The University of Kansas Libraries

READ Poster Campaign at KU Libraries

In 2007, KU Libraries unveiled a campaign aimed at increasing literacy across the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community.

The campaign featured localized versions of the popular READ posters (see samples below), first created by the American Library Association. This long running and successful campaign includes dynamic photos of celebrities posing with their favorite books. (See the ALA store for examples from the national campaign.)

In an effort to promote recreational reading among KU students, KU Libraries’ first set of posters featured KU Athletics coaches, student athletes and mascots. (Read more about this initial series of posters.)

In recent months, KU Libraries has broadened the campaign to feature Astronaut and KU Alumnus Steve Hawley and NFL hall of famer and former Jayhawk football player Gayle Sayers.

A message from Dean Lorraine J. Haricome

Reading is a critical part of lifelong learning, whether in elementary school, high school, college or beyond. Numerous studies have shown that the amount of time students spend reading out of school is linked with gains in test scores and grade point averages.

KU Libraries is thrilled to team up with KU’s outstanding athletics program to promote literacy throughout the Lawrence community, schools and on campus through a special “READ” poster campaign.

Originally created by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1985, “READ” posters have featured celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Denzel Washington and Shaquille O’Neal. We believe that the subjects of our own “READ” posters will serve as a shining example of the benefits of reading both recreationally and academically.

Join KU’s star athletes and stop by your library to pick up your favorite book. The benefits are endless!

Gallery of KU Libraries READ Posters

Former Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole	Coach Bill Self	Coach Bonnie Henrickson
Gale Sayers, Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee and KU Alumnus	Baby Jay and Big Jay	Dr. Steve Hawley, NASA Astronaut, KU Alumnus and KU Professor

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