Hugo reading inside the Hornets Bookmobile.

The New Orleans Hornets Bookmobile is used as a getaway into the exciting imaginations of young people. Currently partnered with Best Western, the Hornets provide at least one free book to each child that visits the Bookmobile. The Bookmobile travels to schools in the New Orleans metropolitan area, catering to pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students. The Hornets themed bus has traveled to as many as two schools a day and up to eight schools in one week. On our highly anticipated game days it can be found at the Hornets pre-game party, Buzz Fest.

The extraordinary teal school bus houses up to 2,000 books. As the books are distributed to growing hands, the shelves are constantly re-filled with the Scholastic brands best titles. The New Orleans Hornets bring literacy to the court as the children enter onto the hardwood floor of the Bookmobile. When each child steps foot into this mobile library, they are reminded how important reading is to our players and also in their lives.

Today, the Hornets Bookmobile travels year-round to schools and community events. During the NBA’s 2007-2008 season, the Hornets Bookmobile distributed over 26,000 books to area youth. During this upcoming summer, it is anticipated that over 30,000 books will be distributed via the Bookmobile. In the years since the Hornets launched the team’s library-on-wheels, the Bookmobile has become much more than a vehicle for book donations. It has been a visible statement that the Hornets don’t just play basketball- they ensure long-term educational successes in our community.

Best Western also believes in the opportunity to change young people’s lives, especially those in the Gulf South region affected by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, through education and reading. Corporate visits to the Gulf South shortly after Hurricane Katrina prompted Best Western to take action in the Hornets’ initiative by sponsoring the Bookmobile. Best Western understands the importance of children opening a book and escaping into an imaginary and creative world simply by reading the words on the page. Children are the future. Together Best Western and the Hornets have partnered to ensure educational success within the Gulf South region.

To inquire about hosting the Hornets’ Bookmobile at your school, contact Whitney Mitchell at (504) 593-4863 or at whitney.mitchell@hornets.com.



OUTSTANDING READERS
Literacy is the Hornets primary outreach initiative and we look for opportunities to encourage students to read. This season the Hornets would like to reward all outstanding readers with an opportunity to attend and be recognized at a Hornets game and have their picture taken with a player prior to the start of a game. If you would like to nominate a student in 1st – 12th grade for their outstanding achievement in reading, please contact Devyn Smith at Devyn.Vanduyne@hornets.com.



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