NEW YORK, June 1, 2007 -- Books, movies, tutoring, lectures, programs to learn about literature, art, and culture...well, the Brooklyn Public Library really is quite an awesome place. And to make it even more awesome, star Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury has donated $10,000 to support the free summer reading programs offered by the BPL.

To celebrate and mark the great occasion, Marbury met with sixty-plus third and fourth-grade students from Coney Island’s P.S. 90 and P. S. 329 at the airily beautiful local branch. “We knew that Stephon’s home area was Coney Island,” said Stefanie Arck, Director of Public Relations for the BPL. “And that a lot of the initiatives the Starbury Foundation supports are centered around Coney Island literacy. Thus we asked him if he’d be interested in supporting Summer Reading. He told us that he was profoundly aware of the fact that kids’ performance in school lags in the fall if they don’t read over the summer. So he was very excited. He thought this was a really important cause to support.”

“Summer Reading is a completely FREE program,” added Arck. “If it wasn’t for generous donors such as Stephon, it would not even exist.”

Following a series of full-of-fun pre-Steph activities -- BPL Childrens’ Specialist Svetlana Berenskaya simply enthralled the kids -- City Councilman Dominic Recchia greeted Marbury. ”We are very proud of what you are doing for your community,” he said. “Stephon is here because he knows that becoming an active reader over the summer is so very important,” added Dionne Mack-Harvin, the newly named Executive Director of the BPL.

“I’m very happy to be here with you guys,” a smiling Marbury told the excited kids. “I went to public school and junior high school right around here and I wasn’t using the library nearly as much as I should have. But when I did, it was this branch. Now I am a big reader. Books will help you guys think. And if you think, you’ll get ideas that could help millions of people. Life is not about basketball or sports, it’s about creating change and trying to make a difference for the future. And you can’t make a difference unless you read. A lot.”

Marbury then gave all the children two books, encouraging them to do a book report. “The kids who write best ones in each school, I am going to take them on a shopping spree at ‘Steve and Barry’s’, in person,” smiled Steph. “If you want to get 20 pairs of sneakers, you can get 20 pair of sneakers.”

Once the buzz died down -- needless to say, it took quite a while -- the kids had some questions for Steph. “Who taught you how to play ball?” “My oldest brother.” “Do you live in a mansion?” “Yes, I live in a mansion.” “What would you be doing if you were not playing ball?” “I’d be a businessman.” “What inspired you to make it to the NBA?” “The thought that I could move my mom out of the projects.” “What was the best game you’ve ever played?” “Probably my high school championship game at the Garden.”

“I’m about to write some children’s books,” Marbury said afterwards. “I’m looking for ways for kids to have a better understanding, to know what life is really about. That’s difficult for children. Myself, I had to learn through basketball. So it’s important to allow them to have a vehicle, a chance for free and creative expression.”

“It’s not that many people who make it out of Coney Island,” added Steph. “So for me to give money to the library, that’s an easy thing. It’s the least I can do. The information these children get through reading is so valuable, so important to their lives. For me, to be able to participate like this, well, what can I say? It’s just great.”