The Barnes & Noble store in North Brunswick is one of six pilot stores in the country for a new Toys & Games educational section.NORTH BRUNSWICK — Students in first to 12th grade are encouraged to write an essay, poem or thank-you letter about their favorite teacher.
Through March 1, Barnes & Noble of North Brunswick, 869 U.S. Highway 1, will accept submissions on how a teacher has been a positive influence. Entries must be 500 words or less in English and typed on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper.
Or, you can enter at http://www.barnes andnoble.com/u/ my-favorite- teacher/379002376.
The winning teacher from the store will be recognized at a special event in April during Educator Appreciation Week. The “Teacher of the Year” will receive books from the Classics series, a $5,000 award, $5,000 for his or her school, five copies of the winning essay published in hardcover by Tikatok.com and a $250 Tikatok gift card.
The student who wrote the winning submission will receive a $25 gift card.
Regional winning teachers will each receive a NOOK eBook Reader and a $500 Barnes & Noble gift card.
The reason behind the “My Favorite Teacher Contest” is Barnes & Noble’s commitment to education, literacy and the arts, according to community relations manager Miriam Libove.
The retail bookstore — which also offers games, puzzles, collectibles, plush toys, stationery, writing tablets, magazines, DVDs and movies, Godiva chocolate and a Starbucks café— also holds book fair fundraisers, discount vouchers for educators, special events for nonprofit organizations, reading kickoffs, holiday book drives, gift-wrapping programs and children’s programs.
“It’s another way we can make more community-friendly activities,” Libove said .
The store has a new B&N@ School section, featuring curriculum books, manipulatives, reference items, posters and games.
The new Toys and Games section was introduced in November 2010 as one of six pilot stores in the country. There are themed areas including Imagining, Arts and Crafts, Learning, Building and Playing. Merchandise featured includes toys, cooking sets, science experiments, building sets and educational kits from companies such as Melissa & Doug, Crayola, ALEX, Leap Frog, LEGO, playmobil, Ugly Doll, Thames & Kosmos, Disney, Sesame Street and NERF.
“Part of the vision of Barnes & Noble is that we see ourselves as an educational resource. Our customers are sophisticated,” she said.
Barnes & Noble also offers three versions of the NOOK: the Simple Touch, the Color and the Tablet. The e-readers allow books, newspapers and magazines to be read on a touch screen at a lower cost than the actual medium, in a format that allows interactivity.
For more information on activities offered and products sold at Barnes & Noble, visit barnesandnoble.com.