giving nationally

Borders wants everyone to share our passion for books, music, and movies, so we're spreading our enthusiasm by supporting national organizations and programs that foster literacy, education, and the fine and performing arts. We understand that what people read, listen to, and watch is an integral part of who they are and who they aspire to be.

Literacy
An expectant father reads Goodnight Moon to his unborn baby.

A 5-year-old girl battling cancer finds a Dr. Seuss book by her hospital bed.

A new citizen of the United States learns English as a second language.

A retired policeman finally has the time to read a mystery novel and can't put it down.

We find ourselves together as booksellers: committed to the idea of connecting books and readers; passionate about the importance of literacy and knowledge to our culture; dedicated to the extraordinary power of books—those who write them, read them, collect them, look after them, and treasure them.

When someone wants to read, Borders is there to help put the book in their hands. Not only does Borders encourage reading, we introduce people to innovative works from new and established authors. Our Original Voices program shines a deserving light on the unique style and voice of the best writing available today.

In addition to our in-store programs, Borders supports literacy, the joys of reading, and expression through creative writing in our affiliations with the following organizations:

PEN American Center. Borders and the PEN established the first PEN/Borders Literary Service Award, an honor that is given to a truly distinguished American writer whose critically acclaimed work helps us all to understand the human condition in original and powerful ways. In its inaugural year, Gore Vidal was the first recipient of the award and was honored in May 2006 at the PEN Literary Gala. PEN American Center is the largest of the 141 centers of International PEN, the world's oldest human rights organization and the oldest literary organization. International PEN was founded in 1921 to dispel national, ethnic, and racial hatred and to promote understanding among all countries. This award is in its third year now.

The LA Times Festival of Books. Borders is a proud backer of The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. One of the country's premier literary events, the festival is held each year on the last weekend of April on the Campus of UCLA. This celebration of the written word is free to the public.

Music
Borders customers march to the beat of a different drummer and we're here to help them find out whether it's Elvis or Yo-Yo Ma who puts the swing in their step.

Beyond the walls of our stores, Borders supports the study, performance, and enjoyment of music through our affiliation with a variety of organizations including:

Junior Division of the Sphinx Competition. The competition is designed to promote the development of stringed instrument experience among African-American and Latino/Latina young people, giving them experience in auditions and competitions, as well as recognition of their talent.

Education
Borders supports educators and institutions that encourage a love of learning. Our deep selection of teaching guides and classroom tools, as well as our distribution of summer reading and award-winning title lists, make every Borders store a resource for educators nationwide. We also organize events and partnerships that affirm our appreciation of educators and that further a nationwide awareness and respect for education including:

Educator Appreciation. Borders has long recognized the contribution educators have made toward instilling an early love of reading in children. To that end, Borders stores strive to maintain close ties with area schools and libraries. In addition to offering educators a 20% discount on purchases made for classroom use, Borders stores also host annual spring and fall educator receptions as a thank-you for supporting children's programming and patronage.