WHAT: Little Free Library, an upper Midwest nonprofit aimed at leading stronger and healthier neighborhoods and communities through an international network of little structures and libraries filled with free books, will celebrate a milestone and launch of an all-new project on August 17 at Mall of America®. Little Free Library will become the largest library network in the world, exceeding the number of public libraries funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie more than a century ago. Mall of America is partnering with Little Free Library in a new initiative called Little Free Libraries for Small Towns to promote literacy and community-building by supporting neighborhood book exchanges.

To commemorate the occasion, Mall of America will donate 20 uniquely designed Little Libraries including two special Little Libraries #2,509 (ties record) and #2,510 (breaks record). These Little Libraries will be placed in neighborhoods and communities surrounding MOA where children and families can borrow a free book, trade or leave a book for someone else.

August 17 also marks Reading and Healthy Neighborhoods Day. Mall of America and Little Free Library will host fun activities for guests including appearances by media personalities, professional athletes, authors and other public figures who will share their favorite books with the audience. Guests are encouraged to participate in a book drive to help fill the Little Free Libraries.

For more information visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.

VISUALS: - 20 uniquely designed Little Free Libraries on display

- Local celebrities, professional athletes, authors and other public figures reading to the audience

- Guests participating in a book drive and filling the Little Free Libraries with books

WHEN: Friday, August 17

Noon 3 p.m.

1 2 p.m. Celebrity book reading

WHERE: Mall of America Rotunda

About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nations largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nations largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.

About Little Free Library

Little Free Library was started in 2010 as a social enterprise with no paid staff, no facilities and no start-up capital. The goal was to create a system of more neighborhood free book exchanges than actual libraries built in the early 20th century by tycoon Andrew Carnegie in towns across the U.S. Little Free Librarys popularity now extends to at least 48 states, six Canadian provinces and 28 countries. Little Free Librarys Facebook pages are now growing by 1000 or more fans per week. Not only does the organization foster literacy and reading, but is a highly effective vehicle for supporting positive connections among participants leading to stronger, healthier neighborhoods and communities. Find articles about Little Free Library in New York Times, USA Today and a feature on NBC Nightly news.

Media Contact

Bridget Jewell

952.883.8846

Bridget.Jewell@moa.net

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