Borders to Honor Teachers with 'Educator Appreciation Week' March 19-27

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Borders will honor educators for their outstanding work and contributions to their communities with a week-long celebration in Borders stores nationwide beginning Friday, March 19 and running through Saturday, March 27. During this special week — Spring Educator Appreciation Week (EAW) — retired and current educators including teachers, librarians, homeschoolers, student teachers, professors and other instructors will enjoy a generous 30% discount off the list price of all books, CDs, DVDs, gifts, stationery and more. In addition, educators will enjoy free in-store events, raffles, prizes, networking opportunities — and the special chance to win one of 10 coveted $400 Borders gift cards for their schools in the "Stock Your Library Challenge Sweepstakes." The drawing will take place March 29 and the winning schools will be notified by April 1.

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"Stock Your Library Challenge Sweepstakes"

Teachers can enter the "Stock Your Library Challenge Sweepstakes" to win a $400 Borders gift card for their school during the Teacher Reception — Saturday, March 20 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Borders locations only. (To find a participating store, visit Borders.com and click on the Store Locator tab.) Educators are encouraged to round up all of their colleagues to attend this special event and enter the sweepstakes — the schools with the largest number of teacher entries will be entered into a national drawing for the gift cards. The reception will also feature free food, raffles, free classroom materials and live entertainment.

30% Educator Discount During EAW

Throughout EAW, educators can enjoy 30% off the list price of nearly everything in-store including educational workbooks, curriculum development books, inspirational narratives as well as many non-book items such as stickers and classroom decor products all available in a dedicated section labeled the "Borders Teaching Zone." Teachers are also encouraged to take advantage of this great offer on books, movies, music and more for their own personal enjoyment. To take advantage of the 30% discount during EAW, educators should present proof of educator status, which can be a paystub or school identification card with a current date. Homeschoolers must present their homeschool certification.

Everyday Classroom Discount of 25%

While enjoying EAW, pre-K through grade 12 educators, homeschoolers and school librarians who do not currently have a free Borders Classroom Discount Card are encouraged to sign up for the card, which gives them access to an everyday discount of 25% off the list price of all books, CDs, toys and games, as well as 10% off DVDs for classroom use. To receive a discount card, educators must present proof of their educator status.

Educators Can Save with Borders Rewards

During EAW — and throughout the year — educators who are members of the free Borders Rewards® loyalty program can earn $5 in "Borders Bucks" for every $150 in annual qualifying purchases – whether the items are for classroom use or their own enjoyment. Rewards members receive regular discounts and valuable coupons in the "Shortlist," a weekly e-mail that also features hot new book, CD and DVD titles and thoughtful entertainment recommendations from Borders' buyers. Customers can join the Rewards program online at Borders.com or pick up a free Borders Rewards card at any store and enroll in the program at the point of purchase by simply providing the cashier with a valid e-mail address. After enrolling in the program, members may register their cards online to manage their accounts and receive even more rewards. More than 36 million people have signed up for the Borders Rewards program.

About Borders Group

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders® and Waldenbooks® stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.

SOURCE Borders