Lehigh Valley Mall to Host Annual Book Blast to Promote Children’s Literacy

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Sherlock

609.369.3482

jsherlock@jennacommunications.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SIMON MALLS SUPPORT CHILDREN’S LITERACY BY HOSTING SIMON KIDGITS CLUB BOOK BLAST EVENT AT LEHIGH VALLEY MALL

-Families can embrace the benefits of reading together during Simon Kidgits Club’s fun, educational event-

WHITEHALL, Pa, Feb. 7, 2013 — Simon malls are encouraging children across the country to develop a love for literature and learning with books. On Monday, February 18, Simon Kidgits Club at Lehigh Valley Mall is hosting its free Book Blast event and inviting families to participate and be inspired to read together at home and beyond.

Simon Kidgits Club’s Book Blast is offering an assortment of fun book-based activities to ultimately help kids reap the many benefits of reading. Book Blast event offers include a read-aloud session presented by Don Dougherty of Classroom Adventure Stories, set to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile will be featured, along with a  winter-themed story. Lyle will make an appearance at Book Blast. Children are encouraged to bring a new or gently used book to donate to the Whitehall Township Public Library to further foster the importance of reading within the community.

Children will use their imagination and write their own short story like the famous Bernard Weber books about Lyle the Crocodile. Everyone will walk away with a special gift to help them read, along with a chance to win prizes. Kidgit members will receive an additional gift.

“Simon Kidgits Club continuously aims to provide children enjoyable, easily-accessible educational opportunities that incorporate some fun,” said Amanda Johnson, director of mall marketing. “Book Blast does just that; events will motivate families to read, learn and be entertained in a familiar environment that’s close to home.”

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

Kidgits Club members receive a variety of goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday card and gift, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visithttp://www.simon.com/kidgits/.

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About Lehigh Valley Mall

Featuring over 150 stores and restaurants, Lehigh Valley Mall is the premier shopping destination in the greater Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton markets. Lehigh Valley Mall is located off Macarthur Road in Whitehall, PA, and is situated in an area that is a popular recreation destination, home to outstanding colleges and universities, and headquarters for major businesses, all of whom enjoy proximity to the mall’s mix of shops, services, and anchors. For more information on Lehigh Valley Mall, visit www.simon.com.

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in 329 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon’s business-to-consumer arm, is pioneering the transformation of shopping centers into a medium where consumer brands can build relationships with Simon shoppers who make over 2.8 billion visits each year.  Simon’s vast franchise of market-leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV and its affiliates have engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Visa Giftcard® and the American Express®/Simon Giftcard; launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon dTour Live® and Simon Kidgits Club®; a national media delivery channel including static, digital and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola and Visa U.S.A. among others.