Get on Board and Read @ your library will encourage young adults across America to skate their way into libraries, grab a book and land in the world of possibilities available through reading. One teen or team of up to four teens will be awarded the chance to meet famous skateboarding pro, Tony Hawk.

"Reading builds a strong foundation for our future. I want to show that reading can be fun -- as well as letting kids know that this vital skill helps lead to success later in life," said Tony Hawk. "I am excited to partner with HERSHEY®'S Milk and MilkShakes my kids love them and I need to maintain strong bones in my career."

Get on Board and Read @ your library will begin in the late fall of 2003 and continue through the spring of 2004. With Tony Hawk on board, HERSHEY'S Milk and America's libraries will challenge America's teens to grab one of their favorite books found on library shelves and create an entry about how the book is meaningful to them. Teens may work alone or in teams of up to four and are encouraged to be creative with submissions.

There are two categories in which entries can be submitted -- a written essay or a creative entry including a poem, painting or video. Later this fall, program details will be available at www.hersheysmilk.com.

"We are pleased to be able to advance the American Library Association's interest in engaging young adults through the Get on Board and Read @ your library program. We want to remind teens to discover the wealth of books and other resources that are available at their local library and that librarians are there to help them find just what they're looking for -- and maybe even something they didn't expect," said ALA President Carla Hayden.

The @ your library program is part of "The Campaign for America's Libraries," ALA's multi-year public education effort sponsored by the American Library Association, to speak loudly and clearly about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. For more information about @ your library, visit www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.

About Hershey Foods Corporation

Hershey Foods Corporation is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products. Some of the company's most popular products include HERSHEY®'S chocolate and chocolate with almonds bars, HERSHEY®'S KISSES® chocolates, REESE'S® peanut butter cups, JOLLY RANCHER® and TWIZZLERS® candies, HERSHEY®'S cocoa, and HERSHEY®'S syrup. The company also is a market leader in the gum and mint category with such well-known brands as ICE BREAKERS®, BREATH SAVERS®, and BUBBLE YUM®.

About Morningstar Foods Inc.

Morningstar Foods Inc. is a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company , one of the nation's leading food and beverage companies. Morningstar Foods' nationally branded products include International Delight® coffee creamers, Marie's® Salad Dressings and dips, Dean's Dips, Mocha Mix® non-dairy coffee creamer, Naturally Yours(TM) sour cream, Second Nature® eggs, LAND O' LAKES Dairy Ease® lactose-free milks and Farm Rich® and Coffee Rich® coffee creamers. Products produced under licensed brands include HERSHEY®'S Milks and MilkShakes and Folgers® Jakada(TM) chilled coffee beverage. For more information, visit www.morningstarfoods.com.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the voice of America's libraries and the millions of people who depend on them. Its 64,000 members are primarily librarians, but also trustees, publishers and others who support the work of the association. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.