Barnes & Noble is a company driven by the principle that bookselling is important work.  We believe a great bookstore is also a reflection of its community.  We pioneered the concept of a retail store as a community center, and annually host approximately 100,000 community events nationwide. Our events enrich the minds of readers of all ages, and raise funds for local schools and literary and cultural organizations. 

Click on the links below for more information about how we reach out to the communities we serve.

Summer Reading Program We sponsor a Summer Reading program that fosters literacy and puts more than 1 million books in the hands of children each year. The theme of the 2011 program was Imagination's Destination, and participating families were entered into a national contest to win a NOOK Color Reader's Tablet™.

Holiday Book Drive Our Holiday Book Drive has provided millions of books to disadvantaged children in communities across America. We collected and donated close to 1.2 million books for children in need all over the country during our 2011 Holiday Book Drive.

Bookfairs Our stores host thousands of Bookfairs each year, raising funds for the benefit of local schools and libraries.

Storytimes/Costume Character Visits Our Storytimes and Costume Character Visits entertain and inspire thousands of children each week.

Autism Awareness Children and their families learned about autism at our special Storytime events held throughout Autism Awareness month in April 2008.

America Supports You We have donated more than 300,000 books, toys and games to America Supports You, an organization that supports members of the U.S. armed services and their families.

Down Syndrome Awareness In 2007, we pioneered events in our stores nationwide helping to promote literacy and generate awareness of Down syndrome.

Local Events Our stores sponsor many local events serving their communities. Search for local events in your area.