The Dakota County libraries are encouraging kids to write a letter to their favorite pro wrestler, imploring them to read their favorite book.

The campaign runs Oct. 15 through Nov. 2 and is open to kids in grades 5-12. Letters can be submitted to any Dakota County Library location for judging. One letter in each of three grade categories will be chosen to move on to national judging, which will select 18 finalists. Those 18 will win a trip to attend WrestleMania 29 in East Rutherford, N.J., in April.

"Reading prepares you for being a successful adult in the real world. I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for reading," said Extreme Championship Wrestling Champion Matt Hardy when asked why World Wrestling Entertainment is co-sponsoring the WrestleMania Reading Challenge.

For more information, see www.dakotacounty.us/library.

BURNSVILLE

Symphony to play Williams tribuneThe Dakota Valley Symphony starts its 2012-13 season next Sunday with "An Afternoon at the Pops: A Salute to John Williams." It will feature Williams' cinematic favorites such as "Star Wars Medley" and "E.T.: Adventures on Earth," as well as symphonic standards including Beethoven's sixth symphony.

The 2 p.m. show at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center features Angela Waterman Hanson on violin.

Reserved tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and $5 for students. Season tickets include five shows and are $64/$52/$20. Call the BPAC box office at 952-895-4680 for more information. The center is at 12600 Nicollet Av.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Send your Dakota County arts and leisure news to dylan.belden@startribune.com.