Lakeshore® Teams Up with Jumpstart to Set a World Reading Record

CARSON, Calif., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lakeshore Learning Materials, an industry leader in early childhood education, today announced that all 60 of its retail locations across the country will host events in support of Jumpstart's Read for the Record, the premier national campaign that mobilizes millions of children and adults to celebrate literacy by participating in the largest shared reading experience.

On October 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lakeshore Learning Stores will invite parents, children and teachers to enjoy hourly storytimes featuring Bunny Cakes—the official book of Jumpstart's ninth annual Read for the Record campaign—and participate in free crafts and activities. All participants will also receive an official World Record Reader certificate to commemorate the event. At Lakeshore's Newton, MA, location, guests will be treated to a special reading and book signing by award-winning Bunny Cakes author, Rosemary Wells.

"Every fall, Jumpstart's Read for the Record comes alive in communities across the country, thanks to partners like Lakeshore," said Jumpstart's president and CEO, Naila Bolus. "Read for the Record is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to show their support for high-quality early education, to celebrate literacy and to join together to help break the world reading record. It's one of my favorite days of the year, and Jumpstart is thrilled to once again partner with Lakeshore on this initiative."

Since the campaign's inception in 2006, 11.5 million children have participated in Read for the Record, and more than $8.6 million has been raised for early education programs serving preschool children in low-income neighborhoods.

"We're delighted to once again partner with Jumpstart to bring awareness to the importance of early literacy for all children," said Bo Kaplan, president and CEO of Lakeshore. "We fully support their mission and look forward to making this the biggest Read for the Record yet."

For event details, please visit www.LakeshoreLearning.com/ReadfortheRecord.

About Lakeshore 
Lakeshore Learning Materials is a leading developer and retailer of top-quality materials for early childhood education programs, elementary schools and homes nationwide. Since 1954, Lakeshore has offered innovative learning materials distinguished by their quality, educational merit and safety. To learn more, visit LakeshoreLearning.com.

About Jumpstart
Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart delivers a research-based and cost-effective program by training college students and community volunteers to serve preschool-age children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school, setting them on a path for lifelong success. Jumpstart is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Learn more about Jumpstart at www.jstart.org. Learn more about Jumpstart's Read for the Record at www.jstart.org/readfortherecord.

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SOURCE Lakeshore Learning Materials