Westerville, Ohio (January 29, 2007)— Half Price Books, the nation's largest family owned new and used bookstore chain, will open a store in Westerville, Ohio on February 15. The new Half Price Books will open at 561 South State Street and occupies nearly 7,565 square feet. The store hours are Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This location is Half Price Books fourth store in Columbus, where the company has maintained a presence since 1988.

Grand opening events kick off at 9 a.m., Thursday, February 15 when Westerville mayor Diane Fosselman will shelve the last book and then cut the ribbon to officially open the store for business.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive special Half Price Books tote bags containing gift cards. Everyone will get at least a $5 gift card but one random, and lucky, customer will receive a gift card worth $500.

Other grand opening activities include:
-Friday, February 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free lunch Friday! Customers are invited to shop during their lunch hour and receive a yummy pizza lunch.

-Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Dance with the Book Worm. BW, the Half Price Books Bookworm costume character, will be on-hand to dance in the parking lot with patrons. Anyone who gets their picture taken with BW will receive a $5 gift card.

-Sunday, February 18, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Half Price Books 35th Birthday Celebration. BW will serve cake and take pictures with children visiting the store. In addition, every kid will receive a copy of the Half Price Books Say Goodnight to Illiteracy storybook as a special gift from BW.

"Next year will mark our twentieth anniversary in Ohio, and it's been the support of the community that has allowed us to keep expanding," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president of Half Price Books. "Our success is a reflection of an intelligent community that thinks reading and learning are important."