Releases, Backgrounders and Statements

MINNEAPOLIS (August 20, 2009) – On Saturday, September 12, children of all ages and their families will gather at Three Rivers Park District’s Hyland Lake Park Reserve for the Target Children’s Book Festival presented by the Star Tribune. The event, which is free to the public, will feature celebrity book readings and signings, live entertainment and musical performances – all to help foster children’s love for reading as a fun and recreational activity.

During the book festival, which is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., parents and children will have the opportunity to learn about Target’s commitment to providing reading resources for families, as well as programs and partnerships the company supports that encourage parents and children to read together.

“Target understands the importance of cultivating a love of reading in children at an early age,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “By taking advantage of this free, local event, Twin Cities-area families will be able to share a fun and educational experience together.”

The Target Children’s Book Festival will feature a number of live readings throughout the day. Among the authors reading on stage will be Mia Hamm, author of Winners Never Quit!; Mary Casanova, author of American Girl^® book Chrissa; and ; Christopher Lincoln, author of Billy Bones: The Road to Nevermore. Musical highlights will include Yo Gabba Gabba!, featuring D.J. Lance Rock & Brobree, Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players and Playhouse Disney’s “Choo-Choo Soul.” A special appearance also will be made by Jade-Lianna Peters, the voice of Kai-lan on Nickelodeon’s Ni Hao, Kai-lan.

Authors and performers will share the stage with the “Big Red Chair,” the larger-than-life reading chair that symbolizes the company's commitment to supporting early childhood reading. Target recognizes the integral role reading plays in shaping a child’s future. Because reading is the foundation for lifelong learning, Target supports early childhood reading through programs and events that aim to foster a love of reading at an early age. Throughout the year, Target sponsors numerous book festivals across the country, featuring live, free family-focused entertainment. Book festivals are a cornerstone of Target’s commitment to early childhood reading because they encourage families to explore reading together in a unique setting with a multitude of activities to stimulate children’s interest in books.

“We take great pride in supporting events that promote literacy and reading as a family activity,” said Tom Rainey, director of partnership marketing, Star Tribune. “By collaborating with Target, we are offering the children and families of the Twin Cities a wonderful opportunity to promote the excitement, fun and fulfillment books and reading can provide outside the classroom.”

For more information about the Target Children’s Book Festival in the Twin Cities and Target’s commitment to education, visit Target.com/education.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,719 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

About the Star Tribune

The Star Tribune is a news and information company serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The Star Tribune newspaper is one of the top 20 largest newspapers in the nation. The company’s website, www.StarTribune.com, is the most frequently used local news and information service for the Twin Cities market.