Reading is the most powerful skill a child can learn, as it influences success in school and improves the overall quality of life. That’s why seven leading malls across the state of Florida, owned by Simon Property Group, will promote the importance of reading and collect new and gently-used books at each mall’s “Kidgits Book Blast” event that will take place on the following dates:
Seminole Towne Center (Sanford): Saturday, March 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Falls (Miami): Saturday, February 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Miami International Mall (Miami): Saturday, March 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dadeland Mall (Miami): Friday, February 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tyrone Square (St. Petersburg): Saturday, March 5 from noon to 2 p.m.
Melbourne Square (Melbourne): Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon
Coral Square (Coral Springs): Saturday, March 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” events welcome children of all ages to celebrate the joys of reading. Engaging activities and giveaways will bring to life children’s stories and help celebrate books and the importance of reading. In addition, select book blast events will also feature the Florida Department of Education’s “Find a Book, Florida,” tool that will help attendees locate new and intriguing books tailored to their own reading interests based upon the attendee’s reading ability.
A two-week book drive will commence at each mall’s “Kidgits Book Blast.” Families are encouraged to donate new and/or gently-used books at each of the seven participating mall’s Guest Services Desks for two weeks after the events. The books will support the goals of The Florida Department of Education’s “Just Read, Florida!” initiative and will be distributed to programs and schools in the vicinity of the participating mall through donations to the Florida Education Foundation.
“For the second year in a row, Simon Property Group is proud to work with The Florida Department of Education’s Just Read, Florida! office to encourage and promote reading,” said Lynnette Lauria, portfolio vice president of marketing for Florida, Simon Property Group. “We recognize the importance of reading and are thrilled that our malls will serve as a venue to drop off books, as we continue to look for ways to encourage children to share the joy of reading with others.”
Just Read, Florida! is a statewide reading initiative that prioritizes reading in Florida’s public schools and among all the community groups and volunteer organizations that support them. The overarching goal of the initiative is that all children will be reading on grade level by 2012. Children who have a variety of books to read stand a better chance of accomplishing this goal.
“Reading and literacy serve as the foundation of all learning,” says Stu Greenberg, executive director, Just Read, Florida! and the Office of Early Learning. “It is our hope that this event will inspire children to learn to read and read well so that they can excel in life and achieve their dreams. The Just Read, Florida! initiative is helping to ensure a brighter future for all the children in Florida.”
The Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” event is free to all members. Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club, during regular mall hours, for a membership fee of $5. Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, visit www.simon.com/kidgits.