Borders(R) Community-Based Spring Book Drive to Provide Hundreds of Thousands of Books to Needy Kids Nationwide

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Having recently delivered to needy children across the nation more than 900,000 new books collected during its winter book drive, Borders has launched its company wide, community-based spring book drive that will last through April 6.  Staff at more than 700 Borders® and Waldenbooks® stores nationwide are encouraging customers to open their hearts and give the gift of new books to children within their communities. Customers can also donate Borders' own Easter-themed "Pickles the Bunny," an adorable grey and white plush toy rabbit. All books and bunnies will be directly donated to non-profit organizations chosen by each store.

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"Borders customers have shown tremendous generosity even when many are tightening their belts during these difficult economic times," said Larry Norton, Senior Vice President of Merchandising–Adult Trade, Children's and Bargain. "We had an outstanding winter book drive in which we teamed with customers and hundreds of charities nationwide to collect more than 900,000 books for children. That outpouring of generosity is a huge testament to our and our customers' desire to promote literacy in local communities. We are excited about our spring book drive and hope to once again deliver a generous number of books to children in need across the nation."  

A number of non-profit organizations have directly benefited from Borders' book drives over the years including UC Davis Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rock for Reading, Starlight Children's Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Reach Out and Read Michigan, Boys Town, Shriners Hospital for Children, Wednesday's Child and many others.

"Words cannot begin to express our enormous gratitude and sincere appreciation to Borders and your amazing customers," said Pat Lockerd of Wednesday's Child, a north Texas non-profit that partnered with an area Borders store on its winter book drive. "The gift of a book to a child is a gift of hope and dreams.  While every child deserves a new book to call his or her own, a new book for a child in foster care is invaluable. It improves reading skills, is a source of ownership and pride, and most importantly, it provides a chance to escape into their imagination and dream of good things to come.  Your customers provided a perfect blend of books for all ages -- from the very youngest to our teens!"

Whether searching for a beloved classic from their childhood or discovering a new author or illustrator, customers will enjoy browsing Borders and Waldenbooks stores' selection of thousands of titles. The retailer expects some of the most popular books donated to include "Where the Wild Things Are," "Ramona the Pest," "Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day," "The Poky Little Puppy" and "Magic Tree House" titles. Customers can choose to donate these titles or they can donate their favorite age-appropriate children's book.

Customers may contact their local Borders or Waldenbooks store to learn more about the spring book drive. To find a store, go to the store locator tab on Borders.com.

About Borders Group, Inc.

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