Business & Tech

Quaker Bridge Mall to Host Reading Event for Children

The Simon Kidgits Club "Book Blast" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, at Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrence Township is intended to encourage children "to develop a love for literature and learning with books."

The Simon Kidgits Club at Quaker Bridge Mall will host its annual “Book Blast” event tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 16, to inspire families to “read together at home and beyond.”

Noting that the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a division of the U.S. Department of Education, has found that children who are read to at home enjoy substantial advantages over children who are not, Simon Property Group, the Indiana-based owner of the mall on Route 1 in Lawrence Township, is holding similar events at its malls across the country to encourage children “to develop a love for literature and learning with books.”

All “Book Blast” activities will take place in Quaker Bridge Mall’s Center Court from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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“Book Blast” offerings include a read-aloud session with two members of the Princeton University football team and an interactive reading from Don Dougherty of Classroom Adventure Stories.

Those in attendance will be treated to readings of “Watch Your Tongue, Cecily Beasley” and “Lazy Daisy, Cranky Frankie.” In addition to the two readings, children will have the opportunity to make themed crafts for each book.

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To further foster the importance of reading within the community attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used books to be donated to charity.

“Simon Kidgits Club continuously aims to provide children enjoyable, easily-accessible educational opportunities that incorporate some fun,” said Marian Kapp, 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, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/.

In January, a new Kidgits Play Area for children was unveiled at Quaker Bridge Mall.

Featuring five state-of-the-art play fixtures, along with interactive elements such as an electric piano, the play area also has several added conveniences including a stroller parking area, cubbies to store shoes and other belongings, and cushioned seating.

Electronics such as cell phones, tablets and laptops can be charged at stations in the play area, and a WiFi hotspot allows visitors to gain Internet access. Single stream recycling containers have been positioned around the play area as a part of Simon Property Group’s large-scale green initiatives.

“With its interactive features and all the fun areas to explore, the new Kidgits Play Area will become a popular attraction for our young visitors,” said Kapp. “Its additional amenities will help families stay organized while relaxing during shopping trips.”

 


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