Wildcats Advocating Literacy
& Knowledge
The University of Arizona BookStores plays an integral role in providing supplementary academic value not only to current UA students and staff in the form of author presentations, cultural events, and professional speaker events, but to young learners from the Tucson and Southern Arizona communities with our Wildcats Advocating Literacy & Knowledge (WALK) programming.
Children’s Storybook Character Hour
UA BookStores, SUMC hosts the WALK Children’s Storybook Character Hour on the first Saturday of every month (with some exceptions), offering educational reading and activities for children ages two to five years old, and a special in-person appearance by some of your favorite storybook characters. This WALK event is absolutely FREE and open to the public.
Overwhelming response to this event has urged us to provide two time slots for the event—at 10:30am and 2pm—on the first Saturday of every month.
For specific details about the next WALK Children’s Storybook Character Hour, visit our events page.
WALK Membership
Parents and families who subscribe to our WALK Membership are eligible to receive 20% off all in-store purchases from the UA BookStores General Books Department—including children’s books! Additionally, WALK member will receive email notification of upcoming WALK events, early notification for special events and other valuable information pertaining to WALK offerings young reader programming.
Where can I park?
Parking in the Second Street Garage (directly across from UA BookStores, SUMC on Mountain Avenue just south of Speedway Boulevard) is usually available on the weekend at no cost. However, on weekends when UA is hosting and athletic event or other high-profile event, the Second Street Garage may charge for parking. Parking fees will always be clearly displayed at the garage entry if they apply. In most cases, the entry gate will be up on Saturdays and Sunday, and garage entry and parking will be free.
Alternative free parking on the weekends is available behind the Speech and Hearing Sciences Building on East Second and Palm Drive, lot #3039.
WALK and the Tucson Festival of Books
The WALK program brings a large of amount of value to the children’s programming at the annual Tucson Festival of Books every spring, including the Children’s Storybook Character Breakfast and the American Girl ® Team Time event. Keep an eye out for information about upcoming children’s events at the upcoming Festival via email (for WALK members) and on PBS for Kids!
