Summer Reading Tour: Lomberg brings smiles to Sunrise Dan Pearl Library

SUNRISE, Fla. - How do you get kids excited about reading?

Ryan Lomberg certainly helps.

On the second stop of the organization's fourth-annual Summer Reading Tour, the Florida Panthers forward served as a special guest reader at Sunrise Dan Pearl Library on Monday.

Sitting in a chair in front of a sea of excited youngsters - many of them wearing his very own No. 94 jersey - Lomberg enthusiastically read aloud two hockey-themed children's books. After starting with "Goodnight Hockey," he then picked up "The Magic Hockey Stick" as an encore.

"To share and to be able to spread the word about reading and just getting in here and reading as many books as possible is important for us" said Lomberg, who was joined by his wife and son at the library. "Reading is important in our household."

In addition to reading, Lomberg also snapped pictures, signed autographs, and answered questions from the kids. During the Q&A, one of the kids asked him if being known as the "Lomberghini" meant that he is actually as fast as the sportscar for which he's nicknamed.

"I try to be!" Lomberg laughed.

With the fun not limited to just inside the library, Panther Patrol was stationed outside the building with plenty of family-friendly games and prizes for those in attendance to enjoy.

"This is home for my family and I, so we've been welcomed with open arms," said Lomberg, who is always active in the local community. "We want to give back the love we've been shown."

After Lomberg was done reading, the library staff had a great message for the group.

"If Ryan Lomberg can read, you all can read every day, too," one staff member said.

The Panthers currently have three more stops planned on the Summer Read Tour, with the next coming on Saturday, July 29 at North Lauderdale Branch Library. Additionally, the Panthers are also hosting their own reading challenge for all current and future members of their Kids Club.

Participation in the reading challenge can happen at tour events or anywhere. Children are offered a choice of three goals to achieve: 20 books, 40 books, and 60 books. Once a goal is hit, the participant is then entered into a raffle for a chance to win exciting Panthers-centric prizes.

Reading logs and a printable certificate will also be available to track books read.

The program will run through Monday, Sept. 4.

Fans can also visit

FloridaPanthers.com/ReadingTour

for more information.