American Library Association and Office Depot Urge Youth, Teachers to Visit Local Public Libraries.

CHICAGO -- Public Library Association's "The Smartest Card: Get It, Use It @ your library(R)" Campaign Highlighted

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that Office Depot will assist the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA, in getting out an important message: A public library card is the smartest card you can have in your wallet. "The Smartest Card: Get It, Use It @ your library(R)" is a national effort to raise public awareness about the world of resources available in America's public libraries.

"A library card represents a great value," said PLA President Clara N. Bohrer. "We want to remind people that their library card gives them access to an extensive amount of resources, services and programs right in their own community."

Office Depot's national philanthropic initiative with ALA is called "Working Together to Build Success through Reading and Literacy."

During the Back to School season, Office Depot will feature posters at its more than 900 retail store locations to help ALA and PLA promote libraries as an American value and provide broad exposure to the Smartest Card campaign.

In addition, Office Depot has underwritten the production of a variety of collateral materials for children, including an ALA book cover, bookmarks, poster, brochure and library card application, which are designed to encourage the use of libraries. Teachers will also receive these same materials at Office Depot's Teacher Appreciation Breakfasts, which take place at all of the company's retail stores during July and August. The materials were developed by PLA members, and are designed to remind students, teachers and parents that using the library helps children succeed in school and opens the door to a world of information and learning.

The collateral materials are distributed to children in conjunction with Office Depot's National Backpack program. The company will donate more than 200,000 backpacks to "at risk" children across the country this year.

In addition, Office Depot will partner with local libraries to support programs designed to encourage people to visit the library and to inspire disadvantaged children to read and provide $500 in-kind donations at its new retail store grand opening events to local libraries where new stores open.

"It is more important than ever that the American Library Association reach out to the public to promote the essential role of libraries in our society," said ALA President Carol Brey-Casiano. "We are pleased that Office Depot shares our interest in promoting this message, and are grateful for their support of library advocacy and their willingness to help ALA extend its reach." Office Depot is one of ALA's newest Corporate Members at the Library Champion level.

"We are proud to partner with ALA and support the critically important role that libraries play in educating our children and enriching our communities," said Mary Wong, Director of Community Relations for Office Depot.

About the American Library Association: Established in 1876, the American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world. The Public Library Association is one of the largest and fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association and focused on the needs of public libraries and the communities they serve.

About Office Depot: Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., the company conducts business in 23 countries and employs nearly 50,000 people worldwide. Office Depot has annual sales of nearly $12 billion. For more information, please visit http://www.officedepot.com.