ALA member libraries to receive copies of Oprah's Book Club pick:

Contact: John Chrastka

Manager for Membership Development

312-280-2159

jchrastka@ala.org

For Immediate Release

January 29, 2007

ALA member libraries to receive copies of Oprah's Book Club pick:

"The Measure of a Man" by Sidney Poitier

CHICAGO - This February, thanks to a continuing arrangement with Oprah's Book Club®, American Library Association (ALA) organizational and library members will receive free copies of the newest Oprah's Book Club selection, "The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography" by Sidney Poitier, courtesy the publisher, HarperCollins.

Booklist, the premier book review magazine of the American Library Association, said in a ‘starred review’ of “Measure” that “Poitier attempts to unravel for himself his own remarkable life story, looking at [his] early life experiences, his family, and various themes that he believes have contributed to his success. “Measure” is not a chronological autobiography; the book emphasizes themes that have shaped his life. The author examines rural poverty, racism in "Jim Crow" Florida, morality, self-esteem, and the nature of being an "outsider." Poitier is an excellent storyteller, and the book is anecdotally rich.” (Booklist: March 15, 2000)

Since its beginning in 1996, publishers of Oprah's Book Club selections have donated over 500,000 free books to ALA organizational members for use in their communities. Winfrey has made the book donation program a central part of her Book Club, enabling libraries across the country to provide access to new and classic titles for readers.

"The American Library Association and its members appreciate this generous gift from HarperCollins, and Ms. Winfrey's continued support of library book clubs and literacy efforts,” said Cathleen Bourdon, ALA Associate Director for Communications and Member Relations.

"The Measure of a Man" will be sent free of charge by HarperCollins, www.harpercollins.com, to ALA member public libraries, community college libraries, and middle and high school library media centers.

Oprah's Book Club Web site, www.oprah.com, provides tips for organizing and hosting book groups, discussion guides for selected titles, opportunities to participate in discussions through the Web site, and features on other book clubs around the country.

For information on becoming an organizational or library member of ALA and receiving your own complimentary copies of "The Measure of a Man," please visit www.ala.org/membership.