Have you ever wanted to own an iconic American Library Association (ALA) READ® poster? Now’s your chance.
ALA has partnered with Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest collections auctioneer, to auction a selection of rare READ® posters, offering supporters, collectors, and library fans a chance to own a piece of library history during ALA’s 150th anniversary year.
The auction will feature more than 200 READ® posters that have adorned the walls of libraries, schools, and universities across the U.S. for more than four decades as part of one of the nation’s most recognizable literacy campaigns.
Among the auction highlights are sought-after posters featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Taylor Swift, Yoda, the cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and WWE personalities, along with autographed posters from more than 30 celebrities including Michael J. Fox, Bette Midler, Paul Newman, Sting, and Oprah Winfrey.
The auction also includes library promotional posters from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, plus posters featuring cartoon and children’s characters like Barney, Big Bird, Garfield, Goofy, the Muppets, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey Mouse.
“These posters are more than promotional materials, they’re cultural touchstones that have inspired generations of readers,” says Charles Epting, director of consignments, pop culture/historical at Heritage Auctions. “Growing up in the ’90s, I remembered seeing many of them. They made reading feel exciting and accessible, and this collection reflects a shared experience that has connected readers for decades. “
The auction catalog is available at http://ha.com/42200. Bidding opens today, June 18, with the live online auction taking place July 10.
Get your bids in now!
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