New York, NY (June 1, 2005) -- Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, and the U.S. publisher of Harry Potter, today announced a sweepstakes for public libraries nationwide to win the first author-signed copy of the American edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as well as additional books for the winning library’s collection. Author J. K. Rowling will sign the book in the U.K. and it will travel to America under tight security to be presented to representatives from the winning public library at Scholastic’s corporate headquarters in New York City on the morning of July 15. The book will then be kept on display under lock and key at Scholastic until the July 16th 12:01 a.m. release time.

“In 2003 Scholastic donated the first signed copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to the New York Public Library. For Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince we want to share that possibility with every town and city public library nationwide no matter how large or small,” said Barbara Marcus, Executive Vice President, Scholastic. “Scholastic is committed to supporting our public libraries, and this seems a fitting way to recognize their importance and to say thank you to communities across the U.S. that have embraced J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter.”

"Harry Potter has been such a wonderful gift to readers, and we are thrilled that Scholastic has decided to hold a special Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince sweepstakes for public libraries," said Gretchen Wronka, President, Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. “The winning public library and its community will treasure this very special copy of J.K. Rowling’s sixth book. Children throughout the U.S. and the librarians who work with them are anxiously anticipating July 16 and every reader will savor the latest Harry adventure. We'll actually all be winners!"

To enter the sweepstakes *, any public library within the 50 United States can print out and complete an entry form available at www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/librarysweepstakes or on an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper print the name, address and phone number of the public library, as well as the name, address, phone number and email of the public library representative, and mail the entry to:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Public Library Sweepstakes
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012.

Scholastic is printing an initial unprecedented 10.8 million copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, an all-time United States publishing record. There will also be a special reinforced library edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince published simultaneously on July 16, 2005.

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site,www.scholastic.com.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Entries must be received by June 30, 2005. Void where prohibited.

Contacts:

Scholastic
Kyle Good
212-343-4563
kgood@scholastic.com

Scholastic
Kris Moran
212-389-3789
kmoran@scholastic.com