The American Library Association (ALA) is teaming up with multiplatform entertainment company Skybound Entertainment and leading toy and game company Hasbro to encourage people to roll out to their libraries with the TRANSFORMERS franchise, featuring Optimus Prime, as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.
“We love the energy of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and we’re excited for this collaboration with Skybound and Hasbro to encourage kids both young and old to roll outto their libraries and get their library cards during National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “Library cards open worlds of opportunity for Autobots and humans alike. Whether or not your favorite genre is science fiction, library cards spark creativity and inspire critical thinking skills. Join Optimus Prime, who I’m told is a huge library fan, and check out your local library.”
“Libraries are more important than ever to our communities, opening up worlds of knowledge and adventure to all people,” said Arune Singh, VP, Brand, Editorial, Skybound Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to work with ALA to bring Optimus Prime’s message of respect and inclusivity to all sentient beings, whether bots, humans or anyone else who loves to read! There’s no better time to show your support for your local libraries than now.”
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the beloved TRANSFORMERS franchise, marking “40 Years. One Legacy.”, new comic book and graphic novel collections based on the TRANSFORMERS series will be released from Skybound and Image Comics throughout the year. A new graphic novel compendium series collecting the landmark TRANSFORMERS series from Marvel Comics will launch Fall 2024.
The historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher, kicked off last summer with the launch of an all-new shared universe and a reimagining of Hasbro’s Robots in Disguise for a brand-new generation. The Energon Universe has delivered a fresh new start for these franchises in Void Rivals by creator/writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and creator/artist Lorenzo De Felici (Oblivion Song), TRANSFORMERS by writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb) and artist Jorge Corona (Middlewest), Duke by writer Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride) and artist Tom Reilly (The Thing), and Cobra Commander by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook), with new limited series Scarlett, from writer Kelly Thompson (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist Marco Ferrari (Frontiersman)and Destro, from writer Dan Watters (Loki, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!) and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright) launching in June. Energon Universe graphic novels are available at libraries nationwide, with new releases to come throughout the year.
Posters and bookmarks featuring Optimus Prime with a library card are available for purchase in the ALA store. In the coming months, free Library Card Sign-up Month graphics will be made available along with media tools such as a press release template, proclamation, and sample social media posts.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure everyone signs up for their own library card.
