New York, NY– June 4, 2012 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today announced that stores nationwide will host a new Hands-On Learning event series, for children ages four and up, designed to help promote cognitive development, literacy, creativity, social skills and scientific thinking. The Hands-On Learning events will take place in June, July and August and mark the expansion of the company’s Summer Reading Program, “Imagination’s Destination,” to its Toys & Games Department. Kicking off the program this month is a Lego® Building Event designed to help children develop fine motor skills, while having fun with ever-popular Lego micro bricks. Customers are encouraged to visit www.bn.com for more information on Hands-On Learning events at their neighborhood Barnes & Noble location. “We are thrilled to provide children with fun, engaging activities that foster critical thinking skills and spatial relationships with our new Hands-On Learning events,” says Kathleen Campisano, Vice President, Toys & Games. “Through this exciting new program, Barnes & Noble is both the ultimate resource for families’ educational needs and a great destination for summer fun.” The Barnes & Noble’s Toys & Games Department features 3,000-square-feet of play space incorporating interactive displays, creativity and learning through activities, scientific discoveries, and favorite children’s characters. Through unique strategic partnerships with world renowned toy and games manufacturers, Barnes & Noble has five interactive play areas – Building, Learning, Imagining, Creating and Playing – that offer children hands-on learning experiences in a fun, engaging and comfortable environment. Source: Barnes & Noble