Thirty years ago, beloved rock band R.E.M. posed for the American Library Association (ALA)’s READ campaign to promote the joy of literacy, and the resulting poster became an instant collector's item. Now, book lovers and music fans can enjoy this iconic image as a jigsaw puzzle, with all sales supporting literacy efforts.
On the poster, musicians Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe show off copies of their favorite books, including titles by Flannery O’Connor, Oscar Wilde, and Bruno Schulz.
“We were always excited to hear from friends and fans that the poster was hanging in their public library, community center, local bookstore, or in a classroom where their children attended school,” R.E.M. said in a press release.
The 1000-piece puzzle comes as more of us are spending time at home to mitigate risk of coronavirus transmission—and perhaps spinning 1987 R.E.M. album Document and contemplating if we really do “feel fine” as we face the uncertainty of life in a pandemic.
The timely gift is available for pre-order from the R.E.M. online store now and will be warmly welcomed by the rock and reading fans in your life. Products are expected to ship in plenty of time for the winter holidays.
Proceeds from the sale of the puzzle will support ALA’s advocacy and outreach efforts as well as Books for Keeps, a Georgia-based grassroots literacy organization.
“ALA is thrilled with R.E.M.’s continued support of libraries and literacy,” said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. “The proceeds they’re donating to us will help support ALA’s mission, including providing youth with reading materials that transform lives and minds.”
Pre-order the jigsaw puzzle now from R.E.M.’s website, and visit the ALA Store to check out the latest celebrity READ posters.
