Columbus, Ohio (April 5, 2007)— As part of its newest store opening, Half Price Books, the nation's largest family owned new and used bookstore chain, has joined the Ohio Environmental Council's (OEC) Clean Diesel School Bus program to protect children's health.

The company is pledging nearly $20,000 to the OEC, which will provide seed money to help launch the Adopt–A–Bus Program. Their donation will cover the "adoption," or retrofitting, of two school buses with state–of–the–art diesel emissions controls that reduce bus emissions by 90 percent.

"Students on buses are exposed to four times more diesel pollution than people outside the bus," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president of Half Price Books. "Protecting the environment and our community's children are some of the ideals Half Price Books was founded on. It's important to us as a company, and as part of the Columbus community, to pitch in and help protect children's health."

"We challenge other businesses in our community to follow the leadership of Half Price Books and adopt a school bus," said Staci Putney McLennan, Clean Air Director for OEC. "Every dollar donated can help children in central Ohio breathe a little easier."

Half Price Books will hold a press conference at its new location near Graceland Mall to present the donation as part of its new store grand opening events at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 12.

Half Price Books District Manager Chris Heuing will present the donation to Staci Putney McLennan, Director of Clean Air Programs for the OEC, while standing near a retrofitted school bus. McLennan then will speak about the organization's clean diesel initiatives and the Adopt–A–Bus Program.

The new Half Price Books will open at 9 a.m., April 12 and is located at 5070 North High Street and occupies more than 6,500 square feet. This location is Half Price Books fifth store in Columbus, where the company has maintained a presence since 1988.

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, April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free lunch Friday! Customers are invited to shop during their lunch hour and receive a pizza lunch.

–Saturday, April 14, 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 take pictures with kids visiting the children's section.

–Sunday, April 15, 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 Thomas. "Our success is a reflection of an intelligent community that thinks reading and learning are important."

About the Ohio Environmental Council The Ohio Environmental Council (www.TheOEC.org) is a network of more than 100 state and local groups that makes use of science, coalitions and the law to safeguard public health and protect Ohio's natural heritage.

To adopt a school bus, please contact Staci Putney McLennan at staci@theoec.org or 614–487–7506.