ALA Message Book - Celebrity READ Campaign

Contact: Public Information Office

312-280-5041

pio@ala.org

ALA Celebrity READ® Campaign

Some of the world’s best-known faces have lent their support to the simple but powerful message—READ—on this prestigious line of posters published by the American Library Association (ALA).

The READ campaign conveys the pleasure and importance of reading by capturing high-profile celebrities with their favorite books. Internationally recognized for more than 25 years, READ posters are purchased by libraries, schools, universities, and literacy-based organizations for display in reading rooms, classrooms, community centers, and other highly visible locations. Proceeds from READ posters—along with sales of other high-quality posters, bookmarks, gifts, and incentives produced by ALA Graphics—support the mission of ALA.

The first celebrity READ poster, featuring popular actor/comedian Bill Cosby, appeared in 1985. Since then, more than 180 stars have lent their support including Orlando Bloom, Eva Mendes, Daniel Radcliffe, Rachel McAdams, Hugh Jackman, and Oprah Winfrey. Sports figures include New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, and racecar driver Danica Patrick. Musicians include Common, Yo-Yo Ma, the cast of GLEE, and Renée Fleming. Other personalities rounding out the list are fashion guru Tim Gunn, TV host Rachael Ray, Microsoft visionary and philanthropist Bill Gates, and world-renowned academic Stephen Hawking.

ALA Graphics considers celebrities from a wide range of occupations—movie and TV stars, comedians, athletes, musicians, innovators, heroic figures, and the like—in order to be able to offer highly recognizable personalities across all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and so help reach the diverse populations libraries serve. All celebrities donate their time and likeness to the READ campaign.

To suggest a celebrity, email graphicsmarketing@ala.org. To shop celebrity READ posters currently available or to request a catalog, please visit www.alastore.ala.org.

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