Fremont, Calif. (February 26, 2007)— Half Price Books, the nation's largest family owned new and used bookstore chain, is moving to 43473 Boscell Road, in Fremont. The new store will open on Thursday, March 15 and occupies nearly 6,000 square feet and carries more than 10,000 items.

"The support of this community has allowed us to grow and expand in order to offer our customers even more merchandise than before," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president of Half Price Books. "Our success in Fremont is a reflection of an intelligent community that thinks reading and learning are important and we look forward to our future at this new store."

Grand opening events kick off at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 15 when Fremont mayor Bob Wasserman 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, March 16, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: BW, the Half Price Books Bookworm costume character, will be on-hand to take pictures with the kids.

-Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: BW will be on-hand to take pictures with the kids.

-Sunday, March 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.