Boston Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon joins

Contact: Trish Cleary, ALA Graphics

Marketing Manager

312-280-2426

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2005

Boston Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon joins ALA Graphics’ READ Poster Series

CHICAGO – ALA Graphics is proud to announce that star centerfielder Johnny Damon of the Boston Red Sox is the latest celebrity to pose for the Celebrity READ Poster Series.

Johnny Damon helped lead the 2004 Boston Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918. Known for his easy-going personality and memorable long locks, Damon is one of today's most popular baseball players.

Since breaking into the major leagues in 1995 with the Kansas City Royals, Damon's stats have been unstoppable. In addition to his raw talent, Damon also is a spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, an active advocate of reading and libraries in Boston, and the devoted father of twins. His memoir, “Idiot or How I learned to Stop Thinking and Beat ‘The Curse'” was released recently. Damon currently resides in Boston and Orlando.

The Johnny Damon Poster is the latest addition to the READ Poster Series. Damon joins celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, Serena Williams and Yo-Yo Ma. His poster is available at the ALA Store's Web site at
www.alastore.ala.org or by calling 866-746-7252.

The celebrity READ series is the most recognized promotion series for literacy and libraries. For over 25 years, the series has featured well-known celebrities like Denzel Washington, Sean Connery, Britney Spears and Shaquille O'Neal and rising stars like Tony Hawk, Margaret Cho, Salma Hayek and Matt Kenseth. To view the complete line of READ posters please visit the ALA Store Web site at
www.alastore.ala.org and click on “Celebrity READ.”

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world with over 64,000 members. Members are primarily librarians but also trustees, publishers and other library supporters. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.

The ALA thanks Mr. Damon for his support to help continue this important work.