CHICAGO (August 21, 2007) —You never know what treasure you'll find in a Half Price Books store and to emphasize that point, the company has gathered some of its more interesting finds into a touring road show. The exhibit kicks off at 9 a.m., September 13 at Half Price Books newest location at 14 Countryside Plaza, in Countryside, which is the company's fourth store in Chicagoland.

A selection of significant books and magazines will be on display until October 1. After leaving Countryside, the books will travel across the country to other Half Price Books locations.

Items include:

• A signed copy of "Profiles in Courage" by John F. Kennedy. Tucked into the book is an envelope on which Kennedy wrote: "At the time of this writing, I am just finishing my Inaugural—will call when done—Jack."
• "Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist" This is a book of essays by leading scientists, each with a response from Einstein. The book is autographed by Einstein
• A signed first edition copy of "Stride Toward Freedom" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• A signed first edition copy of "Their Finest Hour" by Winston Churchill
• A collection of papers titled "Psychiatric and Psychological Examinations of Jack Ruby"
• A signed first edition copy of "Sources of Strength" by Jimmy Carter
• A signed first edition copy of "Barbara Bush: A Memoir" by Barbara Bush

The company's Collective Merchandise Specialist Steve Leach will be on-hand at 6 p.m., Friday, September 14, at the new Countryside location, and at noon, Saturday, September 15 at the Half Price Books located at 366 West Army Trail in Bloomingdale, to speak about how the collection was assembled, general guidelines to identifying first editions, and how individuals can preserve and maintain collectible books.

"Our stores are unique in that we offer a different inventory than other major retail bookstores because our customers sell directly to us. Many of these really unique items simply aren't available in other bookstores," said Sharon Anderson Wright, CEO of Half Price Books.

The Countryside store occupies nearly 7,000 square feet. The store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About Half Price Books
Half Price Books is the largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain, with nearly 100 retail locations in 14 states. Stores are open seven days a week and buy and sell new and used books, magazines, comics, records, CDs, DVDs and collectible items. Half Price Books has been dedicated to environmental and literacy efforts for 35 years by supporting hundreds of projects including Reach Out and Read, an early childhood reading program; the annual Bedtime Story Book Contest, which gives amateur authors a chance to be published in the "Say Goodnight to Illiteracy" storybook; and the annual Half Pint Library Book Drive, which provides hospitals and clinics nationwide with book donations collected at all store locations. In addition, Half Price Books is a founding contributor to Laura Bush's National Book Festival, as well as a supporter of the National Center for Family Literacy. For more information about Half Price Books, please visit www.halfpricebooks.com.