Barnes & Noble Launches 16th Annual Summer Reading Program: Imagination's Destination

New York, NY, May 22, 2012—Barnes & Noble, Inc. BKS -0.29% , the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today announced the launch of its 2012 Summer Reading Program: Imagination's Destination. Children in grades 1-6 can earn a free book just by reading eight books and turning in a completed reading journal sheet about the books they read. This year, Imagination's Destination features the exciting new Scholastic Discover More series along with two special promotions to encourage young readers to explore their imaginations all summer long.

Scholastic Discover More is an innovative new book series that makes learning a fun and immersive journey of discovery at a variety of reading levels, through vivid color photos and in-depth diagrams. Each title in the series comes with a free digital companion book which offers even more illuminating insight. Young explorers can download a digital sample of the Scholastic Discover More experience to read on Barnes and Noble's award-winning NOOK Color(TM) or NOOK Tablet(TM).

From May 22 through July 9, participating families can take home a free 3-D Shark Poster, a $6.95 value, with the purchase of any Scholastic Discover More book. From July 9 through September 4, customers can take home a free Projector Flashlight of the constellations, a $5.95 value, with the purchase of any Scholastic Discover More book. The 3-D Shark Poster and the Projector Flashlight are available in stores while supplies last.

"We're proud to offer young readers even more creative ways to explore their imaginations through the dynamic power of books with our 16th annual Summer Reading Program," said Mary Amicucci, Vice President of Children's Books for Barnes & Noble, Inc. "As the premier destination for the best summer reading experience, we are excited to help children continue to discover the bright world of reading over their summer vacations."