New products for fall library campaigns and more featured in Fall 2002 ALA Graphics catalog

Contact: Trish Cleary


312-280-2426


tcleary@ala.org


For Immediate Release


July 31, 2002

New products for fall library campaigns and more featured in Fall 2002 ALA Graphics catalog

With autumn rapidly approaching, now is the time to stock up on exciting, new materials for the American Library Association's (ALA) popular fall library campaigns: Teen Read Week and Library Card Sign-up Month. The catalog is full of innovative products that will help librarians assist (and inspire) their patrons. The bookmark, banners and poster customization program has been enhanced with more design options and easier ordering, and special gift items have been created for the upcoming holiday season. Don't miss the latest
Lord of the Rings poster and the brand new celebrity posters featuring LeVar Burton and the Indigo Girls.
Teen Read Week 2002, October 13 - 19

ALA Graphics is helping connect teens and libraries by supporting Teen Read Week with an array of new products featuring the highly popular manga and anime Japanimation. This innovative line includes iron-on decals, posters, bookmarks, multi-colored pencils, and much more. With any order over $50 customers will receive a complimentary package of 50 colorful, helium-quality balloons that carry the Teen Read Week slogan on the front.

In honor of Teen Read Week 2002, ALA will release another poster and bookmark featuring the Dark Riders (Ringwraiths) from the ever-popular
The Lord of the Rings. This poster details the creative process of turning J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece into a moving picture. New Line Cinema, producer of
The Lord of the Rings, is an official sponsor of Teen Read Week.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

A bold new poster and bookmark campaign is underway for National Library Card Sign-up Month. The vibrant Get Carded @ your library ™ poster encourages people of all ages to check out what's new at their library by signing up for a library card. This is another outstanding addition to the growing collection of exclusive @ your library ™ materials.

Who's new in the Celebrity poster series?

In addition to playing the blind lieutenant Geordi La Forge on
Star Trek: The Next Generation,
LeVar Burton is the host and series producer of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Reading Rainbow. The
Indigo Girls are joining the Celebrity READ poster series, too. The Grammy Award-winning artists performed at the Scholarship Bash at the ALA Annual Conference in Atlanta this past June.

Inspiring new posters

Mark your calendar. March is Women's History Month. To celebrate the achievements and contributions that women have made throughout history, ALA has created a striking new poster and bookmark. This important project was produced in partnership with Houghton Mifflin.

Introducing the newest member of the ALA Graphics family . . . the magical reading Chameleon. Appealing to children and adults, this colorful creature encourages observers to relax and read a book. Popular illustrator and educator Mary Jane Begin created the beautiful artwork. Available as a poster, mini poster, or bookmark, the Chameleon is the perfect addition to any classroom or library.

Customization @ your library™- Posters, Banners and Bookmarks

Make a splash with customized posters, banners and bookmarks. ALA has enhanced the customization program with more design options and easier ordering. This is a great way for libraries to promote their services to the community by adding their name, address, Web site, logo, hours and special message to a variety of colorful, ALA-exclusive bookmarks.

Holiday gifts from ALA

With the whirlwind holiday season just around the corner, it is prudent to plan ahead. Anyone who loves books and reading will appreciate these gift items from ALA. The 24-karat gold-plated READ ornament is the ideal present for staff, friends and volunteers. It can be hung on the tree or used as a year-round decorative piece. The catalog also features a license plate holder, lanyards and other unique items. ALA now offers elegant book motif wrapping paper, gift bags and gifts cards, which are suitable for any occasion. The proceeds from these exclusively designed products benefit the programs of ALA.

Free ALA Graphics Catalog!

The full-color ALA Graphics catalog features over 300 library, reading and literacy-related posters, bookmarks, banners, gifts and incentives. Librarians, educators, parents, or anyone who works to foster a love of reading will find an abundance of quality products to choose from. To receive your free copy of the new ALA Graphics Fall 2002 Catalog, please call 800-545-2433 and press 7 or visit the ALA Graphics' online store at
www.alastore.ala.org. Please note that volume discounts are available on large orders, as are consignment sales to libraries and non-profit groups. For more information on special sales and discounts, please contact Trish Cleary, marketing manager at 800-545-2433, extension 2426 or via email at
tcleary@ala.org.