Yonder Alonso Reads To Children At Local Library

Padres rookie first baseman Yonder Alonso paid a visit on Aug. 7 to the Imperial Beach library to read “Pig Throws The Ball” to children from Bayside Elementary School and St. James Academy.

Alonso’s appearance was part of the San Diego Padres and Ashford University’s third annual Reading Corners, as part of the program, the Padres and Ashford teamed up to present the Imperial Beach Library with a $1,000 check to improve the library’s reading program.

“This money will help a lot, especially in a tough economy. Libraries are more important now. We offer free programs and homework help,” said Polly Cipparrone, principal librarian community relations.

The slugging first baseman said he wants to show kids the importance of reading.

“I want to show kids how they can use their imagination by reading a book. It will show them there is more than television and video games,” Alonso said.

Alonso said he himself is an avid reader, so he knows the benefits the $1,000 check can make to the children at the library. He said he is currently reading “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu.

After reading to the children Alonso fielded questions from the kids, posed for pictures and signed autographs.

June Enegl, Imperial Beach branch manager said she couldn’t be thankful enough for the Padres to come to her library.

“This has been an incredible experience. The Padres are positive role models,” she said.

The Reading Corners next stop will be the City Heights library.