout the world.