Early Learning Coalition and Barnes & Noble Host 5th Annual Book Fair & Fundraiser

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Nov. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC) has partnered with Fort Myers and Estero Barnes & Noble Booksellers to host their annual in-store book fair on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A percentage of the daily sales from this event will directly benefit the ELCs Literacy Buddies Program. Customers attending this event will also be able to purchase books for donation to the Literacy Buddy Program directly.

This years’ event will have a Dr. Seuss theme, with special guests Thing One and Thing Two. Each store will feature a wide variety of readings, performances and activities throughout the event including face painting, scavenger hunts, photo booths, arts and crafts, animal interaction as well as readings and singing performances.

Featured authors include Lee Bennett Hopkins at the Fort Myers location, who will be introducing his latest book Manger, as well as Karen Dawn Blum and Miladys Serrano at the Estero location. Authors will provide readings as well as book signings. For the teenage and adult family members, Where the Stars Still Shine author Trish Doller and 4th Down in Dunbar author David Dorsey will also be at the Fort Myers location.

“Each year we look forward to creating a lot of excitement around authors and activities that will inspire children to become readers and writers,” said Susan Block, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. “Our event with Barnes & Nobles is designed with families in mind; Proceeds help to further our work in the area of early literacy and we appreciate the tremendous support from our community.”

The Barnes & Noble Booksellers locations will also participate in this fundraising event through their online sales. Visit their website at Barnesandnoble.com and be sure to designate the proceeds from your purchase be applied to this event at check out.

The Estero store is located in the Coconut Point Mall at 23130 Fashion Drive. The Fort Myers store is located in the Marketplace Shopping Center at 13751 Tamiami Trail in South Fort Myers. For more information on this event or the Literacy Buddy Program, please visit ELCofSWFL.org.

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 elcofswfl.org or call (239) 935-6100.

For more information regarding the Literacy Buddies Program please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org/. For more information on the book fair, please contact Donna Schehr at (239) 935-6176 or Donna.Schehr@elcofswfl.org.