Shortly after the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999, Barnes & Noble Chairman Leonard Riggio met with Abraham Foxman, ADL National Director. Disturbed by the alarming increase in school shootings and hate crimes, the two wanted to find a way to work together that would help counter this destructive trend. The result is "Close the Book on Hate," a joint effort of Barnes & Noble and ADL that is designed to use education to help break the cycle of prejudice and hatred. The program kicked off in September 2000, and has successfully involved thousands of people around the country.

A key resource for the program ADL's innovative book, Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice, co-authored by Caryl Stern-LaRosa and Ellen Hofheimer Bettmann (Scholastic Inc., 2000). Hate Hurts explores how to answer difficult questions frequently asked by young people, helps parents and caregivers comfort children who are victims of hate, and offers assistance when working with those who are the perpetrators of intolerance. The book is available for sale at Barnes & Noble stores and on its Web site, Barnes&Noble.com, as well as at other retail and online bookstores. A portion of the proceeds will go toward furthering the mission of the Anti-Defamation League.

Another resource in the Close the Book on Hate campaign is this brochure Close the Book on Hate: 101 Ways to Combat Prejudice,. Over the past year, Barnes & Noble stores gave away two million brochures to customers, local schools, colleges and universities, city and state agencies and non-profit organizations

The pamphlet contains practical suggestions for combating prejudice at home, in schools, in the workplace, in the community and in houses of worship. It also contains a list of definitions, helpful resources and a recommended reading list of books included in the "Close the Book on Hate" campaign.

It can be downloaded by clicking the icon on the right or can be picked up at all Barnes & Noble Close the Book on Hate: 101 Ways to Combat Prejudice has proven to be a vital tool and demand has been extraordinary.