Turning a New Page on Fun and Learning
NorthPark Center Welcomes: Bookmarks a Dallas Public Library

First Children’s Library in the United States Located in a Shopping Center

DALLAS, Texas (May 29, 2008) – Bringing a special, kid-friendly element to a Dallas landmark, the Dallas Public Library arrives at NorthPark Center this spring via Bookmarks a dallas public library.  Slated for a June 13 grand opening with a week full of activities, Bookmarks will be the first children’s library in the United States located in a shopping center.  A colorful, creative nook filled with books, artwork and plenty of cozy spots to curl up and read, Bookmarks will be the next chapter in NorthPark’s story.
           
“We believe that Bookmarks will be a gateway to the Dallas Public Library and a showcase for the entire library system,” says Dallas Public Library Director Laurie Evans.  “We’re very grateful to NorthPark Center for its generous commitment to community involvement and support of the library’s mission to create literate youth and lifelong readers.”
           
Located in NorthPark Center on Level One between XXI Forever and CenterPark, the 1,993-square-foot library for children 12 years and younger is a one-of-kind design collaboration between award-winning Dallas architects Omniplan and dsgn associates. 

A spacious story time area lets children relax and read while the walls are lined with clusters of children’s books and vibrant wall art.  The focal point of the library is the custom-designed art table that ribbons from the storefront throughout the expanse of the space.  This signature piece creates a unique look and feeling that encourages hands-on participation and a love of art and reading.

Preschool and elementary school programs and performances, made possible by a generous contribution from Atmos Energy, will be presented year-round in both the library and just steps away in NorthCourt.  Featuring a collection of children’s books, restocked daily, the Wi-Fi-equipped Bookmarks also provides parenting materials and laptops for second through sixth graders, and Early Learning Stations for toddlers through second graders.  Each station features an inventive computer interface, colorful keyboard and child-friendly mouse to encourage exploration.

Bookmarks will also prove a convenient outlet for accompanying parents: while the library will not stock adult materials, a handy loan-and-drop feature will allow adults to both pick-up and drop-off loaned library books.  Materials checked out from other

Dallas Public Library locations may be returned through the drop box at Bookmarks.  For the avid reader on the go, simply go online to request library selections and pick them up at the Bookmarks’ front desk. 

Bookmarks is made possible through several generous gifts and donations. NorthPark Center has provided the space and build-out, signage, lighting, electrical, artwork and other financial and in-kind project support.  Funds have also been generated through charitable activities, including the Fashion at the Park Spring 2007 Gala presented by Neiman Marcus and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Fashion at the Park Spring 2008 runway show ticket sales and the Neiman Marcus and Dana Buchman raffle featuring a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed Dana Buchman 2008 Cadillac SRX.

For information on the many free programs and services available at the Dallas Public Library, visit www.dallaslibrary.org or call 214.671.1381.  For a schedule of the Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series Presented by Atmos Energy at NorthPark Center please visit www.northparkcenter.com.

Bookmark Hours: Monday 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday closed, Wednesday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Friday 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

About NorthPark Center
As one of the premier shopping centers in the United States, NorthPark Center proudly offers shoppers the best of the best in every category represented including the finest in luxury retail and market exclusives in the Southwest. Offering an unparalleled selection of international designers set amid timeless modern architecture and a world-class art collection, NorthPark Center has established a new standard in the United States for innovative retail destinations.  

NorthPark Center is owned, managed, operated and leased by husband and wife David J. Haemisegger and Nancy A. Nasher. After a $235 million expansion in 2006, NorthPark Center became the largest shopping center in North Texas and one of the top shopping destinations in the United States. NorthPark Center will continue to open more luxury boutiques, exclusive stores and dining options throughout 2008 and beyond, culminating in over 230 stores and restaurants.

NorthPark Center is located at the intersection of North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway in the heart of Dallas. Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Department store, theatre, restaurant and spa hours vary.

For Information Contact:

Christine C. Szalay
Director of Marketing and Tourism
NorthPark Center
Office 214.369.1234
Mobile 469.348.8262
cszalay@northparkcntr.com

Kelle Jackson
The Buzzell Company
4514 Cole Avenue, Suite 420
Dallas, TX 75205
(214)219-9191 office
(214)662-6644 cell
kj@buzzellco.com

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