Frequently asked questions

What is it?

The Summer Reading League is a free reading incentive program for children and teens. It is generously funded by the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries and cosponsored by the Columbus Clippers baseball team.

When is it?

The program begins on Saturday, June 1 and concludes on Saturday, August 3.

How does it work?

Children and teens who participate in the program are eligible to receive prizes based on the amount of time they spend reading.

  • Ages five and under will complete the program after reading 9 hours. Attending one program and completing one early literacy activity will also count toward completion.
  • Ages 6-11 must read for 12 hours. Attending one program will also count toward completion.
  • Ages 12-18 must read for 18 hours and can also count attendance at one program toward completion.

Is there an adult reading program?

No. We no longer coordinate a summer reading program for adults due to historically low participation rates and the high cost of providing incentives that appeal to adults.

How can my children register for the program?

They can register for the program online or in person at any Worthington Libraries location (Old Worthington Library, Northwest Library and Worthington Park Library). Registration opens on Saturday, June 1.

What are the prizes?

Participants will be eligible for prizes after completing each third of the program. The amount of reading time needed to be eligible for a prize depends on the age of participants (e.g., teens have to read longer than preschoolers).

  • Base Hit Prize: Puzzle Eraser or Rubber Duckie
  • Double Prize: Coupon Sheet
  • Home Run: Tickets to one of three Columbus Clippers baseball games
Those who complete the program will also be entered into a grand prize drawing for a new bike (children) or an iPod touch (teens).

What are the coupons?

This year, we are offering free items or discounts from a variety of local organizations and businesses, including:

When are the games scheduled?

The games are at 7:15 pm on the following days:

  • Friday, August 2 (Buffalo Bisons vs. Columbus Clippers)
  • Friday, August 9 (Louisville Bats vs. Columbus Clippers)
  • Friday, August 23 (Gwinnett Braves vs. Columbus Clippers)
Gates open 90 minutes prior to the start of each game.

Where do the Columbus Clippers play?

They play at Huntington Park; located in downtown Columbus on the corner of Neil Avenue and Nationwide Blvd. Stadium address: 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43215

How do we get our game tickets?

When participants complete the program, they should bring their reading record to any Worthington Libraries location. Once the reading record is verified and a Completion Form turned in, you will receive a Ticket Voucher (one per participant) and a Family Ticket Distribution Form (one per family). A Ticket Voucher must be completed for every Summer Reading League participant and attached to a Family Ticket Distribution Form, which can be used with multiple Ticket Vouchers. Bring your completed Ticket Voucher and Family Ticket Distribution Form to Old Worthington Library to pick up your tickets. Old Worthington Library is the only location where you can pick up game tickets.

When will tickets be distributed?

We will begin ticket distribution for all three games on Monday, July 22. Ticket giveaway will be closed for each game on the Tuesday before the Friday game day. For example, we will no longer distribute tickets for the Friday, August 2 game after Tuesday, July 30 (but tickets will still be available for the August 9 and August 23 games).

Will I have an assigned seat?

Yes, you will have an assigned seat in the Reserve Bleachers or the Lawn. Your ticket will designate your assigned seat and seating area. Reserve Bleacher tickets will be distributed first. If you receive tickets for the Lawn area, please be aware that NO chairs are permitted in the Lawn area. Refer to the Huntington Park seating chart (PDF).

Several members of my family are participating in the program. Can we attend the same game and sit together?

Yes, but you need to wait for all members of your family to complete the program before redeeming your Ticket Vouchers for tickets. When all family members have completed the program, attach all completed Ticket Vouchers to a single Family Ticket Distribution Form and redeem at Old Worthington Library.

How many adult tickets can we receive?

Each family group is limited to two adult tickets. Please note that each distributed ticket reduces the number of seats available to children and teens who complete the program. We ask that you only request tickets you absolutely need and intend to use.

If I complete the program with my baby or toddler, does he/she receive a ticket?

Yes, but he or she might not need one. Children younger than two can attend a game without a ticket if parents/caregivers plan to hold them for the duration of the game. Everyone older than two must have a ticket to attend the game. Children younger than two who need their own seat and babies in car seats/carriers must also have a ticket.

I'm a teen. Do I have to attend the game with an adult?

Yes. All teens aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult at Huntington Park. Think of it as a time to bond.

Can I attend the game with a friend who also completed the program?

Yes. You need to complete and attach both of your Ticket Vouchers to the Family Ticket Distribution Form. The form must include the name of at least one responsible adult who will also receive a ticket and plans to accompany you to the game.

Will I have to pay for food, drinks, etc.?

Yes. If you attend a game, please bring additional money for food, beverages and any souvenirs you wish to purchase.

What about parking?

You will have to pay to park. Please be aware that the Columbus Clippers do not own any of the parking lots around Huntington Park. All parking in the Arena District is handled by Standard Parking. To purchase parking in advance you can go to Arena District Parking and select the date of the game you will be attending. Refer to the Arena District Parking Map (PDF) to locate a public parking lot near Huntington Park.

What if I don't have transportation?

You can use public transportation. Bus information is available from COTA.

What if something happens and I am unable to attend the game for which I have tickets?

Please return the tickets to the Library as soon as possible so that someone else can use them. If there are seats available, you can exchange them for seats at a later game. If you do not exchange your tickets, you will not be eligible to pick up new tickets for a later game. Please don't give away the tickets to family or friends who did not complete the summer reading program.

What if a game is delayed or postponed because of rain?

If a game is scheduled to be played on a rainy day, the decision of whether or not to play will be made at game time by the umpires and both teams. The Columbus Clippers Grounds Crew does an amazing job of making sure the field is in the best possible condition for baseball regardless of weather, and they will make every attempt possible to play the game. In the event of a Rain Out or Rain Delay, information will be posted on the front page of the Columbus Clippers website. Umbrellas are allowed in the ballpark as long as they do not interfere with the lines of sight for other fans.

  • Complete Game: A game is considered to be complete after 4½ innings.
  • Rain Delay: A Rain Delay is when the game is officially delayed. Play will continue later that day. Tickets cannot be exchanged in the event of a rain delay.
  • Rain Out: A Rain Out is when a game is postponed due to rain. When this happens, the game is usually rescheduled into a double header the next time the two teams meet. In the event of a Rain Out, tickets can be exchanged at the box office window for the same price admission to any regular season game, played at Huntington Park, during this season, based on availability. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS ISSUED.

What if I can't attend any of the games?

While the game tickets are the final prize, there are other prizes that make participation fun and worthwhile. You can still enjoy participating in the program without attending a game.

Can I pick up my prizes or tickets at one of the Columbus Metropolitan Library locations?

No. We are not partnering with any other library system in the presentation of the Summer Reading League. Prizes can be picked up at any Worthington Libraries location. Tickets will be distributed ONLY at Old Worthington Library during regular library hours (Monday-Thursday: 9 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday: 9 am-6 pm and Sunday: 1-5 pm).

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes! Summer Reading League participants will have the unique opportunity to "Parade the Track" prior to the start of each game. You will receive more information about this when you complete the program. Three program participants at each game will also have the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. More information on this will be included on your Ticket Voucher, which you will receive at program completion. Names will be drawn and parents will be contacted prior to each game if their child's name is selected to throw out a pitch.

On-field parade information: Please arrive at Huntington Park by 6:10 pm for the on-field parade and meet at the top of Section 23 on the third base side. The parade will start promptly at 6:20 pm. Only kids who successfully completed the Worthington Summer Reading League will be permitted on the field. All participants will receive a wristband when they pick up their tickets at Old Worthington Library. Wristbands are required to access the field for the parade. Please note, parents will only be allowed on the track with participants who are younger than six.

No coolers, cans or glass bottles are allowed at Huntington Park.

For additional information, including handicap accessibility and other questions related specifically to attending the baseball games, please see the Columbus Clippers Fan Guide.

If you have any further questions in regards to the Columbus Clippers, please contact Seth Rhodes at 614-722-1132 or e-mail srhodes@clippersbaseball.com.