Early Learning Coalition and Barnes & Noble Host 3rd Annual Book Fair

Oct. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC) has partnered with Fort Myers, Estero and Naples Barnes & Noble Booksellers to host an in-store Book Fair on Saturday, December 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A percentage of the daily sales, from this three-store event, will directly benefit the ELC’s Literacy Buddies Program. Customers attending this event will also be able to purchase books for donation to the Literacy Buddy Program directly.

The Estero store will be featuring a wide variety of readings and activities throughout the event starting with special entertainment like music and singing presented by Montessori of Naples from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bilingual author, Dr. Mireille Lauture of Edison State College will be hosting a book signing with her book, “Bobo The Sneaky Dog” from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A special reading is also scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. presented by Susan Lindenmuth of the Estero Fire Department with her firehouse team member, Ember the Fire Dog!

Barnes & Noble in Fort Myers  will also be showcasing readings and activities starting at 10:00 a.m. with a presentation by Monique Brooks of the North Fort Myers Fire Department, along with her partners, Sparky the Fire Dog and Freddie the Fire Truck. Local cartoonist, Doug MacGregor, will be drawing live at 11:30 a.m. and he will also be hosting a book signing that runs from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. featuring his book, “Get Creative –Turn on the Bright Side of Your Brain”.

There will be a special appearance by author, Lee Bennett Hopkins who will be hosting a book signing from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for his new book, Mary’s Song. South Trail Fire and Rescue representative, Christie Knudsen and her team members will also be in attendance for readings along with showcasing their fire truck from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Naples store will start their event with readings by the Conservancy of Florida at 10:30 a.m. and the Naples Botanical Garden at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00, children can enjoy a reading by Lee VanGelder of the Crime Prevention Unit along with their special guest, McGruff the Dog. In addition, Claudia Kendall starting at 11:00 a.m. and running until 3:00 p.m, will offer face painting for the children.

The Barnes & Noble Booksellers locations will continue to participate through their online sales starting on December 2nd and running until December 6th. Visit their website at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and be sure to click on the button and add the required code to designate your purchase proceeds be applied for this event at check out. For more details, please contact Mercedes Lawler of Barnes & Noble at crm2711@bn.com or at 239-437-1289.

The Estero store is in the Coconut Point Mall located at 23130 Fashion Drive
in Estero and they can be reached directly at 239-947-8724. The Fort Myers store is in the Marketplace Shopping Center located at 13751 Tamiami Trail
in South Fort Myers, to contact them directly please call 239-437-0654. The Naples store is located in the Waterside Shops located at 5377 Tamiami Trail in Naples and they can be reached directly at 239-598-5200.

ABOUT THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION
The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida exists to enhance the quality of children's lives by providing families, early childhood educators, caregivers and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties, with opportunities to positively impact the future. For details on our many services or to donate, please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org or call 239-267-4105.

For more information regarding the Literacy Buddies Program please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org/. For more information on the book drive, please contact Donna Schehr at (239) 210-6868 or Donna.Schehr@elcofswfl.org.